Still on the hunt for that perfect present? Here’s our roundup of 23 unique gifts for him, her, teens, and tots. Let the shopping begin…
FOR HIM
For Boys Who Like Toys
Because we’ve never needed an escape from reality more than in 2016.
PlayStation VR, ¥49,980, www.playstation.com
For the Stylish Stamper
These personal seals are made of titanium, feature smooth curves, and can be carved with Western names upon request.
Samura-in Inkan, ¥51,840, samurain.jp
For Design Enthusiasts
Each block of wood making up this playful lamp is connected by magnets, so he can create different shapes as the mood takes him.
Tukkun Light, ¥19,440 (¥7,020 for the mini), tinyurl.com/TWtukkun
For Men with Meishis
This Shosa card case is made from just one piece of high quality leather that’s folded in a fashion inspired by origami, and held together with only one nut and bolt.
Shosa Origami Card Case, ¥11,000, www.nonoyes.com
For the Serious Camper
No more baked beans from a tin during weekends spent in the great outdoors. But even if you’re indoors, this portable stove will turn dinners into hot pot parties.
Sochikusya Portable Stove, ¥48,600, tinyurl.com/TWstove
For the Sporty Barbecuer
Baseball fans will love this bat-shaped pepper grinder, which is bound to start both conversations and tastebud sensations.
Cole & Mason Beech Wood King Pepper Mill, ¥12,960, coleandmason.com and fissler.jp
For the Arty Champagne Drinker
A collaboration between Dom Pérignon and German artist Michael Riedel brought to life this limited edition design that’s all about “transformation” and “time” – perfect for an end-of-year gift.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 by Michael Riedel Giftbox, ¥23,000, domperignon.com
For the Slicer and Dicer
Each knife in this sophisticated set is personally and meticulously sharpened by a third-generation sharpening master, giving new meaning to the term “cutting edge.”
Kamata Hakensha Hand-made Japanese Carbon Steel Knife Set, ¥29,100, tinyurl.com/TWkamata-hakensha
FOR HER
For the Hostess with the Mostess
Created by French silverware brand Christofle, this pink-gold-colored cutlery set might be pricey, but it’ll make her a dinner host legend.
Christofle “MOOD Precious” Cutlery Set, ¥264,000 (incl. tax). For more information, call Christofle Aoyama Boutique on 03 3499 5031 or visit www.facebook.com/ChristofleJapan
For the Scarf Sophisticate
Made from a newly developed fabric that’s woven from an organza thread that’s about one-fifth the thickness of human hair, this scarf is light as a feather and a perfect example of Japanese workmanship.
Amaike Super Organza Scarf, ¥14,580, amaike.jp
For Your Number One
Give her all of Kiehl’s number-one selling items for 2016, packaged in a limited-edition travel bag designed by New York-based artist, product designer, and animator Jeremyville.
Kiehl’s x Jeremyville Holiday Collection, ¥18,000, kiehls.jp
For the Inner Artist
If she’s the kind of woman who loves a touch of fun, these colorful insoles will make her day, every day.
Chemifelt Japan Graphicinsole Soko, ¥1,944, tinyurl.com/TWinsole
For the Bag Ladies
These handcrafted purses are made from embossed white leather, painted by a team of artisans, and finished with a shiny lacquer coating. More than 100 designs are available.
Bunkogawa Leather Purse, ¥25,500, www.oozeki-shop.com
For the Girl with a Pearl Earring
An exquisite combination of Japanese Maki-e art (lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder) and delicate pearls create these irresistible earrings.
Karafuru Makie Pearl Earrings, ¥23,760, tinyurl.com/TWkarafuru
For the Hair Stylista
With 376 bristles, this revolutionary brush – and cult favorite amongst Japanese women – is designed to be used while shampooing to massage and remove dirt from follicles (the secret lies in the rounded tips being the same size as the pores). It’s also oh-so-pretty and comfortable to handle.
S Heart S Scalp Brush, ¥6,990, www.s-heart-s.net
FOR TEENS AND TOTS
For BE@RBRICK Collectors
Released on November 26, this special Christmas BE@RBRICK is a real collector’s edition with its “Merry Christmas 2016” message on the back.
BE@RBRICK 2016 Xmas Stained-glass Tree Ver., ¥1,500-¥39,000 (depending on size), bearbrick.com
For Ninja Tea Drinkers
Filled with premium quality green tea from Shizuoka, this tea bag range comes with handmade leather cutouts (which double up as stickers) of ninja, samurai, geisha, sumo wrestlers, and other characters attached to the bags.
Yamasu Sugimoto Shoten “Ensemble Cast” Green Tea Bags, ¥1,080 from Tokyu Hands and Rakuten
For Bathing Beauties
Looks like ice cream, smells like ice cream, melts in the bath like, well, ice cream.
Coldstone Bath Bomb, ¥850, available from Wise Integration Co., Ltd. (only in Japan)
For Hiragana Learners
These handy chopstick rests are available in all 46 syllables of the Hiragana writing system, sold in sets of words such as “yokoso” or “omotenashi,” or as individual syllables by order.
Decent Work Labo Hiragana Hashioki, ¥1,944 (four-character set), tinyurl.com/TWhiragana
For Happy Eaters
From German fine tableware brand Kahla comes this silicone-coated “magic grip” crockery set that’s bound to help make meal times happier (and less messy).
Kahla Magic Grip Dishware Set, ¥10,800 from Fissler stores, www.fissler.jp
For Little Miss Murakami
These two pretty products are part of a special 2016 holiday collection by Shu Uemura and renowned artist Takashi Murakami.
Shu x Murakami Block Booster Protective Moisture Primer, ¥4,500, and Blanc: Chroma Blossom in Brightening UV Cushion Foundation Compact Case and Puff, ¥1,300, www.shuuemura.jp
For Twinkle Toes
A modern take on traditional Japanese geta, these sandals feature a sponge-like material instead of wood, making them much more comfy as well as water-resistant.
Hajime Narageta, from ¥2,052 (minimum size 20cm), choose size and fabric at www.narageta.jp/order/index.html; also available at Kyobashi Edogrand (www.edogrand.tokyo)
For Sensitive Ones
Marmaille’s line of underwear for babies is made with 100 percent organic Swiss cotton thread, and the fabric is woven in Japan, ensuring breathability and comfort.
Marmaille/Bisen Organic Cotton Underwear, ¥3,024, tinyurl.com/TWmarmaille
