D2D Holiday Gift Guide

It's the most wonderful time of the year and we at D2D (see that, I gave myself a nickname) wanted to give you a cheat sheet for presents to give your loved ones this holiday season. So here are our top five Shanghai gifts to spoil your loved ones with.

1) A tea set from Spin Ceramics

I featured this store earlier in the week because frankly, I'm obsessed with it. I've made three trips here in the last two weeks and have a long wish list just for myself. Their tea sets are high quality as well as affordable and would make the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life.

2) A set of pearls

I owe you a full post on the Pearl Market at some point in the near future. Just know that you can score a set of pearls here for 80-100 rmb (depending on your bargaining skills). That's $13-16 USD for genuine fresh water pearls. Cathy at G-012 is my personal favorite.

3) A hand hammered wok

Matt bought one of these woks when visiting Shanghai in 2011 and we have treasured it ever since. I thought the shop was long gone but Nancy over at jamjnr was able to recently visit the workshop. Any foodie will simply melt when opening one of these babies.

 

4) A Shanghai Calendar Girl Advertisement 

Used in the 1920's and 30's to sell cigarettes, gum, and perfume, these advertisements featured perfectly coifed, modern, beautiful women. Though the ads were meant to sell products, the pictures themselves were works of art. You can find prints for the art or history lover in your family at the Dongtai Antique Market or the Shanghai Propaganda Museum.

5) A pair of Feiyues

These iconic Shanghai shoes sell for 60 rmb (less than $10 USD) and come in various colors. Matthew and I can often be seen wearing these retro kicks around Shanghai. A pair of these shoes will make your family and friends feel like Shanghai insiders.

I hope I've inspired you to gift a few Shanghai themed presents to your loved ones this holiday season. We will be taking a break from blogging for the next two weeks to celebrate and spend time with our families and friends. We look forward to seeing you all in 2014. From our computer to yours, we wish you all a happy holiday!