Looking for a unique luxury gift to give to the culture lover in your life this Christmas? The crafts and creations of Japan are admired the world over, and from food to philosophy, the nation’s traditions have filtered through into many areas of our modern lives here in the UK – which means it’s the perfect avenue to explore if you’re keen to give them something unique, special and that shows them just how well you know them.
Giving gifts to family, friends, and colleagues at different events is integral to Japanese culture, just as it is here at Christmas – so take inspiration from these fun Japanese gifts and ideas and you’re certain to find something unexpected to surprise that someone special with.
Japanese cat coffee mug
In Japanese folklore, cats are said to have protective powers and symbolise good luck and fortune – which makes a cat-themed gift the perfect pick for an animal-loving friend or family member this Christmas.
Our consumption of hot drinks is at an all-time high during the winter months as we seek warmth and energy, and a cat coffee mug will brighten up their morning caffeine hit and daily drink-making rituals no end.
This mug also comes with a cute paw spoon and a kawaii coaster and makes for a lovely home or office decoration even for the cat lover or Japanese culture enthusiast who prefers their drinks on ice.
Tokaido board game
Christmas is a time for coming together and spending time with family, and playing board games together is one of the best ways to enjoy some quality time – so with this in mind, Japanese board game Tokaido is the perfect pick to give as a gift that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The aim of this well-known game is for players to travel the stunning Japanese roadways, experiencing delectable national cuisine, solving grand mysteries, gathering unusual objects, and exploring uncharted areas as they go – so if you have a friend or family member who has been, or dreams of going to Japan, then this can be a fun way to get them immersed in the country from the comfort of their sofa and discovering more about its unique and intriguing culture.
Mini Japanese zen garden
Navigating today’s modern world is no easy feat, and the constant pressure of work and family life can quickly begin to take their toll. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly important to make time for self care and to find ways to relax and unwind – so what better way to help the recipient of your Christmas gift to do just that than by bestowing upon them a mini Japanese zen garden?
Comprising raked sand or gravel, representing the sea, with carefully selected rocks designed to imitate islands or mountains rising from it, in Japan, zen gardens are commonly found in busy cities and are a quiet place in which to take a moment of calm.
A miniature version allows anyone to bring the concept into their home and enjoy the benefits of this peaceful set-up anytime they need to destress, and would make a wonderful present for anyone intrigued by Japan’s distinctive traditions – and anyone suffering from burnout. If you have a female family member who enjoys decorating their home with unique trinkets then this is a great Japanese gift for her, but anyone can reap the benefits of this tiny, self-contained garden.
Japanese flash cards
Learning a new language is no small feat, and this is particularly true when it comes to Japanese, as you’ll need to get to grips with an entirely new alphabet as well as new sounds. Nevertheless, once you master the basics, the process will become far more enjoyable – so if someone in your life is keen to become fluent in Japanese, then gift them something that will help them to get the ball rolling and get to the fun bit a little more quickly.
Flashcards are a great idea for a simple stocking filler and will help them to get started with learning some basic words and phrases – and if you can give them the gift of time and help them to practice, then even better.
Japanese style home model kit
If you’re buying for children, then a beautiful Japanese style home model kit is a great way to surprise creative types and will foster the development of creative and practical skills. Not only that, but putting it together will allow kids to see what a typical house looks like in Japan and to learn a little more about what daily life looks like for Japanese families, so it’s also a great way to educate them about the nation’s traditions and culture.
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
The word ‘Ikigai’ is Japanese for ‘reason for being’, and is a central idea within Japanese culture. The country’s high life expectancy can in part be attributed to the implementation of the Ikigai theory, which involves finding one’s true purpose through the combination of four key elements: what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you’re good at (your vocation) and what you can get paid for (your profession). In doing so, it’s possible to live a happier and more fulfilled life – and what better gift could you possibly give to someone you love than that?
The well-known book ‘Ikigai’ immediately rose to international bestseller status when it was first released, and remains one of the most popular self development books on sale across the globe. A wonderful present for any reader who enjoys discovering various cultures and customs, it’s a great choice for teenagers who are beginning to navigate the path to adulthood, or anyone who is feeling stuck or unfulfilled with their current trajectory.
Japanese sake set
Nihonshu, or Japanese sake, is a well-known Japanese wine made from rice, and thus the perfect gift idea for anyone who enjoys sampling traditional tipples from around the world.
This beautiful Japanese sake set includes miniature cups and a porcelain flask of the highest calibre, making it the perfect choice for sharing and social occasions, so you could even crack it open after Christmas dinner to add a Japanese twist to the day’s celebrations.
Sushi making kit
Sushi has become immensely popular around the world over recent years, with a plethora of high-end restaurants and eateries popping up in almost every major city. If you’re seeking a gift for someone who loves to eat Japanese food, then a sushi-making kit could be just the ticket, and will allow them to learn the skills they need to whip up a feast of their own at home – whether it’s for entertaining, or simply to enjoy by themselves.
Everything you need to start making sushi is included in the traditional Sushi Making Kit, from chopsticks to rolling mats, sushi rice and shoyu, plus a selection of recipe booklets, a fan to cool the rice, and various other items.
First class flights to Japan
And finally, if you’re looking for the ultimate show-stopper of a gift for the culture-enthusiast who dreams of visiting Japan, then a set of first class flight tickets to Tokyo to begin an adventure of exploration around the country is one that simply can’t be beaten. An extravagant gift that will allow them to fully immerse themselves in all the nation has to offer and experience it first-hand, they’ll come home with memories that will last a lifetime – and that’s something you can’t put a price on.
Japan offers a myriad of Japanese gifts for family, friends, and your loved ones. Visit the Ultimate Gift Guide website for more unique ideas and inspiration.
