Very early on in our lives as expats, me and my husband made a pact – we wouldn’t buy any ornaments, pictures or trinkets from our travels that we didn’t truly love. If we couldn’t imagine smiling, as it peeked out from its bubble wrap in our new home, then we must walk away with our wallets intact. And although we have not been so successful when it comes to accumulating kid-related paraphernalia (because what would life really be without two singing turtles?), this rule in relation to accumulating tourist knick-knacks has done us proud.
Not to say that we left Hong Kong without our fair share of memorabilia. The ninety-three boxes that burst into our apartment in Prague are testament to that. But the stuff we have, we hold dear – as cheerful reminders of our life there and the vibrant city we loved. Here is a little glimpse of our Hong Kong treasure, which I hope will provide a little inspiration should you ever need to buy something from Hong Kong with love…
Stackable teacups
Ah, colourful Hong Kong letterboxes coupled with hot tea. Could there be a better way to lift your morning mood? These pretty cups are from Goods of Desire, who sell a fabulous range of Hong Kong-themed gifts, including rather snazzy underpants.
HK$295 for four stackable cups, available at G.O.D. branches across Hong Kong, including the airport
Hong Kong tram tote bag
Fancy swapping your supermarket shopping bag for a rather adorable alternative? Well, this tote bag featuring the iconic ‘ding-ding’ maybe just the thing. Bags are available with different destinations – and so you can pick the one that has the most meaning for you (having lived there for four years, I love my Happy Valley tram bag). And not only are these bags an environmentally friendly choice, they are produced by Lei Cheung UK Handicraftsman Workshop, a mental health charity that supports people with disabilities by giving them training and an income.
HK$90, available at the Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Concourse, TST
Helen King handmade purses
In the land of designer boutiques and big brands, I sometimes struggled to find things that felt authentically designed and made in Hong Kong. Then I stumbled on Helen King’s gorgeous stall at one of the Handmade Hong Kong fairs, and I fell in love… Helen makes a range of beautifully finished purses and bags. The very cute camera bags are also worth looking out for.
Prices vary depending on size and style, to contact Helen to find out which fairs she is attending, or to order from her online, message her Facebook page.
Arteflo Design paintings and prints
Florence Traissac, having lived in Italy, France and Australia, moved to Hong Kong and started depicting the stories and details of city life there, in her wonderful, colourful paintings. Sadly, I don’t own one of these yet, but it remains very firmly on my wish-list (you know, just in case my husband happens to be reading this…hint hint…)
Prices vary, for full details visit the website.
Hong Kong birdcage
If you are looking for a cheerful, quirky piece of home decor at a great price, then you need to head to Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, and snag one of the cute bird cages on sale there. You could even drop by the close by Flower Market and pick up a plant to live inside! Oh and if you want some tips for visiting the garden and market, you may want to have a peek at my guide.
Prices vary depending on size and design, I seem to remember mine costing in the region of HK$120
Hong Kong pairs games
If you have kids to buy for, this is a fabulous choice. Not only does my son love playing this classic game, it provides us all with some wonderful memories as we go. Thinq also produces Hong Kong themed baby books, as well as fun fridge magnets and bath toys.
HK$200, available at most major Hong Kong bookstores, for a full list, visit the website.
The Lion Rock Press peg puzzle
Another one for little Hong Kong enthusiasts, this truly adorable, chunky wooden peg puzzle is just the thing for little hands. The Lion Rock Press also produces puzzles for slightly older children, as well as beautiful Christmas decorations and lots of Hong Kong-themed gift wrapping for all your Hong Kong loot!
HK$100, to shop online, visit the website.
And if you happen to be one of the kind people who gave us one of these items as a leaving gift – thank you! And look we do really like it!
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18 comments
Love this! Going to Hong Kong next year so lots to look out for #farawayfiles
Oh have fun! You’ll love it, I’m sure. The markets are great for some fun trinkets, but if you want something a bit different these are worth hunting out.
I love the bird cage!!! and the tea cup is awesomeness in a cup 🙂 so cute!
Thank you, Julie! Yes my lovely red birdcage will always have a real soft-spot in my heart – I’m so glad you like it too!
How lovely to have those special souvenirs, things that mean something to you and remind you of good times rather than traditional trinkets. I don’t tend to get many souvenirs but on our main holiday every year I get a key ring- small and portable and makes me smile with holiday memories whenever I open the door.
I love the artwork on your souvenirs.
#FarawayFiles
I see we share the same sentiment about trying to pick our souvenirs carefully – it is too easy to end up with a whole house full of trinkets! And yes I agree – the artwork is quite special!
love the mugs and the purse:) #farawayfiles
Oh I’m glad you do- I love them both too.
Uh oh! Look out Hong Kong I think I need a shopping trip! I always look for mementoes by local designers. Not only is the quality great and your souvenir unique but you’re also helping out the local community. It’s a win all round. Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Haha! Hong Kong is an easy place to spend money – but I agree, spending it on local artists, companies and NGOs is a great way to do it.
I really love this post, Jenny! Souvenirs can be such special reminders of our travels – if they’ve been thoughtfully chosen. I love how they become part of our homes. All of these suggestions are great and provide a real flavour of Hong Kong too. Great share for #FarawayFiles
PS I loved that Kiran Desai book!
Oh thank you Clare! Yes, these definitely are special mementos for us, and act as daily reminders of our life there.
Hong Kong has its fair share of local artists, and lots of cute trinkets for sure! I always end up picking something up when I return. I love that bag with the tram on it!
Thanks Bryna! Yes the bag is definitely a favourite of mine too – we only found it during one of our last weeks in Hong Kong, and we really liked that it was produced by a local charity.
I love these very personal pieces that will remind you of a special place. We believe in investing in “times, not things” – but also finding a little something that brings back wonderful memories of those special times. I like picking a piece of street art or local handicraft, so am completely in love wth that little Helen King bag!
Thank you Erin – I agree, trying to support local artists is a good way to spend your tourist money. I love my Helen King purse too!
What a fantastic list! The tote bag is just adorable.
Thank you, Nell – I love that bag too!