As we gear up to the expat mass exodus that occurs over Christmas and New Year's (yours truly included), there's still some time left to get in some pre-holiday partying, sparkly-dressing, and gift-giving. For this issue we've rounded up some of the most fun and festive finds, and let's face it - it won't be limited to just this season!
The Shanghai Gift Company is a collection of Chinese inspired gifts that blends Eastern aesthetics with Western concepts, co-founded by Lili Gleason and Posy Pearson. Their goal is to create meaningful and fun mementos that speak to the China expat experience, with a range of gifts within the two main lines. Rekindled Candles are their collection of artisanal soy wax candles which come in Chinese-style vessels such as elegant tea cups and incense burners. Each one is hand-poured and uses safe ingredients that bring a fresh fragrance to your home (their latest scents, Pumpkin Spice and Christmas Crumble, really amp up the festive factor). The stationery and gifts collection are inspired by the city of Shanghai. Make sure to check out their Christmas cards with a fun twist – think Santa delivering presents on a bike, or a Christmas tree decorated with lanterns.
WeChat ID: shanghai-gift-co
Find it: Madame Mao's Dowry, 207 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu
富民路207号 (Available in other locations – contact for full details)
Nothing like going to a good party but organizing one is not always the most fun. In comes Party Box, a Shanghai-based children's event and party planner that will take the stress out of throwing amazing parties for your little ones! Be it a birthday, holiday or simply just because, Party Box can bring the party to your house or a venue of your choice. They can take care of everything from fun food and beverages (cakes, cotton candy, and popcorn galore!), to themed decorations (Star Wars! Superheroes! Cowboys and Princesses!) and activities such as face painting, magic shows, clowns, bouncy castles and much more. Call them up any time between Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm to start planning your parties.
Website: www.partyboxcn.com WeChat ID: partyboxchina Phone: 18621975150
There's no better time to dress up than now, and RikRak – a bold and playful womenswear brand founded in 2016 by British designer Alexandra Rolfe – is the ideal choice out there for ladies who love outfits with a vintage touch. The collections fuse silhouettes and details from fashion of the 1920s to 1960s with contemporary colors, fabrics and prints. The latest collection, The Starlet Collection, is inspired by the swing dance scene of the 1940s, with a focus on eveningwear. We love all the elegant vintage details – oriental oral prints, polka dots, crushed velvet, intricate lace, tassels, sequins and beading; it's all there! Earlier this year the brand also branched out with accessories and headwear designed by Ceridwen Brown, so you're covered from head to hemlines.
Website: www.rikrakshack.com WeChat Store: RikRak
Find it: By appointment only - contact hello@rikrakshack.com
Bianca's is a leather crafts and textiles brand founded by Singaporean Chong Yan Ting, who started the brand as a creative outlet following a long stint in the corporate world. The brand is all about handcrafted designs, and not only do they sell leather goods, they also teach craft classes and host sharing sessions in Bianca's Atelier. Customers can also buy raw materials to DIY at home. We're big fans of their leather bags, zipped pouches, and card holders, all of which would make great gifts (or why not go with a group of friends to a class?). The leather is soft and supple, and the pops of detail, whether through color blocking, bamboo handles or prints, bring a dose of character to each item.
WeChat ID: 18616132267
Find it: New Buyer, 1285-1289 Yuyuan Lu, near Anxi Road
愚园路1285-1289号
The Power of N, 188 Hong Jing Lu, Aegean Shopping Mall, Unit 1-c4F
虹井路188号, 新华红 星国际广场 (available from Dec 16th)
沪ICP备15036271号-2
