15 Christmas gifts that help support Hong Kong businesses

Struggling to find the perfect Christmas present? Support local talent and pick one of these gifts from Hong Kong’s best retailers, designers and brands

1. Cochine is known for its scents inspired by Asia, and the latest for Christmas is the intoxicating Tuberose & Wild Fig, featuring layered notes of bergamot, vetiver, jasmine and cedarwood. The range includes the best-selling candle (HK$450) made from botanical wax and featuring eco-friendly cotton wicks. Available at

cochine.com

2. Hong Kong-based fashion label Grana has launched a line of upgraded cashmere styles made from softer and stronger yarns. Styles include V-necks, cardigans and turtlenecks. Our pick is the classic crew-neck sweater (HK$769) in colours such as blush, light grey and navy. Available at

grana.com

3. Fancy cocktails? The Homemade Gin Kit (HK$480) by W&P is the perfect gift for the aspiring bartender and provides all the essential tools needed to create a blend of your very own gin, including a blend of juniper berries, botanicals, spices and aromatics.

Available at Kapok, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central.

4. Pure Earth’s beauty products are not just natural but also fair trade – all the ingredients are harvested in the Himalayas by local communities of women. Best-sellers include the wild rose Himalayan mist (US$40) and the bitter apricot body oil (US$56) made from cold-pressed bitter apricot kernels. Available at

purearth.asia

5. Gym bunnies looking to work out in style will appreciate a gift from activewear brand Lucas Hugh. High on style and performance, with details such as fused seams, reinforced stitching and breathable mesh panels. We pick the sports bra (HK$950) decorated with feminine florals and the matching leggings (HK$1,100).

Available at Caelum Greene, 90-92 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.

6. Tabla’s personalised kaftans (HK$990 to HK$2,980) for adults and children are the perfect gift for jetsetters. Customers have the option to personalise their style with up to 10 characters. Choose from a variety of colours and fabrics including silk and cotton. Available at Tabla, Shop M31, Prince’s Building, Central.

7. Everyone needs a reminder to stop and smell the roses once in a while. The newly launched Reminder Band Braids (HK$325 to HK$379) from The Mindful Company are engraved with words such as “breathe” and “gratitude”, to remind stressed urbanites to step back and chill out. Choose from a range of colours and finishes including gold and rose gold-plate.

Available at

mindful-company.com

8. Launched by award-winning Hong Kong industrial designer Manchuen Hui, Koncept is a line of leather goods made in Hong Kong using Italian leather. Choose from a wide range of stylish essentials including bi-fold wallets (HK$690) and coin purses (HK$90).

Available at squarestreet, 15 Square Street, Sheung Wan.

9. First, a disclosure: I am one of the co-creators of this product. La La Land (HK$388) is an adult colouring book with a charitable cause attached: 85 per cent of the proceeds go to Ronald McDonald Charities Hong Kong. The book features drawings by some of the city’s leading creative minds such as interior designers Andre Fu and Joyce Wang; fashion designers Barney Cheng Siu-leung and Johanna Ho Chi-yan.

Available at Lane Crawford, Kapok and other retailers.

10. Hong Kong based jewellery designer Jeanine Hsu recently added fine jewellery to her popular brand Niin. Each of the limited-edition pieces celebrate Mother Nature and showcase environmental elements and endangered species in keeping with the brand’s environmentally friendly stance. Made using conflict-free precious stones and 18-carat gold, highlights include the black and white diamond Scalene ring (HK$9,750) inspired by endangered sharks.

Available at Niin, Shop E, 200 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.

11. Local designer Melissa Bui has tapped into one of autumn’s biggest trends – the cold shoulder – for her latest collection. The Bellflower top (HK$2,800) made from washed silk is perfect for any holiday party with its dramatic silhouette, and comes in black and blue.

Available at Melissa Bui Atelier, 1/F Kong Tak Building, 92 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan.

12. Hong Kong-based leather goods brand Flying Zacchinis features stylish essentials ranging from bags to motorcycle helmets designed and made in Hong Kong. Everything is hand-stitched so no two pieces are alike. Highlights include the Native-American inspired accordion tote (US$60 to US$155) which is expandable and comes with adjustable shoulder straps.

Available at

flyingzacchinis.com

13. Hong Kong-based art-toy collective Papinee has created a range of storytelling kits (HK$685) designed to bring parents and children closer together. The kit features a whimsical toy, story book, instructions and a guide on how to tell stories. For every kit you buy, the brand donates another to a disadvantaged child. Available at

papinee.com

14. Susanna Soo has become a go-to designer for stunning party wear. Her latest collection is jammed with cocktail dresses that are perfect for New Year’s including the Antoinette dress (HK$4,500) featuring a sexy lace-up detail. Available at

nineonline.com

15. Tech gurus Native Union have launched a range of artworthy marble accessories including an iPhone charging dock named the Dock+ (HK$1,100). Made from black or white Italian marble, it makes a stylish addition to any desk. Available atnativeunion.com

(SCMP)