Are you tired of the same old chopstick cliché when it comes to Chinese gifts? Well, get ready to embark on a journey beyond the realm of chopsticks, because we have compiled a delightful list of 30+ unique China gifts that will make your loved ones jump with joy! From whimsical to traditional, quirky to practical, we’ve scoured the depths of Chinese gift-giving traditions to bring you an assortment of presents that will surprise and delight even the most discerning recipients!
By the way, If you are looking for China gifts for a couple’s 20th marriage anniversary, you came to the wrong place. But I hope you already noticed that by now 😉
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three gifts from China by budget.
- Large budget: DIY dumpling kit (#1)
- Mid budget: Calligraphy kit (#10)
- Small budget: Chinese Chips Ahoy cookies (#24)
Table of Contents
Save these Chinese gift ideas
Don’t forget to save these Chinese-themed gifts for the next time you need to find a unique gift for a China lover!
Chinese gifts for large budgets
#1 DIY dumpling kit
Dumplings are probably the most famous Chinese food across the globe. So if you are looking for gifts for Chinese food lovers, this DIY dumpling kit is the best gift for them.
For more DIY food kits from different countries, check out these 25 international DIY kits.
#2 Vintage map of China
If you are looking for gifts for Chinese people’s homes, this vintage map from China in 1885 is exactly what you need.
I mean, what’s better than having a map of your favorite country in your home? Especially if it’s such an aesthetic one as this one.
#3 Chinese tea set
Are you looking for traditional Chinese gifts for people who love tea?
Look no further than this complete tea gift set from China!
Though if you want more tea-related gifts for China loves, check out #8 and #26.
#4 Chinese pottery
The blue and white ceramics from China have a long history and date back to as far as the 7th century. So if you are looking for traditional gifts from China for people’s homes, these ceramics are a great idea.
Random side story about China blue pottery.
In the Netherlands (where I am from), we have a similar style of ceramics and we call it Delf’s blue porcelain. I used to think that this was a typical Dutch thing. However, it turns out the Dutch actually copied the Chinese style somewhere around the 17th century (so about 10 centuries later than the Chinese). And Delft’s Blue porcelain is actually made from cheaper material. In fact, it’s not even made from porcelain clay.
#5 Chinese games
I selected two cool options for you if you are looking for unique Chinese gifts for people who love games:
- Gugong. This is a strategy game where players represent powerful Chinese families who need to gain power and influence
- Mahjong. An ancient Chinese tile game, I only know the online version, but check out the rules for the tile version here.
#6 DIY Chinese hot pot kit
If you are looking for more gifts for Chinese food lovers this DIY hot pot kit is what you need.
To be honest, I had to look up what a hot pot is, but it’s actually quite literally a pot with hot water or broth in which you can prepare raw foods such as veggies, meat, or seafood. And it’s a super popular dish or dinner style in China.
#7 China LEGO set
If you’re looking for an unusual Chinese gift I’ve got two awesome options for you; LEGO sets of the Great Chinese Wall or the skyline of Shanghai!
It’s the ultimate way for the recipient to bring a bit of China home, and to stay occupied for a few hours.
And don’t worry, LEGO is not just for kids anymore. These sets have over 500 pieces and are actually really entertaining for adults too.
For more fun LEGO architecture sets check out my complete guide too!
#8 Chinese tea serving tray
A Chinese tea tray makes a fantastic gift from China because it’s like a practical traditional item for clumsy tea enthusiasts. It swoops in, saves the day, and prevents disastrous spills with its raised edges, ensuring a mess-free and elegant tea experience. Plus, it showcases the cultural heritage of Chinese tea ceremonies. So, whether you’re looking for gifts for a tea lover prone to accidents or you want to impress your friends with a touch of Chinese tradition, this tea tray is the gift you need.
#9 Chinese cooking class
This is another one of the great Chinese food-related gifts for people who love to cook, online cooking classes!
Check out Uncommon Goods for a dumpling cooking class or have a look at all the Chinese cooking classes offered on Udemy.
Chinese gifts for mid-budgets
#10 Chinese calligraphy
Calligraphy is one of the many things that China is famous for. So what’s cooler than giving someone who loves China the opportunity to create beautiful calligraphy at home?
#11 Name necklace
If you are looking for unique Chinese gifts for her, perhaps this necklace with her name spelled in Chinese characters is a good idea.
#12 Silk notebooks
These notebooks with Chinese silk covers are a great example of practical Chinese-themed gifts because the recipient can use them for whatever they want, as a travel journal, a school notebook, a work journal, or just a place to gather all their fantastic new ideas.
Check out these 25 cute travel journals if you need more inspiration.
And if you are looking for more Chinese silk-related gifts, check out number 25.
#13 Books about China
The shortest history of China: From the Ancient Dynasties to a Modern Superpower―A Retelling for Our Times
This book from The shortest history series is great for history buffs who love China. From its tribal beginnings to the imperial era and the modern Communist Party, it’s an indispensable read for anyone fascinated by China.
Why China Leads the World: Democracy at the Bottom, Data in the Middle, Talent at the Top
This is a thought-provoking book that delves into China’s robust economy, scientific advancements, military strength, and diplomatic support. It sheds light on why China is emerging as a global leader.
China Smart: A past & present guide to History, culture, society, language
What you don’t know, what you need to know. This gift is perfect for people who are moving to China or who want to know more about Chinese culture.
#14 Jade jewelry
Jade holds significant cultural and historical value in China. It is considered a symbol of beauty, purity, and nobility. Chinese jade has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of its use in ritual ceremonies, ornaments, and even burial objects. Making it a beautiful and traditional Chinese gift for her, such as this bracelet!
#15 Feng Shui guide
Feng Shui is an old Chinese philosophy that’s about arranging your living environments in such as way that you can create harmony. This book is a practical guide with illustrations and tips on how to create that balance exactly,
It’s a great Chinese-themed gift for people who are interested in spiritual and ancient Chinese wisdom.
#16 Fun Chinese-themed shirt
If you are looking for gifts for Chinese men who love bao buns, this is a funny shirt! Though check out Etsy if you’re looking for more designs.
#17 China travel guides
Lonely Planet China
The Lonely Planet is a great guidebook for people who want to explore China on a budget
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Hong Kong
DK Eyewitness’s Top 10 travel guides are awesome visual and in-depth guides for anyone who wants to see the 10 best things in a city, such as Hong Kong.
DK Eyewitness Beijing
Do you need gifts for someone traveling to Beijing soon? Then this DK Eyewitness guide with the best 10 things to do in the city is perfect! It covers the 10 best restaurants, museums, neighborhoods, hotels, and more!
#18 Chinese-themed tote bags
If you are looking for small and practical gifts for Chinese people, tote bags are a good option.
I liked the one with a vintage map of China, but I guess I just really like maps. So don’t forget to check out the other 1584 Chinese-themed options on Zazzle if you are looking for something different
#19 Vintage travel poster of China
This vintage travel poster is one of the great gifts for Chinese people who miss home and want to add a bit of Chinese atmosphere into their new house. With this poster, they can bring a bit of China to their home.
#20 Chinese-themed passport covers
Passport covers are great gifts for Chinese people who love to travel. You can find almost 200 different styles at Zazzle. Personally, I liked this panda-style cover, but there are plenty of options for everyone.
#21 Personalized picture frame
This is by far the best Chinese-themed gift for a couple who is obsessed with China. Whether it’s their honeymoon destination, the place where they met, or their home country, with this personalized photo frame they can display their favorite photo and memory in style!
#22 Chinese cookbooks
China: The cookbook
This is a comprehensive culinary treasure that offers a deep dive into the rich history and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. With over 650 authentic recipes from 33 regions, it’s the perfect gift for Chinese food lovers.
The China Study Cookbook
Revised and expanded edition with over 175 whole food, plant-based recipes from China, this is a great Chinese food-related gift for vegans.
All Under Heaven: Recipes from the 35 Cuisines of China
With more than 300 recipes from different regions and cuisines of China, this is another awesome Chinese food-related gift!
#23 Confucius gifts
If you are looking for gifts from China for people who love philosophy, reading, or Chinese wisdom, this mug with one of Confucius’s awesome quotes is the gift you need.
Chinese gifts for small budgets
#24 Chinese snacks
If you are looking for gifts for Chinese food lovers with a sweet tooth, these Chips Ahoy Chinese cookies are exactly what you need!
You can choose from 6 different flavors such as rainbow, cranberry and cream, and more.
#25 Jewelry silk bags
As the number one producer of silk, you can find plenty of cool Chinese silk gifts. For women, these jewelry bags are super practical to keep their jewelry in one place.
#26 Chinese tea
The best gift for people who love tea and who love China, is of course Chinese tea, such as this loose-leaf tea. China has a long history of tea and it’s also the number 1 tea producer in the world, so it’s no surprise that you can find plenty of different tea companies from China.
#27 Hairpin
Hairpins in China have a distinct cultural significance and are known for their elegance and beauty. They are typically made of materials like jade, gold, or silver and feature intricate designs such as flowers, butterflies, or mythical creatures. Making them popular Chinese gifts for her.
#28 China coloring book
This coloring book for adults is completely filled with Chinese landmarks or landscapes and is one of my favorite unique Chinese gifts for anyone.
#29 Chinese hand fan
Hand fans are popular traditional Chinese gift ideas. Hand fans actually have a long history in China, check out My Modern Met if you are interested in that history.
#30 Chopsticks
Alright, I know I said forget the chopsticks, but come on. We’re talking about China here. How can we forget the chopsticks?
Of course, I had to include them as one of the gifts from China.
#31 Chinese-themed puzzles
China-themed puzzles are great Chinese-themed gifts for people who love China, but who can’t travel to China at the moment. With a Chinese-themed puzzle, they can keep themselves entertained at home, while still enjoying the beauty of China.
Also, check out the 25 gifts for puzzle lovers for more ideas.
Save these Chinese gift ideas
Save these Chinese-themed gifts on Pinterest so you’ll know where to look next time you need gift ideas!
Final notes on Chinese gifts
It’s time to bid farewell to the predictable and embrace these 30+ unusual Chinese gifts, check out the editor’s top 3 if you can’t decide on your favorite gift yet!
- Large budget: DIY dumpling kit (#1)
- Mid budget: Calligraphy kit (#10)
- Small budget: Chinese Chips Ahoy cookies (#24)
