Finding that Perfect Gift in Beijing
Eight fabulous presents, big and small, for anyone on your list
Compiled by Adeline Wang
Living in Beijing, it’s not uncommon to be surrounded by people who have everything they need and more, which can greatly complicate holiday shopping. If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for anyone from your wife to your business partner or secretary, check out this list for gifts, ranging from the affordable to the decadent. Happy Holidays!
FOR YOUR STAFF
The Little Gold BookDon’t belittle this small book, which has more than 85 amazing deals for restaurants around the city. The real charm of this gift is that 30 percent of proceeds go to charity, making it a gift that anyone can feel great about during the holidays. RMB 240. Available at Colibri, The Bookworm and April Gourmet, through several local charities, and online at littlegoldbook.net.
Wokai Gift CardFounded in 2007, Wokai aims at connecting you, the investor, with people in rural China who need help starting or expanding a small businesses. Now you can support these microloans by purchasing the gift of opportunity. Give that person who has everything a Wokai gift card, so that they can help someone else get everything they want out of life. en.wokai.org/giftcard.
FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
Suite Spa Bliss at Peninsula Spa by ESPAA personalized spa package is perfect for the winter season, and there is no better place to do it than The Peninsula. The lucky person who gets this certificate can choose one of three spa services, including a salt and oil scrub, a massage, and a facial. A whirlpool bath, steam sauna, and relaxation room are also available, and if you need a real treat, ask for their award-winning masseur York. RMB 1000+15% for one person or RMB 1800+15% for a couple. Peninsula Spa by ESPA, 3/F, The Peninsula, 8 Jinyuhutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District (8516 2888 ext 6090) 半岛水疗中心,东城区东城区 王府井金鱼胡同8号2王府半岛 酒店三层
A Nanshan Ski Club Membership If your sweetie is hooked on the white stuff, consider buying them a Nanshan Ski Card, whether it be a multiple visit pass (RMB 1,880 for ten visits) or a season pass (RMB 2,780). The Nanshan Ski Club Membership Card (RMB 3,600 with annual dues of RMB 2980) is another great pick for serious skiers. You can also bundle the gift with a stay in the resort. nanshanski.com
FOR THE FAMILY
Staycation in a Presidential SuiteThe 798-based Grace Hotel offers one of the most tempting Christmas packages in town, valid from December 21 to 26. Six nights, one deluxe room and one twin room, for two adults and two kids. The price includes a daily champagne breakfast, Christmas dinner and Christmas brunch for four people, one 798 Art tour; and one trip to the Great Wall. Perfect for families who are new to Beijing. RMB 12,000. gracebeijing.com
Clean Air and WaterBeijing is bad for your health. If you and your family are stuck here, then the least thing you can do is to invest in filters to ensure that the air they breathe and the water they drink are as clear as those in Switzerland. Agenda readers can receive a 20 percent discount at Aquasana simply by stating the name of their favorite magazine. Free installation is available in Beijing. www.iqairchina. com and www.aquasana-china.com.
FOR YOURSELF
An Executive Health CheckupHappiness and health are two things that money can’t buy, and after a year of working hard and living in Beijing, you could probably use an executive health checkup. Check out Oasis Healthcare Center, which should be open by the time we go to print, or visit International SOS for one of their comprehensive checkups, which run between RMB 2,820 and 6,180. Beijing United Family Healthcare’s executive checkups run RMB 15,340 for women and 13,840 for men.
A Tailor Made SuitThe Shanghai-based Dave’s Custom Tailoring is a popular pick, and their suits begin at RMB 5,000. Another great option is Hanloon tailor, which has a large array of fabrics. Dave’s Custom TailoringDaily 10am-7- pm. Stall104, Kerry Centre Shopping Mall, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (8529 9433) www.tailordave.com 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中 心104单元Hanloon Tailor 恒龙Daily 10am-6pm. SB133, B1/F, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 3095) 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城地下1 层SB133
An Amazing Piece of Jewelry One of Beijing’s lesser known resources is it’s gemologists and jewelers, so treat yourself to an exceptional piece. Belita JewelryDaily 10am-8pm. 1) 1/F, Eric Paris Salon, South Bldg 43, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (157 1112 8542) 朝阳区三 里屯北街南43号楼巴黎爱丽克美发沙龙一层; 2) Lily’s Antiques Furniture, 69 Gaobeidian Furniture Street, Chaoyang District (157 1112 8542) 朝阳区高碑店家俱一条街69号华伦古典 家具 lizamjewelry.com Paloma SanchezA115, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (136 6130 0554) 朝阳区 三里屯路81号那里花园A115 palomasanchez. com
Win a copy of the Little Gold Book! Simply tell us what you’d like to see in Agenda next year by emailing us at win@agendabeijing.com. Runners up are eligible to win a gift certificate from Hummingbird Spa!










2 Comments
These are the worst gifts that ever saw ! Wasting of money for stupid things …
You think so? I personally love the Little Gold Book and the Wokai gift card, but you’re right. Not everyone likes the same things. Any thoughts for next year’s list?