As a person who loves Chinese culture, I have been the recipient over the years of many Chinese cultured gifts. Here is a list of some of my treasured items, and some that I hope I will receive in the future. (Hint, hint)

1)Buddha

Who can walk past a fat, happy and smiling Buddha without rubbing his tummy for good luck. I have a wooden Buddha who is just lovely. He takes pride of place near my front door for everyone to admire.

2)Calligraphy scrolls

Chinese calligraphy is such a beautiful art. Even though us westerners may not understand at times what is written, the writing can still be admired. You can purchase scrolls, linen, pottery with calligraphy on it, just about anything.
Some scrolls come in sets that tell story’s or lessons.

3)Chopsticks

If you ever come across a Chinese culture store have a glance at the chopsticks. Some of them are designed so beautifully with etchings and writing on them. Some can be used just for decoration purposes or brought out on special occasions.

4)Jade Jewelery

The use of jade in Chinese culture is one full of meaning and symbolism. Jade is a symbol of integrity and purity.
The most beautiful way to wear jade is in the form of a bracelet. Chinese jewelery designers incorporate jade into beautiful works of art.
You may also purchase a Jade hair comb for the recipient of the gift, or a jade pendant.

5)Ming Vase or Furniture

Chinese vases incorporate color and intrinsically designed. They are beautiful when used as a feature of a room, standing atop a vase column. They don’t need to be ordained with flowers to look beautiful.

I also have a beautiful Chinese cabinet that is engraved with pictures of birds. It uses opal to highlight the birds. Chinese traditions have beautifully made furniture.

6)Cloisonne beads

If you have never seen the beauty of cloisonne bead work, please take the time to have a look and get an appreciation for this art. The vivid colors used in the bead work is spectacular. This is a great present for the Chinese culture enthusiast who does beading.

7)Chinese coins

Coins can be used for many purposes. Chinese coins are wonderfully shaped, have much writing on them and some have holes in the middle. The recipient may like to string them together and hang them or they can be used as good luck symbols when wrapped in red paper and placed under a healthy plant.

8)Bamboo plant/Fortune plant

Have a look at some of the beautiful decorating ideas that can be used with bamboo. Purchase a bamboo with three ‘sticks’ for good luck in a clear vase. Bamboo is a sign of integrity too.

9)Bonsai

This is a great art that is used to cultivate miniature trees. Cultivating bonsai really is an art, it can be an expensive hobby as well. Bonsai is sign of longevity.

10)Chinese tea

Purchase some lovely green tea for someone who loves Chinese culture. This can also accompany a tea set with Chinese calligraphy and drawings.