chinese red lanterns image by Paul O'Hearn from Fotolia.com
Red is a lucky color in China.
Purchasing gifts can be a daunting and seemingly impossible task. It's hard to gauge what someone loves and then there's always the fear that they own it already. These Chinese-themed gifts will inject culture into the recipient's everyday life, particularly someone who is interested in China or history.
Chopsticks
two wood chopsticks image by Arkady Chubykin from Fotolia.com
Several sets of chopsticks are useful for a family
Nothing is more practical for a China enthusiast than chopsticks. This gift can be used every day for meals, brought out only on special occasions or displayed for decoration. Chopsticks can be intricately decorated with etchings or writing. Select a character with special significance to write on the chopsticks to make the gift even more meaningful.
Coins
Gold Chinese coins are rare.
China has been producing coins since the Zhou Dynasty, more than 2,500 years ago. Even if the coin is not that old, it will be appreciated by history buffs. Most Chinese coins are round with a square hole in the middle to symbolize heaven and earth. Stringing a few coins together with a red ribbon and placing them in your wallet or cash register is said to attract prosperity.
Wall Scrolls
Anicent Chinese Calligraphy image by Da Vynci from Fotolia.com
Chinese scrolls can tell an intricate story.
Chinese scrolls are an easy way to transport a piece of art that may later grace an entire wall. Today, scrolls are usually painted on rice paper and display a brush painting of Chinese landscape or calligraphy. Some scrolls come in sets that explain philosophy or a proverb.
Jade Jewelry
Display Window of Merry Buddha Statues image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
Buddha statues come in all varieties, including jade.
In China, jade is believed to bring love, loyalty, friendship and good fortune. All types of jewelry are made with jade, from pendants to hair combs to bracelets. Buddha statues are often created from jade. Folklore suggests that rubbing the Buddha's belly brings good luck.
Fu Dogs
The male Fu dog has a ball under his hand representing the flower of life.
Also spelled Foo dogs, these statues are placed at the front door of a building to guard against evil spirits and people with bad intentions. They come in pairs, one male and one female, and are half lion and half dragon. If placed facing outwards of the building and with the male on the left and female on the right, Fu dogs will offer protection from bad energy.
Tea
Chinese tea with mint image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com
Teaware can accompany a gift of tea.
China is known for its wide array of delicate teas. Among the 10 most popular Chinese teas are varieties with names such as "Iron Goddess" and "Spring Snail." Green tea, another popular type, is full of antioxidants and kills harmful bacteria in your body. A full tea set can round out your gift.
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