Small businesses are feeling the strain of the global pandemic, so it’s imperative that we show our support and shop local this Christmas season!
Between city-wide protests and the impact of the coronavirus, small businesses in Hong Kong have taken a serious hit over the past year. With restrictions and social distancing measures constantly changing and more people spending time at home, local businesses have been forced to adapt to this ‘new normal’ and need your help more than ever to stay afloat. So, with Christmas around the corner and gift-lists at the ready, what better time than now to avoid arduous shipping costs and times, and instead shop local? Even if you’re unable to physically visit the store, jump online and start adding to cart – we’ve found a few suggestions to get you started.
See also: 7 Guidelines for Young Entrepreneurs to Turn Failures into Opportunities
Image courtesy of 852 Prints via Facebook
852 Prints
Founded by Krystal Tolani, 852 Prints was born out of a love for doodling and all things Hong Kong. With a focus on producing eco-friendly products, shop it’s curated collection of accessories, t-shirts, and pun-riddled greeting cards using soy-based inks and printed on recycled paper.
Hive Life pick: Hong Kong Style French Toast iPhone Case
Peerie Tea
Sourcing all-natural, chemical-free, and high-quality teas, ethical tea company, Peerie Tea strive to educate tea-lovers about its farm-to-cup process, create delicious blends, and ultimately bring joy to the little things in life. Its vast menu of white, green, black, and oolong teas, as well as hand-made infusions, make for perfect stocking fillers and thoughtful pick-me-ups all year round.
Hive Life pick: Work From Home Blend
Bymamalaterre
Popular for its Hong Kong inspired facemasks, products by Bymamalaterre are unique in its rich, watercolour designs and handcrafted embroidery. If you’re on the hunt for products that are sure to please, its colourful tote bags, pouches and printed mugs are a great place to start.
Hive Life pick: Hong Kong inspired Facemasks
www.facebook.com/bymamalaterre
Glue Associates
A lifestyle concept created by coveted designer, Erick Sze, Glue Associates stocks quirky, innovative products, and apparel that also centre around Hong Kong’s unique culture and vibrant heritage. Browse its online store or head to PMQ and Tai Kwun centre to shop in person.
Hive Life pick: Mr Softee Hong Kong Print
Images courtesy of The Lion Rock Press & Patinova
The Lion Rock Press
Coveted for its hanging decorations that pay homage to what we love most about this city, The Lion Rock Press also has an impressive line of eco-friendly products that are perfecting for gifting. From puzzles and games to wooden children’s toys and intricately etched candles, shopping for friends and family is effortless. Sending cards? 100% of profits made from its charity Christmas card collection will be donated in aid of Hong Kong charity, Mother’s Choice.
See also: Save the Dying Print Industry with Lai See Packets
Hive Life pick: Hanging Decorations: Limited Virus Set
Patinova
A contemporary jeweller with a sense of both style and Hong Kong history, Patinova repurposes unique objects and share them in a way in which its story can continue to be told to generations. Its commemorative keepsakes include cufflinks, coins, and bracelets.
Hive Life pick: Ten Cents Coin Cufflinks
The Bali Box
The Bali Box grew from a desire to support the craftspeople, artisans, and eco-entrepreneurs of Bali and share their products with consumers in Hong Kong. Its plastic-free, quarterly subscription service is sadly on hold until 2021 due to coronavirus restrictions, however, its ready-to-buy, curated Bali Boxes still make for a special and sustainable gift.
Hive Life Pick: The Natural Selection Box
Bubbles and Spells
Made with a whole range of skin enriching ingredients, Bubbles and Spells promises to send a spa-like experience to your doorstep with a selection of cold-pressed soaps, rich bath bombs that rival high-street favourites, and specially made Christmas boxes. Make sure to send in your pre-order quickly via its Facebook page as stock is limited and sells fast!
Hive Life Pick: Universe Soap
www.facebook.com/bubblesandspells
Grew From Hands
Grew From Hands specialise in unique leather designs that stand out from the rest. With a playful take on Hong Kong food favourites, its egg waffle inspired coin purses and dim sum basket pouches are sure to be a hit.
Hive Life Pick: Egg Waffle Coin Purse
www.facebook.com/grewfromhands
See also: 5 Small Business Marketing Tips to Implement During COVID-19
Image courtesy of Thic Cookies via Instagram
Thic Cookies
A moreish treat that plays on childhood nostalgia, Thic Cookies is a firm competitor in Hong Kong’s ever-growing cookie scene. Gooey in the centre and crisp on the outside, choose from its range of mouth-watering classics and ‘lux’ limited editions that make perfect gifts for sweet-toothed colleagues and friends.
Hive Life Pick: The OG
Coffee + Tales
One for all the caffeine addicts out there, Coffee + Tales supplies and delivers the best beans from some of the top micro-roasters in Asia. Gift one of its monthly subscription boxes (200, 300, or 400 grams of two Single Origin Coffees) or simply send its start kit that consists of 10 drip coffee bags and a rose gold mini-kettle for the perfect brew.
Hive Life Pick: The Starter Kit
Baking Bark
Founder and proud owner of bulldogs, Bruce and Bella, Alyssa started Baking Bark out of a need to monitor what her skin-sensitive pups were eating. Now with the goal of creating healthy handmade dog treats for dog-lovers across Hong Kong, its fun and inventive dog biscuits are made from organic, pet-safe ingredients that take care of your furry friend from the inside out. Filled with the cutest Christmas cookies to put under (or on!) the tree, pre-order one of its 50 available custom boxes or opt for its superfood doughnuts – a Baking Bark classic!
Hive Life Pick: Naughty or Nice Christmas Bones
Related Articles
Local Goods Made From Local Trash
