Whenever the Christmas season rolls around, I face the same problems: Who should I shop for? When should I start shopping? Where do I find the right spots to shop? How much do I spend, and how many gifts should I buy? This year, I came up with a couple of rules and ideas to save some money and make my gifts memorable when I shop for my friends and family. 

Hand-Craft Something for Friends and Family

 As a teen, it’s hard for me to buy what my friends or family want with the limited amount of money that I have, so crafting or making something always comes to my mind when Christmas time rolls around. As a birthday gift from earlier this year, my friends made a video showing all of their favorite moments of us caught on camera and a compilation of many of my close friends wishing me a happy birthday. That gift was by far the best birthday gift that I have ever received, and I was touched by the amount of thought and effort that went into making that gift. The thrill that comes with unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning is irreplaceable. Still, I think that knowing that a gift, or a video, or anything of the sort that was customized or personalized for them can touch someone’s heart.

 Personalize Gifts

It’s always a priority for me to find something to gift or buy that has some sort of meaning behind it, whether it’s an inside joke or just something that the person I’m giving it to likes or wants. I can’t spend that much money on gift shopping, so to make up for that, I try to put meaning behind everything I buy to give myself a valid reason to spend my money on getting it. This makes shopping a strenuous task, but as long as I have a good idea of what I want to buy for one person, I can find it on Taobao nine times out of ten.

 Buy Ahead of Time, or Plan a Time to Go to the Mall!

As a yearly tradition, my best friend and I will go to the mall before Christmas and help each other brainstorm and get gifts. We will list out all the people we plan to get gifts for and what we’re getting for them during this time, ensuring that the presents we gift don’t clash. To be realistic, we only get one or two people gifts at most at the mall. But the real value in going together is to get ideas for what to get people on our list and go home and shop online. It’s always super fun to do with her each year, and I find that it’s a tradition that gets me in the Christmas mood.

Try New Ways of Gifting During Christmas Instead of the Traditional Gift-Giving 

Because my best friend and I shop together each year, we always agree not to buy each other gifts. It’s hard to keep what we shop for from each other and because we are both people who don’t value physical gifts highly. Instead, we agree to do something that we both want to do. This year, we are going to get our ears pierced together for Christmas! This tradition gives us something to spice up the regular Christmas feeling and just gives me something to look forward to Christmastime even more.

Plan How Much I’m Going to Spend on Each Person

Quite honestly, I don’t successfully budget how much I spend on each person. But for me, I think spending anywhere between RMB 30-100 is reasonable for a friend’s gift. For close friends or family, I usually spend anywhere from RMB 30-200 on a gift. When I’m buying for my family or my group of friends, I consider buying a gift for all of us, like a set of matching socks that we can wear together, or some sort of present that we can all use while spending time together.

Gift shopping is always a challenging task. But I think the key to buying the right gift is still the thought you put into it, whether it’s purchased, hand-crafted, or just something you do together. I’m looking forward to Christmas this year, but in the meantime, I’m going to need to do some last-minute shopping. Hopefully, I’ve learned my lesson and do my shopping earlier next year!

KEEP READING: Brush up on Chinese Gift Giving Faux Pas

Father’s Day is coming up fast, and what better way than celebrate these always hardworking men than by giving him an original gift from the city we reside in. There is no shortage of makers here in Beijing, and there is really no need to get him socks or underwear (again).

Bacon by Balmain Gourmet Meat Products

Yes, you read it right. Get him bacon for Father’s Day, he will thank you forever. Because, bacon that’s why! Balmain is located in Shunyi but sends his meats all over China. I have tried it, and received my meats nicely cooled on my doorstep on Saturday. Sausage for the barbie, meatballs for a sandwich; Balmain has it all, homemade and fresh. For more information email: balmaingourmet@me.com

Cuff Links by Antonia Sampson

Now you might think, “Cuff links – that’s not original.” Well these are; they are coins from China turned into jewelery for men. Nothing is cooler than a souvenir from the city we live in. Sampson has the cuff links for sale at the POP-Up in Sanlitun. Contact her on WeChat: AntoSamp

Tomato Chutney by Bonne Nani Jams

Looking for a condiment to go with chips, or with that Balmain bacon? Look no further – this Tomato Chutney has people raving all over Beijing, with its roasted spices and light pepper flavour. Get Dad a jar and a pint of beer, and he will be a happy camper. Check out their web store over here.

Wallet by Springsations

This seems like a unoriginal gift as well, but if you have a daddy that gets lost a lot he should have this wallet. It’s made from maps of Beijing! Springsations is a social enterprise helping single mothers, creating a work and education opportunity for mothers in need. Proceeds will help with their salaries. Check out the website here.

Aftershave from Velveteen Secret Potions

I personally struggle to find my husband’s favorite brand of aftershave, so changing it up is the way to go. VSP creates amazing potions for Beijing skins, and this product will not disappoint, calming Dad’s skin after a shave with all natural ingredients. Contact VSP on WeChat: franhanshing.

Pictures: Pixabay and Vendors 

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.
Free
Christmas Charity Bazaar for Couleurs de Chine, Nov 29
All ages. Come experience some Italian culture while also helping to raise money for a worthy cause. The Italian Cultural Institute will be hosting a charity bazaar to raise money for vulnerable children at Great Mao Mountains. Free. 10am-5pm. Italian Cultural Institute.

Women’s Only Self Defense Classes, Nov 25 to Dec 10
Ages 6+. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women so from Nov. 25th until Dec. 10th, the Beijing American Center will be celebrating 16 days against gender-based violence with women’s only self-defense classes. Free. 6.30-8.30pm. East Gate of the US Embassy.

Open House at La Maison Montessori de Pékin, Dec 3
All ages. The French-Chinese Montessori kindergarten for 2-6 years old, La Maison Montessori de Pékin will hold open day on Saturday December 3, from 10am to 1pm. The event will include a school visit, Montessori education introduction, meeting the teachers, and activities for children. Free. 10am-1pm. La Maison Montessori de Pékin.

Star Kids Book Fair at BSB Shunyi, Nov 30 – Dec 2
All ages. Adults and kids can increase their libraries or buy loved ones gifts at the Star Kids Book Fair at the BSB Shunyi foyer. The new titles and popular authors will be available for immediate purchase. This will take place from November 30 to December 2. Free admittance. 9am-4pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588 www.bsbshunyi.com)

BCIS and MCF Christmas Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. This joint bazaar between BCIS and Migrants Children’s Family is a fundraising event for MCF that features live performances, shopping, food, and mingling with friends and the wider BCIS and MCF community at the main BCIS campus. Free. 11am-3pm. Beijing City International School. (Zhuofei.yang@bcis.cn)

WAB Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. The Western Academy of Beijing’s Charity Bazaar features hundreds of vendors offering homemade gifts, holiday food and drink, and dozens of unique items for sale. Proceeds from the event will go to assist several charity organizations, including the Chi Heng Foundation, supporting HIV-affected children in rural China through education. Free. 10am-3.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu)

Hilton Beijing Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. Hilton Beijing once again celebrates the holidays with its Traditional European Christmas Train & Village from December 3 to January 2017. The Christmas Village features a Giant Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a children’s chorus from 5.50-6.30pm. There will also be over 70 bazaar booths (2-8pm) with all proceeds from sales going to support the Morning Tears Organization. Free. 2-8pm. Hilton Beijing. (jane.yin@hilton.com)

The Hutong Winter Fayre, Dec 10
All ages. This fayre brings food and artisanal products to the hutongs for a spot of shopping. There a wide selection of different goods on sale. Free. 11am-4pm. The Hutong. (159 0104 6127, info@thehutong.com)

Christmas Tree Lighting @ Langham Place, Dec 2
All ages. Join Langham Place guests and staff in ringing in the Christmas cheer with their annual Christmas tree lighting. There will be food, drinks, and a raffle! Free. 6-9pm. Langham Place. (6450 4202).

Integrating Technology with Education, Dec 1
Adults. Parents won’t want to miss the Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s (YCIS Beijing) Open Day on December 1. This Open Day presents a unique opportunity for parents to learn how technology can be effectively utilized in schools and at home as well as the undeniable benefits that these tools provide. Free. Begins at 9.30am. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Unique
Viva Beijing’s Christmas Gathering & Cookie Making, Nov 29
Adults. Celebrate the winter holidays with Viva Beijing Network’s annual Christmas gathering! There will be appetizers, drinks, and cookies on cookies to decorate and take home. RMB 180. 6.30-9.30pm. Lily American Diner.
CISCA Annual Gala, Dec 3 to Dec 4
All ages. This year The Conservatory of International Style and Cultural Arts will be performing Sleeping Beauty. The night will be full of wonder and one that will be sure to remember. Free. 4.30-7.30pm. The Conservatory of International Style and Cultural Arts.
Startup Grind Beijing, Nov 30
Adults. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting 400,000 founders in over 200 cities. To celebrate their return in Beijing, Startup Grind has prepared one big and fun event with delicious food, drinks, and food in technology at the Hatchery. RMB 150. 6.30-9.30pm. The Hatchery. (info@jingjobs.com)
A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy, Dec 2-8
All ages. This is not your grandmother’s A Christmas Carol. Be prepared for a zany twist on a classic story. Beijing Playhouse also invites audience member to cheer, boo, hiss and sing along as Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, a crazy man in a dress, and the Ghosts teach Scrooge the true meaning of Christmas. RMB 210 (Adults) and RMB 140 (kids and students). 7.30-9.30pm. 77 Theater, C&C Creative Park. Register here.

JZ Atelier Children Class-Bejeweled Christmas Ornaments Workshop, Dec 4
Ages 6+. This year let the children lead the way, JZ Atelier is proudly present a three weeks of special featured Christmas bejeweled ornaments making workshops. Children will make their own Christmas ornaments, wreath in their own term. RMB 990 for 3 sessions. 10am-Noon. LaiTai Flower Market. (182 1063 4921, WeChat: suttech)

Handel’s Messiah Performance, Dec 3
Ages 7+. For the 14th year running, International Festival Chorus and Peking Sinfonietta continue their annual tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah. This year’s concert will benefit Future Forest,a charity tasked with planting trees in Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi desert to stabilize the sands and improve the local ecosystem. With every two tickets sold, one tree will be planted during next year’s expeditions. RMB 280-380. Harrow International School of Beijing. (For group tickets contact: tickets@beijingifc.org; buy tickets here).

Ongoing
Art Jamming with Eva, Saturdays
All ages. Come join kids, families, and Eva and paint your heart out every Saturday. Paint supplies are included in this pleasant Saturday afternoon activity. RMB 100. 2-3pm and 3-4pm. Fella’s.

Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Mondays
Adults. Parents of Primary School-aged students are invited to attend Active Parenting Workshops every Monday from October 24 through November 28 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Parents will learn a set of techniques to help their child develop their human potential. Free. 10am-Noon. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Active Parenting Workshops: Secondary School, Tuesdays
Adults. Active Parenting uses entertaining and informative programs, activities, and discussion to show parents ways to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. These workshops will run from October 25 through November. Free. 10am-Noon. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Best of Next Week
Morning Tears at the 2016 Winter Ball, Dec 10
Adults. Morning Tears China strives to ensure that the rights of the child are available to all children of convicts, and to enable these children to grow up in dignity and develop their full potential. RMB 650. 6.30-10.30pm. Hilton Beijing Infinity Ballroom.

Hope International School Christmas Concert, Dec 9
All ages. This show is a great opportunity for our students to perform and for the community to come together and have a good time. All proceeds will go to the expansion of the music department. RBM 50-120. 7-8.30pm. Hope International School. (wood.kaliyah@hopeintlschool.org)

A Dulwich Christmas, Dec 13
All ages. Join in DCB’s annual Christmas time festivities that features Christmas themed gifts and trinkets on sale, Christmas foods including carved turkey, smoked ham, minced pied, fruit cake, apple cider, mulled wine, and more. This year’s celebrations will also include traditional Christmas carols by candlelight for all to join in. Free. 3-8pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Photos: The Beijing Playhouse (Zhang Xi), Ulrich Dregler, Kati, Gerhard Gellinger

May will soon be over, and high school students are approaching their joyous graduation day.  To make your life easier, we’ve chosen 10 unusual ways to celebrate this momentous occasion.

1. Loop and Speed Into Summer
We still think the best present for your child is for you to spend some time together so they can feel all that parental love. Where can you show it to them better than in an amusement park? Enjoy the day with candy floss, bubbles, and roller coasters. There is quite a large choice of parks around Beijing: Shijingshan, Happy Valley, Crab Island, Water Cube and many others.  Take Note: always make sure parks are currently safe. 

2. Display Childhood Pride
What about spending some time preparing a photo collage of your child’s best moments from their childhood years? It’s probably about time to print all those iPhone snapshots from Christmas celebrations and family vacations. To make the printing process easier, we recommend FreshPrints (same name in WeChat) which allows you to do print and set up delivery right from your phone.

3. For the Musical or Cultured
Tickets to a concert! No matter whether your child loves rock or classical music, summer is a time when there are all types of performers coming to the capital of China during their world tours. We suggest you take a look at a few concerts we’ve picked out for you: the Philadelphia Orchestra, STOMP, Abba and many others will make for an unforgettable experience. A warm summer night, smiling people around, shining stars and projector lights… what could be better?

4. Your Graduate’s Personal List of Beijing Uncharted
It is a never-ending paradox how people living at the seaside never go swimming, and Beijingers never go to Tiananmen Square. After all the tough days filled with studying, final exams and essay writing, students deserve some carefree days somewhere new in this city they’ve called home. An Old Dragon Head section of the Great Wall, a riveting art museum in central Beijing, a famous last train in the middle of 798 District are all great places to start. If you want to go above and beyond, make a list and let your graduate pick. Or let him or her make a personal list.

5. Beijing Based Book
Is your child interested in Chinese history? Beijing politics? The economy of the country? A great present for any future college student would be a book with all the data and facts collected – an indispensable help with writing papers. Beijing offers a great variety of books, but the best quality books are only sold in a few main bookstores: the ones in Wangfujing, Haidian, and branches of Page One. Such a book will be a great start to a future library for your young graduate. Our favorite is “Beijing Coma” by Ma Jian.

6. Precious Adornment
Don’t forget about Beijing’s famous jewelry! There are many small sets of opera masks or flowers designed by Beijing masters available throughout the jewelry markets in Beijing. Golden necklaces in the form of lucky characters have become trendy.

7. Traditional Chinese Game Set
Xiangqi (Chinese chess), wéiqí (Go), or mahjong sets – all these can be bought at antique markets or in out-of-the-way stores in small Beijing hutongs. They are a perfect gift for kids who like strategy games. It’s also something they can take to college and use to decorate a cozy corner in their room. They’ll be able to teach their new friends to play it, or, who knows, maybe start a new game club? Anyway, it all begins with a favorite playing set.

8. Family Picnic
All you need is a sunny day, a blanket, some sandwiches, and your high spirits. Try Chaoyang Park, Beihai Lake or other parks we’ve written about. Whether near in the city or far for a breathtaking view, your graduate will pine for family in memory of this momentous picnic.

9. Traditional Beijing Food
Peking duck, hot pot, malatang/ jianbing (street food), dumplings (jiaozi, baozi), noodles – your kid will miss these traditional Beijing foods far away at college.  Check the best restaurants with our editor’s pick recommendations, or just explore the hutongs – either way it should be a fun and relaxing family evening with a lot of talk and tasty snacks. If that sounds too easy for you – take up family cooking classes. Beijing offers a variety of different culinary schools. The most popular are The Hutong, Hias Gourmet, and Beijing Cooking School.

10. A Night at the Opera
Last but not least is the sort of cultural show that many hear about, but rarely get a chance to actually see. We mean the Chinese Opera, Acrobatic and Kung Fu shows, the Circus. All of which will bring positive energy to your family celebration and be a good end to a year of study. Moreover, such shows are usually very inspiring in terms of considering how much work each of the artists put into preparing their act, and how spectacularly it all paid off.

Photos: Go Asia, Trendir.com , Wise Geek.org, Beijing Sightseeing.net, Bridging the straights, Luxuo.com, Tzsnw.com ,  Magic Jump rentals, Ebejing.gov.cn, China Edition 

I’m not much of a shopper. No, let me be clearer: I really hate shopping. I have traditionally left my Christmas shopping to the last minute or used Taobao exclusively. That’s why a Christmas bazaar in my neighbourhood caught my eye. I told myself that maybe this year would be the year for homemade gifts by local artists.

The event was very well attended with baked goods, activity tables for the kids and vendors all around the outside edges of two large upstairs rooms as well as the front lobby. Tables were filled with Christmas ornaments, home-stitched fancy kids’ wear, organic cosmetics and hand-drawn greetings cards. There was even a booth featuring Erica Chen’s artwork—beautifully sensitive ink stippling images of personified animals with attitude—and the artist was in attendance! What an enormous talent living among us in Beijing!

However, the problem with most of the items, for me, was the cost. Perhaps the other parents in attendance were the same parents who can afford to send their kids to 3e? Then again, after tuition fees, how could they possibly have any money leftover for the Christmas bazaar? (Cue the poorly-concealed envy!)

But cost aside, I have to hand it to the organizers: they know kids. My two little monkeys were thrilled by the activity tables. It was such a smart idea to have these situated in the center of each large room making it possible for parents to circle the event while still keeping their monkeys in sight. I would certainly return next year if for nothing else than the free childcare for a few moments on a Saturday morning!

Nevertheless, Taobao is still going to be my Christmas shopping saviour this year. No more leaving the air-filtered house to buy gifts. We’ll stay holed up and waiting for the skies to clear. Ho Ho Ho!
 

Photos: Ember Swift

Mr and Mrs Claus were not the only ones to make an appearance at the 2013 beijingkids Santa on Ice held on December 15 afternoon. Over 100 guests both children and parents were there to enjoy an afternoon of fun. Apart from having photos taken with Santa and getting a present. There was also hot yummy chocolate drinks and other treats as well as beijingkids hats worn while skating Christmas music playing and other gifts handed out by Mrs. Claus on the ice rink.

Check out all the action in our online gallery.

beijingkids would like to say thanks to Le Cool, ELFkids photo studio, Fairmont Beijing and Camilla Ojansivu Underhill (Mrs. Claus) from Icebreakers for their support in the 2013 Santa on Ice.

Photos by Ken