How last-minute Christmas shoppers can dodge the Hong Kong crowds
Whether it’s local online stores, crafty pop-ups, or the quieter back streets, here’s our hassle-free guide to last-minute Christmas shopping
If there’s one aspect of the Christmas build-up that can cause dread, panic and stress in equal measure, it’s gift buying. In an already crowded city, who wants to face the throngs when trying to race around grabbing last-minute presents? So, in the shopper’s paradise that is Hong Kong, let’s not forget the crafty pop-ups, unique boutiques tucked away in back streets and alternative concept stores a safe distance from the Christmas crush.
Hit those quiet spots in Central
You will want to avoid the obvious areas in the days leading up to the 25th, but there are some streets in Central that are quieter – and many of them happen to be dotted with great independent gift shops.
Stocking both vintage and new products, General Store on Gage Street offers a fine range of items to suit almost any budget. Smaller pieces include jewellery, accessories and candles as well as more masculine items such as sturdy metal stationery. Many of the larger items are vintage pieces, all of which come from Japan, such as a bijou pendulum wall clock.
Just across Aberdeen Street from there, Gough Street is peppered with gift stores, which have similar themes but quite different offerings. Here too you can find something for everyone. Stores such as Homeless (renamed Hohohomeless for the season) are ideal for stocking fillers and funky Christmas decorations.
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Lovers & Friends offer bags and shoes for tween, teens and those who are older but still cool, while Madura offers bags and cushions, some of which might appeal to those wanting a more classic style.
There’s also Petit Bazaar, which is just for kids; Sheer, for lingerie if you’re looking for a romantic Christmas gift, and WOAW, a concept store packed with items such as mugs, phone covers and other gadgets from around the world. Refuel with a coffee at Elephant Grounds at the back of WOAW, or if you have the kids with you, drop by the recently opened Oddies ice cream parlour on Gough Street.
If you still have the energy to keep going, move along to Tai Ping Shan Street where a few fashion, homewares and lifestyle shops dot less crowded pavements.
Further afield
Try something crafty
The Something Old Vintage Pop-up Market (D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok) will run daily until December 20, promising an eclectic mix of vintage and one-off pieces, from fashion to home decor and mechanical goods such cameras and watches. Away from the shopping, Something Old is presenting a range of workshops, exhibitions and events to help spread the vintage word. Highlights include a vintage motorcycle showcase by Angry Lane, December 16 to 20, and a watchmaking workshop by Andre Jouve Horloge on December 18.