There are tons of choices when looking for gifts to give special people in your life. Especially for young girls and young adult women, the choices are terrific and in full abundance. Yet as you stroll down the aisles, nothing tickles your fancy. Why not try something different like noren curtains, tenugui, or a Kinchaku?

The Kinchaku is a Japanese tote bag that comes in a variety of fabric designs. They are usually one size which is a little bigger than your hand. The handles are made of string which you pull together to close the bag, just like a drawstring pouch. It’s extremely unique, fashionable and widely used in Asia.

What’s interesting about the Kinchaku is that you can select a fabric that means something special. Some of the symbols you may find in the Japanese fabric are the crane and tortoise. These two animals are thought by Japanese to bring good fortune and long life. They are also the animals you see in Japanese weddings, incorporated somewhere in fabric, settings, or printed in some of the wedding invitations or name cards. The crane is a very popular animal which is why this is one of the first paper art projects being taught when one studies Origami.

Another familiar print would have the fish tail because it represents happiness; or the Japanese chrysanthemum which was used by the Japanese Imperial family for many of their personal clothing and designs. With over 150 designs for this flower, the symbol generally refers to happiness and friendship.

When giving a special girl a Kinchaku, usually the choice of the fabric plays a significant role in your gift message. You could look up the meaning of the design and print a copy. Insert inside the Kinchaku as part of your gift. It turns an bag into something memorable and extraordinary.

Traditional Japan-

Washi memo book- An 80 sheet note pad that features a choice of two Japanese designs. I’m a big fan of the Mt Fuji design, though the dragon is also excellent. “Washi” is the word for Japanese paper, which is generally stronger than paper made using wood pulp and is often used for Origami.

Speaking of origami there is also a great origami letter set, which allows you to write a letter then fold it into an envelope yourself, the idea being that you tuck a thought into each fold of the paper. Which is a really nice idea, as hand written letters are fairly rare in the west nowadays something like this would make receiving one even more special.

Cute Pop-

The goods in this category are aimed more at younger woman or high school students. One of the items that stood out to me right away was the animal shaped paper clips. Its a really simply idea but a great one and not something I personally have seen before. Who wouldn’t want a paper clip that looks like a hippo, crocodile or a penguin?

Also in this category is the mobile/cell phone straps that are in the shape of various sweets and confectionery. Phone straps are very popular in Japan, its not uncommon to see people with ten or twenty of these accessories hanging from one phone. These straps are cute and fun, though I think having a doughnut or ice cream hanging from my phone all day would just make me hungry, but I have a terrible sweet-tooth.

Kids and Animation-

In this section you will find stationary that’s perfect for school kids, or for adults who enjoy colourful Japanese anime characters. When I first started school I remember getting my first pencil set that had He-Man and Transformers characters on them, It was very exciting to have that set for going to school. The characters featured on the stationary here are from popular Japanese animations like, Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto and Doraemon.

You can find these products and more Japanese wholesale stationary in Pencil and Clip’s online store.

The popularity of these fans in Kyoto, traditional  home of the Japanese Imperial family and at one time the epicenter of Japanese culture and politics led to increased production of the fans as members of the court and nobility desired to own more elaborate and beautiful fans. The stunning and elegant designs painted on the fans then sprinkled with gold and silver foil produced something truly worth coveting. In the 14th century the skillful artisans of Kyoto created folding fans to compliment the styles of the popular courtly performing art Noh (masked drama), Japanese classical Buyo dance, and some time later, the tea ceremony. Earlier in the 13th century, folding fans were in use not only in Japan but were also exported to China. Later Portuguese traders brought the fashion home with them to Europe; even amongst the highly fashion conscious courtiers of the Bourbon dynasty of France, many found themselves captivated by the beautifully crafted and colorful sensu.

This site specializing in Japanese traditional goods has a fantastic selection of Sensu fans. They are available in many different colors and patterned designs. For those who may wish to give a very personalized gift or to use as a promotional tool for your company or event, they offer custom made fans as well.