There are many occasions throughout the year that call for the giving of gifts, and many special, personal events that are one-offs but are the perfect reason to celebrate. Some occasions are strongly linked with a certain kind or style of gift, and often this has to do with the season during which the event takes place. For example, certain foods are eaten traditionally at different times of the year, and it is the full ambiance of the season that contributes to our enjoyment of the food. If you are looking for ways to give the perfect gifts at any time of the year, our guide is full of traditional and sometimes surprising ideas for gifts that move with the seasons.
Gifts for occasions and events in spring
Spring is a favourite time of year for many, with the weather warming but without temperatures that reach the highs of summer. Traditionally, spring carries with it the idea of new life, or renewal, and of hope for the year ahead. Those that live in colder climates look forward to the spring as it is when the first signs of life are visible in the natural world following a cold winter. In Hong Kong, the winter weather doesn’t tend to be cold enough to keep people from spending plenty of time outdoors, with averages around 19 degrees C in January and February, but there are still plenty of signs that mark spring out as special.
Certain flowers will only make an appearance during the spring such as the sakura, azalea, and the hydrangea, so these plants make one of the best spring-themed gifts you can give. Potted plants or cut flowers are always a wonderful choice for a friend or loved one to mark a happy occasion such as a birthday, or as an Easter gift. Speaking of Easter, this event takes place in spring and is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. Chocolate and other sweets are a traditional Easter treat for people of all ages and are a welcome gift for any spring event.
Gift ideas for summer events
Summer is all about abundance and making the most of the outdoors. Barbecues, parties and trips to the beach are all summer highlights, so gifts that fit with these themes are always a good idea. For example, hampers are very gift ideas for summer, and you can fill your hamper in HK with a range of exciting summer favourites. For that friend who is a foodie, pack your hamper full of seasonal summer favourites such as in-season fruits and vegetables, summer desserts, and sparkling summer cocktails.
Many people will take a vacation in the summer months, and if your friend or loved one has a trip planned, you could ask them where they are going and choose a gift they can use on their trip. If they are going on a beach holiday then some luxury sun skincare is a good idea, or something you know they’ll need like a new snorkelling mask. If they’re going somewhere cold then a pair of gloves or similar could be a thoughtful idea.
Gifts for autumn
Autumn is loved in Hong Kong, and is the time of year that the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place to celebrate the harvest. Some of our favourite foods are popular during the autumn, including mooncakes. If you want to give seasonally themed gifts during the autumn then you can’t go wrong by choosing some comforting, traditional dishes to share with loved ones. As mentioned, mooncakes are extremely popular and nostalgic, but you can also choose from a huge variety of seasonal treats. Pastries and cakes sweetened with pumpkin, spiced wines, chocolate, hot cocoa and roast duck are all on brand for autumn.
Winter gift ideas
Though we don’t tend to see much snow here, a traditional Christmas hamper in Hong Kong can really go a long way towards making the winter feel more festive. We sure know how to celebrate in style here, especially in the festive season, and hampers can be a great way of packing everyone’s favourite festive treats into a box of wonders that will delight friends and family alike.
Christmas is a big deal for many people, and preparations and celebrations for this holiday season can start as early as November. Winter evokes strong memories through the sights and sounds we experience, like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread and the sound of Christmas carols. Traditional gifts to give with a wintery, festive theme include hampers full of festive food and drink, toys and games for kids, luxury pyjamas, and scented candles.