I know not a single woman who has come to Shanghai and left empty-handed. For women, it is very easy to shop in Shanghai but it's hard to see through the pearls, silks, embroidery and ceramics and figure out what to get the man in your life. Here are a few ideas for you.
1. Architecture Books on Old Shanghai
Old China Hands Tess Johnson and Deke Erh have been publishing books about Shanghai's historical architecture for years. Stop into the Old China Hand Reading Room or the Deke Erh Art Center to pick up one of several of the team's books on the fast-vanishing foreign-influenced architecture of Shanghai.Where to buy it?
- The Old China Hand Reading Room, #27 Shaoxing Road (between Ruijin Er Road and Shanxi Nan Road)
- Deke Erh Art Center, 2-1, Lane 210, Taikang Road
2. Cool Photography
There are a lot of photographers doing some interesting things with Shanghai cityscapes. My husband has recently fallen for Jin Xuan Min's colorful depictions of Shanghai's old and new. In Jin's recent work, he takes mundane photos of the demolition of old lane houses, imposes bright backgrounds and vivid details on the black and white image. The large formats are stunning but his smaller prints are both packable and affordable.Where to buy it?
Jin Xuan Min Photography Studio & Gallery, Moganshan Road #50, Building 7, Room 101, Shanghai
3. Tailored Shirts
My husband no longer buys "off the rack" after he discovered bespoke suits and shirts. A custom-tailored shirt costs no more than a medium- to high-end department store shirt and it will fit him perfectly. Either drag your husband to a tailor or take his measurements yourself. He'll love you for it.Where to buy it?
- WW Chan, 129-A02 Maoming Nan Road, near Huai Hai Zhong Road, tel 021-5404-1469
- Dave the Tailor, No. 6, Lane 288, Wuyuan Road, tel 021-5404-0001
4. Tea
What good man doesn't like a nice cup of tea once in a while? Tea has been a part of China's culture for thousands of years so you can't go wrong with this easy to buy item. Stop into any of the hundreds of tea shops to take some home, the most famous tea in this area is Dragon Well or long jin. If you want an actual experience in your tea purchase try these shops:Where to buy it?
- Song Fang Maison de thé, 227 Yongjia Road near Shaanxi Nan Road, 021-6433-8283
- Gu Yuan Antique Tea House, Fen Yang Road and Fuxing Road intersection (south side), tel 021-6445-4625
5. Cuff Links or a Money Clip
Most guys don't wear a lot of jewelry but a nice money clip with a Chinese motif or a lovely set of cuff links is a great little giftie to give your partner ... and they're oh-so-pack-able leaving you lots of room for presents to yourself.Where to buy it?
- Lilli's, Main Showroom, 1D Maosheng Mansion, 1051 Xin Zha Road, tel 021-6215-5031, other locations
- Shanghai Tang, Xintiandi Plaza, 15 Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181 Tai Cang Road, tel 021-6384-1601, other locations
