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.
