I promise that this isn’t just simply a selfish wishlist ! Ha!
I’ve been contacted by a few people who are about to come to Japan on a holiday and want inspiration when it comes to gifts ( or just nice things from home) for expat friends who currently live here.
So I thought I would jot down some of the suggestions that I have been responding with.
BOOKS IN ENGLISH
Books can be found in Japan but they are quite expensive.
Children’s books, baby books … novels. Anything!
FAVOURITE SWEETS
But ask first as it’s not always the things that your friend or family member loved when they were at home. Also, the more famous options are sometimes available in the international supermarkets. For example, for me – Tim Tams are actually not so hard to get my hands on. But Allens lollies are the stuff of my dreams.
OTHER RANDOM FOOD ITEMS
Find out what is different to home. For me, for example, I really loved having Australian Milo. Japanese milo just isn’t as good. While, for my Scottish hubby, it’s all about the Irn Bru.
FAMILIAR EVERYDAY PRODUCTS
I love ‘Vanish’ and haven’t found a stain remover that I like as much. Its weird but its my thing.
An American girlfriend of mine has her parents bring her the fabric softener that she has grown up with.
I also loved dressing my kids in bonds onesies when they were babies. An Aussie baby clothing staple.
FOR KIDS: TOYS THAT AREN’T READILY AVAILABLE IN JAPAN
For example: my kids love Paw Patrol, PJ Mask and My Little Pony and its not so easy to get toys or drink bottles etc with these characters. Maybe you could find out if your friend’s child is planning on a themed birthday party soon and you could bring character party hats or napkins or something ?
FOR KIDS: SWIMMING NAPPIES
Ask your friend if they need swim nappies for their babies. I find them to be expensive here and they don’t have the cute recognizable characters either.
FOR KIDS: PAINT WITH WATER BOOKS
You know those books where the kids just need to dip a paint brush in water as the paint is already ‘hidden’ on the page? I can’t find those here. And my kids ABSOLUTELY love them!!
If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home with you from Japan my suggestions are here and my suggestions for kids are here.
