Finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the mall can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. A very crowded, noisy haystack.
Skip the stressful excursions and buy your gifts in a more serene setting. The Lotus Shop at the Crow Collection of Asian Art, located on Flora Street behind the Belo Mansion, has expanded to include an impressive and distinctive selection of gifts, homewares, cards, books, jewelry, and much more — all from or inspired by Asia.
A friendly and helpful staff member can guide you through the light-filled shop, or you can browse uninterrupted. Start with the lovely selection of Japanese tea sets, from ceramic to cast iron to porcelain. Also find upward of 20 different Buddha statues, like the miniature Liu Yonggang Buddha sculpture ($79.95; member price: $63.96) that stands just under 10 inches tall and perfectly replicates the larger version in front of the museum. How often can you give the gift of enlightenment and wisdom?
For the stylish people on your holiday list, consider a Japanese shibori scarf, luxuriously designed journals, or the Bao Bao Issey Miyake lucent tote bag ($425; member price: $340). Available in multiple colors, it features triangles placed on mesh fabric, with a large interior zipper pocket. The bag lays completely flat when not in use but takes on a unique form when carried.
The limited edition Gorlizki clutch ($195; member price: $156) is a custom piece, inspired by the Crow Collection’s exhibition "Alexander Gorlizki: Variable Dimensions." Made from eco-friendly, cruelty-free materials, it’s a chic accessory any style maven will appreciate.
If you’ve got a friend who’s impossible to buy for, the Lotus Shop’s chopstick folding baskets ($32; member price: $25.60) are striking home accessories. These Japanese-inspired baskets are made from recycled chopsticks that have been sanitized at a high temperature and crafted into beautiful products.
Another why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-before gift idea: a pagoda snow globe ($50; member price: $40). Luxurious and delicate, these globes make for a charming addition to your holiday cheer.
For kids, consider one of Kotobuki’s popular character-themed bento sets. Each bento box has multiple compartments to keep foods separate. The sets are also perfect for non-food uses, such as storing baubles and jewelry. We love the tanuki raccoon dog bento box ($40; member price: $32), which is perfect for kids of all ages. Training chopsticks with fun animal toppers are another super-cute gift option.
Because no shopping trip is complete without picking up a little something pretty for yourself, consider Asian-inspired ornaments from Thomas Glenn Holidays, or a porcelain crane origami ornament ($16; member price: $12.80).
An afternoon in the Lotus Shop is a welcome respite from the holiday rush, and you will go home with a carload of out-of-the-ordinary gifts sure to delight everyone on your list.
This chopstick folding basket is one of many in the Lotus Shop created from recycled chopsticks, $32 (member price: $25.60).
Braniff Airlines flight attendants decked out in stylish uniforms.Courtesy photo