28 Unique Gift Ideas for Qixi Festival, Chinese Valentine’s Day, 2021【七夕禮物指南】

 

Hand-picked & Written by Christina Li

Q ixi Festival is known as the original Chinese Valentine’s Day (sometimes referred to as the Double Seventh Festival). It is a celebration of love that was inspired by a legendary myth and romantic tale in the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), taking place every year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Lunar calendar. This year, the festival falls on Saturday, August 14th (you're welcome for the timely reminder!).

This romantic tale has anchored Chinese lovers for generations. With Qixi upon us, it’s a precious occasion and an opportunity to show your partner how much you care and appreciate them. We have shortlisted some of the most unique gift ideas that are sure to win their hearts, while having some fun with both classics and new arrivals to the scene. Enjoy three categories: for her, for him, and the perfect pairs.

...柔情似水,佳期如夢,忍顧鵲橋歸路!
兩情若是久長時,又豈在朝朝暮暮?
— 《鵲橋仙》 (宋) 秦觀

2021年8月14日是農曆七月七日,情侶們會慶祝這一天,以紀念七夕情人節的傳統。七夕節源自漢朝(公元前 206 年至公元 220 年)華人文化中牛郎與織女的浪漫傳奇 — 天上的織女牛郎相遇並相愛,可此事惹怒天帝,懲罰他們每年只能在農曆七月七日相會,他們堅貞的愛情感動了喜鵲,無數喜鵲飛來,用身體搭成一道跨越天河的喜鵲橋,讓牛郎織女在七月初七這天會面。

時至今後,牛郎織女鵲橋相會的愛情故事讓幾百代中國戀人情何以堪,提醒世人感情要堅首、包容、期盼,必須細心經營、好好珍惜。今年,藉著七夕情人節,向珍貴的他或她說聲「我愛您」吧!以下的【七夕禮物指南】,願為你贏得他或她的歡心。由經典、創意到時尚,指南以三類之分:給她、給他和完美配對。你們一定要幸福啊!

 
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For Her給她

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN | Loubicrown Eau de Parfum Beauty, 90 mL

“She’s your Queen!” Roll out the red carpet! Christian Louboutin Beauty's striking crowned vessel will grab her attention. This woody Oriental fragrance is imagined by Christophe Raynaud. The aristocratic nobility of cedar is shaken up with an irreverent patchouli and tonka bean accord. Made in France.

$390 | Holt renfrew

 

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS | Sweet Alhambra Bracelet, 6.69”

Rose gold. The Sweet Alhambra® jewelry collection features delightful lucky motifs in miniature form since 2007. Light and delicate, they are a discreet way of bringing happiness to each passing day. "She. The Reason for My Smile.

$1,770 CAD | VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

 

VACHERON CONSTANTIN | Égérie Self-winding, Pink Gold, 35 mm

Égérie, translates as “muse” or a source of inspiration, marks the first time the brand has released an entirely new line for women in decades, and it did so with a female-led design team. The Égérie self-winding in 18K 5N pink gold reveals a dial with a pleated motif, similar to an Haute Couture fabric, created using the tapestry technique. Accompanied by three interchangeable alligator-leather straps for a variety of delightful looks of her choice. Ultra-feminine and sleekly sophisticated.

$38,300 CAD | VACHERON CONSTANTIN

 
 
 

CARTIER | Guirlande de Cartier, Wallet Bag

The new Cartier bag is more than just a bag, it’s the spirit of the Maison transformed into an elegant shape. Red calfskin with black calfskin lining, golden garland motif. A unique accessory to assert herself in an iconic colour that is good for many occasions and is timelessly fashionable. You can also personalize the piece with a message of love and her initials, with Cartier’s complimentary customization service.

$1,630 CAD | Cartier

 

QEELIN | Petite Yu Yi Necklace, Jade & Diamonds, 15”

The lock of love & hope. With its design inspired by the ancient Chinese love padlock, this piece is named after the symbolic Yu Yi - a blessing of good luck and longevity, often worn as a charm of love & hope. Set on a classic 18K rose gold chain, this delicate necklace features a petite version of the iconic motif with a diamond border, glowing jade centre and bezel-set diamond bale. Made in Hong Kong.

$2,720 CAD | HOLT RENFREW

 
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CHANEL | J12 Electro, Limited Edition, Ceramic, 38 mm

Newly released. Polished black ceramic. Quartz movement. Inspired by the electronic dance music culture of the 1990s. Dial and bezel in a rainbow gradient of colours. “She’s a Rainbow.”

$10,250 CAD | CHANEL

 

FLORASIS | Floral Dewy Linked Lipstick

This is not a lipstick, this is an art! The outer case is inspired by the ancient love padlock — symbolizing two hearts lock as one, while this artisan lipstick is developed based on the ancient herbal recipe, Floral Dew Rouge. On the surface of this artisan lipstick, the classic Chinese romance painting of 張敞畫眉 (Chang drawing eyebrow for the wife)is crafted with precision. 張敞畫眉 (zhāng chǎng huà méi) is the Chinese phrase describing loving couple.

$57 USD | florasis

 
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For Him給他

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FENDI | Vintage Multicolor Camera

“Photos are a great memory-prompt.” A Fendi Summer Capsule 2021 collectible, a special co-branding project between FENDI and POLAROID®. The fold-out Polaroid 636, created in the 90s, has been reborn and customized with the multicolor FF logo.

$1,100 CAD | FENDI

 
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HUBLOT | Big Bang Unioco Summer, Limited Edition, Ceramic, 42 mm

Unexpected and full of personality. Hublot’s latest creation is tailor-made for summer fun in bright turquoise color. This lagoon-inspired timepiece is available in only 200 pieces. Its case and bezel are crafted entirely from satin-finished and polished anodized aluminum. The distinct tonal theme is also made visible on the dial and hand, as well as on the figure’s markers and chronographs. A rare find for the watch-lovers.

$26,100 CAD | HUBLOT

 

HUGO BOSS | Dungiku Love Cotton Sweatshirt

Contemporary, comfortable. Designed in French-terry cotton for a super-soft feel. A HUGO’s Clean Up Your Act capsule piece. Special edition in celebration of Valentine's Day, this sweatshirt features at the left chest the graphic inspired by the hand gesture for love. Needless say more, tell him you love him with this sweatshirt.

$178 CAD | HARRY ROSEN

 
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FUSE | Vert Vertical Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth & FM Radio

Chic, classy. A flipped-up turntable that’s perfectly balanced, with a counter weighted tonearm that prevents wobbling. A ceramic cartridge with diamond needle, fine tuned for an amazing playback. Uniquely perfect for the music-lovers. Afterall, “Music is the language of love.”

$261.95 CAD | Moma design store

 

CARTIER | Tank Must Watch, Large Model

Newly released. Clean, crisp, elegant. A minimalist approach to pay homage to the original Tank and the monochrome Must de Cartier watches of the '80s. Sapphire crystal. Quartz movement. Stainless steel case, beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, blue lacquered dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, matching blue alligator leather straps. “Love is meant to be simple, when you’re with him.”

$3,600 CAD | CARTIER

 

RIEDEL | Decanter “Black Tie Bliss Red

A statement of love. Handcrafted, individually made. Crystal glass and lead free. The Bliss decanter displays a rotund foundation with an off-center heart stamped from each side, compressing the crystal into a thin pane of solid glass. Dressed up with a black tuxedo stripe that extends gracefully from top to bottom. Perfect companion for any special celebration.

$299 CAD | william ashley

 

HERMÈS | Dalian Chinese Chess Set

Chinese chess set in Hermès style. Solid natural mahogany and sycamore. Hand carved pawns inspired by the Samarcande chess set, with Clou de Selle detail base.
Drawers with leather sheet and saddle-stitched handles in French taurillon H leather. “Love is like a game of chess.”

$7,750 CAD | HERMÈS

 
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Perfect Pairs完美配對

PIAGET | Altiplano Watch, 34 mm in Pink Mother-of-Pearl & 38 mm in Blue Lacquer

Limited edition of 300. Classy, elegant, delicate, subtle. In the ultimate expression of luxury watches by Piaget, the Altiplano ultra-thin watch was conceived to offer a backdrop of purity and absolute refinement for its movements. Case in 18K rose gold and diamond-set bezel. Manufacture Piaget 430P ultra-thin hand-wound mechanical movement. “Love is strong yet delicate.”

$33,000-$35,500 CAD | piaget

 

BURBERRY | Couple Fragrances, My 90 mL, Mr 150 mL

There’s something so romantic about wearing matching scents with your cherished love. This special perfume duo are perfect for the modern women and men who desire to their individuality with confidence. Inside Mr. Burberry is a warm, sensual and woody scent with fresh and aromatic notes of tarragon, amber and smokey vetiver., whereas his My Burberry Blush counterpart is a feminine, sweet blend of fruits and blossoming flowers. Add his and her initials with the Burberry complimentary monogramming service.

$136-$145 CAD | burberry

 

TIFFANY & CO. | Return to Tiffany™ Love Classic Teddy Bears, 10.5” & 16”

Luxury, heritage and craftsmanship define both Tiffany & Co. and Steiff. Now, these two iconic brands have collaborated on this classic mohair teddy bear finished with Tiffany Blue paws and a Return to Tiffany™ Love sterling silver heart tag that will warm his and her hearts.

$585-$910 CAD | tiffany & co.

 

HUAWEI | Band 6, Smart Band Fitness & Heart Rate Tracker

Huawei’s entry-level fitness tracker and is ideal to him or her who don’t want a full-fledged smartwatch. This Band 6 can track all the basics, including his/her step count, caloric burn, activity duration, heart rate, stress, all-day SpO2, and sleep. With the female user in mind, it comes with a menstrual cycle management and notification feature. It features 96 workout modes, and its battery can last up to 2 weeks on a charge. “Grow old together in good health.

$98.99 CAD each | huawei

 
 
 
color: forget me not (front), lady rose (rear)

color: forget me not (front), lady rose (rear)

FERRIS WHEEL PRESS | The Scribe Ballpoint Pen

Gift a matching piece of stationery to your loved one is romantic. Continuing on their Ferris Wheel Press’ mission to inspire the world to Fall in Love with Writing Again, the Scribe ballpoint pen is set to become a timeless classic in contemporary writing tools. With its robust construction and vibrant colours, this will become your daily favourite and a fittingly fancy heirloom.

$65 CAD each | FERRIS WHEEL PRESS

 

AOMORI GLASS | Silver Dragon & Phoenix Bluestone Teacup Set

Classy, unique, handmade. Not your traditional tea cups. 999 Sterling silver carving with natural bluestone. Fingertip art. Gilt craftsmanship. Perfect for any tea occasion with yours truly and your loved one.

$688 USD each set | aomori glass

 
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GUCCI | 2021 Qixi Edition, Les Pommes Cotton Cardigans

These matching cardigans are specially released in celebration of this Qixi Festival by Gucci. (On Him) An emblem of the Gucci's playful spirit, fruits and vegetables have become contemporary House codes that animate the latest collections. This cardigan is defined by a whimsical apple motif. (On Her) A contemporary House code, colorful hearts combine with Guccio Gucci's monogram atop this jacquard cardigan. Each season, logo details evolve in new ways, reimagined through Gucci's whimsical lens.

$1,800-$1,950 CAD | GUCCI

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The Qixi Love Story 牛郎織女的愛情故事

The Chinese myth behind Qixi Festival honours the bittersweet love between a Cowherd (牛郎 Niú Láng) and Weaver Girl (織女 Zhī Nü). The story surrounds “seven goddesses who lived in heaven secretly ventured to the mortal world one night to do some exploring. The seven sisters were bathing together in a lake when a nearby Cowherd spotted one of the goddesses.” She was a skilled weaver who wove beautiful portrayals of colourful clouds in heaven. “It was love at first sight for the two, and she stayed behind in the mortal world, marrying the Cowherd and bearing two children. But for a goddess to marry a mortal man was blasphemy, and when the Goddess of Heaven discovered the transgression, she was enraged and ordered Weaver Girl to return to Heaven and resume her weaving duties." Weaver Girl had no choice but to obey and leave, heartbroken. The Cowherd was devastated and could not imagine a life without his beloved. One day, seeing his pain, the Cowherd’s ox began to speak, telling him that if he killed him and wore his hide, he could fly up to heaven and see Weaver Girl again. The ox’s sacrifice reunited the two, but the Goddess of Heaven would not stand for it. She furiously created a river of stars in the sky, separating the lovers for eternity. A flock of magpies, moved by the purity of the couple’s devotion, joined together to form a bridge between the two. Even the Goddess of Heaven was touched, and she agreed to allow the Cowherd and their children to remain in heaven, to be reunited with Weaver Girl once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. While many variations of this folk tale are told today, this is a commonly relayed version of the story. The tale traces its roots back to astrology — specifically, the stars Altair and Vega, situated 16 light years apart at opposite ends of the Milky Way. (Source: with notes from Megan Zhang @ SupChina)

 

 
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About the curator, Christina Li (文禮)

Born in Hong Kong and growing up in Toronto, Christina is the digital content editor and committee member of Fête Chinoise, ex-food columnist for Ming Pao magazine, a certified Water Sommelier, a guest lecturer on “Water and Sustainability” for George Brown College, and a passionate food explorer. She believes moving Chinese culture forward is the responsibility of our generation.