By Beth Iwata, JCCH Director of Development
Whether you're searching for a gift for the person who seems to have everything or for the perfect stocking stuffer, the JCCH Gift Shop is a one-stop shopping destination. Here are some of our staff’s Top Gift Picks.
Scott Kitano
The holidays bring everyone together to share food and talk story. Hanafuda Hawaii Style cards are perfect to teach family and friends how to play. Unlike the original small plastic cards, the Hanafuda Hawaii Style deck is the same size as regular playing cards. They feature updated, vibrant designs including points printed on each card to make tallying easy, along with easy-to-follow instructions. $12 for a set of Hanafuda cards with instructions.
Nate Gyotoku
A ceramic nabe pot for making Japanese-style hot pots makes a great gift. A shared pot of nabe is always fun times!
The gift shop carries a variety of new and gently used nabe pots; price varies.
Lisa Furukawa
My holiday gift pick is the Boba Plush Keychain ($10) for my friends who love milk tea. Choose from pink or purple plush keychains and look for the other boba-themed gifts at the Gift Shop.
Beth Iwata
I often give the JCCH Okage Sama De Pin by Venus Gurlz to spread awareness of our mission. The design features the iconic torii gate that welcomes guests to our campus, sugar cane representing Japanese Americans' immigrant history, and the red hibiscus of our organization's logo. Other pins and key chains by the local artist depict classic Japanese idioms like "ichinichi, ippo" (one day, one step). $10 - $15 each.
Ally Kuranishi
Coopmonsters Local Kine Hair Claws have been one of our top-sellers ever since we started carrying them. The playful designs like spam musubi, shave ice, and kamaboko celebrate local culture with small kine humor! Just for fun, we decorated this Christmas tree here in the shop to display them. Made from acetate; sizes vary by design. $16 each
Devynn Kochi
For your friends and family who enjoy Obon season, the Gift Shop offers a great selection of yukata, kimono, obi, and accessories. I like to pop in throughout the year to check out what's available. You never know when you might discover something incredible!
Valerie Yamashita
My choice is the POP fan. It’s reasonably priced at $6, folds up small, comes in many designs, and is perfect to hang on your bag and use on hot days!
Alina Katase
The Future of Cool Wipes ($5) are the perfect stocking stuffer! They are refreshing and energizing with no sticky residue and keep you cool in Hawai'i heat. Using one of these cooling wipes is like a spa for your body on the go. Keep them in your bag or car for after the gym, yoga, hiking, or if you need a quick refresh before going out. It's also the perfect gift for any age.
Jamie Lee
My pick is a tenugui towel ($12). It's a perfect little stocking stuffer. I like the variety of cute prints -- there's one for everyone on my list.