Meaning in the Everyday: Japanese-Inspired Gifts for the Holidays

Mikana showcases a curated selection of jewelry and accessories for the yuletide season

During the holidays, it’s distinctive to Japanese culture to practice the tradition of oseibo, a form of gift-giving held between the end of November to mid-December, where presents are not given for their material value but in the gratitude they hold for the person and the relationship they fostered. For jewelry and accessories boutique Mikana, such tradition serves as the inspiration for curating its holiday ensemble, resonating its identity of creating accessible yet thoughtfully-made pieces as an ideal expression of appreciation.

For your partner

Mikana’s Sakura three-piece jewelry set and Mizue heeled sandals were crafted with cubic zircon crystals and color-matched rhinestones across their respective details. With the jewelry set encompassing a clasped bracelet, pendant necklace, and earrings, the pieces are then complemented by the embellished winding strap of the heeled sandals to create a glistening flourish to a romantic dinner or an afternoon stroll through the city.

Though known as a symbol of the summer season in Japan, the Birth Flower jewelry set was shared to reference the morning glory’s cultural meanings of endearment within its pendant necklace and earrings’ details. This particular set is then paired with the Shinayo shoulder bag’s cinched leather and gold-plated strap, which also arrives in variations of black, white, and pink finishes.

Mikana Narcissus Set. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

Mikana Mizue Shoe. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

Mikana Shinayo Bag. Photo courtesy of Mikana

Mikana Sakura Set. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

For your mother

Crafted with dyed leather and gold hardware, the Namiko and Akiyuki tote bags were stated as a balance of formality and leisure through their larger sizes and sectioned interiors. Offered in their respective color variations, the minimalistic design of the two carryalls also allows them to blend with any look throughout the day, from doing daily errands to a formal get-together with friends and family.

Mikana Namiko Bag. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

Mikana Akiyuki Bag. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

For your sister

The Kikue wallet and Tadeo long wallet elevate practical design with full PU leather build and gold detailing. Kikue shifts from classic billfold to shoulder bag with its detachable chain, while Tadeo’s bi-fold layout offers ample space for cash, cards, and keepsakes.

Paired with these understated pieces, the Kazumi flat sandals feature a full PU leather construction, with an upper strap connecting to a bowed motif. The sandals also feature a golden outline along each welt for an added flourish to an otherwise relaxed look.

Mikana Kazumi sandals. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

Mikana Tadeo. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

Mikana Kikue Wallet. Photo courtesy of Mikana.

For your friend

Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic shibui, where its expressions are described as subtle yet striking to the eye, the Hiroko metal hair clamp comes plated in gold and detailed with floral ornaments and cubic zircon crystals to create a gilded touch to one’s hairstyle.

As one of Mikana’s citrus-forward fragrances, the Fruity Noveau eau de parfum features the sweetened top notes of passionfruit, grapefruit, and strawberry that later develop into heart notes of peonies, jasmine, and red berries. Rounding off the fragrance, however, are impressions of vanilla, warm musk, and oakmoss, creating a sweetened yet grounded balance that can go for morning strolls at the park or evening soirées in the city.