Okurimono Japan
Ukiyo-e style illustration: a person in kimono bows while handing over a red-wrapped gift, an identical red box peeking out of their own sleeve.
Illustration: Okurimono Japan

Gift Truths No.3

Bought a gift for them. Bought the same one for me. Told no one.

Not greed. Research. You can’t recommend what you haven’t used.

Where this came from

The article behind it.

Buying guideSep 16, 2026

Japanese Christmas Gifts Under $100 That Don't Feel Like a Compromise

Real Japanese tools under $100 — a kitchen knife, artists' pencils, a Casio, a maki-e pen, a fishing knife — chosen by who they're for, plus the one thing that matters more at this price: what shipping from Japan adds.

The gift

The ones I’d actually send.