International Women’s Day (Ngày Quốc Tế Phụ Nữ) on 8th March every year is a huge thing in Vietnam – much more significant than Valentine’s Day. Not just for gentlemen to show appreciation to their female significant others, this is also a day when companies cherish their female employees with flowers, female friends exchange gifts with one another, and we surprise our moms and grandmothers with thoughtful gifts to show them how much we care.
Scroll down for a list of creative gifts for International Women’s Day – or any special occasion – for ladies of all ages:
Image credit: @papadreamer
Body and face soap shops are all the rage in Saigon, as more and more women here are becoming fans of natural soap bars. Your female coworkers will appreciate soap from soap makers who don’t use plenty of artificial ingredients, which are good for sensitive skin, especially since everyone now needs to wash their hands regularly to stay healthy and away from viruses.
You can order natural soap bars online with Papa’s dreamer – Xà bông của Ba or Saigon Suds, which are some of the most popular local soap bar brands, with prices varying from VND80,000-VND200,000 (~USD3.40-USD8.60).
Image credit: khacten.com
Help your colleague keep her passport handy on her business trips with this passport case engraved with her name. It also makes her passport stand out, so she’ll always be able to locate it easily while in a rush.
You can order this product at Viet Gift Center or Ví đựng passport Cover khắc tên – Vỏ bao da hộ chiếu, from only VND150,000 to VND 500,000 (~USD6.45-USD21.52).
Image credit: Folksight – Nghệ thuật và đồ thủ công
No matter what your coworkers’ personal style is, they can use a neck scarf as a headband to add a Bohemian flair for a party night in Bui Vien, or as a neck wrap for an extra degree of elegance at work.
You can order this item online at Folksight – Nghệ thuật và đồ thủ công, SHEIN, or ZARA. There’s a wide array of patterns and materials to choose from, from silk to jersey to satin, so nobody’s gift will be exactly the same. Each item costs from VND200,000 to VND1,000,000 (~USD8.61-USD43).
Image credit: Friendly Kitchen
We Vietnamese workers love to buy takeaway drinks, so instead of using a single-use plastic cup from the vendor, give your colleagues these reusable travel bottles for their morning coffee or tea. Even if they don’t order drinks, they can use them to make their own in the office. Personalised name engravings are also available.
Not only do they come in handy, but it also helps everyone reduce their plastic footprint, which is good for the environment. You can order such items online at Friendly Kitchen, with prices from VND330,000 (~USD14.32).
Image credit: Vẽ Tranh Chân Dung
Gift your favourite lady a customized piece of art that she can hardly find elsewhere or something that she can’t reject – such as a portrait of herself. You can order a customized oil painting, pencil drawing, or sand art portrait online from local artists such as Nhận Vẽ tranh chân dung Chì or Vẽ tranh theo yêu cầu from VND350,000-VND1,000,000 (~USD15.06-USD43.04).
All you need to do is to give your appointed artist a digital photo of the person you want to portray, and you can expect a finished piece of art within a week or less. Plus, customized artworks are things people tend to keep for a lifetime.
Image credit: Tipsy Art
Even if your female relatives don’t have basic drawing skills, but are up for some fun, celebrate International Women’s Day at Tipsy Art at Saigon or Hanoi.
Image credit: Tipsy Art
Friendly instructors will provide you with brief tips on basic drawing and guide you through every step. You can listen to music, have a drink while drawing, and after completing your drawing, you can exchange it with theirs as gifts.
A 3.5-hour drawing session costs from VND400,000 (~USD17.21) per pax. You can register here.
Image credit: Moc Huong Spa Thao Dien
Purchase a prepaid facial or body massage treatment at a local spa as a gift to help your mom, aunt, or grandma relax from the stress of family duties and work. From physiotherapy massage to hot stone massage, you can consult a spa consultant for what you think is best for your family member, or an option that fits in your budget.
For those in Ho Chi Minh City, you can check out Moc Huong Spa Thao Dien or AVEDA Herbal & Wellness. For an equally good massage treat in Hanoi, check out Orient Spa Hanoi or Muối Spa.
The cost of a body massage treatment might vary between VND400,000 to VND1,500,000 (~USD17.21-USD64.55).
Image credit: Shimmer Silver
Just one piece of jewelry can add a posh twist to an outfit. They are even markers of friendship among female friends, so you can choose from a wide array of matching jewelry from local shops, including rings, bracelet, watch, necklace, earrings, or gift sets for your entire crew.
Be it silver, gold, or crystal – you can pick one that you think looks good on your friends and fits your budget. Check out appealing jewelry gifts online at Shimmer Silver or KaT Jewelry, with prices starting from VND300,000 (~USD12.91) per item.
Image credit: Indika Saigon
Wannabe singers, musicians, and comedians, know that it’s not easy to perform in public, but putting on a show at an open mic night will mean a lot to your significant other You can sing her favorite songs, make jokes to crack her up, or confess your love on the stage.
There is a good selection of pubs in Saigon that host open mic nights, including Indika Saigon or The Tipsy Unicorn. If you’re in Hanoi, check out Hanoi Rock Cityodn or Sidewalk Hanoi. All you have to do is to register with the pub in advance (this is optional), prepare your set, psych yourself up, and perform.
Image credit: Thao Dien Village – Làng Thảo Điền
You can organize a memorable International Women’s Day getaway without leaving town, especially if your budget doesn’t allow you to travel to fancy places, by playing tourist in a local hotel or villa.
Most staycations in Saigon and Hanoi give you access to a wide variety of facilities, so you can enjoy the night together by watching movies, cooking your own meals, eating dinner and supper on the bed, or having tea in the garden all in one place.
Image credit: Sorae Sushi Sake Lounge
If you’re in Saigon, take your partner 25 floors up to Sorae Sushi Sake Lounge at AB Tower at 76A Le Lai, District 1 for a stunning view and fancy Japanese dinner to celebrate International Women’s Day. This renowned gastrolounge Japanese wood decor serves a wide range of sushi, sashimi, yakitori, and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Toast to your date with a sake ochoko in your hand while appreciating the magnificent city view through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Set dinners and a la carte meals are available from VND85,000-VND1,890,000 (~USD3.66-USD81.34).
Image credit: Diamond Sky Bar
Or if you guys live in Hanoi, you’ll want to check out Diamond Sky Bar on the 13th, 14th, and 15th level at 32 Lo Su Street. This alfresco dining restaurant lets you take in the view of Hoan Kiem lake and the Red River while enjoying hearty dinners and snacks. When the weather is clear, you can even spot Ba Vi mountain range, which is 70KM away.
The price range for drinks for two at this bar is from VND155,000-VND500,000 (~USD6.80-USD21.52).
To wish the ladies in your life a Happy Women’s Day, without the cliche and unnecessarily costly gifts that come with it, try these alternative and thoughtful gifts.
From customized artwork to jewelry, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful and affordable ways to show your female friends and family how much you care.
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from @papadreamer, Tipsy Art, khacten.com and Folksight – Nghệ thuật và đồ thủ công
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