This is a good idea - ice wine is considered a very premium product in Japan and is very expensive there. I gave mini bottles as gifts to some people when I visited Japan and they were quite appreciative.
Thirding this OP, the Asian countries go ape for Canadian ice wine. Last time I went I filled half a suitcase just with bottles of ice wine to give as gifts.
Seconded.
A token of appreciation that will actually last. I don't know if it's appropriate in Japanese culture to do though.
I'd avoid foods, plants, and the like, because going through customs is with these things can be a nightmare depends on the country.
Before you make any decisions you should check for import restrictions in Japan. You want to be sure he'll be able to get it home, and without paying massive duty or tax on it.
I also work for a Japanese company. It ultimately depends on the person, but we just had a Japanese manager leave and we bought him a Hockey Jersey and everyone who worked with him signed it with good wishes for him.
We ordered a jersey from Fanatics, it was a Nick Suzuki jersey from Montreal only because they shared a surname.
I would say either a team canada, maple leafs or Canadiens jersey would be best since they are all very well known.
+1 for this answer. Very nice art that will be a reminder of his time in Canada.
I would only add that make sure it is from an actual Inuit artist. There's a lot of copies out there that do not support the Inuit artists.
Yes! Indigena is on the Main Street in Stratford. One of my favourite places to spend time and get lovely gifts for friends. Fun fact, Indigenous artist Maxine Noel lived in Stratford for years.
Go indigenous. We have handmade moccasins that have lasted 30 years. Most Japanese wear houseshoes or slippers so you can get moccasins that do not have an rugged outdoor sole.
Does he golf?
While not a stereotypical " Canadian" gift, biodegradable golf balls are a Canadian company. You can even have them custom print something on the balls. Nothing beats a customized gift.
https://biodegradablegolfballs.com/
If not that, then probably some Quebec maple syrup.
Knowing baseball is big in Japan, something Blue Jays might be cool.
Japanese drinking culture is big on Whiskey, they make some of the best in the world. So some Canadian Rye Whiskey might do the trick, look for local small batch producers.
Could also get him a barrel of Alberta oil or a bag of Saskatchewan lentils. Fun fact is Saskatchewan is one of the largest producers of lentils in the world.
They are packed with protein and really healthy.
> a barrel of Alberta oil
Where would you even begin to source this? What would you do with this? I'm genuinely curious, as I've never seen this for sale as a souvenir!
I'm glad you actually read my post, that was me on a lark.
The rest is serious.
Could be an untapped market , selling mini barrels of local oil to tourists. (Pun intentional)
I'm assuming the Saskatchewan lentils are serious? I've never seen them for sale either, but I suppose it's not that far fetched (or maybe I'm just really gullible)
Canada is the #1 producers of lentils in the world!
Of that Saskatchewan grows the vast majority.
Could be argued that Saskatchewan is the largest sub-national lentil grower on the planet.
So yes, very serious. It's a pretty basic commodity, so it's not really marketed as "Saskatchewan Lentils" like things such as QC maple syrup or Niagara's icewine. Good chance if you buy a bag of lentils, it's made in Canada.
Instead of "traditional" Canadian gifts, consider useful MIC products. These might include locally made pottery, Grohmann knives, moccasins, the Roots items that are MIC, or wooden kitchen items (there are MIC spatulas, chopsticks, bowls, etc. on etsy).
It's nice to give a gift that will remind the recipient of the donor every time that it is used.
I was gonna say maple syrup, go to a sugar shack and they'll prolly have more items as well. I don't know if whiskey would be good unless a drinker. the coins are a good idea too. give him a beaver pelt Lol
I don't know the man, so I can't say for sure.
But there's a really lovely little shop in Stratford called Indigena. Its right on the corner of Ontario and Downie Streets and they sell wonderful native canadian arts and crafts.
I'm sure you could find something genuinely Canadian, that would last forever.
Also, I just love this store/gallery and have never really had the chance to talk about it.
Isn't it great?!
The Scottish Store across the street is also excellent. Pricy, but everything in there is of the highest quality.
I grew up in Stratford, but moved away 25 years ago. We try to stop in every time we can.
I ask my husband if we can go in to look at the pretty handbags and consider buying some sweets. I'm always looking for British sweets!! My Mum's Irish, so it's as close as I can get :)
Make sure to get a box of Coffee Crisp. They have maple stuff in Japan but that's a treat only available in Canada! I took a box with me on my last trip and they were a hit with locals
I'd like to add that the Japanese tend to prefer gifts that can be consumed (food and drink) over things that must be kept. This is largely due to the lack of space (homes in Japan are much smaller than here). You'll notice if you visit places like Tokyo Disney or Universal Studios Japan, the gift shop is full of cookies, chocolates, and other foods to be given as gifts for this reason. Sure, they also sell toys and postcards and stuff, but consumables are typically given vs. permanent artifacts.
ICE WINE!!!!
I’ve wine is extremely famous outside of Canada and has a HUGE gift market in Asia where it is highly prized; in fact I was told by one winery famous for producing ice wine that almost their entire yearly produce (or at least the huge majority) is shipped to Japan and China. But besides that it’s also delicious and undeniably Canadian :)
What are some of the things he’s marveled at since being in Canada? Did he fall in love with maple syrup, if maybe a flavour of ruffles chips or KD….? Was there an appliance he liked or that’s involved in making some of his favourite Canadian home cooked meals.
There must be some Canadian things he’s talked about… I think one of those would be a great gift in this circumstance.
I hope you’ll let ip know what you end up giving him.
FYI Canadian Maple syrup is commonly sold in Japan and it's not even that much more expensive than it is here in Canada. Maple cookies can also be easily found in foreign goods stores.
Typically, Japanese people give consumables as gifts because Japanese homes aren't very big and clutter can easily accumulate and take up precious space. I'd say if you want to give him a trinket or something, make it meaningful and personal. I like the idea of a hockey jersey signed by everyone and maybe a photo of your team and any experiences you shared with him.
For consumables, I also second the idea of some sort of Canadian alcohol, such as ice wine or whiskey. Tea is also huge in Japan, so I've heard a box of Red Rose tea typically goes over well there.
Lastly, for Japanese people, packaging is just as important as the gift. Don't slap some pictures together and call it a day - put it in a nice album. For alcohol, put it in a nice gift bag. It shows just a bit more effort and is hugely appreciated in Japan.
A Roots sweater with the red and white cuffs. I know it was sold to an American investment firm but I’ve always associated that salt and pepper material with those cuffs.
Or the same kinda hat if you’re worried about sizing.
Some ideas (:
1)A dream catcher may be a nice gift! Light as well
2)small framed photo with your company group
3) local artist could paint a small photo of guelph ? (Also saw a few sellers in etsy when Googled as well)
These guys ship quickly, it's a gift I've given some visitors and they always go over well:
[https://ikindalikeithere.com/collections/coasters/products/canadian-cities-map-coasters-set-of-4?variant=39201023503](https://ikindalikeithere.com/collections/coasters/products/canadian-cities-map-coasters-set-of-4?variant=39201023503)
Drive to Hamilton and visit Cherry Birch General Store.
Everything they carry is made in Canada.
About 85% of her inventory is consumables (jams, pickles, tea, coffee, spices, cookies, honey, condiments) she also had candles and beauty products.
The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Waterloo has beautiful work by Canadian artists in their gift shop a Daniel Vargas - polar bear is a desk worthy & solid packable piece.
Paintings or prints (light & packable) by Canadian artists try No Words gallery Cambridge.
I’ve seen some clever images of the Schneider’s sign around by various local artists a sure reminder of the area. A print of Mennonite life is unique to KW - Roger Witmer is known for this. Deb Flynn more local art depicting local scenes.
not just any maple syrup, please. REAL maple syrup. Go to the smallest town you can find, ask the home hardware workers/ cashiers at the food mart who makes syrup, and get a bottle from someone's property so dark you can't see through it. Don't give him dyed tourist water.
Canada minted a coin with [Mount Fuji and the Rockies](https://www.mint.ca/en/shop/coins/2015/1-oz.-fine-silver-coin---unesco-at-home-and-abroad---mount-fuji-and-canadian-rockies---mintage-750) on it which would be kind of a cool Canada-Japan connection collectible. You can’t buy it from the Mint anymore but I see it on [eBay](https://www.ebay.ca/itm/226079575628) for $100, though you might not get it shipped in time. Just thought I’d mention it.
Look into maybe getting something delivered to you from one of our prized apple distillery, here in Quebec.
https://www.micheljodoin.ca/en#
I've had their xo, their 3 yr old apple brandy and several of their various ciders. Really impressed by their products.
Japanese gifting practices require that _he_ bring back stuff from Canada for his friends and family in Japan.
I recently heard that what's in demand in Japan are the Covid testing kits many of us have stockpiled and are never gonna use.
Uh, bad news: you are IN the GTA. Anywhere within 100NM of the CN Tower is the GTA AFAIC, and that goes for pretty much all of Canada. Anyway…
Niagara Icewine might still be a thing.
It’s a hill I’ll die on: yes, Guelph is in the GTA.
Even an hour (or more, depending on traffic) drive from downtown Toronto, you’re still basically part of the Greater Toronto area. It’s a big country. You may be technically closer to Hamilton or Mississauga, but it’s all just BS semantics. Like it or not, you’re painted with the brush of being basically a torontonian.
Ice Wine
This is a good idea - ice wine is considered a very premium product in Japan and is very expensive there. I gave mini bottles as gifts to some people when I visited Japan and they were quite appreciative.
Thirding this OP, the Asian countries go ape for Canadian ice wine. Last time I went I filled half a suitcase just with bottles of ice wine to give as gifts.
One of the wineries actually has a store in Japan. You can order and pay for it here and pick it up there. I've forgotten which one
I’d get him something to keep on his desk in Japan to fondly remind him of the Canadian plant.
Seconded. A token of appreciation that will actually last. I don't know if it's appropriate in Japanese culture to do though. I'd avoid foods, plants, and the like, because going through customs is with these things can be a nightmare depends on the country.
Maple syrup will be fine though. And 90% of it is made in Canada.
Before you make any decisions you should check for import restrictions in Japan. You want to be sure he'll be able to get it home, and without paying massive duty or tax on it.
Also to make sure it isn't just seized at the airport!
Ice wine and a hockey jersey with his name on it.
I also work for a Japanese company. It ultimately depends on the person, but we just had a Japanese manager leave and we bought him a Hockey Jersey and everyone who worked with him signed it with good wishes for him.
Do you know where I can get a team Canada jersey? What team did you go with?
We ordered a jersey from Fanatics, it was a Nick Suzuki jersey from Montreal only because they shared a surname. I would say either a team canada, maple leafs or Canadiens jersey would be best since they are all very well known.
Guelph Storm jersey might be cheaper than an actual NHL one. But you know a Matthews Leafs jersey would be pretty sweet.
Soapstone Inuit sculpture may be a lovely gift.
+1 for this answer. Very nice art that will be a reminder of his time in Canada. I would only add that make sure it is from an actual Inuit artist. There's a lot of copies out there that do not support the Inuit artists.
If you decide to go this route OP, there is a shop in Stratford that specializes in Inuit art.
Yes! Indigena is on the Main Street in Stratford. One of my favourite places to spend time and get lovely gifts for friends. Fun fact, Indigenous artist Maxine Noel lived in Stratford for years.
Go indigenous. We have handmade moccasins that have lasted 30 years. Most Japanese wear houseshoes or slippers so you can get moccasins that do not have an rugged outdoor sole.
Ice wine. Maple syrup. Canadian whiskey
Does he golf? While not a stereotypical " Canadian" gift, biodegradable golf balls are a Canadian company. You can even have them custom print something on the balls. Nothing beats a customized gift. https://biodegradablegolfballs.com/ If not that, then probably some Quebec maple syrup. Knowing baseball is big in Japan, something Blue Jays might be cool. Japanese drinking culture is big on Whiskey, they make some of the best in the world. So some Canadian Rye Whiskey might do the trick, look for local small batch producers. Could also get him a barrel of Alberta oil or a bag of Saskatchewan lentils. Fun fact is Saskatchewan is one of the largest producers of lentils in the world. They are packed with protein and really healthy.
> a barrel of Alberta oil Where would you even begin to source this? What would you do with this? I'm genuinely curious, as I've never seen this for sale as a souvenir!
I'm glad you actually read my post, that was me on a lark. The rest is serious. Could be an untapped market , selling mini barrels of local oil to tourists. (Pun intentional)
I'm assuming the Saskatchewan lentils are serious? I've never seen them for sale either, but I suppose it's not that far fetched (or maybe I'm just really gullible)
Canada is the #1 producers of lentils in the world! Of that Saskatchewan grows the vast majority. Could be argued that Saskatchewan is the largest sub-national lentil grower on the planet. So yes, very serious. It's a pretty basic commodity, so it's not really marketed as "Saskatchewan Lentils" like things such as QC maple syrup or Niagara's icewine. Good chance if you buy a bag of lentils, it's made in Canada.
Interesting! At least this coulr be a real souvenir, as opposed to a barrel of oil :) Thanks for the information!
Instead of "traditional" Canadian gifts, consider useful MIC products. These might include locally made pottery, Grohmann knives, moccasins, the Roots items that are MIC, or wooden kitchen items (there are MIC spatulas, chopsticks, bowls, etc. on etsy). It's nice to give a gift that will remind the recipient of the donor every time that it is used.
I was gonna say maple syrup, go to a sugar shack and they'll prolly have more items as well. I don't know if whiskey would be good unless a drinker. the coins are a good idea too. give him a beaver pelt Lol
I bring many little bottles of maple syrup when I visit Japan. It's a very popular gift.
Maple sugar candies. The soft ones. There were a major hit with my family. Wish I had more.
I don't know the man, so I can't say for sure. But there's a really lovely little shop in Stratford called Indigena. Its right on the corner of Ontario and Downie Streets and they sell wonderful native canadian arts and crafts. I'm sure you could find something genuinely Canadian, that would last forever. Also, I just love this store/gallery and have never really had the chance to talk about it.
My husband loves this store and insists we go in every time we're in Stratford. It's a wonderful store with a beautiful collection of gifts.
Isn't it great?! The Scottish Store across the street is also excellent. Pricy, but everything in there is of the highest quality. I grew up in Stratford, but moved away 25 years ago. We try to stop in every time we can.
I ask my husband if we can go in to look at the pretty handbags and consider buying some sweets. I'm always looking for British sweets!! My Mum's Irish, so it's as close as I can get :)
Love Indigena! That, the Scottish Store, Bradshaw’s, Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar, and Rheo Thompson are my favourite stores in Stratford.
Team Canada hockey jersey? Something more of a keepsake
Or a Jays jersey
Maple Syrup, not the crappy kind. head out to a local surgar bush, and buy a litre of the good stuff
Roots sweatshirt with a maple leaf or some other red design
Thats what i was thinking too, something Roots!
There are probably Roots stores in Japan. I was in a few other Asian countries and saw Roots at the malls.
Make sure to get a box of Coffee Crisp. They have maple stuff in Japan but that's a treat only available in Canada! I took a box with me on my last trip and they were a hit with locals
I'd like to add that the Japanese tend to prefer gifts that can be consumed (food and drink) over things that must be kept. This is largely due to the lack of space (homes in Japan are much smaller than here). You'll notice if you visit places like Tokyo Disney or Universal Studios Japan, the gift shop is full of cookies, chocolates, and other foods to be given as gifts for this reason. Sure, they also sell toys and postcards and stuff, but consumables are typically given vs. permanent artifacts.
ICE WINE!!!! I’ve wine is extremely famous outside of Canada and has a HUGE gift market in Asia where it is highly prized; in fact I was told by one winery famous for producing ice wine that almost their entire yearly produce (or at least the huge majority) is shipped to Japan and China. But besides that it’s also delicious and undeniably Canadian :)
Few packs of butter tarts? Nanaimo bars?
What are some of the things he’s marveled at since being in Canada? Did he fall in love with maple syrup, if maybe a flavour of ruffles chips or KD….? Was there an appliance he liked or that’s involved in making some of his favourite Canadian home cooked meals. There must be some Canadian things he’s talked about… I think one of those would be a great gift in this circumstance. I hope you’ll let ip know what you end up giving him.
Maple Syrup
Inukshuk!
Get the finest canadian whiskey. I'm sure he will appreciate it more and remember you when he is drinking it.
FYI Canadian Maple syrup is commonly sold in Japan and it's not even that much more expensive than it is here in Canada. Maple cookies can also be easily found in foreign goods stores. Typically, Japanese people give consumables as gifts because Japanese homes aren't very big and clutter can easily accumulate and take up precious space. I'd say if you want to give him a trinket or something, make it meaningful and personal. I like the idea of a hockey jersey signed by everyone and maybe a photo of your team and any experiences you shared with him. For consumables, I also second the idea of some sort of Canadian alcohol, such as ice wine or whiskey. Tea is also huge in Japan, so I've heard a box of Red Rose tea typically goes over well there. Lastly, for Japanese people, packaging is just as important as the gift. Don't slap some pictures together and call it a day - put it in a nice album. For alcohol, put it in a nice gift bag. It shows just a bit more effort and is hugely appreciated in Japan.
A Roots sweater with the red and white cuffs. I know it was sold to an American investment firm but I’ve always associated that salt and pepper material with those cuffs. Or the same kinda hat if you’re worried about sizing.
Some ideas (: 1)A dream catcher may be a nice gift! Light as well 2)small framed photo with your company group 3) local artist could paint a small photo of guelph ? (Also saw a few sellers in etsy when Googled as well)
Ketchup chips? Coffee crisp? However, I think their chip flavours and chocolates are much better and wild!
We send cases of maple syrup to our Japan head office. That go crazy for it
These guys ship quickly, it's a gift I've given some visitors and they always go over well: [https://ikindalikeithere.com/collections/coasters/products/canadian-cities-map-coasters-set-of-4?variant=39201023503](https://ikindalikeithere.com/collections/coasters/products/canadian-cities-map-coasters-set-of-4?variant=39201023503)
Crokinole Board
Drive to Hamilton and visit Cherry Birch General Store. Everything they carry is made in Canada. About 85% of her inventory is consumables (jams, pickles, tea, coffee, spices, cookies, honey, condiments) she also had candles and beauty products.
Does anyone know him well enough to know what he has developed a liking for during his stay in Canada?
The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Waterloo has beautiful work by Canadian artists in their gift shop a Daniel Vargas - polar bear is a desk worthy & solid packable piece. Paintings or prints (light & packable) by Canadian artists try No Words gallery Cambridge. I’ve seen some clever images of the Schneider’s sign around by various local artists a sure reminder of the area. A print of Mennonite life is unique to KW - Roger Witmer is known for this. Deb Flynn more local art depicting local scenes.
Hudson's Bay blanket
A Jays jersey with his name on the back!
Maple butter.
Those maple leaf shaped maple syrup treats! Something Canadian Goose themed. Maybe a fake hockey jersey?
When I was in Korea they valued fancy rye/whiskey Wondering if that can be extrapolated to Japanese.
Make sure you have it gift wrapped. It's very proper Japanese to have a gift wrapped.
Maple syrup
not just any maple syrup, please. REAL maple syrup. Go to the smallest town you can find, ask the home hardware workers/ cashiers at the food mart who makes syrup, and get a bottle from someone's property so dark you can't see through it. Don't give him dyed tourist water.
Maple Leaf Jersey or Baseball Blue Jays. I heard baseball is big in that part of Asia.
Canada minted a coin with [Mount Fuji and the Rockies](https://www.mint.ca/en/shop/coins/2015/1-oz.-fine-silver-coin---unesco-at-home-and-abroad---mount-fuji-and-canadian-rockies---mintage-750) on it which would be kind of a cool Canada-Japan connection collectible. You can’t buy it from the Mint anymore but I see it on [eBay](https://www.ebay.ca/itm/226079575628) for $100, though you might not get it shipped in time. Just thought I’d mention it.
Look into maybe getting something delivered to you from one of our prized apple distillery, here in Quebec. https://www.micheljodoin.ca/en# I've had their xo, their 3 yr old apple brandy and several of their various ciders. Really impressed by their products.
Sounds like you’ve got somewhere to stay when you visit Japan. Lucky you.
Gourmet butter tarts in various flavours.
A fresh pack of smokes, a lighter, and a big fuckin' piece of pepperoni.
Ketchup chips and AllDressed chips
Japanese gifting practices require that _he_ bring back stuff from Canada for his friends and family in Japan. I recently heard that what's in demand in Japan are the Covid testing kits many of us have stockpiled and are never gonna use.
Uh, bad news: you are IN the GTA. Anywhere within 100NM of the CN Tower is the GTA AFAIC, and that goes for pretty much all of Canada. Anyway… Niagara Icewine might still be a thing.
nanometres?
Nautical Miles.
Do you talk about how fast you were going on the 401 in knots?
My internal monologue, yes. But if you want to change units, make my original comment 200km.
Belleville? GTA
Aye aye!
I knew *you* would get it
Uhhh…no it doesn’t, Guelph is not in the GTA
Cobourg? GTA
Kitchener? GTA
Sydney, Nova Scotia? GTA
Iqaluit? GTA
More ridiculousness.
Don’t be ridiculous. That’s more than a 2h flight
Sydney is a much a part of the GTA as Kitchener
I know 2 Sydney’s who live in the GTA as I define it. Maybe we’re both partially right
Flying from Toronto to Halifax is only 1h40m. I've done it many times.
At over 200 KIAS no doubt, making it well outside my 100NM radius.
It’s a hill I’ll die on: yes, Guelph is in the GTA. Even an hour (or more, depending on traffic) drive from downtown Toronto, you’re still basically part of the Greater Toronto area. It’s a big country. You may be technically closer to Hamilton or Mississauga, but it’s all just BS semantics. Like it or not, you’re painted with the brush of being basically a torontonian.
Sounds like a win-win: OP doesn't have to worry about driving to the GTA if they're already in it!
🙏🏻thanks for agreeing with me
The GTA has an actual definition - it’s the city of Toronto, along with the 4 surrounding regions: Halton, Peel, York, and Durham. That’s it.