This Day, That Year

Item from March 27, 1994, in China Daily: A shop assistant helps a customer choose a birthday present for her boyfriend at a gift store in Beijing. These days more Chinese want unique handicrafts to give as gifts for their friends and relatives.

Nowadays, more Chinese consumers prefer handmade gifts rather than mass-produced items.

To meet the demand, there is a growing trend to make things by hand, which is seen as an extension of personality and a way to preserve traditional techniques. Anything can be made by hand, including wallets, jewelry, perfumes and furniture.

Last year's Government Work Report encouraged this trend, as it mentioned "the craftsmanship spirit" for the first time, which refers to the dedication that craftspeople have for their work.

A 36-year-old part-time leatherware maker surnamed Qiu, who has his own brand, Muke, is just one of the people to have developed a keen interest in handicrafts.

Determined to master the art of leatherworking, he did extensive research into the craft and taught himself leather-cutting and hand-stitching techniques in order to create goods such as wallets and bags. His handcrafted wallets now command prices of more than 900 yuan ($130).

Besides buying handmade gifts, there is growing interest among young people to make gifts themselves.