Go by The Carriage House for some of the best holiday decorations, The Villa for the latest fashions and Coco De Bisyu for some delightful doggie accessories. Provided to China Daily

Shopping for gifts to take home? Looking to light up someone's eyes with a one-of-a-kind gift all the way from China? Mary Katherine Smith scours the streets of Shanghai in search of the perfect holiday gifts for the choosiest of receivers.

For the foodie

Homemade jams and chutneys may be plentiful at home, but here in China they're a real treat. British expat Amelia Heaton-Renshaw has made her own small business selling these delectable treats in Shanghai for almost two years. Jams range from about 35 yuan to up to 70 yuan ($5-10) while chutneys and relishes are about 45 yuan. So take back a little a sweet reminder to share with family and friends at home.

Email: amelia@ameliasmarketplace.com, 137-6427-0054

90 Nanyang Lu, near Xikang Lu

For the fashionista

Stop by The Villa in the heart of the French Concession for the latest from some top US designers and some unique accessories. The ladies at The Villa have put together two irresistible gift boxes - one for day for 2,950 yuan and one for night for 3,500 yuan - that will please even the choosiest of style gurus. Both boxes offer a necklace from Gorjana and a candle from Odin. The day box comes with a cozy scarf from Rag & Bone, while the night box comes with a sleek scarf from Yigal Azrouel.

021-6466-9322

1 Taojiang Lu, near Yueyang Lu

For the collector

What to get the guy or gal who has everything? Holiday dcor always goes over well. The Carriage House is currently running a special where they're offering 25 percent off all Christmas items and some accessories. The store's wares hail from all corners of the globe - including the Philippines, India and Spain - so they'll be an interesting addition to anyone's home. Check out the assortment of ornaments on the store's Christmas tree, plus the pillows, throws and elegant candlestick holders.

021-6248-3045

620 Huashan Lu, Wulumuqi Lu

For the artist

Free-spirited types can be a challenge to shop for. What better way to bring back a small piece of China than from a print from one of the city's most popular photographers? Jin Xuanmin's photographs are unique with their black-and-white composition or bright color. Best of all, the prints come in a variety of sizes from 17.6 centimeters by 24 cm prints (100 yuan) to 60 cm by 160 cm wall hangings (2,900 yuan). There's a perfect gift for any budget.

021-6276-7743

Room 101, Building 7, 50 Moganshan Lu

For the tea-sipper

Help your friend or loved one start 2012 off right and healthy with the gift of tea. Song Fang Maison de Th carries a variety of special tea from China and France along with cute accessories. One of the best parts of the gift is the fun tin cans that they put the tea in.

021-6433-8283

227 Yongjia Lu, near Shanxi Nanlu

For the newlyweds

So you couldn't make it to your friend's wedding? Not sure if there's anything left worth giving on the registry? Make a trip to Hongqiao Pearl Market. Among the vendors of purses, sunglasses, clothes and other Chinese trinkets, one store in the northeast area of the mall on the ground floor offers a variety of porcelain goods that are some of the prettiest for the price. Some bathroom accessories and a nice tray may be a great way of sharing a bit of your home in China in their new home.

3721 Hongmei Lu, near Yan'an Lu

For the pet lover

If your friend or family member loves getting presents for their canine companion as much as they do for themselves, try Coco De Bisyu in Tianzifang. This high-end dog fashion boutique has an assortment of goodies for one's four-legged friend.

From cutesy poop bags and doggie diapers to one-of-a-kind collars and outfits. Sweaters and outfits will fit dogs up to 6 kilograms while the collars are good for dogs up to 10 kg. Collar prices range from about 100 to 150 yuan while sweaters run about 180 yuan.

Intricate mini-qipaos cost about 600 yuan, but it's a small price to pay to have the best-dressed pooch on the block.

021-5465-3385

155-24 Jianguo Zhonglu

You may contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 12/11/2011 page14)