Gift market bustling ahead of Vietnam’s National Day

These items are drawing attention for their intricate craftsmanship and unique charm. They carry meaningful messages, promote patriotism, and are highly practical.

Thu Hang, 28, from Gia Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, purchased a thermal mug printed with the Vietnamese flag and local landmarks to give to a friend.

She even had her friend’s name printed on the mug for free.

“I came across it while browsing an e-commerce platform and thought it would be perfect for the occasion,” she shared.

Lason, a gift product provider, is offering a wide array of National Day-themed items including thermal mugs and bottles printed with postage stamp designs and phrases like 'Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.'

It is also offering handheld fans, traditional scarves, and handkerchiefs featuring Vietnamese cultural symbols. Prices start from VND120,000 (US$4.6), with discounts available online.

Among the standout items are handheld fans made from dried wheat stalks with canvas edges, and silk scarves with bronze drum patterns on one side and the national flag on the other.

These scarves can be worn as accessories on the wrist, collar, hair, or bags.

Many purchases come with keychains printed with patriotic slogans such as 'Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom' and 'Independence - Freedom - Happiness.'

Another popular item is the 'Proud Vietnam' A5 notebook, sold for VND125,000 ($4.8), with covers featuring images of President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or bronze drum patterns. The first and last pages include the full text of the Declaration of Independence.

At SanNy gift shop in Ho Chi Minh City, customers can find keychains shaped like conical hats printed with the national flag or girls in traditional ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long gown), priced from VND25,000 ($1) each.

The store also sells multicolored light sticks, badges, bookmarks, sticky notes, luggage tags, and fridge magnets featuring images of pho (Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and beef or chicken) and Vietnamese landmarks.

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City is also lively with bookstores and souvenir shops offering National Day-themed gifts.

Mai Thi Le Huyen, the manager of Phuong Nam Bookstore chain, said the store releases a 'patriotic stuffed bears' during major holidays like April 30 and September 2.

The stuffed bears are designed to resemble liberation soldiers and young volunteers, complete with pith helmets, khan ran (traditional black-and-white checkered scarves), and miniature flags.

These dolls are priced from VND270,000 ($10.3) apiece and come with messages about national pride.

Huyen noted that not only domestic buyers but also foreign tourists are drawn to these patriotic gifts.

She added that this year’s offerings are more diverse, catering to younger customers during this significant occasion.

At souvenir store Con Meo Nho (Little Cat), handmade items rich in traditional aesthetics are on display.

Its notebooks made from traditional do paper, a kind of material made from the inner bark of 'do' trees, are priced from VND250,000 ($9.5) and feature hand-drawn illustrations of Vietnamese food and culture — banh mi (Vietnamese bread), pho, com tam (a rice dish whose main ingredient is broken rice), and coffee.

Postcards featuring Vietnamese cuisine, urban scenes, and landscapes are sold from VND70,000 ($2.7).

Supun Samitha, a 25-year-old tourist from Indonesia, bought a conical hat decorated with countryside motifs and the word 'Vietnam' for VND80,000 ($3).

He said he appreciated the visual appeal and craftsmanship of the handmade items. Visiting Vietnam with a friend, he shared that Hoi An was his favorite stop for its peaceful, traditional vibe.

Some stores offer pre-packaged gift boxes containing a mix of items.

Dan 86 Farm, for instance, features gift boxes made of woven bamboo containing cloth bags, khan ran, drinking glasses, and flag-shaped magnets.

These gift boxes are priced from around VND300,000 ($11.4) each.

Mini Cozy offers ceramic mugs in red, white, and olive green, each printed with the national flag and priced at VND75,000 ($2.9).