Vietnam's selection of handcrafted gifts & premiums continues to expand

Handmade products remain popular exports because of their unique designs. Makers turn to sustainable materials amid the environmental trend.

Vietnam's diverse range of gifts and premiums continues to expand as suppliers leverage their access to skilled artisans and various natural materials to create products featuring local motifs, as well as those popular in other countries.

Across the different categories, handcrafted designs remain on trend. Demand for such products remain high, especially for those made of sustainable natural materials. For handwoven bags, raw material choices include seagrass, bamboo and rattan, which are available locally. Bamboo and rattan are also common options in handcrafted home furnishings such as trays, vases, figurines and storage baskets.

Seagrass is typically obtained from the provinces of Tien Giang and Thanh Hoa, while bamboo is available in several provinces, including Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. Rattan is procured from the provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri.

To differentiate their products further, several makers are adopting patterns and shapes that depict figures, landmarks and other elements popular in overseas markets. Recent releases also include models with abstract or novelty shapes, in contrast to traditional designs featuring floral or religious motifs.

The selection of pop-up cards, for example, include those featuring well-known landmarks such the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Honmyō-ji in Kumamoto, Japan. For handcrafted vases, irregularly shaped designs, some of which come in sets that form a pattern when placed side by side, are among the latest offerings.

2-piece vase set made of ceramic

Bat Trang KNK Co. Ltd offers this two-piece ceramic vase set with eggshell inlay and a lacquer finish. The vases measure 17x9x40 and 19x10x48cm. Various colors are available.

Ceramic vase with eggshell inlay

The model KNK-0026 ceramic vase from Bat Trang KNK has an eggshell inlay and a lacquered exterior. It measures 15x15x38cm and comes in various colors.

Belly basket made of seagrass

Indochina Creative Investment and Development Joint Stock Company offers this seagrass belly basket decorated with pompoms. The product is 30cm in diameter and 28cm in height.

Greeting card features quilled design

Tuong Minh Craft Co. Ltd offers this greeting card with a quilled pattern. The product measures 15x15cm. Various designs and sizes are available.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.