March and April are seasons of new beginnings, with graduations, school entrances, and new jobs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, milestone events like graduation ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, and coming-of-age ceremonies have been canceled or downsized, and many may find it difficult to shift gears for their new life.
That's why now is the perfect time to give a special item to a relative or friend taking a new step, something to heighten their excitement for the journey ahead.

This time, the Domingo editorial team brings you five recommended items from Hokkaido, perfect for graduation or school entrance gifts!
We hope you'll visit a nearby shop or one that piques your interest to find the perfect present♪
For those who can't go out right now, some shops offer online purchasing, so be sure to check them out!

5 Recommended Gift Items!

1. 10-Crayon Set in a Paper Box (¥3,000)

Photo courtesy of: Handmade Crayon Workshop Tuna-Kai (Shibecha, Eastern Hokkaido)

These crayons are handmade one by one, using only naturally derived materials like plants and seashells!
Since the materials are harmless to the body, they are safe for children who will be drawing a lot. The color names, such as "Cochineal" and "Seashell," are also unique and wonderful!

With two types of packaging and three combinations of crayons inside, even the time spent choosing is enjoyable.
Sets with more colors are also available, making it a great gift not just for children, but for anyone who loves to draw♪

■Handmade Crayon Workshop Tuna-Kai

2. Magewappa (Bentwood) Lunch Box (¥4,536 - ¥7,344)

Photo courtesy of: Kobo Yuhanano (Oketo, Eastern Hokkaido)

This is a lunch box from Oke-Craft, a regional brand of Oketo! It's handmade one by one using Ezo spruce.
Oke-Craft products boast such high quality that they are even used as tableware for school lunches in the local area.

Among them, the Magewappa lunch box from "Kobo Yuhanano" is made by a female artisan who is also a mother of three, making it incredibly practical and easy to use♪
Gifting a lunch box can also carry the message, "Eat well and stay strong and healthy during your new, unfamiliar life!"

■Kobo Yuhanano

■What is Oke-Craft?

3. Honey Soap (Left) & Chamomile Soap (Right) (¥1,890)

Photo courtesy of: SORRY KOUBOU (Shimokawa, Northern Hokkaido)

This soap is handmade one by one using organically grown herbs and honey! After harvesting, the ingredients are immediately processed and manufactured in a workshop near the fields.
Various products are made with the desire to "create things that are truly safe to use and deliver the power of natural plants as they are."

The Chamomile soap is perfect for those with sensitive or troubled skin, while the Honey soap is ideal for those concerned about dryness or for children♪

■SORRY KOUBOU

4. Light Gray Vegetable-Tanned Cowhide Long Wallet (¥30,800)

Photo courtesy of: Arinohane (Sapporo, Central Hokkaido)

This wallet is made by an artisan from Asahikawa with the thought, "Rather than something that wears out quickly after purchase, I want to make something that can be used for years, or even a lifetime." It's a wonderful piece that the artisan himself thinks is "good leather that I'd want to use."

There are many other items like wallets, bags, and card cases that will make you feel more grown-up just by having them and can be used for a long time! The materials and sizes of all products are carefully considered for the user.
There's also a dog collar brand, "Arinohane Dogs," so how about matching with your pet!

■Arinohane

■Arinohane Dogs

5. Parquetry Tie Clip (¥3,400)

Photo courtesy of: Noi A FRONTIER (Takasu, Northern Hokkaido)

This tie clip is recommended for those looking for a stylish and unique gift.
This piece is actually made by a 19-year-old artisan who renovated an old traditional house in Takasu to create a workshop and gallery!
All his works are made with parquetry (yosegi-zaiku), so you can feel the natural colors of the wood itself♪ Wood from Hokkaido is also used, which is wonderful.
It might just give you the confidence to wear a suit you're not used to yet!

■Noi A FRONTIER

Have you decided on a gift?

How was it?
This time, we introduced five items from Hokkaido recommended for graduation and school entrance gifts.

All the items are so lovely, you might want to buy them not just as gifts, but for yourself too!
Hokkaido is home to many wonderful things being made in various places.
Check out articles and news from different regions on the Domingo app or website♪