With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are thinking about the perfect gifts for our loved ones, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. If you’re still unsure what to give, we’ve got you covered. At Shibuya Stationery, we believe that the right stationery can do more than just serve a practical purpose; it can delight, inspire, and bring a smile to anyone’s day. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of fun, unique, and unconventional Japanese stationery designed to appeal to people of all ages.
In this guide, we’re highlighting some of our favorite playful and imaginative stationery pieces. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical addition to a holiday gift bag or a conversation-starting desk accessory, you’ll find something special to surprise and delight the people in your life.
Sanrio Round Dome Pen: A Miniature World of Joy
Add a touch of playful charm to your gift-giving this holiday season with the Sanrio Round Dome Pen. Available in five beloved Sanrio characters: Kuromi, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, and Pompompurin. Each pen is a cheerful companion that brightens everyday writing. What makes this pen truly special is the clear dome on the clicker, which encases a tiny figure of the character.
→ Discover more Sanrio Character Collection.
Did you know? Sanrio, founded in 1960 with the motto “Small Gift, Big Smile”, has been bringing charm and joy into everyday life through its thoughtfully designed characters and products. Among the favorites featured on our pens, Kuromi is a mischievous white rabbit, My Melody is a sweet pink-hooded rabbit with a gentle personality, Cinnamoroll is a fluffy white puppy with long, floppy ears, Pochacco is an energetic white dog with black floppy ears, and Pompompurin is a cheerful little golden retriever who always wears a beret. Each character carries its own personality and story, making these pens not just practical but a little piece of Sanrio’s playful legacy.
Funbox Action Pen Ballpoint Pen: Japanese Culture in Motion
Bring a touch of interactive fun to your holiday gift-giving with the Funbox Action Pen Ballpoint Pen. Inspired by iconic Japanese culture and cuisine, these pens turn writing into a playful, joyful experience. Each design features a clever motion mechanism that brings the character or object to life with every click.
→ Discover more Funbox Collection.
Did you know? The Maneki Neko is a traditional Japanese talisman believed to bring good luck and fortune, often seen in shops, restaurants, and homes throughout Japan. Meanwhile, the Daruma doll, modeled after the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, is a symbol of perseverance and goal-setting.
Ukiyo-e Date-only Perpetual Calendar: Classic Art for Every Day
The Ukiyo-e Date-only Perpetual Calendar brings celebrated works of classic ukiyo-e masters such as Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kiyonaga to your desk or wall. Each month features a beautifully reproduced print capturing scenes of nature, daily life, and the fleeting moods of the seasons. Perfect as a thoughtful holiday gift for art lovers or anyone who appreciates Japanese culture.
→ Discover more treasures in the Shin Nihon Calendar Collection.
Did you know? Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” was a popular art form during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), depicting everyday life, landscapes, and theater scenes. This calendar allows you to enjoy these classic masterpieces year-round in a practical, beautifully crafted format.
Ichikudo Card Case: Miniature Flavors from Japan
The Ichikudo Card Case comes in six playful designs: Cabbage, Grape, Ogura Toast, Strawberry, Sushi, and Takoyaki, each featuring embossed textures and matching message cards that bring a tactile, miniature version of Japan’s local flavors to your desk. Perfect as a unique holiday gift, these card cases combine charm and creativity in a small, delightful package. Ideal for sending heartfelt holiday messages or including as festive cards for your loved ones.
→ Discover more Ichikudo Card Collection.
Did you know? Takoyaki, a popular street food from Osaka, is savory octopus-filled balls cooked in a special pan. The Ichikudo Takoyaki Card Case captures this iconic snack in miniature form, complete with textured embossing.
Toyo Origami: Fold Japan’s Beauty
The Toyo Origami Set comes in four captivating designs: Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, Hanafuda, The Four Seasons of Japan, and Spinning Sushi Conveyor, bringing Japanese art and culture to life through paper folding. The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji set lets you fold 46 cranes featuring iconic landscapes inspired by Hokusai’s masterpiece, while the Hanafuda set transforms traditional card designs into elegant origami cranes. The Four Seasons set captures Japan’s seasonal beauty with vibrant chiyogami patterns for fans and decorative pieces, and the Spinning Sushi Conveyor set allows you to craft sushi, desserts, tea cups, and trays for a playful, interactive experience.
→ Discover more of the Toyo Origami Collection.
Did you know? Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, dates back to the Edo period and was originally used for ceremonial purposes. Today, it blends artistic creativity with cultural storytelling, making sets like Toyo Origami both educational and delightfully fun.
Kamiiso Washi Tapes: Timeless Kimono Beauty
The Kamiiso Washi Tape Set features six rolls of exquisite masking tape inspired by traditional Japanese kimono patterns, beautifully presented in a Paulownia box. Each roll showcases intricate, culturally rich designs, making them perfect for adding elegance and personality to notes, journals, or craft projects. Ideal for students, bullet journalers, and stationery lovers, this set combines functionality with artistry, and the premium Paulownia box makes it a thoughtful holiday gift or a beautiful way to store and display your tapes.
→ Discover more Kamiiso’s Collection.
Did you know? Washi tape is made from traditional Japanese paper, which is not only durable but also easy to tear by hand and reposition, making it a versatile and long-loved tool for bullet journalers, scrap-bookers, and crafters alike.
Stationery That Sparks Joy: Perfect Gifts for the Holidays
This holiday season, let the small joys of thoughtful, playful stationery bring smiles to the people you care about. Each piece carries charm, creativity, and a story, turning everyday moments into something special. Whether it’s a gift that sparks conversation, inspires creativity, or simply brightens someone’s day, there’s something in our collection to delight every stationery lover. Explore Shibuya Stationery today and make this season a little more magical, one delightful discovery at a time.
