Some of my fave bits and pieces for holiday mail back home

Even though it's too late to send parcels back home in time for Christmas this year, if you're thinking ahead for friends and family for next year, here is a list of some of my favorite bits and pieces to mail back.

Food is a big one, and one of the best things about living here is all the lovely little regional snacks and sweets you stumble across. Department store basements are a goldmine for packaged treats you can only get in specific prefectures, which is great if you've already done multiple mailouts of the ubiquitous Kit Kats in the past. Nothing wrong with Kit Kats either, though, as they are always a hit no matter how many times you send them.

Stationery is another underrated winner. I'm convinced that even people who swear they don't care about pens or notebooks light up when you send them beautiful Japanese paper, washi tape, or some really nice pens (I love the Zebra brand). Kitchen gifts with real everyday use are also things that feel thoughtful and practical, and one huge hit for people in my life has been those cabbage shredder/peelers! Seems random, I know, but they've been coveted items. 

I would also recommend some bath culture goodies like onsen-style bath salts or nice quality tenugui towels. One big hit with kids back home has been the bath bombs that come with toys hidden inside, and I've found ones with themes like Chiikawa and Pokemon among others. 

Bath bombs like this ALWAYS seem to enthrall kids!

I also really like sending tea to the tea lovers in my life, because the quality here is just so good. 

What are your fave items to send back home?