gift ideas for women 80 years old image
Misa Amane
I know a new one costs about 80-100 dollars, I'm just wondering how much a used one would cost. On Ebay they all look fake, so don't give me prices based off of what you saw on there. ^_^ thanks!
Answer
If you are looking for one in the States, I don't know what to tell you. I could do some checking on Google and get back to you.
A used yukata of decent quality could run you as much as 1500-2000 yen, or more if the dyer is famous.
Best place to look for these is at temple "flea markets," usually held once a month, or every Saturday in the summer. Ryukoji near Kamakura has one of these markets.
Actually, a top quality indigo-dyed yukata (+ another color) on a white background, made in Japan, will cost you way more than $100. Many of the newer ones are purple, green, and bright yellow. Most are made in China. They are horrible.
I lived in Japan for years and I speak, read, and write the language.
Most Japanese women with any class at all hate these new yukatas that the young kids are wearing.
The color choice depends upon your age. If you are going to Japan, go shopping with a knowledgeable Japanese woman. If you have young Japanese friends, it is possible that their grandmother's would be pleased to be asked to sew one for you.
If you want to have it to keep, have it handmade, have it patterned with a traditional motif in indigo--they can do what is called "bokashi" so the pattern is not all dark blue. If you are under 25, have 1 or 2 additional colors--green bamboo leaves; simple red fireworks design.
You will also need some kind of an obi. Here again, it's best to ask for advice. You could ask for a "dento-teki moyo" (traditional pattern). It's always a good idea to mention that you like "shibui" things, no matter what you buy. Even the best Japanese gift shops have the mistaken impression that all non-Japanese like very showy red designs.
To get a good idea of quality Japanese gifts, kimono, yukata fabric, etc., go to Takashimaya's main Tokyo store not far from Tokyo Station. Then go somewhere else and find it cheaper. For this there are many neighborhoods in Shitamachi Tokyo which have less expensive specialty shops. Use Google.
If you want to get a decent used yukata in the U.S., the only thing I can suggest is to check out sites like the one below.
I'm not that crazy about Rakuten.
link:http://www.ichiroya.com/item/search.php?pg=1&itemcode=&keywords=&sritem=-Yukata&srhistory=0&srfabric=cotton&srcondition=very+good&srprice1=0&srprice2=0&onlysale=&tani=cm
Most of these are quite dark but several look like quality pieces. Go for the ones that say "handmade" and "quite old."
I saw one on the second page (I think) that has a touch of purple in it. It's very nice. If you are youngish, you could pair something like that with an obi in willow green or a subdued yellow.
You'll need to put in your measurements.
Kimono and yukata should be worn in a smooth line from the bust on down so as not to look like what Japanese call a "ku-no-ji." If you have a big bust and a small waist, you'll need to put some towels around your waist to even out the line.
If you are looking for one in the States, I don't know what to tell you. I could do some checking on Google and get back to you.
A used yukata of decent quality could run you as much as 1500-2000 yen, or more if the dyer is famous.
Best place to look for these is at temple "flea markets," usually held once a month, or every Saturday in the summer. Ryukoji near Kamakura has one of these markets.
Actually, a top quality indigo-dyed yukata (+ another color) on a white background, made in Japan, will cost you way more than $100. Many of the newer ones are purple, green, and bright yellow. Most are made in China. They are horrible.
I lived in Japan for years and I speak, read, and write the language.
Most Japanese women with any class at all hate these new yukatas that the young kids are wearing.
The color choice depends upon your age. If you are going to Japan, go shopping with a knowledgeable Japanese woman. If you have young Japanese friends, it is possible that their grandmother's would be pleased to be asked to sew one for you.
If you want to have it to keep, have it handmade, have it patterned with a traditional motif in indigo--they can do what is called "bokashi" so the pattern is not all dark blue. If you are under 25, have 1 or 2 additional colors--green bamboo leaves; simple red fireworks design.
You will also need some kind of an obi. Here again, it's best to ask for advice. You could ask for a "dento-teki moyo" (traditional pattern). It's always a good idea to mention that you like "shibui" things, no matter what you buy. Even the best Japanese gift shops have the mistaken impression that all non-Japanese like very showy red designs.
To get a good idea of quality Japanese gifts, kimono, yukata fabric, etc., go to Takashimaya's main Tokyo store not far from Tokyo Station. Then go somewhere else and find it cheaper. For this there are many neighborhoods in Shitamachi Tokyo which have less expensive specialty shops. Use Google.
If you want to get a decent used yukata in the U.S., the only thing I can suggest is to check out sites like the one below.
I'm not that crazy about Rakuten.
link:http://www.ichiroya.com/item/search.php?pg=1&itemcode=&keywords=&sritem=-Yukata&srhistory=0&srfabric=cotton&srcondition=very+good&srprice1=0&srprice2=0&onlysale=&tani=cm
Most of these are quite dark but several look like quality pieces. Go for the ones that say "handmade" and "quite old."
I saw one on the second page (I think) that has a touch of purple in it. It's very nice. If you are youngish, you could pair something like that with an obi in willow green or a subdued yellow.
You'll need to put in your measurements.
Kimono and yukata should be worn in a smooth line from the bust on down so as not to look like what Japanese call a "ku-no-ji." If you have a big bust and a small waist, you'll need to put some towels around your waist to even out the line.
How do I throw a 30th Birthday Party for my single friend?
Q. My single girlfriend is turn 30 this year. Does anyone have an clever ideas for decorations or a theme?
Answer
I'm single and also turning 30 this year. Hey, maybe you're my friend and this party is for me! ha! just kidding... ;)
If she's anything like me, and dreads turning 30, the last thing I want is to have people rubbing my new age-bracket in my face. Who wants to be reminded of how old they are getting when they're still single? So forego any "Over-the-Hill" type of decorations, or anything referring to "Old Maid" (I absolutely HATE that term!!!) Here are some parties that she may like:
-Honestly, I think a dinner party with her closest friends would be the best. Make reservations at her favorite restaurant and make a fun night of it. Take pictures!
-If she hates the thought of turning 30, do a "Happy 1st Anniversary of turning 29" party. Have 29 pink candles and 1 white candle decorating a white-frosted cake.
-Decorate the party like the 70's since that was the year she was born and have everyone wear 70's attire and play 70's music. Have 70's style posters decorating the room and maybe a history board of pictures of her growing through the years.
-Or if she's a fan of the 80's, throw an 80's style party, same idea as the 70's version...
-Or perhaps if she's a movie buff, have a party of "Big Movie Hits of the Last Three Decades". Have everyone dress up as their favorite movie character over the last 30 years.
-Maybe have people bring inexpensive gifts in thirty's. Thirty candy bars, thirty birthday cards about turning 30, a mixed CD with 30 songs on it, etc. Let your guests be the creative ones too.
-Murder mystery parties are awesome.
-Perhaps if you and her close friends can afford it, go on a road trip somewhere and celebrate. Vegas, Atlantic City, etc.
I don't suggest strippers or strip clubs. To me, that's fun in your early 20's. Turning 30 is a big step and the party shouldn't be reduced to something silly, unless she would like that...? *shrug*
***The most important part: Whatever you decide to do, invite men and women. If any of your guests have any potentional, great single men, bring them along! The more the single men, the merrier, right? ;)
Good luck! I'm sure she (and everyone else) will have a blast! And how thoughtful of you to do this for her! :)
I'm single and also turning 30 this year. Hey, maybe you're my friend and this party is for me! ha! just kidding... ;)
If she's anything like me, and dreads turning 30, the last thing I want is to have people rubbing my new age-bracket in my face. Who wants to be reminded of how old they are getting when they're still single? So forego any "Over-the-Hill" type of decorations, or anything referring to "Old Maid" (I absolutely HATE that term!!!) Here are some parties that she may like:
-Honestly, I think a dinner party with her closest friends would be the best. Make reservations at her favorite restaurant and make a fun night of it. Take pictures!
-If she hates the thought of turning 30, do a "Happy 1st Anniversary of turning 29" party. Have 29 pink candles and 1 white candle decorating a white-frosted cake.
-Decorate the party like the 70's since that was the year she was born and have everyone wear 70's attire and play 70's music. Have 70's style posters decorating the room and maybe a history board of pictures of her growing through the years.
-Or if she's a fan of the 80's, throw an 80's style party, same idea as the 70's version...
-Or perhaps if she's a movie buff, have a party of "Big Movie Hits of the Last Three Decades". Have everyone dress up as their favorite movie character over the last 30 years.
-Maybe have people bring inexpensive gifts in thirty's. Thirty candy bars, thirty birthday cards about turning 30, a mixed CD with 30 songs on it, etc. Let your guests be the creative ones too.
-Murder mystery parties are awesome.
-Perhaps if you and her close friends can afford it, go on a road trip somewhere and celebrate. Vegas, Atlantic City, etc.
I don't suggest strippers or strip clubs. To me, that's fun in your early 20's. Turning 30 is a big step and the party shouldn't be reduced to something silly, unless she would like that...? *shrug*
***The most important part: Whatever you decide to do, invite men and women. If any of your guests have any potentional, great single men, bring them along! The more the single men, the merrier, right? ;)
Good luck! I'm sure she (and everyone else) will have a blast! And how thoughtful of you to do this for her! :)
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