- Jun 26, 2025
Are Vietnamese Gifts Really Cheap or Just Misunderstood?
"Vietnamese gifts" are often misunderstood as cheap and generic due to low-cost mass-produced items that have dominated the market for too long. This has made consumers associate "made in Vietnam" with low costs rather than quality and unique culture.
In reality, this is a misconception that has existed for decades and is gradually changing. Let's explore deeper into the origins and ways to change this perception.
Beautiful shot of exquisite gifts with rich Vietnamese soul
What Are Vietnamese Gifts and Why Are They Misunderstood?
True Vietnamese gifts are products that carry the essence of national culture, crafted by Vietnamese artisans using traditional techniques or modern creativity. These gifts tell stories about Vietnamese culture, history, and talent.
Examples of authentic Vietnamese gifts:
- Handicrafts and fine arts: Bat Trang ceramics, hand embroidery, lacquer paintings
- Fashion products: ao dai, silk scarves, handmade silver accessories
- Regional specialties: Buon Ma Thuot coffee, Soc Trang pia cakes
- Wooden crafts: tea trays, carved sculptures, furniture
- Textile products: Cham scarves, ethnic brocade
Colorful and delicate traditional handicraft artworks
However, in the actual market, the term "Vietnamese gifts" is often narrowed down to cheap souvenirs mass-produced at tourist areas. This creates serious confusion between "quality Vietnamese products" and "tourist souvenirs".
Concerning reality:
- 67% of foreign tourists only associate "Vietnamese gifts" with items under 100,000 VND (about $4)
- Common items in tourists' minds: keychains, fridge magnets, printed t-shirts
- Only 23% of international tourists know about quality handicrafts like Chu Dau ceramics, Bao Loc silk, or Dong Ky wood crafts
Why Did This Stereotype Form?
History of Contract Manufacturing Dominating the Market
Since the 1990s, Vietnam positioned itself as the world's "manufacturing workshop" with the advantage of low labor costs. This helped the economy develop rapidly but simultaneously created the image of "made in Vietnam = cheap" in global consumers' minds.
Modern production line in a large manufacturing facility
Foreign brands moved production to Vietnam to reduce costs, from Nike and Adidas shoes to H&M and Zara clothing. Although product quality was good, consumers only saw the "made in Vietnam" label with retail prices lower than "made in Italy" or "made in Japan".
According to statistics from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam's textile and garment export revenue in 2023 reached $44 billion, but 85% was contract manufacturing for foreign brands with low added value. This made "made in Vietnam" associated with low-cost production rather than creativity and quality, affecting how the market perceives Vietnamese gifts.
Lack of Clear National Brand Positioning
Unlike South Korea with K-beauty and K-pop, or Japan with minimalism culture, Vietnam hasn't had a consistent "brand story" to convey cultural values through products. This is one of the main reasons why Vietnamese products are undervalued in terms of branding.
Famous brand symbols from different countries
According to market observations, countries successful in building national brands usually share the common point of being able to tell unique cultural stories through products. Meanwhile, Vietnam is still in the transition phase from "manufacturing" to "creativity".
Vietnam's current challenges:
- When mentioning handbags → people think Hermès (France), Gucci (Italy)
- When mentioning ceramics → people think Wedgwood (UK), Meissen (Germany)
- When mentioning watches → people think Rolex, Patek Philippe (Switzerland)
- What about Vietnam? Conical hats, ao dai, coffee haven't been positioned as "luxury items"
Vietnam's iconic products haven't been properly invested in marketing to become "national symbols" with high commercial value in the international market.
When Did This Stereotype Start to Change?
Wave of Creative Startups Since 2015
Since 2015, a generation of young Vietnamese entrepreneurs began building brands with strong cultural identity and high quality. Names like Cung Dinh (fashion), Annam Group (F&B), or Saigon Skydeck (services) have proven that Vietnamese products can compete in quality and design.
Creative workspace of a Vietnamese startup with new ideas
Statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade show that the number of Vietnamese brands registering international trademarks increased 156% during 2018-2023, showing domestic enterprises' ambition to reach the world.
Some notable successes include Trung Nguyen coffee brand present in over 60 countries, or Cocoon cosmetics brand exported to Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and the US. This proves that Vietnamese gifts can completely compete in quality and design in the international market.
"Buy Vietnamese" Trend Among Domestic Consumers
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnamese people tend to support domestic brands more strongly. The government's "Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese products" campaign also contributed to changing perceptions.
Young Vietnamese consumers proudly choosing domestic products
A 2023 Nielsen Vietnam survey showed 78% of consumers are willing to pay 20-30% more for quality Vietnamese products compared to similar imported goods.
This trend is particularly strong in the clean food and natural cosmetics segments. Brands like Farmer's Market (organic food), Saigon Cosmetics, or Maison Marou (chocolate) have recorded 40-60% revenue growth in the past two years thanks to Vietnamese consumer support.
Where Can You Find Quality Vietnamese Gifts?
Stores Specializing in Handicrafts
Instead of buying in tourist areas, visitors should look for:
- Traditional craft villages: Bat Trang (ceramics with 700 years of history), Dong Ho (folk paintings), Ha Thai (lacquer), Chuong (bronze), Phu Vinh (weaving)
- Reputable concept stores: CHUS (handicraft gifts), Saigon Kitsch (vintage Vietnam), Metiseko (sustainable fashion), The Craft House (wooden crafts)
- Art markets: Da Lat Weekend Market, Phu Quoc Night Market (handicraft section), Ben Thanh Market (2nd floor - handicraft area)
Read other related articles
>> Where to Buy Unique Vietnamese Souvenirs in Hanoi?
>> Where to Buy Unique Vietnamese Souvenirs In HCMC Before You Leave
Reputable E-commerce Platforms for Vietnamese Gifts
Many high-quality Vietnamese brands now sell online on platforms like CHUS, Tiki, Shopee Mall with clear origin certification.
Quality Vietnamese gifts are increasingly popular on e-commerce platforms
Who Is Changing the Face of Vietnamese Gifts?
Young Artisans Combining Tradition and Modernity
Currently, many young artisans and designers are creating products with strong Vietnamese cultural identity that suit modern aesthetics. They not only preserve traditional techniques but also create new designs, targeting both domestic and international markets.
This trend is clearly visible in fields from fashion, ceramics, to handicrafts. Works often combine traditional handcraft techniques with contemporary design, creating Vietnamese gifts that have Vietnamese soul while appealing to international tastes.
Social Enterprises Focusing on Handicrafts
Many social enterprises like Mekong Plus, REACH, Craft Link, or Saigon Children's Charity have directly connected with local artisans, ensuring fair income and sustainable development for communities.
This model not only creates quality products but also has meaningful stories, increasing emotional value for buyers. For example, Mekong Plus has helped over 2,000 artisans in the Mekong Delta have stable income from embroidery, with wages 2-3 times higher than traditional agriculture.
Local artisan carefully crafting each vase
Young Generation Starting Businesses with New Mindset
In recent years, many young Vietnamese have started businesses in handicrafts with a completely different approach from previous generations. Instead of just focusing on traditional production models, they emphasize storytelling and customer experience.
This trend is clearly seen through new brands often combining traditional elements with modern design, using social media to tell stories about artisans and production processes. This helps young consumers understand and appreciate the true value of handmade Vietnamese gifts.
Role of Social Media in Changing Perceptions
Content creators and reviewers on YouTube and TikTok have played an important role in introducing quality Vietnamese products to young people. Instead of just emphasizing price factors, they often focus on the story behind products, crafting techniques, and cultural significance.
This approach has gradually changed how young Vietnamese view the value of domestic handicrafts, from "cheap" to "meaningful and collectible".
Content creator enthusiastically reviewing and introducing Vietnamese handicraft products
How to Change Perceptions About Vietnamese Gifts?
Educating Consumers About Cultural Value
Each Vietnamese gift product carries a unique cultural story. Conveying these stories through product packaging, marketing, and shopping experiences will help consumers understand and appreciate true value.
For example, a hand-embroidered silk scarf is not just a fashion accessory but an artwork that takes weeks to complete, carrying centuries-old traditional techniques.
Building Quality Standards and Origin Certification
There needs to be a clear "Vietnamese Handicrafts" certification system to help consumers distinguish truly quality products from cheap mass-produced goods.
Many countries like Italy with "Made in Italy" or Switzerland with "Swiss Made" have succeeded in protecting and promoting national brands through strict standards.
Collaborating with Tourism to Create Cultural Experiences
Instead of just selling products, Vietnamese souvenir gift shops should create experiences of visiting workshops and learning handicrafts with artisans.
This model has succeeded in Japan with ceramic craft villages, or in Italy with Murano glass workshops.
Where tradition meets modernity, creating memorable experiences
Read other related articles
>> Vietnamese Specialties You Can Buy Online - Ship Easy!
>> What Are the Best Vietnamese Gifts to Bring Home? (Complete Guide)
Conclusion
Quality Vietnamese gifts are increasingly becoming ideal choices - carrying rich cultural identity while showing sophistication and meaning. Whether for business partners or loved ones, handicraft products and personalized gifts always create unforgettable impressions.
And if you're looking for a reputable online Vietnamese gift store, visit CHUS - the platform for handicraft gifts and Vietnamese culture. Here, you can easily choose authentic Vietnamese gifts thanks to diverse categories, carefully packaged as gifts, with fast delivery.
What are you waiting for? Start shopping with CHUS right now!
FAQs
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Can Vietnamese gifts be shipped internationally?
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Which Vietnamese gifts last the longest?
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Are there any cultural taboos when giving Vietnamese gifts to foreigners?
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Where to buy authentic Vietnamese gifts online for international shipping?
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Can Vietnamese gifts be shipped internationally?
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Which Vietnamese gifts last the longest?
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Are there any cultural taboos when giving Vietnamese gifts to foreigners?
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Where to buy authentic Vietnamese gifts online for international shipping?
