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When I travel I often find unusual products that seem just right for friends and family. One year I bought almost all of my Christmas presents in Shanghai. I piled up cotton pajamas, embroidered silk slippers, necklaces of coral branches and pearls, even rare green tea for my sister that she continues to order online. The finding was as much fun as the giving. And even when I am back home, I can order presents from special far-away sources. Below are some of my favorites that celebrate local products and will ship.

LOTTY BUNBURY, Mustique

Lotty Bunbury is an artist who lives on Mustique and has created the island’s unofficial uniform. Her hand-painted designs are printed onto silk and fashioned into dreamy kaftans, camisoles and pants, sarongs and other resort styles, including ones for children. All items are packaged in beautiful pale blue boxes. www.lottyb.com.

SUZHOU COBBLER, Shanghai

This tiny shop in Shanghai, just off the Bund, sells gorgeous Chinese silk slippers with hand-sewn flower and fish designs ($90) or silk purses ($80); each arrives in a green velvet bag.

JAN DE LUZ, Napa

The wooden boxes of linen napkins embroidered with someone’s initial make great presents. You can buy sets of four, six and eight in different patterns in handsome wooden boxes (from $110 to $213). They have tons of other housewares as well.

OLIVIER NAPA VALLEY, Napa

For foodies, I love to order things from Olivier, a charming store in St. Helena. Its products are delicious and attractive looking to have on your table or in your kitchen. Favorites: rosemary olive oil and basil olive oil ($12.95); artichoke tapenade ($8.95) and herbes de provence mustard ($8.50).

WHIT MCLEOD, Napa

A Northern Californian who studied wildlife biology, Whit McLeod is an environmental entrepreneur who sells handcrafted furniture from reclaimed materials. I fell in love with his folding wine barrel chairs and only learned later of their green bonus. In his studio in Northern California, he and his team work with reclaimed lumber, wine barrels and other recyclable material to create handsome indoor and outdoor furniture with an Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Available at Napa’s Bounty Hunter and www.whitmcleod.com.

CHARVET, Paris

The legendary tailor, Charvet, off the Place Vendôme in Paris, doesn’t have a website but they will ship and there’s no better place to buy indulgences for well-dressed men who are particular about their ties, pajamas or socks. My favorite item for frequent fliers are the suede slippers in a pouch that come in an array of fabulous colors.

TAKASHIMAYA, Japan and New York

The Fifth Avenue branch is a treasure trove of wonderful objets d’art and accessories. The Web site offers everything from one-of-a-kind bracelets to exquisitely wrapped Japanese soaps ($30) in scents like yuzu citrus.