Rinbell's 2026 Mid-Year Gifts: Japan's #1 Catalog Gift That Brings Joy

Rinbell Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Rinbell', headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and Chairman CEO: Hidenori Tokai) has started selling mid-year gifts on its official online store.

Catalog gifts that let recipients choose what they like become a staple

According to a survey※ by Rinbell's Gift Research Institute—an organization that studies gift-giving awareness—the most appreciated mid-year gifts received were: 1st place, catalog gifts; 2nd place, beer and sparkling alcoholic drinks; and 3rd place, Western confectionery.

Catalog gifts maintained their No.1 position from the previous survey, with satisfaction scores rising further. Since people often receive multiple mid-year gifts, catalog gifts—which allow recipients to freely select what they want and avoid duplicates—are especially appreciated. Having ranked in the top two for the past three years, catalog gifts have clearly become a standard mid-year gift choice.

Beer and sparkling alcoholic drinks, which ranked 4th last time, have risen in popularity. While already a summer gift staple, their perceived luxury has increased due to price hikes, possibly boosting their appeal as 'gifts people are happy to receive.' The rising rankings and scores for seafood, processed meats, and livestock products suggest growing demand for food items that combine practicality with a sense of special occasion.

※Online survey of 400 men and women who gave or received mid-year gifts last year (Survey period: September 8–9, 2025)

<2026 Ranking: Most Appreciated Mid-Year Gifts>

1st

Catalog Gifts

18.3%

2nd

Beer & Sparkling Alcoholic Drinks

13.5%

3rd

Western Confectionery

12.0%

4th

Processed Meats (ham, sausages, etc.)

8.3%

5th

Seafood & Fish

6.8%

6th

Livestock Products & Meat

4.5%

7th

Japanese Confectionery

3.8%

8th

Fruits

(except cherries, watermelon, grapes, peaches, melon, mango)

3.0%

9th

Melon

2.8%

9th

Gift Cards & Vouchers

2.8%

No.1 Most Appreciated Mid-Year Gift! Give the Gift of Choice with Catalog Gifts

Catalog gifts have ranked No.1 for the second consecutive year in the 'Most Appreciated Mid-Year Gifts' survey. A key reason for their popularity is that recipients can freely choose what they truly want. During mid-year gift exchanges, it's common to receive duplicate items from different people, but catalog gifts eliminate this concern. Additionally, recipients can specify delivery dates for items ordered through the catalog, preventing issues like perishable goods not being received promptly.

Among catalog gifts, gourmet-themed options are especially popular for mid-year gifting. The classic 'Rinbell Gourmet Catalog Gift' features a rich selection of delicacies from renowned long-established shops and famous brands, sure to delight any recipient. 'Bimi Hyakusen' offers 100 premium food items, including regional specialties and farm-fresh produce with traceable origins. Other popular specialized catalogs include 'Hokkaido Seven Stars Gift,' featuring gourmet items from Japan's food treasure trove Hokkaido, and 'Selectable Domestic Wagyu Beef Catalog Gift,' showcasing only top-grade Japanese beef.

Catalog gifts ordered by noon can be shipped as early as the same day (subject to conditions).

From craft beer to premium brews: Gift the perfect pint

With consumer tastes diversifying, interest in premium and craft beers continues to grow. Rinbell offers a wide range of beer gift sets, including stylishly packaged craft beers, sampler sets from regional breweries, and premium beer paired with snacks—perfect summer gifts that deliver the joy of a special drink.

Hokkaido cherries—2nd largest harvest in Japan, in season in July

Leveraging its cool, dry climate, Hokkaido has seen increasing cherry cultivation. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' '2025 Crop Statistics Survey (Outo),' Hokkaido ranks second in cherry production, just behind Yamagata Prefecture. With peak season in July, mid-year is the perfect time to enjoy these fresh, flavorful cherries. We deliver seasonal cherries harvested in Nibutani Town and Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido.

Customize for your recipient! 'GIFT LIST' lets you share the joy of choosing

Rinbell's 'GIFT LIST' allows users to create and send personalized digital catalog gifts, freely combining items based on the recipient's preferences. You can even send curated lists from the official GIFT LIST account or other users—ideal for those who 'don’t have time to pick carefully' or 'aren’t sure what the recipient likes or needs.'

You can also customize the cover image and add a personal message on the gift redemption page, adding a heartfelt touch. GIFT LIST can be shared via social media or email, making it easy to send gifts instantly—perfect for busy people or last-minute givers.

We also offer a wide variety of other mid-year gift recommendations.

Our special feature page includes a 'Simple Search' function to recommend gifts by category and budget, along with gift ideas by recipient type and mid-year gift etiquette tips.

For more details, visit Rinbell's official online store: 'Rinbell Mid-Year & Summer Gifts 2026'

https://www.ringbell.co.jp/ringbell/contents/chugen/