There is something so special about giving (and receiving) a gift that has been especially thought-out and chosen. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite local finds for you to treat the people (and pets) in your life…
For him
BUILT FOR THE OUTDOORS
If the man in your life is into beer, outdoor adventures, or both, a Rogue ice cooler will make the perfect gift. The coolers are functional and tough without compromising on style – we just love the canvas detailing and classic aesthetic. They also offer an adventure organiser, which packs neatly when flat and easily expands into a sturdy but flexible container when you have multiple items to manage.
Details: www.rogueicecoolers.com
SUGAR AND SPICE
Crafted on the KZN North Coast, Blackstrap Cassia Spiced Rum is a celebration of the area’s sugarcane fields, having been fermented from the raw juice of the sugarcane stalk. Proudly local and delicious, this rum makes a mean cocktail.
Details: www.blackstrap.com
MADE FOR SUMMER
The swimwear from Breazies is well-known and loved for its bright colours and fun designs. Their range of men’s swim shorts come in a variety of fun options and are just perfect for beach season. Made with quick-drying fabric, the shorts are proudly designed and made locally.
Details: www.breazies.com
For her
LITTLE TREASURES
Jewellery always makes a lovely gift and the pieces from Jewellery by Justine are playful and pretty. Her summer collection is inspired by the beautiful colours found in nature – earthy greens, dusky browns and perennial neutrals. The range includes bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Details: www.jewellerybyjustine.co.za;
IG: @jewellerybyjustineb
FEELS LIKE SUMMER
Willow & Beach is your destination for effortless modern bohemian styles and beautiful gold-plated jewellery. Their gorgeous dresses are perfect for festive events, a beach holiday, drinks with the girls, or your next shopping adventure! They are also a proud stockist of Jaase Bohemian Clothing and ByNouck Jewellery. Details: www.willowandbeach.co.za; IG:@willowandbeach
LUXURY SPOILS
The beautiful luxury fragranced soy candles from Ballito-based Cherry & Willow are a lovely spoil for someone special. Each candle is made with natural ingredients and the range include a variety of scents, including cinnamon and vanilla; black cherry; and milk and honey.
Details: IG: @cherry.and.willow;
FB: Cherry & Willow
SAY CHEERS
Miss Penny gin is proudly local. All of the ingredients, from the water to the raw green sugar cane, are from Ballito and surrounds. The recently launched lemongrass-infused gin boasts zesty citrus notes and a refreshing aroma – just perfect for summer. We just love the limited-edition Christmas bottle!
Details: www.misspennybrands.com;
IG: misspennybrands
PRETTY DETAILS
Love Home Décor offers a range of luxury and unique items that are designed to make your space feel like home. From linen and lighting to scatter cushions and small décor items, there’s plenty to choose from. We just love this string detail basket, which would add a stylish touch to any room.
Details: www.loveyourhome.co.za;
IG: @love_home_sa; FB: Love Home Decor
For kids & teens
SOAK UP THE SUN
Saltii quick dry beach and travel towels are essential this summer. They offer an array of kids, hiking and beach designs that make swimming time easy. These towels repel sand, dry four times faster than regular towels, plus they are 100% recycled, helping to look after our beaches. Details: www.saltii.co.za; IG: @saltii_za
PICTURE PERFECT
If you’re looking for something special for your teen, fine art paintings and limited-edition prints by local artist Leigh Bisset will make the perfect gift this Christmas. Her ranges include limited-edition prints of her signature ocean creatures; ocean culture watercolours that tell the story of the coastal lifestyle; and island palms, that come in emerald or black and white, on either canvas or paper with beautiful oak framing. Details: www.leighbissetcreative.com; 071 542 8746; info@leighbissetcreative.com; IG: @leighbissetcreative
BEACH SEASON
December on the North Coast is all about sun, sand and sea. If your little ones like the beach, they’ll love these sets from Bh’am Bh’am, which are made with non-toxic, food-grade silicone and include a bucket, shovel and ocean-themed moulds. Details: www.bhambham.co.za; IG: @_bham.baby
LEARNING GRATITUDE
The Little Steps Big Wins Journal is a daily gratitude journal for children aged eight to 12. The journal is a joint project by the team behind Change for Good Kids in Umhlanga, and uses the principle of Kaizen – a Japanese concept of continuous improvement that hinges on four concrete phases: plan, do, check and act. The idea is for kids to learn good habits, and the journal is filled with daily tasks, journal prompts, and a space to practice daily gratitude all whilst being filled with easy-to-relate illustrations and fun games.
Details: IG: @changforgoodkids; FB: ChangeForGoodKids
For that festive feeling
LUXURY CRACKERS
No Christmas table is complete without crackers and Carrol Boyes has launched some particularly beautiful ones this year. There’s a choice of three sets available: Festive Hummingbird; Merry Wave; and Sketchbook season. All sets include four crackers and include beautiful goodies like sugar ladles, butter spreaders and keyrings.
Details: www.carrolboyes.com;
IG: @carrolboyesofficial
DECORATIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE
The range of decorations from Wanderlust makes a lovely addition to the Christmas tree. We just love their paper mache stars, birds and bells with their rich colours and beautifully painted details.
Details: www.wanderlustcollectables.com
For pets|
The OMG Kitchen offers an easy-to-make dog biscuit mix filled with loads of wholesome ingredients. Each mix comes beautifully packaged in a recyclable glass bottle with step-by-step instructions. This is a treat that’s sure to get your furbaby’s tail wagging!
Details: www.theomgkitchen.co.za; IG: @theomgkitchen
PAWSOME DESIGNS
If you’d like to treat your four-legged bestie, take a look at the range of beaded collars and leashes by Siya Hamba. The team of women make the most beautiful items for pets, plus part of the proceeds of all sales go to animal rescue organisations in and around our community, including Project Dog and Sables.
Details: www.siya-hamba.com; IG: @siya.hamba