Remember December’s awful crowded malls? Spare yourself the agony and get Christmas sorted right now by checking out these South African lovelies online (plus catch our other SA shopping posts here). Then sit back, enjoy life and try to keep that slightly smug smile off your face…
2018 Coffee Route guide, R230 A visually gorgeous book for all coffee lovers who live in, or plan to visit, Cape Town. Available at many bookshops including Exclusive Books, also directly from the publishers: email thecoffeeroute.s.a@
Shweshwe polarised sunglasses, R2190 Made in Woodstock, Cape Town, these frames are handmade from recycled paper and timber off-cuts sourced from local furniture makers. Lenses are polarised and can be prescription if needed. Buy online at www.ballo.co.za
Shweshwe tie, R165, Montebello Craft Shop, www.montebello.co.za, a fabulous non-profit craft shop with attractive, sustainable wares. One visit here could probably turn your Christmas gifting wails into shrieks of joy. Find it at 31 Newlands Avenue, Cape Town (next to SACS school), tel: 021 685 6445. Sadly, no shipping possible.
Cow platters. from R179 Serve your bread, biltong or canapés in style with a handcrafted bovine platter from SA ceramics innovator, Rialheim. This one costs R349 but you can get a mini one for R179. Get yours online at www.rialheim.co.za, in person at their stores in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Robertson, and at some @Home stores.
Fabric belts, R240 Handmade in Wilderness, South Africa at Gypsey Lou, which also has vibrant handbags and sunhats to propose. Buy online at www.gypseylou.co.za
Braai butcher’s block, from R459 Prepare and serve up your braai meat on a solid Knysna blackwood butcher’s block (made from sustainably sourced and managed blackwood plantations, of course). Comes in small, medium and large. Get yours online at My Butchers Block
Floral trays, from R275 Breakfast in bed will never be boring again with this tray from Skinny laMinx. Get yours at www.skinnylaminx.com or visit their newly enlarged store at 201 Bree Street, Cape Town. Tray bien!
Dippy egg boards, R250 Boiled egg with toast soldiers could be even more fun with this solid bamboo egg board that sports a sweet little hollow to stop your egg rolling. Choose from a range including love egg, astronaut egg, cat egg, sausage dog egg, and more. Get yours online at The Block Shop
Washi tape pegs, R72 Hold it all together with these desirable bamboo pegs, offered in a range of styles that you can design yourself at www.hellopretty.co.za
All-natural aqueous cream, R128 Made by Oh-lief from all natural ingredients and no petrochemicals, paraffin or mineral oils. Great for babies and those with dry, sensitive or problematic skin. Get yours from Wellness Warehouse or Faithful to Nature