Whatever and whenever you’re celebrating this year, bring some joy to the people you care about by showing up with any of these proudly South African gifts!
Sustainable socks, R200 Add a dash of fun to the ankles of the males in your life with these socks made from soft bamboo fibres. Buy online at nicharry.com or at 66 Wale Street, Cape Town CBD
Stand up desk thingy, R1595 Standing up to work rather than slouching in a chair is the new global health trend, so consider giving loved ones the gift of good health and impressive abs with TheDeskStand. Offering options to stand or sit properly, it’s made from durable plywood and is dead easy to set up for your computer. Find their furniture store at 13 Station Road, Maitland, Cape Town, or purchase online at www.deskstand.co
Upcycled passport cover, R45 Surprise a traveller with this passport cover, hand sewn from what used to be a chips packet and protected by a plastic cover. Choose from a range of chip packets in the Creative Lines range over at hellopretty.co.za
Here’s the rub, R36.60 How about a vibrant blend of cumin, coriander and ajowan (heard of it?) to add a taste of Africa to your cooking? Buy this and other NOMU products online at www.nomu.co.za
Leaf dish, R115 These tableware dishes are handmade using fresh leaves by potter Fiona Grills at her Purely Porcelain studio in Noordhoek, Cape Town. For further porcelain jewellery and gifts, visit Fiona’s store at the Cape Town Waterfront’s Watershed, or her other store at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie
Rock bok, R549 Offering a South African twist on the standard rocking horse, this rocking bok makes a great gift for children from 10 months to 3 1/2. It’s made from birchwood, preserving function and beauty for years to come. Get it at www.bootoo.co.za
Recycled sling bag, R300 How could you not find an owner for this sling bag, crocheted from plastic shopping bags for a unique, planet-friendly result? Go to www.plantastic.co.za, or visit their shop at 23 Silversand Close in Big Bay, to buy this bag or other eco-friendly gifts
Cube desk lamp, R650 Made from sheets of birch plywood, this contemporary lamp beckons you hither with a warm orange glow. Available at www.monoshop.co.za
Gene-changer, R399 Scientists have discovered we can actually change the way our genes behave by eating certain nutrients: it’s called nutrigenomics. Genes to Plate sports over 100 recipes by South Africans who are leaders in the field and say that eating this way can put you on a road towards vitality and away from chronic illness. Get it from ctgcentre.com or www.wellnesswarehouse.com
Sleep shorts, R285 The ‘slow clothes’ from Woodstock Laundry embody the laid back spirit of Cape Town, and that’s the right pace for men in these jaunty sleep shorts. Spoil one of the boys with these or other handmade garments from www.woodstocklaundry.co or pop into 13 Smith Road, Rosebank, Cape Town