Ah, tis’ the season to be jolly. Well not really actually since there’s a pandemic going on but spoiling your friends and loved ones is always a yes in my book. Try source your gifts from small or local brands! I love shopping (blame my mother) and giving someone something I’ve put thought into makes me really happy! Gifting makes me very excited and I love surprises.
So I’ve gotten a few ideas for gift ideas that are a range of different prices and for a range of different people. Now since I’m still living in South Africa, I can’t really help my international readers but I can still give you ideas and that’s what counts! I am leaving for London on the 28th of December and I can’t even tell you how excited I am!
So firstly, this year has been stressful af, and that’s something we can all agree on. A great gift idea is thus, a spa voucher! This can range from just a manicure to a full body massage. I think we all deserve a bit of pampering, it makes you feel a little extra special. This is a great gift for someone who’s gone through the most this year and deserves some TLC! For my SA readers, Dante is great for a manicure but if you want to go all out, try the Life Day Spa in Canal Walk (you won’t regret it)!
Next up, for the chef in your life, a new piece of pottery is always a spoil! My mom loves to cook and who doesn’t love plating a dish like you’re on Master Chef. Try find a unique piece, a local brand if you can, and see if anything resonates with you! You can never have enough salad bowls or platters! For my SA peeps, try Blink in Sea Point Main Road, across the road from Checkers. My mom has at least 5 of their pieces and I adore their stuff. They each have beautiful and unique intricate designs and come in a variety of shapes and sizes!
If you can’t afford a full spa day but want to give your loved one a pamper at home, try a new body product or gift set. I love discovering a new exfoliator or soap that smells luxurious and makes showers enjoyable. It makes something we do daily a little bit more exciting! I have been obsessed with Necessaire as it’s been all over my Insta lately, but it is rather expensive and I’ll try it one day! But if you’re an international and want to give this lavish brand a try, let me know your thoughts! For the SA people, try Iwori at Clicks. I have their exfoliator and I really love it! I have a friend who uses their shampoo and conditioner and adore their products. Otherwise, try Rain at the Waterfront. I have their malva body oil and it smells heavenly, I can go on about it all day! I intend to buy the essential oil version for when I go to London and just want a piece of home.
Since it is holiday season and I love blasting music all day long, a speaker might be a wonderful gift. I have a JBL and I love it. We’ve been using JBL speakers for a few years now and they come in a variety of shapes and colours so you can see what’s in your budget and try it out! I need to get myself a speaker for London so I can jam while baking.
For my chill readers, a new yoga mat may be in order. I think this year we all need to relax. Doing some morning stretches or meditation is what we should all start incorporating into our routines. I’ve started to do stretching in the morning while listening to a podcast (your body has to be warm, so do some warm ups before stretching) and I really enjoy it, I feel so much more grounded and ready to face the day. I think giving your loved one something that they can use everyday is a 10/10 gift.
Everybody loves to smell good, right? Well, I don’t know about you but I do. I know perfume and cologne is expensive but it’s something that will last you a long time. Firstly, someone’s scent is very personal, so if you’re going to go on your own lil shopping trip to buy a perfume for someone, know what they like first! Otherwise, take them with you and go around the store, smelling everything that fits your taste. Personally, I used Chanel no19, it’s subtle and has hints of jasmine and I love it, however, not everyone has the same tastes, so ask a professional who knows! For a lover of more masculine scents, Terre D’Hermes is gorgeous, and so is Chanel Bleu. I think it’s a special splurge that everyone needs.
More general gifts are a piece of jewellery or a piece of clothing, but that all depends on a person’s style! Try find a local brand that has unique items of good quality! Local brands are more expensive, I know, but they’re far more ethical and need this support now more than ever.
Thank you for joining me today beauties. I hope you have a beautiful holiday season and look after yourselves!
