It’s the season for gifting and I won’t lie, I love receiving gifts [lol]. Who doesn’t? I am yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like to receive a gift. Even the “tough guys” would admit to receiving gifts, especially if they get what they truly want or like. That said, Christmas is around the corner and most people have started shopping for their loved ones, friends and even companies. If you haven’t started, then pay close attention. This is for you. Late shopping can be overwhelming and expensive, I know from experience.
Okay, let’s focus [lol]. Whilst I believe that in gifting, thoughts behind the gifts matter, I also believe that the gifts should be worth it or at least be something of value to the person receiving them. It could be something of sentimental value or even money [if the person wishes to trade it in later…]. The point is, know who you are gifting.
I’ve listed out a few gift items that I believe never run out of style. To see more of each brands product, all you have to do is click on the name of the brand. Let’s get started.
Cards
The right card can leave one swooning and it has the right amount of sentimental value for any occasion. Like these ones below
Not Just Pulp are the creators of these simple and creative cards. They are all about making bold statements and sharing good vibes.
Their cards are fun, colourful and encourage self-expression and evoke warm & fuzzy feelings of love, friendship and sometimes, childhood memories. They are the perfect goto gift for that special someone and what’s more, they are affordable.
Skincare Products
Taking a line from Fatima Mernissi, “Beauty is in the skin! Take care of it, oil it, clean it, scrub it…” which is why this serves as a great gift, especially if it comes as a set, such as the product below.
Modara Naturals is a luxurious natural skincare company that uses nature’s best ingredients to create pure, natural bath, body and skincare products. Their products are handmade using 100% natural ingredients ethically sourced from Nigeria, Africa and all around the world where necessary. The name ‘Modara’ is derived from Yoruba, meaning ‘I do awesome things’
The product shown above, which is called Asakwa means ‘bathe’ in the Igbo language, is a rich black soap made from an ancient West African recipe. This blend is infused with Turmeric, an age-old Asian ingredient, known to brighten and even skin tone. It contains relaxing essential oils and helps in clearing breakouts on the face and body.
The skin is important and so is the hair and that is why this next product is a must-have, gift item.
Organic Life Plus is Nigeria’s first organic, natural and vegan-friendly beauty store. It is your one-stop shop for authentic organic and natural hair care and skin care products. Their beauty products are toxin-free, extremely mild and suitable for men, women and children. These sets of Body scrub, body butter and body oil are the perfect gift for that special someone.
Clothing
When it comes to fashion and style these brands got you covered with their unique pieces.
Mimiremi Textiles creates unique fabric design and prints vibrant, compelling and boast a piece of exclusive art in every yard.
Is that special someone into brocades? look no further.
Asologe makes unique and quality Adire, batik and African prints.
Jewellery & Accessories
You can hardly go wrong with gifting a lady jewellery. It’s thoughtful, beautiful, sentimental, perhaps a tad expensive but worth it. All these are wrapped up in a single piece of jewellery. Take a look at these gorgeous pairs of earrings.
Zivanora is a minimalist-inspired jewellery brand created for lovers of clean and modern styles. They design jewellery with the purpose to be graceful, comfortable, and delightful. So if you are all about luxe-looking, clean, fun and timeless jewellery for work or play, this is for you.
If you would rather go for something ethnic and stylish, then I suggest going for these hats.
Bags
One can never have too much of this. Lol, as there is one for every occasion. These 3 brands caters to taste and style with a touch of Africa.
Morin.O Designs creates handcrafted, luxury leather handbags and accessories for men and women, as seen above.
Or you can choose to stand out in Aseoke.
O’Eclat Designs (pronounced O-eyklah), is an Ethical Nigerian Brand designing premium leather and indigenous fabric handbags and accessories, handmade in Lagos, Nigeria. MILA MINI CLUTCH BAG is sourced from the best quality Aseoke.
Ethnik Afrika is about promoting culture and giving back to the community. They create fashionable pieces for the brand-savvy trendsetter. Their product ranges from bags, blankets, and hats which can be seen above.
Moving on, we have Home & Living.
Candles
Wouldn’t you want to walk into a home and feel a sense of relief or peace? I do and this is why this makes for a good housewarming gift, even if it’s Christmas.
Abela World is a niche, ethnic-contemporary lifestyle & artistic perfume creation house with a spirit focused on positively transforming the human mind, mood & emotions in everyday routine through the essence of nature & aromatics.
THE ABELA AROMATHERAPY RANGE
The Farm Therapy Collection of aromatherapy candles and pillow sprays is
– A synergy blend made from 100% Aromatic Essential Oils formulated by our in-house artistic perfumer-creator.
– Clean burning, sustainable & eco-friendly vegetable wax blend
– Premium wooden wicks
– Vegan friendly
Throw pillows
They are in fact a great gift, as you can have them personalised with sweet and motivating messages, pictures and so on.
These throw pillow covers are made with a Matt feel canvas fabric and a synthetic poly-fill fibre insert. It is a stylish statement piece that will liven up any room. All pillows are Individually cut and sewn by hand.
Another brand that creates fantastic throw pillows is Bosh Designs
Art
Art is so beautiful and it tells a story. It’s a great way of telling a loved one how you feel. Plus, a good piece of art is a good investment.
Ronkescott Art and craft Is an indigenous business enterprise that has been in operation for over ten years. If you are into African art and craft- painting(acrylic, pastel, oil paint, pen and ink, gouache e.t.c), then this is your go-to for ART.
MitiMeth creates handcrafted products from natural fibres that would otherwise be considered waste or environmental menaces. These natural fibres include aquatic weeds (water hyacinth, typha grass) and agricultural waste forms (banana bark, maize husks).
And I didn’t forget about the children. While toys and outings are fun, you could also get them these sets of additional gifts.
Amal Botanicals provides pure and non-toxic natural baby [kids of all ages] Skincare products. From soaps to body and hair creams and oils.
Getting the perfect gift isn’t as stressful as you think. You just need to know who you’re getting the gift for and where to get them. All these items can be found on the Bellafricana Marketplace
Until next time, be good and be safe.
