The holiday season is just around the corner, and in the spirit of sharing, I’ve decided to curate my first-ever Festive Gift Guide.

Festive Gift Guide 2023

‘Tis the season to be jolly and spread the festive cheer! Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other festive occasion, I hope my Festive Gift Guide will inspire you to find the perfect gift or stocking filler that conveys your love, appreciation, and best wishes for the special people in your life. I also wouldn’t judge if you decided to gift yourself with any of my following favourites…

Tastelab’s Mini Cassette Stove

I’ve been on the hunt for a beautiful mini gas stove for a while now, so when I clapped my eyes on this cutie, I didn’t flinch before pre-ordering one in Meringue White…

The Mini Cassette Stove combines a compact design with full functionality, making it an ideal choice for kitchens of any size. It seamlessly integrates into your existing space and is small enough to take along with you on weekend getaways (camping included). It’s crafted for effortless operation, catering to both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.

This cheeky little stove is not just an appliance; it’s a statement piece that includes a stylish design, adding a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. And with South Africa facing intermittent power supply, the Mini Cassette Stove becomes an indispensable kitchen companion. With its reliable performance, you can continue to create delicious food despite the lack of power.

Available from Tastelab and Yuppiechef in Meringue White, Sage Green, or Butter Yellow (RRP R999.00)

Beaut Beautjies

One of my favourite local skincare brands and the cutest stocking filler for anyone who loves their skin. I adore these Beautjies because they are a wonderful way to “Try Before You Buy,” but also the travel size answer to taking your skincare regimen away with you without schlepping your full-size bottles along for the ride and taking up valuable luggage space.

Each set of Beautjies includes 1 x 5ml size each of Beaut’s Power Potion, Sunny Skin, Face Juice, and Wrinkle Shminkle. Best of all: Beaut does not test on animals, is plant-based, suitable for vegans, and free from colorants, fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and sulfates.

Available to purchase from Beaut for R750.

Beaut Posh Wash

Posh Wash has become a very big part of my daily cleansing ritual and love how it leaves my skin feeling revived and moisturised. With active ingredients like oat extracts, wheat amino acids, aloe, and squalane, Posh Wash has been developed to soothe, balance, and gently exfoliate skin.

Available to purchase on Beaut for R450.

Stanley NeverLeak™ Travel Mug

The Stanley NeverLeak™ Travel Mug is the ultimate Christmas gift for the adventurer or new parent in your life. I’ve already told everyone who will listen that it’s one of my best purchases in a while, but only wish I’d bought one sooner (as in before Frankie was born). I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve either downed half a mug of cold coffee or reheated it in the microwave, so this would’ve been very helpful back in the early days of motherhood.

Featuring a unique 3-position lid that rotates open for easy sipping and then locks tight when closed, Stanley’s signature vacuum insulation keeps your coffee or tea hot for hours, and your cold drinks cold for even longer.

Whether you’re heading to the office, going camping, or embarking on a road trip, the Stanley NeverLeak™ Travel Mug is the ideal choice for those who appreciate quality, durability, and style. Enjoy your drinks without worries, no matter where your adventures take you, with this reliable travel companion.

Available to shop via Awesome Tools (prices range from R625 – R845)

STANLEY QUENCHER H2.0 FLOWSTATE™ TUMBLER

Crafted from 90% recycled stainless steel to promote sustainable practices, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler is designed to help you achieve your hydration goals whether you’re working, exercising, or embarking on a road trip. Thanks to Stanley’s innovative vacuum insulation, your beverage will stay cold for up to 11 hours or a remarkable 2 days when filled with ice.

The advanced FlowState™ lid boasts a rotating cover with three positions: a splash-resistant straw opening to secure the reusable straw, a convenient drink opening, and a fully covered top. The tumbler features an ergonomic handle with comfort-grip inserts for ease of carrying, as well as a slender base that’s compatible with most car cup holders. Plus, for added convenience, every component of this stainless steel water bottle is dishwasher-safe (yay!)

The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler will be available in Rose Quartz, Cream, Black, and Shale from most leading outdoor, homeware, and fashion retailers for around R1300.

Available to shop via Awesome Tools from early December.

Wüsthof Classic Colours

The Wüsthof Classic Colours range is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves to cook and is looking to add a pop of colour and precision to their kitchen. Featuring Wüsthof’s renowned craftsmanship and quality, this collection includes a range of high-quality knives in a vibrant array of colours. Each knife is expertly forged from a single piece of tempered high-carbon stainless steel, ensuring exceptional sharpness and durability.

Whether you’re gift shopping for a seasoned chef or someone just starting their culinary journey, the Wüsthof Classic Colours range adds a touch of style, fun, and functionality to any kitchen. I personally own the 16cm Chefs Knife in Coral Peach and absolutely love it.

Available to shop via Yuppiechef (prices range between ZAR1899 – ZAR2499)

Nomu Minimakes

Celebrate the holiday spirit with NOMU’s groundbreaking MiniMakes Small Batch Baking. Unwrap the magic of this innovative range featuring 7 hassle-free Dough and Batter Mixes for cakes, cookies, blondies, and brownies. Unlike typical baking kits, the wonder of MiniMakes lies in their versatility with each mix being the foundation for countless variations. It’s not just one bake; it’s many makes in one.

Simply follow the basic recipe on the package for timeless holiday treats or scan the QR code atop the box to unveil a growing treasure trove of tested variation recipes! NOMU MiniMakes mixes are a breeze to whip up using basic tools and ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The small batch nature of these mixes offers a hassle-free baking solution that perfectly fits into your festive schedule.

Available to shop via NOMU as individual MiniMakes (ZAR48.95) or Mix & Match Gift Boxes (from ZAR319)

Two in a Bush Rooibos Cordials

Two In A Bush Rooibos Cordial is one of the most delicious things to come out of South Africa in recent years. Available in Raspberry, Honeybush, Marula Tropical, Peach, Buchu & Berry, and Pure Tea, these cordials are made using natural ingredients and contain no added sugar.

Delicious as is over ice and topped with sparkling water, or added to various cocktails.

Available to shop via Two In A Bush as individual bottles (ZAR95.00) or in gift packs (from ZAR285)

POPCO

POPCO not only make the best holiday and festive season desserts, but a fab gift for any popsicle -lover in your life, as they celebrate the outstanding quality of South African fruit. POPCO are lower on sugar and calories as they only use fresh whole fruit and 100% natural ingredients (no fruit concentrates, pastes, colourants or preservatives). They make for the ultimate pool-side treat for adults and kids alike, and are available in 19 fresh & delicious flavours to try which can be added to a box of 8, 30 or 80 pops.

New to POPCO are Kisses, available in four delicious flavours that come in packs of 32: 

• Strawberry Cream dipped in Dark Chocolate
• Chocolate dipped in White Chocolate
• Vanilla dipped in Milk Chocolate
• Cappuccino dipped in White Chocolate

Available to order via POPCO from ZAR179

Futurelife Mothers Food

Futurelife Mother’s Food™ has been specifically designed to help moms, whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or like me and dealing with general recovery after growing a human from scratch and everything that comes with that. Mothers Food™ Shakes and Oat Bars contain collagen and are high in protein and fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Available in either Vanilla or Chocolate, Mothers Food™ Shakes are available to shop via the Futurelife online shop for ZAR69.99. The Bars are available in Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate, and Berry & Dark Chocolate, and are also available to shop online from ZAR14.99.

Studio Melissa Louise Candle Making Starter Kit

This Candle Making Starter Kit is perfect for any novice candle maker. Available in citrus, floral, herbaceous, or wooded and enough to make 5 candles (250ml each). SML recommends that you purchase their Online Candle Making Course along with the kit.

Available to purchase online via Studio Melissa Louise from between ZAR1050 – ZAR1100

Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juices

Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juices have become a staple in my fridge, offering a welcome departure from the ordinary gloopy tomato juices we’ve had to contend with until now. If you or your nearest and dearest are Bloody Mary fans, Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juices are a must this festive season. Cheers to Marty’s for spicing up our taste buds and changing the tomato juice game for good!

Available to purchase via Marty’s from ZAR109