Holiday Gift Guide – 24 Fabulous Festive Finds

Words: Robyn Samuels

We know what we want for Christmas – do you? Whether spoiling yourself or loved ones, we’ve rounded up some of the most fabulous festive gifts this season has to offer. From foodie finds to the best beauty buys to trendy trinkets and beyond, this curated holiday gift guide has something for everyone. This is the wish-list that keeps on giving!

Something Sweet

Sweeten the deal with these Christmas treats.

*Image credit: WIDE WING SHOOTS for Short & Sweet (left); mondvolTM (right).

Short & Sweet Festive Bonbon Collection

Gorgeously hand-painted and crafted with the finest Belgian couverture chocolate, Short & Sweet bonbons are ideal for chocoholics who appreciate the finer things in life. These bespoke chocolates make for a truly tremendous and tasty holiday gift. Their limited edition festive collection includes the prettiest bonbons inspired by delicious holiday desserts: Biscoff, cherry, fruit cake, pecan pie, peppermint, muscovado and cashew cookies.

Christmas Limited Edition Mondvol Cookies Box

Not even Santa would share these! Baked to perfection and filled with incredible flavours, the Christmas limited edition mondvol™ cookies are as good as they come. Each box contains six big, delicious cookies, including Cinnabon, Crolo, crème brûlée, s’mores, strawberry pavlova and marzipan. Warning: these will turn you into a cookie monster!

SHOP HERE: Short & Sweet Festive Bonbon Collection (R299.00–R398.00; Available online and at Cake Canteen stores) | Christmas Limited Edition Mondvol Cookies Box (R345.00)


Extra Entertaining

For the host with the most, who does things big and grand.

*Image source: Sixteen Tables (left); Bash (right).

Sixteen Pomegranate Tablecloth

Made for tastemakers and those who appreciate the art of entertaining, The Everyday Collection by Sixteen effortlessly elevates dining occasions and table setups. Crafted from the finest linen and complete with detailed stitching, this statement piece is available in pomegranate, burnt sage, biscuit, slate, dark olive, fresh cream and other colourways.

Sur La Table Texture Linear Red Wine Glass

Sur La Table sells stunning, bistro-style dinnerware and kitchenware. Their products recently became available in South Africa, and these textured linear red wine glasses are a solid purchase for wine connoisseurs and those who like to host. Elegant and refined, they’re ideal for an elevated festive table set-up. From the extra long stem to the wide bowl and the ribbed slits that run up the glass, it’s beautifully crafted.

SHOP HERE: Sixteen Pomegranate Tablecloth (R6800.00) | Sur La Table Texture Linear Red Wine Glass (R143.20)


Cooking Creativity

Bless your countertops with these kitchen bibles.

*Image source: janoline.com (left); Amazon (right).

JAN the JOURNAL Volume 14

Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s fourteenth Journal volume is officially available and we couldn’t be more excited! This edition features pared-back, festive food. With a focus on simplicity and practicality for everyday cooks, the recipes are dreamy yet doable. This is a must-buy for food lovers who love to master the fundamentals. Jan’s artistic storytelling and visual creativity never cease to amaze and delight!

The Contemporary African Kitchen

The Contemporary African Kitchen: Home Cooking Recipes from the Leading Chefs of Africa by James Beard award-winning author Alexander Smalls masterfully showcases African cuisine. This genius cookbook library takes home cooks on a taste exploration of Africa’s most celebrated contemporary dishes, from Ghana to South Africa. Compiled by 33 decorated African chefs – including South African culinary icons Sinoyolo Sifo and Mogau Seshoene – it contains 120 impressive recipes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate African cuisine and food history, as it shares personal accounts, suggestions and more.

SHOP HERE: JAN the JOURNAL Volume 14 (R350.00) | The Contemporary African Kitchen: Home Cooking Recipes from the Leading Chefs of Africa (R599.00)

*Image source: Penguin Random House South Africa

The Hungry Table

Fatima Saib gives home cooks a glimpse into her fondest memories and the food featured throughout, in The Hungry Table. With each anecdote and fragrant recipe, she invites home cooks to sit at ‘The Hungry Table’ and savour special moments. Her guide to pantry basics and chapters titled ‘Fast’ and ‘Relaxed’ make it easy to find food to match your mood, with comfort at the heart of it all. While this moreish memoir showcases Indian dishes, you can’t box it into one cuisine; it’s a collection of ‘Saib specials’ and everything in between.

Pots, Pans & Potjies

Former Ultimate Braai Master duo Karl Tessendorf and Greg Gilowey, also known as ‘Beer Country’, continue to test the limits of what can be cooked by fire in their latest cookbook, Pots, Pans & Potjies. Their passion for potjie is infused with global flavour. They take the everyday ‘tjop ’n dop’ (chop and drink) to the next level, as each recipe features a craft beer pairing suggestion. From French-inspired cassoulet to local lamb bobotie to Dutch baby pancakes, this cookbook is filled with flair and flavour, making it ideal for braai enthusiasts.

SHOP HERE: The Hungry Table by Fatima Saib (from R275.00) | Pots, Pans & Potjies by Beer Country (from R248.00)


Foodie Finds

Butter up that special someone with these foodie finds.

*Image source: Yuppiechef

Everdure Cube Charcoal Portable Braai

Designed by Heston Blumenthal, the Everdure Cube is an ideal holiday gift for braai lovers. Its compact and portable build makes it easy to host beach braais and outdoor feasts with friends. This nifty appliance comes with integrated storage, a chopping board and cool-touch handles, so you won’t have to bear burns.

Alfille Temperature Controlled Butter Dish

If you know a butter lover or baker, this butter dish is for them. Built to maintain the optimum temperature, it keeps butter cool on summer days and warmer during winter, making it easy to spread on bread and incorporate into baked goods for the perfect texture.

SHOP HERE: Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Cube Charcoal Portable Braai, Orange (R3,899.00) | Alfille Temperature Controlled Butter Dish, Silver with Cow Lid (R2,199.00)


For Keepsies

Décor and ceramics for the trendy homemaker.

*Image source: Feel & Remember (left);  Woolworths (right).

Feel & Remember Sage Green Rippled Cone Candle

Invite peace into their home, with Feel & Remember. These beautifully designed candles spark feelings of comfort, and are a reminder to celebrate the simple things in life. Whether unwinding at the end of a long day or setting the dinner table for an auspicious occasion, these rippled cone candles are the ideal gift for loved ones.

Shell Stoneware Oval Platter

Spruce up salads and show-stopping sides with this shell stoneware oval platter. The textured edges add a playful and pretty element to the dish, while the shell-coloured stoneware makes it look sophisticated. A stunning gift for those who love al fresco dining and summer soirées.

SHOP HERE: Feel & Remember Sage Green Rippled Cone Candle (R155.00) | Shell Stoneware Oval Platter (R799.00)


All That Glitters

Add sparkle to their jewellery collection with these accessories.

*Image source: Meraki (left); Pichulik (right).

Meraki Yellow Gold Plated Pearl Paperclip Necklace

Stylish yet simple, this Meraki paperclip necklace is ideal for those who love subtle bling. The minimalist style and lightweight design mean it can double up as active jewellery for gym-goers or runners. Dress up everyday looks with this trendy trinket.

Pichulik Joule Earrings

This season is all about bright, festive fashion, and these Pichulik Joule earrings are everything and more. “A reminder of the power and dynamism of daily efforts,” they’re the perfect thank-you for those who go above and beyond for loved ones. Available in magenta, blue, watermelon pink, fern and black, these dangly beauties are fabulous for any occasion.

SHOP HERE: Meraki Yellow Gold Plated Pearl Paperclip Necklace (R540.00) | Pichulik Joule Earrings, Magenta (R850.00)


Best Beauty Buys

Glow on and get these summer beauty essentials.

*Image source: Bash (left); swiitchbeauty (right).

Laneige Dreamy Lip Kit

Keeping moisturised is the ultimate summer beauty tip, and the Laneige Dreamy Lip Kit will help you do it in your sleep. Available in four fruity scents – berry, grapefruit, mango and peach iced tea – this lip sleeping mask is the secret to plump, luscious lips.

swiitchbeauty #SilkScreen

There are thousands of beauty must-haves, but swiitchbeauty’s #SilkScreen outshines them all. This lightweight, water-based sunscreen is breathable and hydrating and does wonders for all skin types. Formulated to provide UVA and UVB protection, with a factor of up to 50, it’s ideal for active people, and has sweat-resistant properties. It’s also compatible with make-up and will leave your skin feeling sun-kissed and happy for hours.

SHOP HERE: Laneige Dreamy Lip Kit (R420.00; 4 x 3 g) | swiitchbeauty #SilkScreen (R220.00; 1 x 50 ml)


Pretty Practical

For those who love to be stylish and active.

*Image source: Freedom of Movement (left); Sealand (right).

Freedom of Movement Zip-Around Card Holder

Keep your cards and coins safely tucked away, with the trendy card holder by Freedom of Movement. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket, but weightier than a slim card holder to avoid panicked pocket pat-downs when searching for belongings. It’s the perfect holiday gift for those who love practical presents; personalise it to make it extra special.

Sealand Recycled Mini Crossbody Bag

Busybodies and eco-warriors will love this Sealand recycled mini crossbody bag. The detailed accents and functional design make it perfect for hikers, runners and active people. It’s made from nylon waste and is infinitely recyclable, so adventurers can be sustainable and stylish this summer, whenever and wherever they go.

SHOP HERE: Freedom of Movement Zip-Around Card Holder, Chestnut (R595.00) | Sealand Recycled Mini Crossbody Bag, Saffron (R995.00)


It’s Paw-fect!

Pet accessories your four-legged family members will love.

*Image source: CHOMMIES (left); Amazon (right).

CHOMMIES Everyday Dog Leash Fezzy

The CHOMMIES® range of luxury accessories allows pets and owners to lead with style. Hand-crafted with care and high-quality material, the Fezzy leash features colourful accents, adding something special to everyday walks.

Xiaomi Smart Pet Fountain

Thirsty paw pals will adore this automated water fountain. This smart appliance keeps water circulating to provide oxygenated water and filters unwanted substances, ensuring optimum health for your fur babies. Detect low water levels through the Xiaomi Home App, and fill the source as needed. The height also minimises splashback when drinking.

SHOP HERE: Chommies Everyday Dog Leash Fezzy (from R800.00) | Xiaomi Smart Pet Fountain, 2L (R1,499.00)


Pantry Perfection

What your pantry is missing…

*Image source: Babylonstoren (left); Yuppiechef (right).

Babylonstoren Olive Oil Trio

Crafted from the finest fruit grown on their estate, Babylonstoren’s range of olive oils offers drizzles of deliciousness. This trio pack is perfect for gifting olive oil connoisseurs. The exceptional quality makes grilled and fresh vegetables shine; enjoy it with artisanal bread to experience the full flavour preserved within. The blue tin blends multiple varietals, while the beige tin boasts Coratina olive oil and the green tin captures the best of their Frantoio olive oil. Whether dressing salads or cooking festive roasts, this is a must-have.

Hoghouse Friendly Fire Vintage Chilli Sauce

If they like it hot and take pride in their pantry, then this Hoghouse Friendly Fire Vintage Chilli Sauce deserves a spot on the top shelf. It beautifully balances spiciness with acidity, making it incredibly flavourful and ideal for dousing over sunny-side-up eggs, leftover Christmas gammon buns, sandwiches and more.

SHOP HERE: Babylonstoren Olive Oil Trio (R619.00; 3 x 500 ml) | Hoghouse Friendly Fire Vintage Chilli Sauce (R95.00; 1 x 200 ml)


Tasty Tipples

Sip and savour sundowners with these tasty drinks.

*Image source: Yuppiechef (left); Babylonstoren (right).

Toor Rooibos Whisky Aperitif

This locally-crafted drink reimagines whisky with a twist of rooibos, blending tradition and innovation in a single sip. With notes of honey, caramel and fragrant rooibos, it’s perfect for those who appreciate unique, homegrown flavours. Serve it neat or over ice, or use it to elevate your favourite cocktails – this tasty tipple is versatile.

Babylonstoren Limoncello

Bright, zesty and delightfully smooth, Babylonstoren Limoncello is sunshine in a bottle. Crafted with citrus grown on the estate, this classic Italian liqueur gets a South African twist, balancing tangy lemon notes with a silky sweetness. It’s perfect for sipping after dinner or adding a vibrant kick to desserts and cocktails. A refreshing and elegant gift for any citrus lover.

SHOP HERE: Toor Rooibos Whisky Aperitif (R389.00; 1 x 750 ml) | Babylonstoren Limoncello (R220.00; 1 x 100 ml)

Want to plan the ultimate Christmas menu? Try our best roast recipes, show-stopping sides and these fabulous festive desserts.

*All prices correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change.

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