Can you believe it: Christmas is just around the corner – the season to share, give and gather around family, friends and those who matter to you. Very soon, many of us will be seated around the Christmas lunch table wearing with silly hats and pulling even sillier crackers, Mariah Carey playing on a near-constant loop on the radio. At some point, we’ll be unwrapping gifts from our loved ones. Ah, the gifts.
With all the buzz around the season, sometimes picking out a gift can be stressful, and sometimes you have no idea what gift to buy to warm the hearts of your nearest and dearest. We’re here to help. As such, we have compiled a list of African-Inspired gift ideas to help you bring a touch of Africa to your festive season. No matter whom you are shopping for or your budget, there’s something for everyone here.
For your sister, friend or significant female other who loves the effortlessly elegant look, try this:
For the home
With much love and care, this colourful UBUNTU basket is handmade piece by piece from savannah grass and wrapped with recycled plastic fibers. UBUNTU baskets are very dense and, therefore, very robust. They can be easily transported with the two handles. The baskets are perfect as laundry baskets, but can also be used to store toys in a child’s room or for garden items on the balcony and terrace.
SIZE
Height approx. 82.5 cm, diameter approx. 50 cm (specification without handle, with lid).
ORIGIN
UBUNTU baskets are made by hand in West Africa using a traditional process.
MATERIAL
The baskets are made of the renewable raw material savannah grass, which is constantly renewed in nature. Shades of colour are created through the use of plastic ribbons made from recycled materials, which are produced locally. This makes UBUNTU baskets particularly durable and long-lasting.
Original artwork
Badu
42 x 29.7cm
2020
Artist: Nicole Thornton
MADE BY NICOLE
Badu is a unique piece of artwork that accentuates the beauty of a black woman carrying objects on her head with ease, something which is traditional in the motherland. Badu also exhibits how something which was once falsely considered a sign of a primitive life is actually a skill that black women execute effortlessly. The vibrant background of this piece, created with warm shades of amber and orange, evokes comfort and solace. The application of these colours also signifies the various cultures of the different communities, ethnicities and traditions upheld across the motherland.
The original artwork and high quality prints are available to purchase, only at www.madebynicole.co.uk.
For a home office… bring in a bit of the outside
A 150mm x 380mm table lamp wrapped in a vibrant African colour print material. It promises low energy consumption with its low-wattage bulb, and the colourful African print is all in good cheer. £55. Buy it from KalaX
For the home – stylish wall art
This handmade, 3D wooden Africa map will make a stylish statement in any living or office space. Two sizes available: medium and large. £114.11/ £146.96. Available from Etsy
We can’t claim that this is African-inspired, but we couldn’t resist including this personalised vintage nuhide holdall, which is perfect for short breaks away.
Personalised in Jonny’s Sister’s Somerset Studios, it comes with printed initials of your choice. This stylish and hard wearing holdall is made from high quality vegan leather and is an ideal size to fit everything you need for a weekend away. Suitable for both men and women. Available in tan with matte gold initials or black with matte silver initials
The bag is fully lined in a pinstripe fabric and includes an internal pocket, perfect for keeping valuables safe. There is an option to add a matching nuhide strap with shoulder pad.
Dimensions: 56 x 28 x 29cm. £62. Available from Jonny’s Sister
And he’ll probably need to pack his Personalised Initial Men’s Jewellery Box
Again, not quite African inspired but what’s not to love about this? Perfect for the man who’s prone to misplacing his precious little things. Sits nicely on the bedside table for ease of reach. £45. Get yours here: Dust and Things.
Grooming boxes
The men in your life need some pampering. No matter their age or skin type, they will love this treatment on their face, leaving them with a silky smelling sweet. £58.
Alternatively, how about this?
1 x Beard Wash- Lavender Peppermint & Tea Tree (Sulphate Free)
1 x Beard Oil with Lavender Cedarwood & Ylang Ylang Essential Oils and Jojoba &
Argan Oil
1 x Lavender & Tea Tree Exfoliator (choice of Cypress, Frankincense
Sandalwood Face Exfoliator available)
1 x Sandalwood Beard Comb
£50.00 Both from Brown Angel Naturals
Your child’s new BFF
You’ll be the best parent ever thanks to this darling ‘Baby Fro’ soft toy – just think of the beaming smiles that await you. £24. Available at Styles Afrik
Alternatively, how about this sweet Afro braids doll? £27. Also available from Styles Afrik
For children who love to read
In the colourful tropical rainforest, Barki and his friends are terrified of the greedy hunter who capture animals every day.
One day, Barki discovers that his best friend, Chidi the Chimpanzee, has disappeared. With an enchanting refrain and a heart filled with bravery, he sets out to rescue Chidi before it is too late. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters who agree that the hunter needs to be taught a lesson. Available from Amazon
For good little girls – this one’s from Santa
Your little girl will feel all warm and cosy in this cute pyjama set. And what thoughtful little girl wouldn’t want to go to bed on Christmas eve in a pyjama set that wishes everyone a merry Christmas when she wakes up on Christmas day? Available from 3months to 14 years. £12.95. Available from Elegant Treats
For all the family – Adventure Park Jigsaw Puzzle
In this era of low attention spans, a puzzle can be a great way to help children develop concentration, memory skills, and eye coordination. Plus puzzles are fun, and your little ones will love spending time with you completing their puzzle. Based on your child’s age and development, you can choose a 24-piece puzzle for ages 2-3, 40-piece puzzle for 3-5years, and 63-piece puzzle for age 6 upwards. Available from Little Omo here
For chocolate lovers – made in Africa (MIA) chocolate
These MIA dark chocolates are elegantly presented in a gold foil book case gift pack. Contents (5x 75g): 1x 75% Dark Chocolate, 1x Salted Almond & Coconut, 1x Cranberry & Hazelnut, 1x Candied Orange and 1x Coconut. Available from Africa Shop
For something a bit different – wall-mounted bottle opener
Because life is already a bit difficult and every little bit of convenience helps. This great hand-made wall-mounted bottle opener comes with a top catcher and is available from The Forest and Co. You can have the product with or without the wording (‘Cheers’).Or get it personalised. £25.50. You can buy one here.
For Naija foodies
Tantalize any foodie you know with this Designer Stew and Ofada food kit. It’s just the thing for anyone who likes to experiment with new flavours. It also includes a free recipe card. £22.99. Ayamase. Buy it from Etsy.
For Plantain lovers
A great sweatshirt to please even the most difficult-to-please of your friends. A sturdy and warm sweatshirt bound to keep you warm in the colder months, this comfy sweater is made with air-jet spun yarn for a soft feel. £34. Available from Peace, Love &T-shirts.
