South African Souvenir Must-Haves
Souvenirs are great reminders of a fantastic holiday. Here are some ideas on what souvenirs to look out for when holidaying in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa:
A Bottle of wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Merlot are some of the top wines in South Africa and a treat for wine lovers. So why not stash a few bottles into your luggage and once you get home, enjoy it with close friends and family. Visit Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, and stock up on your South African wine collection.
Handmade candles: Candles have a rich history and a variety of different purposes. It can transform an ordinary meal with a loved one into a romantic gesture, it can help sooth your body and mind after a long day and it gives off a wonderful smell. Ensure that you visit a local candle shop during your trip to discover all the different colours, shapes and smells candles can offer.
Jewellery: Take a trip to a craft market and browse through the massive selection of beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets. South African craft markets have beads in all sizes and colours, ensuring that you will find something to suit you or the person that you are buying for.
A wooden giraffe: This is just one of those things that you must buy. Do not even try to fight the urge. This is the equivalent of buying a marionette in Prague or a hubbly in the Middle East, and the pain of lugging it around airports and hotels will be completely worth it once you have this sitting in your lounge at home. You can use it as a coat hanger or just as an ornament, but one thing is for sure – you need to go home with one of them.
Chutney and jam preservatives: If you are looking to savour traditional South African flavours, ensure that you stock up on chutneys and preservatives. Visit one of the many food markets in Cape Town or buy your favourite flavours from grocery shops.
Carol Boyes silverware: Carol Boyes is a local silversmith known for her quality kitchen and dinnerware utensils. Carol Boyes shops are located all around the Western Cape in shopping centres and at craft markets. These unique designs are a fantastic way to reminisce about your trip every time you open the sugar bowl or have friends over for tea and coffee.
On your next trip to South Africa, ensure that you leave enough space in your bags for some of these fantastic souvenirs. That way you will be able to take some of the spirit, culture and tastes of the country with you when you leave.
Image attribution: Hans Splinter