This year, avoid the last-minute rush by getting ahead on your Cape Town gift shopping! There are some fantastic markets taking place in the run-up to the festive season, giving you lots of inspiration on unique gifts. One of the many advantages to doing your shopping early is that you will have more time to enjoy the summer holidays once they get going. Shopping while it is still relatively quiet will also mean you won’t have to venture into the battlefields that are Cape Town malls over the year-end holidays.
And, if we’re being perfectly honest, who doesn’t need an excuse to do a bit of gift shopping in Cape Town? With so many beautiful markets and products out there, local truly is lekker in this part of the world!
Early Bird Guide to Cape Town Gift Shopping
Whether you always get organised ahead of time, or you want to take advantage of exclusive markets with a limited run, here are some of our top picks for Cape Town gift shopping…
Stellenberg Feesmark
19 October – 5 November 2016 @ NG Kerk in Stellenberg | +27 (0)21 910 3900
The Stellenberg Feesmark is a lovely local market in the northern suburbs. Held every year before Christmas, the market offers a variety of interesting stalls. Look out for jewellery, decor, accessories, handbags, paintings, festive decorations, toys, wall art, clothing and plenty of other goodies. It’s free to enter and browse, parking is provided and there is a restaurant nearby serving up yummy South African cuisine. The market also supports a number of charities.
Constantia Gift Fair
2 – 6 November 2016 @ SARDA on Brommersvlei Road in Constantia | +27 (0)83 679 4495
Home and garden accessories, fashion items and gorgeous must-have gifts await at the Constantia Gift Fair. Tickets are available at the door and cost R30 for adults. In addition to a hand-picked selection of quality gifts, there will also be food stalls, drinks and a kid’s play area. This is a great choice for a fun day of shopping and leisure with the family.
Franschhoek Craft Festival
5 November 2016 @ Môreson Estate in Franschhoek | +27 (0)21 876 3055
In addition to a fabulous selection of handmade items for sale such as art, jewellery and luxury leather goods, you will also be able to savour delightful food, wines and craft brews at this premier Cape Winelands estate. The market runs from 11h00 until 17h00. According to Môreson GM, Nikki Friedman, “This will be hands-down the best showcase of all South Africa’s local craft-producers.” Tickets cost R180 per person and are available via Webtickets.co.za.
Rondebosch Potters Market
19 November 2016 @ Rondebosch Park in Rondebosch | +27 (0)72 145 8433.
From 08h00 until 14h00, the long-standing Rondebosch Potters Market will have its November run. This bi-annual market is a fantastic source of handmade items. Ceramics are the main focus – look out for some incredible local items from potters across the province. The market is free to browse and is situated on the corner of Campground and Sandown Roads in Rondebosch.
Cape Gift Market
22 November – 4 December 2016 @ Sea Point City Hall in Sea Point | +27 (0)82 411 3981
Now in its 15th year running, the Cape Gift Market represents over 160 crafters from across the country. A huge range of items will be available here, from ceramics to accessories, clothing, handmade goods, kids toys and clothing and plenty of other unique finds. There’ll also be food stalls with 100% Cape cuisine classics, like koeksisters, biltong, hertzogies, Cape honey and other goodies. Entry and parking are both free.
Stellenbosch Kersmark
23 November – 3 December 2016 @ Martinson Street in Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 883 3850
The Stellenbosch Christmas Market features 180 stalls from a selection of sought-after artists and craftsmen. Browse and shop various unusual, hand crafted gift ideas, visit the restaurants, relax at the food and drinks stalls and enjoy a day out on the beautiful Cape Winelands. This market is open Monday to Saturday during its run, but will be closed on the Sunday.
Camphill Village Christmas Market
4 December 2016 @ Camphill Village in West Coast (Near Atlantis) | +27 (0)21 571 8651
If you’re looking for a fun day out, head out for a drive along the West Coast. Near Atlantis, you will find Camphill Village. This organic farm offers a range of produce and items, from plants, to baked goods, jewellery and crystals. There’s also a cafe on site that serves up tasty meals. The market runs from 10h00 until 14h00.
Simply South Craft and Gift Fair
5 – 22 December 2016 @ NG Kerk Constantia, Bergvliet | +27 (0)82 423 7185 / +27 (0)83 618 6366
In December, the annual Simply South Craft and Gift Fair kicks off in Bergvliet. This lovely market features 200 crafters from all over the peninsular. There will be plenty of unusual gift ideas for the whole family, along with food, drinks and other goodies. It’s free to enter, and there will be a variety of goods on sale from plants to accessories, clothing, ceramics and more. The market will be closed on Sundays.
Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair
5 – 22 December 2016 @ Pinelands High School in Pinelands | +27 (0)82 661 6080
Held at the Kent Hall at Pinelands High School, this December market offers a great range of items. Around 160 crafters will be showcasing their wares. Credit card facilities are available (always useful at markets!) and there will also be food and drink options. The market is open daily throughout its run (including Sundays and public holidays).
Made in the Cape Festive Fair
6 – 18 December 2016 @ Cavendish Square, Claremont | [email protected]
At this local Cape Town gift market, new exhibitors attend every 3 or 4 days to ensure that there is always something different over the course of the event. A huge range of items will be on offer – jewellery, clothing, home decor, festive decorations and more. This year, there will also be a food market. Entry is free and parking is available at Cavendish Square. It will be open daily from 09h00 to 19h00, closing at 17h00 on Sunday.
Fab Ideas Christmas Market
15 – 18 December 2016 @ Kommetjie Community Hall in Kommetjie | [email protected] / +27 (0)82 879 5571
On the False Bay coast, the lovely Fab Ideas Christmas Market is sure to be a treat. Taking place in the middle of December, this market is home to a range of handmade items as well as locally produced food. It’s free to browse and open daily from 09h00 to 17h00 on Thursday and 09h00 to 19h00 on the weekend.
________________________________________________________________
Looking for more tips on where to find great gifts in Cape Town? Have a look at out mini guide to shopping in Cape Town and our list of factory shops in Cape Town.
