English
Afrikaans
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Tis the season to be stressed out because you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the last second and now you have no idea what you’re going to get anyone and the kids are starting to sweat because the tree is looking decidedly empty and…and…and…
Okay, relax. Breathe. We’ve got you. Hout Bay is a visitor’s paradise for so many more reasons than just the food, the views, and the harbour. It’s also prime Christmas shopping territory so give the family’s finance minister a pep talk because the credit card’s coming out to play! Here are some fabulous Hout Bay gift shops, markets, and ideas for this year’s Silly Season.
Original T Bag Designs
It might sound a little kooky, but Original T Bag Designs craft one-of-a-kind products using recycled tea bags, which they sell as works of art. The tea bags are dried, emptied, ironed, and then painted with each artist having his or her individual style. No two pieces are identical. These miniature works of art are then applied to stationary, wooden trays, coasters, fabric items, wall décor, and more, which make for stunning, unique little Christmas gifts. Additionally, your support provides empowerment, financial security, and hope to previously disadvantaged people.
Address: 144 Main Road, Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay
Bay Harbour Market
The Bay Harbour Market has practically achieved legendary status with its popularity amongst tourists and locals. It’s the place to be on Friday evening (17:00 to 21:00) and Saturday and Sunday (09:30 to 16:00). But in addition to all the multi-cultural food stalls, delicious and creative beverages, and live music on offer, there is also an extensive marketplace, which is packed to the gills with artisans selling arts and crafts, fashion and clothing, jewellery and accessory, and unique handmade items of practically every description. So eclectic and diverse are the Bay Harbour Market’s wares that you could quite literally shop for your entire extended family in a single day, and then celebrate with an ice-cold bevvy!
Address: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Mainstream Mall
If it’s variety you’re after, you also can’t go wrong with Mainstream Mall, which, for a shopping mall, is actually a very beautiful place to meander about. With open sky, covered walkways, and manicured gardens leading visitors from one store to the next, Mainstream is anything but, well, mainstream. There is the usual collection of retail brands here (Pick n’ Pay, CAN, Woolworths, Clicks, etc.) but there are also a number of intriguing designer, boutique shops that are perfect for Christmas shopping. Star Dot Toys is your port of call for kids; The Bay Bookshop for book worms; Brand Collective for the seasons latest threads; Sorbet for pamper products; Nap for all things ‘home and décor’; and so much more.
Address: Corner of Princess Street and Main Road, Hout Bay
Red Room Gallery
If it’s variety you’re after, you also can’t go wrong with Mainstream Mall, which, for a shopping mall, is actually a very beautiful place to meander about. With open sky, covered walkways, and manicured gardens leading visitors from one store to the next, Mainstream is anything but, well, mainstream. There is the usual collection of retail brands here (Pick n’ Pay, CAN, Woolworths, Clicks, etc.) but there are also a number of intriguing designer, boutique shops that are perfect for Christmas shopping. Star Dot Toys is your port of call for kids; The Bay Bookshop for book worms; Brand Collective for the seasons latest threads; Sorbet for pamper products; Nap for all things ‘home and décor’; and so much more.
Address: Corner of Princess Street and Main Road, Hout Bay
Clay Café
A gift from Clay Café is the gift of quality time and discovering the joys of artistic expression and creation. So for something a little different and wholly memorable, how about bringing the little ones to the Clay Café to spend the day hand making and painting your very own clay creation? Here, you’re given unfired bisque and colourful paints to create your own masterpieces, and once done with the painting, you can explore the garden and let the little ones enjoy playground, while you relax with a cup of tea and a bite to eat from the café. Once complete, your creation will take around three and a half weeks to be fired and glazed before you can take it home with you.
Address: 177 Main Road. Opposite Bokkemanskloof Estate, Hout Bay
Rockchic Crystal Shop
Rockchic Crystal Shop specializes in gemstone jewellery and beads, as well as all the accessories necessary to make your own, if you want. Using these materials, Rockchic crafts high quality, individually designed, hand-made gemstone jewellery that incorporates the chakras and esoteric symbols like sterling silver Buddha, hill tribe silver, the tree of life, ohm signs, flowers, angel wings, rudraksha and sandalwood beads, mala tassels, and more. In other words, it’s the perfect gift shop for those among us who are enchanted by what lies beyond the veil.
Address: 35 Main Road, Hout Bay
Earthworx Garden World
One of humankind’s biggest problems nowadays is that we just don’t spend much time in nature anymore, and yet it has such a potent restorative effect on us. A beautiful flowering plant, potted herbs, or garden accessory, therefore, makes for a wonderful (albeit unusual) gift. A room can be utterly transformed both visually and in terms of ambiance with the introduction of a colourful flowering plant or a verdant explosion of fern. You might not be able to present it in Christmas wrapping but a decorative bow will do the trick. There’s also a gift shop and an enchanted garden to explore.
Address: 6 Valley Road, corner of Valley and Victoria Roads, Hout Bay
