African local gift shops you should visit

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are dusting off our old boxes of ornaments and setting up the tree for yet another festive season! While decor tends to be on the easier end of the spectrum, the real challenge is finding the right gift for the right friend or family member!

Whether you're spending Christmas at home or travelling abroad to see friends and family, these five boutique stores in and around Johannesburg offer truly South African and unique gifts!

Kim Sacks Gallery in Parkwood
 

Image Source: Kimsacks.com

Summertime at Kim Sacks is truly a sight to behold!

Surrounded by budding purple Jacaranda blooms, the building is a unique expression of what is to come and sits on the corner of Rosebank and Parkwood on the iconic Jan Smuts avenue.

This gorgeous abode is the storefront of the Kim Sacks gallery, which features an amalgamation of artistic collections from traditional paintings to lavish ornaments and baubles. Even if you're not there to buy anything, the experience of perusing through its various collections within its unique setting provides an exciting day out.

Visit their page - Kim Sachs

Krag Drag (the Strong One) in 27 Boxes, Melville
 

Image Source: 27boxes.co.za

The name, although quite a mouthful, is a simple play on words. It's a store that needs no introduction but is often hard to describe to those who have never been there. Let's say it's an experience that must be seen to be believed!

Located in the 27 Boxes Complex on 4th Avenue in Melville, Krag Drag specialises in selling clever and witty T-shirt designs which play into South African themes and humour. Beyond their quirky attractions, they also sell furnishings, pillows, bowls and well-thought-out gifts.

It may best be described as the quintessential South African gift shop and takes the cultural expression to a unique level. Tourists love it, and South Africans will always have something truly Mzanzi to take overseas with them.

Visit their page - Krag Drag

Madi a Thavha in Victoria Yards, Lorentzville
 

Image Source: Sa-venues.com

Madi a Thavha is a Limpopo lodge promoting local art in the region. As such, the local satellite store here in Johannesburg works to promote its unique styles to a larger audience.

Regulars at this art gallery in Lorentzville enjoy a beautiful selection of the contemporary works of Limpopo designers and artists. The store also hosts art exhibitions from local talent and a few pieces from artists on a  national scale to keep things fresh. This is the place to be if you want to enhance your home's aesthetics with a northern twist.

Visit their page - Madi a Thavha

The Urban Markets "Love Local" Pop-Up in Bedford Center, Bedfordview
 

Image Source: Joburg.co.za

Now for a taste of contemporary gifts and designs. Located in the affluent suburb of Bedfordview in the East Rand, The Urban Markets hosts an extravagant collection of pop-culture-inspired fabrics and pieces. 

Love-local is the theme, and the store's central ethos is to promote local artists from the area regardless of the style or theme. Expect to find an amalgamation of designs collected from local markets in and around the Johannesburg suburbs. While most shopping centres tend to host more international retailers, this unique store offers a little something for everyone while championing a mix of affordable and eclectic products.

They'll soon open a second store in Edenvale, so watch this space for more news!

Visit their page - The Urban Markets.

Art Africa in Parkview 
 

Image Source: Cityseeker.com

If you're looking for something unique, contemporary and oozing with expression, then Art Africa in Parkview should be on your bucket list. Located on Tyrone Avenue, the store centre offers easy and convenient parking and is packed with high-quality and carefully curated pieces from pottery to traditional beadwork.

The store has been described as a miniature version of the Rosebank African Craft Market but with less hassle. They're open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, so pop by when you can.

Visit their page - Art Africa

To experience some more local flair and African art pieces then, you may also wish to visit Amatuli and Candice Berman's gallery.

Happy shopping, all!

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