Christmas is just 18 days away, 18 days! If you have not yet wrapped up your shopping, then hopefully my Christmas 2020 gift guides will inspire you. For more inspo, be sure to check out my archive of previous gift guides which may offer you some more great ideas.
Today’s featured gift guide is targeted at the adventurer and the explorer, the traveller and the wanderluster.
I am sure, as a fellow explorer, your friends and family who talk endlessly about their travels and adventures will love any one of these wrapped under the tree. Oh, and did I mention, each suggestion is Proudly South African!
Let’s get into it…
Brothers & Son Pioneer Bag
If you’re looking to give the ultimate traveller and explorer a gift you know they will use and love, you won’t go wrong with this gorgeous expandable roll top back pack from Brothers & Son (R2400).
The water and stain resistant waxed canvas outer of this bag, makes it a perfect travel companion for any condition, whether sun, sand, hiking or safari. Besides the durable canvas, this bag also features full grain leather straps and a leather base which will ensure that it gets used and loved for years to come.
The bag featured above is in the shade Aloe, which is my favourite, but it also comes in Ash Blue and Sand.
Brothers & Son products are all handcrafted in my hometown, Johannesburg! Visit their website, brothersandson.co.za for more beautiful products.
Land Of Lark Picnic Mat
Another product I’ve lusted for a while (so I know it will be a great gift) is the Family Nest Picnic Mat from Land of Lark (Usually R1950, currently R1200). I’m all for spending days out in the sun; picnicking at the Botanical Gardens or at Cradle Moon Game Reserve, or even just enjoying the sunshine at home, so a picnic mat is must.
What I love about this one is that it’s large enough for both the hubs and me to enjoy. (It’s 1.35m x 1.8m by the way) and it rolls up into a nifty little bag that doesn’t make you look like you’re carting the whole world with you. But what I’m really drawn to is the bonded leather, which makes it completely wipe-able, easily shakable, and that it involves zero laundering (just wipe clean and air dry).
Oh, and the two tone shade of the Chestnut and Peanut Butter mat variation is gorge! The Navy and Peanut Butter shade also looks beautiful, but sadly, sold out on their website.
Hop onto Land of Lark for more beautiful, high quality items such as picnic and play mats, wooden play accessories, wall decals and more cool stuff!
Simon & Mary Shape Trilby Hat
Okay, these hats are friggin amazing! After ages of contemplating whether or not “I needed” one, I eventually caved and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Simon & Mary hats are so comfortable, so stylish and so very versatile. Especially the Shape, (or Shape Shape) Trilby which, like most iconic Simon & Mary hats is made from 100% Woolfelt material.
This style, in my opinion at least, suits everyone. And I like that you can wear it backwards or forwards for two different looks, without looking like you’re wearing it wrong!
Tread & Miller is currently running a fantastic deal on the Shape Trilby but you better be quick. You could score it for under R300! I paid R550 for mine (very recently) and I’ve seen them selling in the region of R700 – so hurry, hurry!
Be sure to check out simonandmary.co.za for more beautiful hat styles. Some of my other faves include the Mountie Traditional, the Katherine and the Eva.
Changing a Leopard’s Spots by Alex van den Heever
A great book always makes a welcome gift in my world and this one is a perfect choice for anyone who has ever mentioned the slight bit of interest in our beautiful South African bush, or spent a night in the wild. But it’s more than a travel diary!
Changing a Leopard’s Spots, follows the real life stories of Alex van Den Heever and Renias Mhlongo, two wild life trackers who share their stories from Londolozi as well as other adventures together (although I havent gotten that far in my reading yet).
I’m about four chapters in and really enjoying the story so far. If anything, at this point it’s made me lust for a weekend in the bush (again), however, I am sure after I finish reading it, I may see the wild in a different light. I’ve always wanted to know what goes through the mind of a game ranger/ tracker/ guide and I’m looking forward to more free time to enjoy reading, even if it has to be from my couch rather than my bush chalet 🙂
Here’s a little synopsis of Changing a Leopard’s Spots
In Changing a Leopard’s Spots, Alex shares stories from his life with Renias, including the successes, failures, dramas, laughter, disappointments and highlights. As they experience numerous adventures, Alex and Renias learn to trust and rely on one another – both in order to stay alive, in a literal sense because of the sometimes dangerous environments in which they work, but also to develop a deep and meaningful relationship.
By challenging each other and learning from one another they break down social, cultural, racial and personal boundaries and obstacles that often divide South Africans; and in the process, the two men forge an unbreakable bond.
For more info on the book, click here and to download it for your Kindle, click here.
Pango & Linn Binocular Case
When I saw this Handcrafted Leather Binocular case (R3500), my heart literally skipped a beat! Ya’ll know I love high quality, well made stuff, and this binocular case is one of those items that will definitely see many safari’s and travel adventures. I get excited just looking at it. It’s very worldly and it reminds me of something one might pass down to generations and will be loved by all of them, even the cool kids of the future.
Made from 100% Vegetable Tanned Bovine Leather, the Pango & Linn Binocular case is sure to impress anyone with an eye for style thanks to its solid brass hardware and beautiful, stitch details.
By the way, did you know that Pango & Linn call themselves “a little leather brand on a big mission”, and they raise and create awareness for the pangolin, which is one of the most trafficked animals in the world! When purchasing from Pango & Linn, 20% of this product’s proceeds goes towards pangolin conservation efforts.
Be sure to check out their other items on their website if you’re looking for a timeless gift with a purpose.
Happy shopping
xo
Dimi
