All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase an item or product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year and considering potential shipping delays and pressure on delivery times this season, there might be some truth to the saying ‘The early bird catches the worm’. With Christmas and Black Friday just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Courtesy of our Marketplace, AMAKA has a few favourites already picked out!
1. Mini Langa Frame Bag In Paradise, KhoKho
KhoKho, the siSwait word for ‘great-grandmother’, is a handbag and accessories company based in eSwatini. The brand works with local artisans to preserve the spirit of traditional craftsmanship in weaving and leatherwork. The Mini Langa Frame Bag specifically is woven with lutindzi grass indigenous to Eswatini and locally grown sisal fiber. This is tied together into a steel wire frame and decorated with ecru leather, gold hardware and hand carved cow horn details. This sculptural beauty will turn heads on the arm of anyone, making a great Christmas present for a confident and vibrant individual.
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2. Moussor Headwrap, Diarra Blu
Contemporary lifestyle brand, Diarra Blu is taking an extra step towards innovation by blending technology, fashion, and mathematics to turn algebraic graphs and geometric transformations into unique prints that are manufactured locally. On top of that, the brand utilizes customer polling and engagement to only produce what’s needed, reducing textile waste by 60%. Their Moussor Headwrap is a great addition to a plain outfit or a quick save on a bad hair day.
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3. Mandisa Neckpiece, Adele Dejak
Adele Dejak is a Kenyan wearable art brand, specializing in luxury jewellery. Every single item of theirs is sustainably sourced and ethically made — from the miners and suppliers to the craftsmen and metalworkers they work with. In the Malaika Collection, the Mandisa Neckpiece stands out. This gold recycled brass chain is beautifully hand crafted to pop on anyone’s neck. Don’t be discouraged by its size though — at 228g, the neckpiece is still light to wear and adjustable to fit all neck sizes.
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4. Patricia Mule Heels, Shekudo
Founded in Sydney, Australia, Shekudo is a footwear and accessories brand that is now based in Lagos, Nigeria. In just over a year, the brand has gone from a team of 4 artisans to 14 and hopes to grow into the leading supplier of quality footwear on the continent. The brand uses 100% genuine local leather and traditional Aso Oke/ Akwete cloth for its shoes like these gorgeous Patricia Mules. At three inches they’re not too high but still provide a little lift for those days you are out and about. To reduce weave wastage, designs may be cut in different sections when creating the product meaning that no two products will ever be identical — good for the environment, and one of a kind.
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5. L'abeille Vegan Body Brush, Faithful to Nature
Faithful to Nature is a great place to look for green-friendly gifts for that special someone. How about the L’abeille Vegan Body Brush? Crafted from sisal bristles and a bamboo handle, this brush is designed to gently exfoliate and condition the skin to bring forth a glow. The brush also comes with instructions on how to follow the ancient ayurvedic practice of body brushing which is believed to detox the body, promote lymphatic cleansing and expel cellular waste products.
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For more amazing brands, check out AMAKA’s Marketplace.