Find the perfect gift with these book and gift stores

Gift shopping can be wonderful – but it can also be an absolute headache when you’re shopping for a special someone who has varied interests and hobbies, to begin with. Whether it’s a friend, a partner or a close family member, gifting is never easy when you’re unfamiliar with their taste in books, clothing or home decor. In fact, it can be quite disheartening when you splurge on a gift that you thought someone would love, and it turns out to be everything but.

We’ve all heard the “I don’t need anything” line when lurking for answers before visiting gift stores in Cape Town. So, before you make an impulse purchase on a general go-to item, take a moment to consider the receiver's interests. Once you’ve established their style, you will be able to purchase a personalised, thoughtful gift that will be of sentimental value to them. Here are five popular gift and book stores in Cape Town to consider:

Poetry caters for the sophisticated woman who appreciates the finer things in life.

From feminine clothing and footwear to accessories, books, bath, body, and of course, homeware, you will be able to explore a range of unique items that inspire the imagination and turn heads.

The beauty of shopping at Poetry Cape Town is that you will find sought-after products that rarely feature in commercial stores. It is a shopping destination for women who are well-read and well-travelled, as you will notice a strong international influence in their items. This sets them apart from other retailers. Be it a cooking book, statement dining ware, a planter to spruce up their dining room table, a soft bathroom robe or more, Poetry has a gift for every woman.

Mr Price Home is your one-stop-shop for homeware, decor interior and furniture at an affordable price. It’s an outlet for people who are looking for superior quality and trendy products that are reliable and modern. As far as gift stores go, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of items on display. These delightful items feature bedding linen, bathroom accessories, living room decor, and much more. Leaving you little room for disaster, Mr Price Home Cape Town gives customers the choice to purchase an item in-store or opt for a gift card to let the receiver spoil themselves instead.

Local is lekker, and Big Blue fully embraces this statement. It’s your typical ‘dude’ store, offering customers plenty of quirky items that will make you giggle. The luck with this store is that there are few stores in Canal Walk which stock items similar to Big Blue Cape Town. They offer iconic South African products for both women and men, including clothing, gadgets, corporate gifts and more to fill up your gift bag. It’s an ideal stop when looking to add a local touch to your gift – anything to make your gift receiver smile.

For the love of nature, and, well, anything pretty, visit Ilhaam's Flowers.This Cape Town-based florist is a popular choice for people who are looking to treat their special someone with a bunch of gorgeous-looking roses or a single Protea to communicate a special message. Whether it’s for an occasion or a “just because” gesture, Ilhaam’s Flowers knows what makes people tick. These fresh flowers are affordable and the perfect complement to any gift card or item.

“Gift” shopping can be a broad term – but if your gift receiver appreciates trinkets and novelty gifts, then Foxglove Studios is your go-to. This one-of-a-kind store prides themselves in delivering extraordinary botanical gifts with a personal touch. Apart from their locally-sourced artisanal pots, vases, cosmetics, art, and textiles, Foxglove Studios can also be identified as a quaint florist with a local delivery service for further gifting convenience.

As you can see, there are several gift stores to consider at Canal Walk Shopping Centre. With such a vast variety of well-known stores to choose from, you are bound to find something. When it comes to gifts, always remember the meaning behind your gift gesture and stick to a budget so that you can buy something useful, and with a purpose. The last thing you want is to buy something that costs you an arm and a leg without meeting the gift receiver’s taste.