returntoyourseat

We are going to Cape Town and will be staying in the waterfront area. I saw an old thread from '03 but would like to know if there are some new shops that I can have a look and pick up some special gifts that reflect the South African culture. I saw on the Fodor highlights that there are unique handbags made by the South African Women, what are your thoughts.

Grcxx3

Can't recommend specific shops, but the Red Roof (I think that's the name) craft center is great fun. There are also some interesting shops in the mall and in the Clock Tower. And check out one of the outdoor markets. There is one just a few blocks from the waterfront area.

There are lots of things to choose from - wooden carvings, beaded jewelry, table ware (silverware, serving pieces) with beaded accents, items made from ostrich eggs, batik table linens, and items made from recycled items (really cool stuff made from old Coke cans).

There are a ton of interesting items. I don't think you'll have any problems picking out gifts!!

tamtalb

If you like making jewellery and semi-precious gemstones go to The Scratch Patch. You can scratch through loads of polished stones scattered on the floor, and pay by the bagful. Children love this. The one I went to was one street back from the V&A wharf. I think there was another location on the Cape Peninsula too.

canadian_robin

Streetwires - one of our favourites! CR

http://www.streetwires.co.za/

canadian_robin

Another favourite:
www.avoova.com.
Very unique! CR

Travelaficionado

If you're feeling adventurous, try out the Khayelitsha Arts & Crafts market - they'll probably have exactly what you're looking for

returntoyourseat

Thank you - these all sound like great places. I agree Avoova looks very unique...

mkhonzo

Take a drive out to Constantia on your first day, at theConstantia centre (on the pavement) you'll find a bunch of guys selling things made from beads. They are the artists. Negotiate with them and have them make up your own designs, collect them before you leave.

I picked up a few diaramas made of the township scenes, some needed minor repairs after the rigorous journey home, but they too are unique and special reminders of our time in the Cape.

dutyfree

The Scratch Patch at V and A waterfront( and also the one down at Simonstown) is a wonderful place to shop for inexpensive gems and minerals from SA and surrounding areas.

Personally I always bought out the Green Market(in down town Cape Town) with all of the great jewelry and other souvenirs. The necklaces and bracelots that I bought for less than $9 USD are so much more expensive back home.The compliments that I have gotten when wearing them has been many. They really make a simple T shirt dressed up!

CarrieAnn40

Picked up a cd from one of the bands playing round the Waterfront which is always very evocative.j

laurenanne

We found most of the crafts to be junky, but did buy a candle holder from Avoova. Beautiful store, albeit pricey. Would love one of their mirrors one day. And they have a gorgeous bar made from ostrich eggs in the shop.