Unique Finds: A Bahamian Holiday Gift Guide 2015
We can’t believe that it’s December already! When it comes to holiday shopping, we’ll be the first ones to admit that finding authentically Bahamian gifts can be quite a challenge for Nassau visitors and locals alike. While the Nassau Straw Market was once the island’s trusted locale for Bahamian-made straw work and souvenirs, these days you’ll have to spend extra time in search of items that are actually made or designed locally as many of the goods for sale are imported. But with some guidance on where to look for high quality local finds- picking out unique Bahamian holiday gifts at this time of year can be both fun and rewarding.
With so much outstanding variety among Bahamian made products, we’ve rounded up our favourite picks for this year’s 2015 Bahamas holiday gift list. Happy shopping…
1. Bahamian-Made Gift Tags & Holiday Cards
We think pairing your Bahamian gift with a beautifully designed and traditional, woodblock printedPoinciana Paper Press holiday card on handmade paper will set the tone for your island-chic gift theme!
$25/pack fo 5; www.facebook.com/poincianapaperpress
2. A Souvenir Bahamian History Guide Book For Visitors
There is a Bahamian authored book for everything under the sun but this one’s for the history buffs! Share Allan Murray’s The Colorful History of The Bahamas with your favourite bookworm.
$25; www.amazon.com/allan-g-murray
3. Comfortable, Island Footwear by BAHEMS
Pre-order these Bahamian designed, casual shoes that are stylishly made out of a breathable cotton material adorned with island motifs at BahemsFootwear.
$60/pair; www.bahemsfootwear.com
4. Artisanal Bahamian Coin Bracelets
An extension of Doongalik Studios, Craft Cottage specializes in handmade jewellery and home goods embellished with delicate shells or crafted metals. We love their series of upcycled Bahamian coin bracelets in particular!
$18/each; www.craftcottagebahamas.com
5. Local Produce Delivery Service Subscription from Chiccharney Farms
Share the gift of good health and good eats with a Chiccharney Farms subscription of monthly produce, delivered to the designated Bahamian home or office of your choice.
$25-$100/monthly subscription; www.chiccharneyfarms.com
6. A Bites of Nassau Food Tour Experience
Our food tasting and cultural walking tours are perfect experiences to give your foodie family and friends. Gift certificates join our Bites Of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour are available online and do not expire. If you’re looking for fun and stress-free options for office parties, club events or family outings, our Private tours are ideal. As a special gift to you, use discount code HOLIDAYS15 to receive 15% OFF your #BitesOfNassau tour tickets or gift certificates between now and December 26th, 2015.
$69/per guest+tax; www.trubahamianfoodtours.com
7. Fun, Free Kalik Beer Signature T-Shirts
With the purchase of any case of Kalik Beer products at Bahamas Wines & Spirits, you’ll take home a free t-shirt defining common Bahamian colloquialisms like “Bey”- our greeting for boy/man here in the islands.
$45/case price, t-shirt is free; www.burnshouse.com
8. Bahamian Recipe Linen Tea Towels from Bahama Hand Prints
Bahama Hand Prints offers silkscreen printed resort wear for men and women; handbags, wallets, and clutches; and (our favourite) home decor such as tea towels with Bahamian recipes printed right on them!
$18/each; www.bahamahandprints.com
9. A Foodie’s Paradise, Cooking Lessons
Leave the holiday cooking to a pro! Gift someone you love with a private dinner or cooking lesson from local farm to table Master Chef Simeon Hall Jr.
$100/per head and up; www.simeonhalljr.com
10. Graycliff Artist Studios Original Bahamian Works
Recently opened, Graycliff’s Heritage Village Artist Studios is a downtown Nassau artist residency and boutique featuring original Bahamian works. One of favourites is this Bahamian sea grape bowl by ceramicist and tile-worker, Jessica Colebrooke.
$100; www.graycliff.com
11. Maillis Family Calendar That Includes Annual Events & Recipes
The coveted, hand drawn Maillis Family Bahamian Calendar 2016 is among the specialty holiday stocking stuffers that every local looks forward to receiving.
$20/each; www.thecalendarfamily.com
12. Bahamian Bush Teas & Organic Products
Treat your colleagues, friends, and family to a soothing set of Tasty Teas medicinal, bush tea leaves like moringa and superfruit juice products sourced right here in The Bahamas.
$5/bottle and up; www.facebook.com/tastyteasbah