Top 10 T&T Christmas gift ideas 2017

With less than two (2) weeks to go ’til Christmas, we are helping you find local gifts for everyone on your shopping list. We’ve been snooping around local artisan markets and on social media for the last couple weeks, looking for premium gift inspiration. Our compilation consists of products that we find creative, cool and culturally alluring. Here’s our top 10, in no particular order!

#1 – Island Babies onesies

We don’t know if it’s the darling designs, the intentional local characters or the adorableness of the ones wearing their products. But whatever it is, the cuteness level on these Island Babies onesies are too much not to make the list.

ESP Jr. captivated us with their adorable crab, cheerful coconuts, charming leatherback turtle and delightful sno cone characters. And their new Mango character is just as sweet! ?

Photos taken from website of the seller.

#2 – Printed Umbrellas

When we hear: Colour, Creative, Caribbean….we think Lush Kingdom! The Caribbean vibes but international standards of these products are definitely worth mentioning. We chose the umbrellas from Lush because prints and colours make those rainy days better! …. but the insider secret is everything from Lush Kingdom is worth being on this list! Umbrellas, Notebooks, Tote Bags, Socks, and even Sneakers. No need for boring items in your life when you live on an island.

Photo taken by Patriotic T&T.

#3 – Trini sayings T-shirts

Spelling, part of speech and definition…..wha else yuh want? These t-shirts from Tian Tees (pronounce it out loud ?) are a wearable dictionary and say everything we say! We got tootoolbay and couldn’t decide on which words/phrases we wanted to get first. You must find one for everyone on your list! If you don’t get someone this before 2018 starts……”yuh sticking!“

Photos taken by Patriotic T&T.

#4 – CQC Makeup

Everyone’s one been going crazy over Fenty but our own Trinbagonian Mo’ Martin has been making waves in the makeup world with her Caribbean Queen Cosmetics line for a bit. It was the shimmering highlighter palette that’s shaped like our steelpan that first made us do a double take.

However, our choice this Christmas is the eyeshadow palettes. The Buccoo Reef Palette consists of rich pigments with names aptly including Bago Jazz, Flambeau, Nylon Blue, Moriah Harvest, Bene Ball and Argyle Falls. CQC’s new limited edition Black Cake Palette is also an eye-catcher! Give a Trini Christmas for throughout the year with colours like Scrunter d Hunter, Surreal Sorrel, and Ponche-de-creme!

Photos taken from the Facebook account of the seller.

#5 – Artwork by Sahfyhr

The body of art of this unconventional artist doesn’t just make you look twice, but her pieces make you stop, observe and deliberate over the mechanics of her work. The different mediums SahFyhr incorporates into her artwork reminds us of the cultural mixup that is Trinidad and Tobago, pretty much like your perfect pelau! Using henna, paint and even paper as mediums to showcase elements that speak to our Caribbeanness, her pieces are the perfect gift for the art lovers amongst us.

Photos taken by Patriotic T&T.

#7 – Santimanitay Board Game

There must be that one person on your list that believes the Carnival season starts on Boxing Day! This is the perfect gift for them. Santimanitay: A Race to the Stage is an all-local board game that highlights the deep culture surrounding our beloved Carnival. We all know that “cah wait to reach de stage” feeling….and it’s the same excitement this game offers. Make memories, gain knowledge and build jones with this game. For the preservation of history and culture….this one definitely makes the list.

Photos taken from the website of the sellers.

#8 – Maxi Prints

We may not be liking the raised fares by the maxi taxis right now, but these maxi prints may make you overlook that fact just for a moment. With red and yellow bands in their collection, Pitter Patter Prints have created these lovable illustrations that they are putting on everything! Their totes and pencil cases are our favourites. These cute hand printed products use only local resources and are great for any age.  Get one for those who enjoy(ed) the public transport life of T&T! “Town drive?“

Photos taken from the Facebook account of the sellers.

#8 – Colouring Books

If you’ve been living under a rock and didn’t know colouring books are a thing….it’s a thing! This ageless hobby of colouring is the rave and Jade Gedeon’s collection provides gorgeous illustrations of local and Caribbean scenes for all to enjoy. Waiting to be filled with colour, the Island Escape takes you on an island vacation with true Trinbagoian imaginary which includes architecture, sports, holidays and even a sno cone cart. The Rainforest Escape brings to life the natural beauty of our islands with our birds, animals, flora and fauna on every page. The Carnival Escape allows you to add as much colour as Carnival allows, to costumes and traditional characters.

Live your life in colour with these colouring books.

Photos taken from the Instagram account of the artist, including reposts.

#9 – Coloured Steelpans

Do we even need a rationale for this choice? These steelpans from Panland Trinidad & Tobago Ltd are manufactured in the heart of Laventille and are distributed worldwide. Their Color of Pan Collection are powder coated steelpans which come in shiny, vibrant colours and even have miniature versions. With various colour and coating options, this is the perfect gift for any true Trinbagonian or foreigner in love with T&T. Whether they are a true pan lover, have a resolution to learn a new skill in 2018 or just need an impressive souvenir of our national instrument, get them a steelpan from Panland.

Photos taken from website of the sellers.

#10 – Photos from Robert Ramkissoon

Local photographer Robert Ramkissoon converts his stunning images into the perfect decor for the walls of your home. His images consist of the landscapes, architecture cityscape, seascape, flowers and birds of our islands.  Ready to hang, these images are printed on photo block mounts which make placement easy. His multipanel art is our favourite.

Photos taken by Patriotic T&T.

Special Mentions:

Below are some items we just could not omit. These are great “stocking stuffers” or those “Secret Santas” you’re not sure about:

• Chocolate from Brasso Seco – Have you ever been to Brasso Seco??? The very air up there is authentic and so are these chocolates made from our own cocoa and refined with good Trinbagonian love!
• Origami Ornaments – Why should our tree have snowflakes when we have symbols that represent us? With leatherback back turtles and hummingbirds, these origami ornaments designed by DiDa Design Studios give our Christmas that island vibe.
• Last Seen in Trinidad storybook – if Santa goes missing where do you go looking for him? In Trinidad and Tobago of course. Last Seen in Trinidad is perfect for that night before Christmas story. It goes on an adventure through the hills of Paramin and in traditions that make a true Trini Christmas. Keep our traditions alive with this gift.