Trinidad & Tobago Christmas Gift Guide 2019
With just a few days left before the last Christmas of this decade (7 days to be exact)…..we are releasing a gift guide to help you complete or in some cases start (yes, we see you last-minute-Larry) your Christmas shopping.
These are our holiday gift ideas for almost everyone on your 2019 Christmas list from our Trinidad and Tobago artisans and businesses! In no rank or particular order.
1. Tobago Wallet
This wristlet purse is the true definition of style, functionality and representation. The tropical palm leaves design by LCA Designs Tobago brings the paradise feel to such a necessary commodity. Having their signature “TOBAGO” on the band just makes you want to sport this everywhere, which truly speaks to their slogan of “Take Tobago wherever you go”.
We recommend these for every island girl who loves to be reminded they are from the Caribbean. Hashtag: islandlife.
2. Non-plastic utensils
We’re about that sustainable life in 2020! Start the year off right by gifting and using sustainable items this Christmas. Stainless steel or bamboo straws, reusable bowls, and wooden eating utensils….these are for the environmentally-conscious on your list (aka every single person!)
We recommend purchasing from The Last Straw TT who produces 100% natural, handmade straws from bamboo grown right here in T&T. Let’s help be part of the change and ditch plastics in 2020! #teamzerowaste
3. Local ABC reading books
Learning is fundamental…..and it can also be fun and easy when you learn through things that are in your surroundings. That’s why we got excited about these baby books from Caribbean Baby Products. Their books pair local content with letters for learning…..like D is for Doubles!
Not only do kids learn to read, but they learn about the country and culture too! You guys know how we at Patriotic T&T feel about that! So this was an easy choice….as easy as it is to tell the Doubles man “Two, Slight!”
Be sure to check out their other products such as the ABC colouring book, the 123 book and their Savannah puzzles too. All for kids. All local content
4. Local Tea!
We know there’s a whole commune-a-TEA of tea lovers out there. Why not gift our very own, locally grown teas offered by internationally award-winning Twigs Naturals? Their service is exceptional and their knowledge-base deep. They work with farmers across Trinidad and Tobago to bring the best ingredients that can help with numerous issues. They’re always ready to help compile the perfect basket for gifting! So get this for the person who’s your cup of tea this Christmas!
5. Body Soaps
With self-care high on the agenda for many, local handmade soaps are a great gift for anyone, men included. These body bars are made with natural ingredients that work to fight various issues like eczema, acne, dryness and uneven skin tone. With rich ingredients, local artisans have been upping the ante with the ingredients, fragrances and design!
Our choices for soaps are Trop Shop with their rich tropical 100% natural, vegan soaps wrapped in awesome packaging ….. and Pure Decadance with their imaginative composition and embellishments, that made us do double-takes thinking they were selling cakes! Local soaps are perfect for those who put extra effort into their self-care and enjoy simple luxuries.
6. Subscription Box
These are for the ones living “in de cold” on your list. Gift a subscription box from Callaloo Box to those missing the tastes and flavours of home. This monthly subscription box is filled with local grocery options such as seasonings, spices, drinks, snacks and more.
You can make a one-time purchase of their Christmas box (a few more days left to order) or gift the monthly subscription where your loved one gets goodies throughout the year. Their online grocery allows you the option of also choosing items you desire and having them delivered straight to your loved ones’ doorsteps. No customs, no long mailing time, or any of the other hassles.
7. White Oak Sorrel
The sweet, smooth concoction got the country in a festive frenzy just in time for Christmas. But in case you didn’t realise, the new Sorrel Flavoured Rum White Oak is a limited edition addition to Angostura’s line. Will it cease production on Boxing Day or on the last official day of Christmas (Jan 06th)? Who knows! That’s why this should be on your gift-giving list! It makes a wonderful addition for the rum collectors on your list, who won’t mind sipping sorrel rum in July!
8. T&T Pendant Necklace
For the person on your Christmas list that makes a statement with their accessories, this piece from Banz Caribbean is so simple yet amazingly elegant. The simplicity in these statement pieces is everything! We love the fact a dangling Tobago is added to their map cutout of Trinidad, making it super cute and inclusive! Their “868” hand bands are noteworthy as well.
This one is for the ladies on your list who took Kes’ “just show them where yuh from…let everybody know” literally!
9. Tickets to a fete or other local event
Speaking of Kes…..with Carnival right around the corner, getting someone a ticket to a fete on their Carnival wish list is an awesome Christmas gift idea! Tickets to some of the hottest events are already out and most can be purchased online at Ticket Federation.
And…if you have someone on your list that isn’t into Carnival, we suggest other local events such as New Fire or maybe inter-island flight tickets for that much-needed staycation from Caribbean Airlines.
10. Special Mention: Queen of Soca donation
Why not give a gift to our nation! Our featured mention this year is dedicated to a highly anticipated film Queen of Soca the Movie. The world premiere took place during Carifesta XIV and got phenomenal reviews, BUT the film isn’t completed.
Starring Terri Lyons, Penelope Spencer and Russel Wilkinson-Taitt, this film’s completion and subsequent success hinges on the producers attaining a target of $15,000 to film the remaining scenes during Carnival 2020.
Follow the link here and make a pledge for as little or as much as you can. Each donation bracket comes with some impressive rewards too. Do it #fortheculture!
Additional Mentions:
Add a Starbucks Trinidad and Tobago Been There Series Cup for the coffee (and tea) lovers on your list! It also makes a perfect gift for those international friends who visited T&T because of you. Or for that co-worker you got as Secret Santa. Or for the patriot on your list! Or…..well you get the point, it’s a good gift! We applaud Starbucks for designing such a wonderful mug that truly represents Trinidad and Tobago.
We can’t suggest gifts and no packing! Slay your #supportlocal movement by adding locally designed Christmas cards and even gift paper to your gifts and be the talk of Christmas.
Trini Lyrics Greeting Cards will get any Grinch in the Christmas spirit. Worded with our local parang lyrics, local graphic designer Ayrid created these cards that are aesthetically and culturally pleasing. These are sure not to be thrown out come January 1st.
Take your representation and presentation to another level of local by wrapping your gifts in Paper Chase TT’s 100% recycled, biodegradable wrapping papers! Make the gift-getting and gift-opening that more special with these great sheets of “Trini-Christmas” paper.
What a round up this year! We salute all small businesses and entrepreneurs who are out there using their skills to push our culture! And we toast you who are supporting these businesses throughout the year.
“Support Local” isn’t the latest trend. It’s a lifestyle that has continual benefits to all of us. Let us know in the comments which local businesses you are supporting and if they made our Trinidad and Tobago Christmas Gift Guide 2019. Get even more gift ideas from our 2017 Gift Guide.
Be sure to make your Christmas shopping local, meaningful, sustainable….and memorable! Merry Christmas from us at Patriotic T&T!