It’s been said before that life rarely offers anyone a manual. Of course, it can feel exciting to embark upon the unknown and gallivant into the horizon of new adventures – but sometimes, a little help and preparation can be far more favourable in enhancing a new adventure, as opposed to hindering it.
You might know someone whose next avenue is a move to Cape Town. This is a mighty giant of the unknown for those who believe it is the same Cape Town they experience on holidays. Spoiler alert- it isn’t.
And what if we, the humble products of living spontaneously, those who had to learn things as they came to us, were able to give the gift of a little guidance to someone we see standing at the starting line of a race we’ve already stumbled through?
Since it’s the festive season, the gift of guidance, or a stater-kit, might just be the perfect wrap up to help out the new kid on the block, and we’ve got some suggestions so that your newbie can understand the Capetonian assignment. Survival and integration is key when moving to a new city – especially the Mother City.
10 gifts perfect to include in a Cape Town starter-kit
1.A K-Way Jacket
Integration level? 1000. The locals will suspect nothing. A K-way jacket is something of a uniform for typical capetonians and they’re also perfect for adventuring. Your friend probably isn’t well versed in Cape Town’s infrequent weather, and so this get-up is the perfect saving grace for a weather turn in any landscape.
Also Read:Here’s how the youth turned K-Way into fashion gold
2. Birkenstocks, or something like them
Upon moving to Cape Town myself, I (a sneaker fanatic) knew that tough decisions had to be made in the shoe department, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. I bought a pair of Birkenstock-like shoes, and very quickly noticed that there was an understanding without words when I interacted with locals. Perfect for cruising through beach sand, or giving you a strong footing in striking up conversations with people in Stellenbosch. Zoom Shoes are a great pick for the Birkenstock style.
3. A Gallery membership to Zeits MOCCA
Cape Town is art. If the new kid on the block is an art-lover, Zeits is the biggest and best place to start. They offer membership cards that allow you to return to the gallery again and again – the perfect induction into Cape Town’s art world. You can purchase a year-long membership for just R290 here.
4. A polaroid camera
Cape Town is synonymous with aesthetics. Now, while everyone is snapping away on their phones, having something like a Polaroid is a great way to get into photography, another art synonymous with the City. A polaroid could be what launches someone into digital or film, but it’s a great start to truly capturing a moment.
5. A longboard
Weaving through people on the promenade is best enjoyed when it’s on wheels – and, if your friend doesn’t have a car, or enjoys the freedom of their own movement, a longboard is a great go-to. To sail through the city or navigate through the southern suburbs, these are the questions. Either way, a longboard is your answer. Bonus? You’re helping the environment and the skating community is a great way to make friends. Kingdom Boards has some great custom picks if you really want to put your all into this gift.
6. Vans
Once again, if stealthy integration is a part of the plan, then a pair of Vans should certainly be on the agenda. Pro-tip: The slip ons are the friend you didn’t know you needed if your newbie is an avid beach lover who has a lot to do during the day and needs kicks that can do both. Check out the Eco-Theory collection for a sustainable pursuit.
7. Coffee-spot vouchers
Travelling around to the city’s coffee spots and collecting vouchers might seem like a lot of effort, but it’s certainly the gift that any coffee lover will not likely forget. Coffee culture in Cape Town isn’t just big, it is the culture itself. The voucher map is also a great way to introduce them to some spots that might soon be their favourite. Here are some great coffee-spot suggestions.
8. Something vintage
Cape Town loves vintage – in fact at this very moment we have actually immersed ourselves in the 70s. Thrift culture in the Mother City is incredible, and being a part of it is an adventure all in its own. Stop by Retrostash, Blood Orange or Dreamland Vintage and see what gems of times gone deserve a place in your friend’s new life. There are also tons of thrift markets happening in December where you might find a gorgeous pick.
9. Something organic and eco-friendly
I’ve left this one at a broad angle because while organic and eco-friendly are narratives of Cape Town, there is also an entire spectrum of gifts that fall under this passion of the City. From skin-care products to vegan clothing, the floor of decision is really based on them – as long as they understand that the assignment is eco-friendly.
Also Read: Sustainable skincare looks beautiful on you! Cape Town’s best eco-skincare finds
10. Swimwear
An obvious, but essential part of the starter-kit. Your mover and shaker might feel as though they have enough swimming items, but this is a rookie error, especially for those moving to the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s not just about having swimwear, but the type, especially for females. Some excursions are bikini-esque, whilst some require full-body mode to activate, depending on the activity. Granadilla Swim and January & June swimwear are some great local picks. Add the bonus gift of guiding them through Cape Town’s epic tidal pools.
Also Read:
Art as a Christmas gift? This digital gallery is your hottest spot
Picture: : @funlifedesignlab