Best gift ideas this Christmas

And just like that, it’s here. Christmas - the most wonderful time of the year! Living year round in the Cayman Islands, the winter months are truly sublime. This is when the Christmas Breeze gently blows, the temperatures cool slightly and the sun keeps shining. In fact, some say that this is the best time of year in the Cayman Islands and we tend to agree! So to help you enjoy your time in Cayman and maximise your days on the beach or in the water, we’ve donned our Christmas Elf hat and put together some Christmas shopping ideas that will cater for every family member, friend or loved one on the good side of your Naughty or Nice list.

Read on for some cool gift ideas that will keep loved ones happy and make you shine like a star this Christmas.

Gold turtle pendant from Cabinet Jewellery – For an exotic, Cayman-inspired gift go for gold with this cute turtle pendant - a symbol of perseverance, protection and endurance. Inspired by her childhood in Cayman, Gemma Critchley, founder of Cabinet Jewellery, has created a range of beautiful and delicate pieces that reflect the natural elements of the island. Prices start from $110 CI. Available exclusively at The Mercantile.

Josh Rosebrook Holiday Trio - Restore, hydrate and protect with the perfect holiday gift set from No.11 Spa. Using the highest quality organic and wild-crafted ingredients available, this cult beauty brand is one of the hottest trends of 2019. A favourite skincare brand of Hollywood stars, the Advanced Hydration Mask with aloe vera and indian senna seed is a best-seller and sure to help you glow this festive season. Available exclusively at No.11 Spa.

For extra Christmas inspo, check out the No.11 Spa 2019 Advent Calendar—24 days of green beauty gifts, flash sales and holiday skincare.

Brümate Champagne flute - Bubbles on the beach? Yes please. Brümate’s fancy technology means 5 times the bubbles (yay), 20 times colder than a normal glass (in the Caribbean, that’s a winning ticket right there) and twice the size of the average Champagne flute which means you can sip back and relax. Brümate insulated wine, Champagne and whisky tumblers available from Island Naturals Retail.

Beach House scented candles – Expertly crafted by Sydney Hale Co., this signature Beach House fragrance is a heady mixture of bitter orange, driftwood and patchouli, and has become synonymous with an endless summer lifestyle. Available exclusively at The Mercantile. Prices start at $35 CI.

If paradise had a scent, this would be it. Available from The Mercantile at the Marriott Beach House, Grand Cayman

Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Set - You can’t go wrong with this top-rated cleansing balm that promotes healthy, radiant skin using Mother Nature’s secret weapon against impurities: Manuka Honey. Naturopathica’s philosophy is simple -clean, effective and holistic skin care using the healing power of plants. Just one of the many reasons that makes them a leading organic skincare brand. Naturopathic products can be found at Botanika Union. Prices available upon request.

Mantrabands - Made with positive vibes and a lot of love, these simple, elegant bracelets delivery effortless style and an uplifting message. Help your loved one start 2020 right by promoting a lifestyle of optimism, positivity, mindfulness. Available from Island Naturals Retail in a range of finishes including rose gold, yellow gold and matte silver.

Phlur perfume - If you haven’t yet discovered Phlur’s hypoallgenic, vegan and cruelty-free fragrances, take our word for it that you’ll win MVP for gift-giving with their most popular fragrance, Hanami. Voted by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best organic and natural perfumes in 2019, Hanami conjures a floral scent that is subtle and warm. With it’s stunningly clean and simple packaging, this is for the true minimalist in your life. Try their newest fragrance, S.C. 59, which smells like summer at the beach—bright citrus mixed with warm amber notes. Available from No.11 Spa.

Huskee Cups – If you’re like us and break into a cold sweat at the thought of ever touching another single use disposable cup again, then you’ll love these. Made from all natural coffee husk (a by-product from the milling stage of coffee production), these non-toxic cups are durable, reusable and dishwasher safe. They’re even part of a modular system, perfect for storage and travel. Added bonus, they are virtually indestructible. If you have kids, you need these. Stat. Cups can be purchased individually or a set of four. Available from Jessie’s Juice Bar in Camana Bay.

8oz ($14), 12oz ($16), saucers and lids ($7 each), available at Jessie’s Juice Bar

Dry bag from Yeti - Outdoor adventures call for waterproof, puncture-resistant bags built to protect your necessities, come rain or shine. Stow everything from maps, radios and lead ropes to credit cards, phones, snacks and beer. Yeti waterproof bags and coolers are lightweight and built to last. Various styles now available from Waterman Surf Shop on Seven Mile Beach and Bluewave in the heart of George Town.

Manduka yoga accessories and athletic wear from lululemon - whether the end goal is to re-center and rebalance after a busy year or to stretch out indefinitely in front Netflix, lululemon yoga wear has become synonymous with supreme style and comfort. The active wear of choice for almost every yogi and yogi-in-training on the planet, the gift of lulu never disappoints. Go the extra mile and add in a high performance, eco-friendly Pro Series yoga mat from Manduka. Both available from Bliss Living and Yoga.

Credit: grazielaportela.com

Canvas Tote from Forestbound - The perfect beach accessory and travel companion, these totes have been carefully hand-crafted and customized exclusively for The Mercantile. Started by Alice Saunders in 2007, Forestbound is a boutique textile studio based out of Somerville, Massachusetts. Keep the endless summer vibe going all year long with these super cute and super useful totes. Prices starting from $135 CI.

Super cute and super fun. These totes are available from The Mercantile, Grand Cayman

Gift certificates – the fail-safe gift giving option where everyone’s a winner. Available from Crazy Crab boat charters, White Sand Watersports, South West Collective, Jessie’s Juice Bar, No.11 Spa and Bliss Living and Yoga, Waterman Surf Shop and Bluewave.

And that’s a wrap! Now to find that helpful little wrapping elf. Top tip: head to Books & Books in Camana Bay. Not only do they have an enormous selection of Christmas gifts for every age and stage, they’ve got some pretty sweet wrapping options too!