As Cape Town summer warms up, our gift-giving turns brighter, lighter and more thoughtful. This year, make your gifting count – for the planet and for local makers.  

At Watershed in the V&A Waterfront, you’ll find a growing list of new stores stocking beautifully crafted, locally made, design-led products. Each one tells a story of creativity, craft and conscious choices.  

Below, we introduce you to nine fresh additions to Watershed (plus the latest Watershed Design Lab collective). Start ticking off your summer and festive gift list with us, as you shop sustainably and stylishly.

Crystal Birch

https://therealcrystalbirch.com/

Millinery with the perfect amount of sass – Crystal Birch transforms hat-making into wearable art. Put these on your gift list: a straw sunhat, fedora, visor or boater, or order a bespoke hat made just for you.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Slow, artisan craft, Cape Town brand, head-turning design. 

@therealcrystalbirch

Terapi

https://terapi.co.za/ 

Natural beauty is front and centre at Terapi. Its skincare, bath, body and natural perfumery lines are free from aluminium, parabens, sulphates and artificial fragrances. Think essential-oil rollers and coffee-infused eye balm to make someone feel cared for.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Local production, gentle formulations and elevated packaging. 

@terapi_moments 

Basically Earth

https://basicallyearth.co.za/ 

Hand-crafted, vegan, organic skincare and haircare from Basically Earth promotes both beauty and ethics. Shop for whipped body butter or Radiance Booster body oil, or pick smaller items as stocking fillers.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Locally sourced ingredients, small-batch production and cruelty-free. 

@basicallyearth 

Rhyn

https://www.rhyn.co.za/ 

Rhyn is a jewellery brand that finds beauty in the overlooked details of nature. Each piece is created using responsibly sourced materials such as fallen lichen, leaves and seeds, and more sustainable resins such as plant-based and biodegradable options.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Locally made, small-batch production and created with longevity in mind. 

@rhyncrafted

 
 Sharon B & Head On

https://www.sharonbdesign.co.za/
https://www.headondesign.co.za/ 

This dual-brand pairing (Sharon B alongside Head On) brings art, culture and statement pieces together. Whether it’s colourful art-print cushions or hand-painted trophy-head sculptures, this store combo speaks to bold, creative gifting.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Local artistic talent, and sculptures made from recycled cardboard boxes or bamboo. 

@sharonbdesignsa
@headondesign

Sitting Pretty & Steffany Roup

https://sittingpretty.co.za
https://steffanyroup.co.za 

Together, Sitting Pretty and Steffany Roup inject refined craftsmanship into fashion and jewellery. Buy a quirky signet ring or linen dungarees that align with quality rather than fast fashion and accessories.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Jewellery made with ethically sourced stones and recycled metals, and clothing created from natural fabrics. 

@sittingprettysa
@steffanyroup


Takkleberry

https://takkleberry.co.za/ 

Playful, sexy and proudly local, Takkleberry is lingerie made in South Africa. Its lacey pieces offer a sense of fun, encouraging you to wear beautiful underwear everyday. Look out for 100% cotton nighties and loungy linen pyjamas.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Ethical production, handmade by women seamstresses.

@takkleberry

Afrographic

Afrographic Studio specialises in Africa-inspired animal keyrings made from sustainable leather, with an emphasis on creativity and local impact. Choose from elephants, rhinos, whales, giraffes and more.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Sustainable leather from the Eastern Cape, supporting Lalela NPO. 

@afrographic_studio
 

Zulu Mien

https://www.zulumien.com/  

This ethical luxe jewellery brand works with rural women artisans in South Africa, producing handcrafted beadwork without looms. For this summer gift list, find a necklace, bracelet or earrings that hold both style and story.

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Artisan empowerment, quality materials, support for craft communities. 

@zulumien

Watershed Design Lab 

Within the Watershed (near the Two Oceans Aquarium entrance) sits Design Lab: a Cape Town retail-incubator space for emerging South African designers supported by the V&A Waterfront and Craft and Design Institute with graduates such Diana Seboke, Rainbow Arts, Tiger Lily Tots and many others making waves in the industry  

This season, the new brands to watch include: 

• Nehanda Design (@nehanda.design) – handcrafted mobiles 

• Lulu (@luluswimwear.co.za) – swimwear made in Cape Town 

• Manna and Me (@manna_and_me) – sustainable skin food 

• Lashongwe Designers (@lashongwe_designers) – contemporary African jewellery 

• Wild Adornment (@wildadornment) – wilderness-inspired jewellery 

Why it’s a Watershed sustainable gift: Emerging design, local talent-boosting, limited-edition pieces. 

@watershed @cdiatthewatershed
 

Watershed is your summer 2025 gift-shopping destination 

Shopping at Watershed takes you beyond simply buying a present. It gives you the opportunity to invest in local craft, creative economies and design that lasts beyond the summer season. Cape Town’s design story lives here, and it’s where festive gift shopping is always fun.  

At the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed,  you get to choose more consciously, pick less but better, and let your gifts reflect the value you place on both the recipient and the maker. 

Visit, explore and choose design with heart. 

Watershed opening hours: 10am – 7pm, daily. 

https://www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed