Cape Town Authentic Shopping Guide

Local handicrafts and artisanal items to pick up on your trip

Recycled Plastic Goods

Check out the fun decorative objects made from recycled plastic by KEAG (Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group;www.keag.org.za) available from African Image (corner of Church and Burg Streets, City Bowl; tel. 27 21 423 8385. www.african-image.co.za) and KEAG’s base at Imhoff Farm (Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie; tel. 27 21 783 3433.www.imhofffarm.co.za).

Monkeybiz

Exclusively features items handcrafted by women in the townships. Profits from the sales of their beautiful beadwork items, including a dazzling collection of dolls, help support a clinic for HIV/AIDS-affected women. 65 Rose Street, Bo-Kaap; tel. 27 21 426 0636.www.monkeybiz.co.za

Ceramics

Cape Town is brimming with talented potters and ceramic artists, some of whom have emerged from the townships. Places to find their work include Potter's Shop & Studio (Six Rouxville Road, Kalk Bay; tel. 27 21 788 7030), Africa Nova (Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant; tel. 27 21 425 5123), and Clementina Ceramics (Second Floor, The Colosseum Building, Three St. George's Mall, City Bowl; tel. 27 21 419 2679.www.clementina.co.za).

Streetwire

Young socially disadvantaged Capetonians have been trained to produce almost any item from wire; the results range from chandeliers to radios and decorative sculptures. 77 Shortmarket Street, Bo-Kaap; tel. 27 21 426 2475. www.streetwires.co.za

Wine

Two excellent wine shops where you’ll find a fine selection of Cape-produced vintages are Wine Concepts (www.wineconcepts.co.za) at 50 Kloof Street and the ever reliable Vaughan Johnson’s Wine & Cigar Shop, on Dock Road at the Waterfront.

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