2020 Dakar gift guide

No intro needed. Let’s dive right in to my list of 50 gifts available in Dakar in 2020 that I have either loved receiving or would love to receive!

1. Les Gazelles de Dakar round serving tray. Wood, glass and gorgeous animal prints.
2. Nina and her little things pottery bowls, handmade from Senegalese clay. Specifically two large, flat ones for quinoa bowl meals.
3. Bogolan & leather poncho from Kakinbow
4. Mirror by Diop RéCréations, available at Minibap.
5. Fulani earrings from My African Heart Jewelry in Ngor
6. Huge, gorgeous solid wood pepper grinder by Malika Monkeys
7. Personalized skin care creams, lotions and more by Cinnamum. Contact Julie in English / French, love her (and her products) forever.
8. Handmade rug made from 20 meters of wax print by Kayoong, available at Atmosphere, Cocktail du Senegal, Minibap (both locations), Nahyel and Caravane by ERC.
9. Recuplast recycled plastic stool, at Minibap
10. Gift certificate to Kobido by Valerie, my favorite facial experience.
11. ITS Whittled spatula, made by a high school student at Dakar Academy.
12. “Learning to See” by Gary Engelberg
13. Bolé necklace, repurposed silks and hand dyed fabrics and wooden beads to create a modern day pearl.
14. Yoga class gift certificates from 3 Elements with Daniela, overlooking the ocean in Almadies. Best possible way to start your Monday morning!
15. Sous-verre tray from Atmosphère (particularly love the one of couples or women with amazing headscarves).
16. Hand-blown Moroccan Verre Beldi glassware from Minibap. (If, ahem, anyone asks… I want the water carafe and the flutes.)
17. Freshly roasted Colombian coffee from Cadence Coffee, available at the BulkShop.
18. Wax print duffle bag from PochOp
19. Surf lessons from Ecole Surf Attitude. 2021 is going to be my year, y’all.
20. Wax print footstool from Atmosphère in Almadies. Plus their Christmas market is about to start!
21. Fairy ring with sparkling gemstones by My African Heart Jewelry
22. Pottery made by deaf students at Colombin center in Ouakam
23. ‘Made in Dakar’ bags by Cecile de Samo
24. “So Long a Letter” by Mariama Ba
25. Wax & leather handbag from Anne Calfo in Mamelles
26. Take Off Ngor hat. 15,000 CFA. Tel: 77 647 5162
27. Kayoong baskets and handbags, handmade from wax print fabric, available at Minibap locations, Caravane by ERC, Atmosphere Decoration, Melo Patisserie, Cocktail du Senegal and Nahyel.
28. Silver bangle bracelets from My African Heart Jewelry in Ngo
29. Juju hat from Ibrahim. The brighter the better.
30. IMADI leather-trim baskets in neutral colors.
31. Inaya dress by Debbo Dakar, aka the most flattering and easy to wear dress in my closet.
32. Bogolanfini cloth from Yussu Diaby in Almadies. 15,000 CFA per piece. Tel: 70 481 7574
33. A sampler case of Gecko. Just put a bow on it.
34. Wax print suspenders from Kakinbow
35. Everything and anything from the indigo collection at Tisserand. Bonus points if H & N come help me style it. 😉
36. Hand-painted oil lamp from Minibap.
37. Wax print espadrilles from Anne Calfo
38. Houseplants from Jardin Senegal / Minibap.
39. Chaya pants from Khaira Fall Creation in HLM 5
40. “The Belly of the Atlantic” by Fatou Diome
41. One more treat from Cinnamum!

STOCKING STUFFERS

1. First, the stocking! Imadi makes gorgeous stocking at just 4000 CFA. Made to order so contact Fatou ASAP!
2. Mon Choco bars from Minibap
3. Wooden hair sticks by ITS Whittled.
4. Wax print napkins, made by my kiddos.
5. Malian bangle bracelets from Minibap.
6. Take Off Ngor bumper sticker, just 1500 CFA. Tel: 77 647 5162
7. Dried mango from BulkShop Dakar
8. Take Off Ngor t-shirt. 15,000 CFA and they are great quality. Tel: 77 647 5162
9. Bounty bars (my weakness!)
10. Fresh coconut… because how awesome is that for a Christmas stocking!