Here's Where You Can Find the Loveliest Christmas Gifts in Dubai
A huge festive fair is bringing all the best artisans to the same place at the same time
6 November 2019
Image credit: (L) @annsofiesjewelery / (R) @sgletters
Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one for the holidays? We know where to start looking...
The crafting community here in Dubai is a thriving group, from artists and painters to decoupage, woodwork, and pottery – there’s a whole host of talented artisans living across the emirates that offer lovely, handmade items.
With retail giants mass-producing gifts over the season, it's no wonder you might find yourself at a loss over what to buy or where to find the perfect Christmas gift. Tapping into the crafting network is a great place to start for any individual who is on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind gift for their family member or loved one.
Since the crafting culture is one that thrives here in Dubai, there are plenty of crafters markets and fairs you can attend, especially throughout the cooler months... And we know the biggest one to visit this season!
ExpatWoman's Festive Fair is a huge Christmas market designed for all; every year this free-entry event brings live entertainment, kids' activities, food trucks, and a beverage garden, plus Santa's Grotto to Dubai. Alongside all of the fun-filled action, the fair's crafter's market is the perfect place to start your festive shopping.
Happening on November 22 from 10 am to 9 pm at the Sports Park in Dubai Sports City, this particular Dubai festive market brings some of the most talented artisans directly to you every year.
Ahead of this year's event, we've hand-picked just a handful (literally, there's around 100 in total attending!) of the crafters, artisans, and boutiques that will be attending the Festive Fair this year...
#1 Just Peachy Dubai
This Dubai-based fashion label is run by two British women, who share a love for fashion. Their designs include exclusive clothing that is fun, girly and perfect for sun-drenched weather. With a passion for bright and colourful prints, their fabrics are hand-selected, making their products the perfect gift for any beach babe living in the sunshine.
Image credit: @ajustpeachydubai
#2 loboand
This is a brand that's all about the love of design. Find bright, colourful, vibrant and fun designs that are a witty observation of life in the UAE. From classy trays to unique cushion covers, quirky mugs to funky notebooks, loboand is a refreshing take on life in the Middle East.
Image credit: @sidd_lobo
#3 Made in the Desert
As this Dubai-based crafter says, there is nothing more thoughtful than a personalised gift. Made in the Desert is home to locally and lovingly inspired personalised gifts and contemporary art. Inspired by the ever-changing landscape of the UAE, the Dubai-based brand offers a wide range of gifts celebrating the UAE and are all bespoke, beautifully designed and individually printed.
Image credit: @madeinthedesert
#4 Ann-Sofie's Jewelry
Making her own jewelry has always been a hobby of Ann-Sofie, and since moving to the UAE, her creative side was able to find more freedom. After interest from friends and family in her designs, she then decided to launch Ann-Sofie's Jewelry, and regularly attends Dubai's crafter markets and sells them online. Her collections range from colourful bracelets, to drop earrings, necklaces and much more.
Image credit: @annsofiesjewelry
#5 Origins Collective
Origins Collective is a young Dubai-based lifestyle brand that stems from a lineage of serial entrepreneurs, engineers, and art aficionados. The 'collective' brings together its founder's love for the art, film, fashion and all things vintage into a diverse spread of affordable items with a hint of luxury. Their intention? To put the 'extra' in the 'ordinary', making their items the perfect gift for someone.
Image credit: @originscollective
#6 Fluke Imagery
Ideal for any home lover you know, Fluke Imagery offers an array of handmade boxes, framed canvas pictures, and mounted prints that capture the essence of the UAE and the Middle East.
Image credit: @flukeimagery
#7 Esstee Fashion
Esstee Fashion is the brainchild and creation of a Kenyan girl living in Dubai, who poured her passion for creating beauteous luxe summer staples. The brand produces colourful, white, fun, whimsical yet carefree summer staples that are ideal for life in Dubai.
Image credit: @esstee_fashion
#8 KIRA Designs
KIRA Designs is the brainchild of a Dubai-based crafter, who makes and sells jewellery, wine charms and accessories here in the emirate. Inspired by Dubai, the USA and her Mexican heritage, Kira's items are colourful, fun, casual and stylish. Sometimes a great necklace and smile are all you need to look and feel great!
Image credit: @kiradesignsdubai
#9 Purple Swan
Have a skincare lover in the family or squad? These natural and organic skincare products by Purple Swan are handcrafted with passion and love here in Dubai. Offering moisturiser, micellar water, charcoal toothpaste and much more, these handmade skincare and beauty products make for the loveliest of gifts.
Image credit: @purpleswandxb
#10 SG Letters
While this modern calligraphy brand in Dubai primarily caters for weddings and events, founder Stephenie and her team also make wonderful, bespoke and personalised creations for individuals that help to make the perfect gift. From keychains to home decor, to prints, there's plenty to choose from when finding a gift for a loved one with SG Letters.
Image credit: @sgletters
#11 Alana Bree
Offering classic, easy-to-wear pieces that are key to every busy woman's wardrobe, Alana Bree aims to take the stress out of choosing an outfit for any occasion. Using 100% rayon fabrics that are durable, easy to care for, flattering to wear and comfortable, their clothing are perfect for Dubai's heat year-round.
Image credit: @alanabreeclothing
The above 11 chosen are just a handful of the wonderfully talented artisans, crafters, and boutiques that will be attending the 2019 edition of ExpatWoman's Festive Fair. The event is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping and kick-start the festive season in Dubai.
ExpatWoman's Festive Fair is happening at the Sports Park in Dubai Sports City, on November 22 from 10 am until 9 pm. Free entry for all. Santa's Grotto is ticketed, please click here for more information.
