Linda Grayson said: “There’s nothing better than a friend, unless it’s a friend with chocolate.” So, in the spirit of International Friendship Day, herewith a gift guide filled with wellness gifts, travel gifts, foodie gifts, wine gifts, fashion gifts and beauty gifts if you’re in need of some last-minute gift inspiration to celebrate.

Botanical Beet Scented Sachets (R450)

From Babylonstoren’s Tuinier Range, these bold, garden-inspired scented linen sachets come in a beautiful gift-ready box perfect for your friend’s wardrobe, drawer or car. It boasts hints of fresh bergamot and spice, followed by a beetroot and juicy pear blend with jasmine at the heart. Surprisingly floral with a fresh, vegetal twist, it’s perfect for someone who loves homemaking and gardening.

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Share 90% Dark Chocolate for International Friendship Day (R54.95)

Available at Wellness Warehouse, this 90% dark chocolate is the perfect gift for that health-conscious friend with a sweet tooth. It comes with intense cocoa flavours and is locally sourced and handmade with love.

Honey Gift Jar (R180.00)

This limited edition hexagon jar with a honey dipper is the ultimate foodie gift for a friend who spends more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. Beautifully personalised with laser engraving on the bamboo lid for an additional R10, this 300g bottle of honey – sourced from Bee Inspired’s beehives in Somerset West and their network of likeminded beekeepers – is a stunning, yet affordable gift if you feel like spoiling a friend this International Friendship Day.

Moroccan Aker Fassi Body Bar (R100)

This gentle soap, enriched with 100% pure Aker Fassi powder, helps cleanse and nourish the skin for a fresh, radiant look and is a handy wellness gift for that friend who’s very conscious about what goes onto the skin. Available through Apella. Skin, it’s a 100% natural skincare product that is sure to make a friend feel special.

Berlinger Haus Coffee Mug (R250)

We all have that one friend who can’t laugh before they’ve had their first cup of coffee. Keep their coffee close by gifting them with a Berlinger Haus Coffee Mug, which will not only have them laughing in no time, but also have them looking chic wherever they travel to. Available through amazon.co.za, this matt Bordeaux colour is simply stunning and with its double-wall insulation, your friend’s morning coffee will stay warm for longer. It’s the perfect companion for your friend (in addition to you, of course), whether they’re at home, in the office or on the go.

Celebrate International Friendship Day with Früt Choc (R115)

Arriving at your friend’s house with a bucket filled with cherries coated in milk chocolate might just be the cherry on top. Not only is this a wonderful all-time snack, but it’s also the perfect feel-good treat that will make any foodie friends of yours’ hearts melt. Find this and more on frut.co.za.

Lakrids by Bülow (R259)

Available on bash.com or at @home, this is a rather unusual treat, perfect for those foodie friends who like to experiment with new flavour combinations. As the original chocolate coated liquorice, it’s not for everyone, but if your friend likes liquorice and chocolate, perhaps this might be one of the best Friendship Day gifts yet.

Orpheus & The Raven Eternal Eight 2023 (R220)

Themed around ‘what unites us is greater than what divides us,’ this wine – Eternal Eight by Orpheus & The Raven – is the perfect gift for a special friend. It celebrates the beauty of connections that transcend differences and holds a special story, not only in the wine itself, but also on the uniquely crafted label.

Gift a Leather Wine Carrier for International Friendship Day (R650)

Made from premium South African leather, this single wine bottle carrier by Cape Town-based Pieter de Jager is a great gift for wine lovers and something your friend will be able to hold on to for years to come.

Cellar Premium Wine Pearl Set (R349)

For that friend who always complains that the wine temperature is too high, but they don’t want to dilute it by adding ice, this wine pearl set available on bash.com will chill their wine to perfection in no time. Made from stainless steel, it can be used in wine, but also for juice, water and spirit mixers.

Mulled Wine Scented Candle – The Perfect International Friendship Day Scent (R350)

Is your friend a homebody and wine lover? This Mulled Wine scented candle from Feel Good SA on The Local Edit might just be a way for you to cover two gifts in one go! On the nose (hint, hint) you will find both sweet and spicy aromas that will transport you to a cosy winter evening, sipping a warm glass of mulled wine. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate friendship, doesn’t it?

Whether it’s just a small gesture or a special gift, treating your friend with something that says you care might just be one of the best friendship traditions you start this International Friendship Day.

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