Whether you’re looking for something to treat a friend with, or whether you’d like to spoil yourself after a long, hard level 5 and 4 of lockdown, these self-care essentials and gifts are not only ideal for winter, they are also perfect to make you feel special, cosy and cared for.

The Cotton Company was born from its love for the traditional artisanship of Turkish Towels. They have a beautiful, elegant Sapphire Handwoven Robe – the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. It is hand-loomed from a raw cotton and linen blend with wide kimono-style sleeves, deep pockets and a long belt.
Price: R1180

Of course, it would be weird and a little stupid not to mention The Cotton Company’s 100% cotton Turkish Towels here too. These are made with a luxurious and thicker soft weave, combined with Turkish cotton’s durability. It’s such a versatile gift and a great option if you’re not sure what your friend or sister would like for her birthday. These towels can be used as beach and pool towels, but they also make the perfect and softest baby blankets or even beautiful throws for a couch or your bed.
Price: From R469

Referred to as a miracle mist, Thoclor’s GF2 Skin Rejuvenating Mist is another brilliant gift to consider this winter. It switches off the genes associated with inflammation, ageing and disease and boosts the results of your existing skincare routine. It also normalises the formation of collagen, elastin and melanin and ensures a smoother, more tolerant skin with a more even tone, fewer wrinkles and better hydration. Furthermore, it reduces skin redness and inflammation and it has a beneficial effect on eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Price: R799.25

Perfect for winter, Lulu & Marula’s soothing hand and foot balm is probably one of the best gifts to get! It deeply moisturises and protects hand and feet with a luxurious blend of butters and oils, including avocado, coconut and sweet almond. Heaven on your hands! It’s also the perfect product to repair dry, chapped skin and it reduces moisture loss for heels, cuticles and elbows – something we all need in these dry months.
Price: R270

If you or that person you’re shopping for, treat themselves by baking (I believe lockdown is partly to blame), Faithful to Nature’s Molasses Sugar by Natura Sugars is probably one of the best buys. This Mauritian Molasses Sugar is super soft with a distinctive bittersweet flavour, it has no added syrup, it’s unbleached, non-GM and non-irradiated. And, of course it forms an integral part in gingerbread cookies and chocolaty treats!
Price: R52