Christmas is just over a week away and while it may not look the same as it did two years ago, we can certainly be grateful for life.

Also, if you’re looking for gift options for friends and family, I put together a list of Caribbean businesses that I love and that you can purchase from. Let’s do what we can and support local.

The Wrap Chic

A holiday gift guide with Grenadian handmade products will not be complete if headwraps from The Wrap Chic by Terrie-Ann Charles are not included. Her vibrant headwraps and satin bonnets are popular with naturalistas in Grenada and her products are a go-to for pairing with other local items as gifts.

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Shop products in this post

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Renee Stewart Cover-Up

Who said you can’t find classy lounge wear made right here in Grenada? The Annie Cover-up and White Bodysuit from Jamaican-born designer Renee Stewart, are the absolute perfect gift options for the confident women in your life who are all about that staycation life. Shop the collection at Calabash Hotel from December 18-19.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXEtD51J8M1/

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Ms. Elsa’s Hand-woven Bags

Hand-woven straw bags will never be a thing of the past, at least for me. Ms. Elsa Frederick, who I met a few years ago, does a wonderful job of carefully crafting a variety of designs. I take my bag to the beach, shopping, or on a casual hang. Send me a message if you’re interested.

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Handmade by Kae

Handmade by Kae is a Barbadian eco-friendly skincare brand that I’ve been following. They produce soaps, lotions, oils, candles, and bath accessories. Their soaps are so colourful and almost look like blocks of candy. I’ve also included them on my list of items to get the next time I go to BIM.

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Caribbean Crescent Garden

These succulent arrangements from Caribbean Crescent Garden are the whole package and oh so beautiful to look at. Your friends with the green thumb will thank you for this.

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Tambran by Tamara

If you are from Grenada, you may have already heard about this brand and if you haven’t, then let me introduce you. Tambran by Tamara produces eco-friendly jewelry and accessories made from recycled materials and natural seeds. She is best known for her “tambrandies” which are hand-painted studs made from tambran seeds. I usually purchase her products as gifts for my family and friends when I travel and so far, everyone loved them!

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Shop Scinen

Pronounced “sci-nen” which means to be radiant or to shed light, Shop Scinen is a recently launched jewelry line by Evelyn Clarke of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Her unique hand-crafted gold and sterling silver pieces are simply elegant and can be worn with any outfit. Gift vouchers are also available.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWjipril6pa/

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Crown and Luxe Satin Robe

Every girl should have a satin robe in their wardrobe. If you’re in Trinidad and Tobago, you can get yours from Crown and Luxe owned by Tobagonian blogger, Ghyanne Edwards Jack of @beautyoutspoken. You can also find satin scrunchies, scarves, and masks to compliment your robe.

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Untamed

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Lacoda Bath and Sparkle

Located on mainland St. Vincent, Lacoda Bath and Sparkle is a family-owned skincare business. I first came across their page on Instagram a few years ago and when I visited St. Vincent, I had to try their products especially since they use plant-based ingredients. I use the turmeric and charcoal face mask, body scrub, and charcoal soap in my skincare regimen and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and brand new.

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Tobaglo Cosmetics

I was recently introduced to Tobaglo Cosmetics, a Tobagonian makeup company as the name suggests, when I received the Sun, Sea & Sand eyeshadow palette as a gift from my cousin who lives in Trinidad. I love that the names of the shadows are things we can relate to as Caribbean people; governor plum, Easter, carnival, poui, heritage, etc.

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Women’s Haven Grenada

Sanitary napkins and tampons are not the typical items you’ll find wrapped in a box. However, the Purse Ready Kit from Women’s Haven Grenada, which includes samples of their organic pads and liners is a great option for your girlfriends who are thinking of making the switch from the traditional products but not sure what to expect. Women’s Haven also provides menstrual cups, organic bamboo wipes, organic liners, and more.

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Living Essentials

Living Essentials is a skincare brand owned by Kisha Miller. At a recent Pop-Up shop for small business owners in Grenada, I picked up the body oil, lotion, and bentonite clay soap. I love that her lotions come in various sizes, so I got the 2.05 oz. tube which can easily fit in my makeup bag. The formula is great, by the way.

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Turquoise Orange Hair Clips

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CariBucha

Owned by Kennita Henry and Makalani Manwarring, CariBucha is a nonalcoholic probiotic drink produced by flavouring fermented tea with fresh fruits. This produces a lightly fizzy product that is best enjoyed chilled. I’ve tasted the limin strawberry and I loved it! Check out their page @caribucha.gd for more flavours.

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Be All Natural

Be All Natural (BAN) is a natural hair care line based in Carriacou that caters to children’s hair. Pair these products with clips from Turquoise Orange and your gift box is all set for that special little girl.

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Sparkles Grenada Edible Treats

Here’s a another option for the men in your life with a sweet tooth. Consider a customized box of coated strawberries and treats from Sparkles Grenada. They also provide edible arrangements and gift baskets.

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Tri-Island Chocolate Tour

Gift your friend or loved one with a chocolate experience. Visit the Tri-Island Chocolate Factory and Cafe and learn all about Grenadian cocoa and how to produce fine-flavoured chocolate bars. Go behind the scenes of the chocolate factory and see how they turn cocoa beans into chocolate. Besides the experience and knowledge gained throughout your time, you will produce your very own chocolate bars from 15 different ingredients to go home with and enjoy. Grenadian nationals will receive a 50% discount.

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Nutmeg Design Company Ltd

Here’s one way to carry your spices with you everywhere you go. The Jola Market Tote from the Nutmeg Design Company Ltd is a great gift for family and friends to remind them of home.

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What are some of the local/Caribbean made products you’re using or gifting others with this season? Share in the comments.

Handmade Soy Candles

It may come as a surprise, but not everyone is into traditional Christmas decorations. For those of you who are not, scented candles are a great way to add some sparkle to a room while also keeping it smelling great!

Find locally made scented candles from: Renee Scentsationz, Arawak Island and Simply Natural.

Repurposed Decorative Bottles

I have found a new love and they are repurposed decorative bottles. There are two wonderful women making them on island and they both have the name Fiona. Isn’t that something? Lol.

Fiona Hamid

Fiona is a creative and interior designer. She has a selection of beautifully decorated bottles, but I especially love the colour and design of these two matte bottles along with the rustic picture frame. Also, the bottle to the far right lights up and makes a great alternative to a Christmas tree. Perfect for a corner table. Find her work at The Fashion District in St. George.

Fiona Greaves

The contrasting colours, the glossy and matte bottles all in one cluster with bold decorative flowers are great options for center pieces and dinner tables at family gatherings.Find more of Fiona Greaves work on her page The Chattel House.

Sea Glass Ornaments

A friend of mine made me aware of these sea glass Christmas tree ornaments by Mama Bois. A really interesting use of sea glass. These can be used to hang on a tree or placed in a glass bowl as a center piece for Christmas dinner.

Decorated Mirrors With Eco-Friendly Material

Last Saturday, I attended Grenada Art Council’s Pop Up shop at Spiceland Mall where artists and other local vendors came out to showcase their art and craft. This mirror really stood out to me. I loved how the artist used wooden ice lolly sticks, painted in a gradient with hues of purples, pinks and reds, created an artistic frame for this mirror.

Handmade Hanging Angels

Perfect for your Christmas Tree or any other area you’d like to hang some glittery ornaments. These hanging angels were made by Hillary Gabrielle who can be contacted on 440-4237.

Mother’s Day is a few days away and I know you’re probably looking for something mom will love. I usually do a giveaway of locally made products for Mother’s Day, but this year, I’m sharing on a few new products and also launching ISLEPRENEUR’S ONLINE STORE – Shop.Islepreneur.com. Yup! I finally got around to doing this.

It is not quite complete, but you can find a few of our locally made products in one place and most of these items you can gift mom for Mother’s Day. Take a look:

Cover Photo by Eyeriie

Tambran by Tamara

Statement pieces can turn a plain, simple outfit into a hot number for an evening out or brunch on Mother’s Day. These eco-friendly, hand-painted jewelry using recycled material by Tamara Prosper of Tambran by Tamara, is sure to make you stand out.

Tailored by Terrieann

Another new Product alert! You’ve seen me sporting Terrieann’s head wrap a few weeks ago and in the ‘About Me’ section on the sidebar. Now Terrieann is offering these stunning, vibrant fabric button earrings which are bound to make a statement with a solid colour outfit.

See these other gift ideas: Grenadian Products to Look Out For In 2018

Eyeriie

Eyerrie is also sharing positive affirmations, beaded bracelets and colourful ornamented tassel earrings (cover photo). All bracelets are lined with snow quartz, which are the base beads (snow in colour). Every customer has a choice to add Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Turquoise, Green Aventurine, Lilac Stone.

You can purchase these bracelets and couple them with other items for Mom or you can get her the set and receive 5% off your next purchase from Eyeriie. These come neatly packaged with one of these cards and a burlap pouch.

SHOP THESE ITEMS!

Custom Chic by Aria

Made by one Grenada’s finest models, Aria Francis. Custom Chic is for the fashionably free with these vibrant, shoulder sweeping tassel earrings. Great way to adorn a simple neckline and to add some spunk to a simple outfit.

Renee Scentsationz

Renee Scentsationz, my favourite candle maker, has a new product out – Natural Face & Body Sugar Scrub. I am yet to try it because I am seeing some great reviews so far. There are five different fragrances: Coffee, Cocoa & Peppermint, Green tea & Eucalyptus, Oats & Lavender and Ginger and Citrus.

Zela Expressions

Zela Expressions never disappoints with these on-point customized t-shirts. Make your mom feel special in these shirts. You can also find customized mugs, totes, caps, key rings and more.

SHOP THESE ITEMS!

Remember to VOTE FOR ISLEPRENEUR’s post on Grenada Chocolate Fest in Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Best Caribbean Travel Blog Competition. Link to vote: https://ctobesttravelblog2018.pgtb.me/z5k1wP.

Pure Grenada, a gem, the Isle of Spice – my nation – just celebrated 44 years of Independence from the British rule. We gained our independence on February 7th, 1974.

Grenada celebrated Independence with a parade and concert at the National Stadium, St. George. Grenadians come from all over the island (and abroad) including sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique in red, green and yellow showing of national pride and being proud of this little nation and how much we have grown.

What I love about this celebration is that local entrepreneurs, primarily those manufacturing their products on the island, are given an opportunity to show off (and sell) their handy-work and the services they provide in an expo held just a few hours before the main show.

Take a look at some of the products at the exhibition. Some brands I newly discovered and some you’ve seen me post about before:

ARTSYL – These items are hand painted, very fashionable and of excellent quality. I am surprised I found a cuff bracelet that won’t fall off my wrist.

N.J’s ArtPond

Natural hair community, this one is for you. This satin-lined bonnet is the best I have seen. Besides the bold tribal print in colours we Grenadians can definitely identify with, the quality is great and definitely worth your pennies. Satin-line bonnets is best for keeping moisture in your hair when you sleep and I am almost sure this can last you a very long time. Great quality.

Crafts & Creations

Who ever said your plants got to be in boring pots? These hand-painted planters/pots come in loads of different shapes and sizes.

Grenada Indian Cuisine: ‘For The Love Of It’

Now this Mango Chutney right here is a winner. I sampled this product at the celebrations with some good ole Crix. The blend of flavours  – seasoning and mango – makes for a great snack with plain crackers or bread. You can even include it when making different types of sauce. Packaging is also really attractive.

G Links Grenada

Grenada’s honey has been making waves and is ranked with the best in the world. G Links provides 100% pure honey but also provides honey infused with various flavours such as nutmeg and ginger. They also provide a dried mango snack.

Rodney’s Bee Keeping Equipment

For your bee keeping needs, visit Rodney’s website (linked above) to learn more about the products he provides for bee keepers.

De Cutting Edge

How about this hand made, hand painted wooden clock as a souvenir for friends and family abroad? This was made by some students for their Junior Achievement project. Their company name is De Cutting Edge. Look out for them.

Art Ur Way

I saw the real version of this three in one painting by Aidan Quashie and this picture does not do real justice to this painting. The colours are bright and vibrant, yet cool and calming. This piece was Independence inspired as seen with the gradient of reds, yellows and greens. Don’t you love the way the birds are perched, singing together?

Photo Credit: Art Ur Way

PurElegance Designs

I love clutch purses, especially with African print and an elegant feel. These purses are from Samantha Francis-LaTouche, owner of PurElegance Designs. She also designs and makes head pieces which are gorgeous accessories for attending weddings and other formal events.

Maigrin Products

Out of the lot of newly discovered products, this choker/necklace was my absolute favourite item. I love me a good Caribbean-vibe neck piece which has others asking “Where did you get that?” from a mile away. This necklace is hand beaded and must have taken a lot of time to complete since the beads are so tiny. I love that it’s not too narrow and the rows of red, green and yellow added life and that Grenadian/Caribbean feel.

Turquoise Orange

Turquoise Orange. This brand won my heart. Besides the beaded necklace above, this brand was all I could talk about when I left the local market at the parade. I was floored by these products and couldn’t stop saying “Waaw”. Sonja Parke, owner of the brand, did an amazing job with the design of the pieces and I love the name she came up with – Turquoise Organge. Each of these items are unique, but eye catching and beautiful.

White Spice by D. E. Ambrose

White Spice is on my reading list. It is a crime thriller plot in Grenada about a war between the government and drug traffickers. If you love fiction and supporting Grenadian authors, try White Spice.

Tambran by Tamara

New product alert from Tamara Prosper. She now has these braided fabric necklaces. Sorry the product is not in focus, but I think you can still see the beauty in it.