You already know this, but it needs to be said: You don’t necessarily need a special occasion to get your number-one gal pal a present. Regardless if you’re shopping for a celebratory moment or if it’s a ‘just because’ gift, here’s a treasure trove of beautiful gift ideas that she’d love to unwrap – trust. We’ll just go ahead and say you’re welcome already!

Scotty Bag

While iconic designer shapes of the ’90s sling bag remain popular, Scotty Bag’s fresh takes on the style are giving the bag a totally modern makeover. The Sassy Sling Bag in brown (also available in tan and black) adds just the right amount of texture and gloss to any look. Wear it crossbody, over your shoulder or across the front of your body – either way, this rising bag looks equal parts luxe and cool. And the best part is that it’s way more luxurious than its affordable price tag! Scotty Bag also makes lovely leather handbags, totes and backpacks as well as laptop and overnight bags.

R900 from www.scottybag.co.za

Kate Sunley

The impossibly cool-looking Rose Body Polish (R330) not only smells like freshly picked roses, but it’s also almost 100% natural. We love how it contains a healthy dose of almond oil, coconut oil and fragrant essential oils, plus teeny tiny sugar granules, which produce a non-irritating scrubbing experience that’s suitable for sensitive skin. The Rose Coconut Milk Bath Soak (R280) is exactly as delicious-smelling as it sounds. Laden with coarse Himalayan salt, magnesium and coconut milk powder, you can feel the quality of this bath soak that leaves skin feeling silky soft.

Available from www.katesunley.com

WICK

If you want a scent that gives you vacation vibes – without smelling like a strawberry daiquiri – then the Seamint Crystal Candle (R350) has got you covered. Combining notes of white musk, sea salt and peppermint, this refreshing candle was designed to conjure up memories of a luxury beach house – think white oak floors, a gentle morning mist and salty hair on crisp cotton sheets. For the real fragrance lover, the Ceramic Wax Melter (R295) is worth adding to your collection. The melts release steady, generous wafts of fine fragrance as they heat over the melter.

Available from www.wickfragrances.com

Katy Valentine Collections

You’ll never want to take off one of Katy Valentine Collections’ delicate necklaces. If you’re looking to simplify your jewellery game, the dainty fine Lalibela Pendant (R480) that just grazes your collarbone is an easy way. Made with Ethiopian inspired pendants paired with small stones, you’ll love the look it gives everything from your most polished work outfit. Layer it with a few other necklaces or keep your look clean with the single strand. PS: Because it’s made from brass with one-micron gold plating, you can wear it forever without those weird, green stains.

Available from www.katyvalentinecollections.co.za

Ever Beauty

You’ll fall in love with the I’m Beautiful Eau De Parfum (R490). With every turn of the head, it releases a cloud of aromatic, vanilla, fruity, woody and green notes. After an initial girly-girl explosion, expect a more sensual dry-down. This is a classic favourite of ours! The Amandla Eau De Parfum (R490) bathes you in a warm, luminous aura – it’s warm with musky labdanum at the heart, over a deep but subtle saffron and a blend of oud – while the masculine Ubuntu Eau De Parfum (R490) is cosying without being cloying and delivers just enough warm and fuzzy.

Available from www.everbeauty.co.za

Fuego Lifestyle

The Lothantique Spicy Orange Fragrance Diffuser (R630) makes a chic gift. But its elegant smell with notes of orange, pink peppercorns and vetiver is so good, you might end up keeping it for yourself. No judgment here! The indulgent Compagnie de Provence Hand Cream Karité (R376 for 100ml), which uses 100% pure and natural Fair Trade shea butter, is one of the most luxurious and effective hand creams to carry with you in your handbag. The Compagnie de Provence Extra Pure Hand Cream (R99 for 30ml) is also much more than a simple hand cream: Enriched with honey and botanical oils from Provence, it’s the perfect solution to really dry hands, especially around your knuckles. It sinks in easily (just warm it up in your fingers beforehand) and smells phenomenal!

Available from www.fuegolifestyle.com

BLOOM Gin

Some people say that the Jasmine & Rose Gin (R399) is perhaps too perfume-y, but we just don’t get that. Not in a sickly way, anyway. An infusion of Moroccan rose petals and East Asian jasmine flowers, it’s easy on the juniper, making it a great gin for non-gin loving gin drinkers. And we realise how odd that sounds. Better yet, the all-natural floral pink gin is made with zero sugar and the packaging is pretty on the bar for viewing. Essentially, if you want to start an evening with a gin, this is the one. Serve it over ice, topped with tonic water and garnished with fresh blackberries and mint.

Available from major wholesalers and retailers

Naturals Beauty

Liquid soap might not traditionally be the most glamorous of beauty essentials, but this Vanilla Hand Wash (R105) will add a decorative detail to your bathroom and keep your hands clean and conditioned. The sublimely scented White Sugar Scrub (R250) provides a truly luxurious exfoliating experience and buffs away roughness. After using it, follow up with the Ylang Ylang, Neroli & Jasmine Body Oil (R175); a lightweight blend that contains essential oils and soaks in the minute you massage it on. We also love the luxurious Night Cream (R175) – made with baobab extract and soybean, evening primrose and avocado oils, it’s like a hug for your face, but instead of leaving you a warm, fuzzy feeling, it imparts firmness.

Available from www.naturalsbeauty.co.za, www.faithful-to-nature.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.zando.co.za and Wellness Warehouse

Cape Island

Whether misted in the air or sprayed on sheets, the feel-good African Storm Room & Linen Fragrance (R265) can completely refresh a room. With dominant notes of basil, jasmine and sandalwood, it’s perfect to spray on linens and towels before guests arrive. The Black Gold Large Candle (R540), a rich blend of aniseed, cherry, tobacco and oud, is the best candle to create an intimate mood after dark or to relax and unwind at the end of a hard day. And the packaging is gorgeous: Featuring a signature gold emblem, this is ready for gifting.

Available from www.capeisland.co.za

ghd

Sure, the helios (R2,900) is a pricy hair dryer. But it’s so. Worth. It. It has some pretty impressive specs, sends out an airflow speed of 120km per hour for quick styling and promises to give your hair 30% more shine than if you dry it naturally. This hair dryer will take your blow-dry to a new level and give your hair the royal treatment! Plus, this one is a lot quieter – perfect for those who live with light sleepers. It comes in four stunning colours: Professional Black, Ink Blue, Plum and – our personal favourite – the on-trend and very pretty White and Rose Gold.

Available from www.ghdhair.com and the finest salons

Oribi Organics

Whether you’re looking to brighten a dull, dry complexion, calm irritated skin or boost your mood, the Rosemary & Grapefruit Hydrating Toner (R145), which will uplift and refresh your skin, has got you covered. Follow with the Summer Citrus & Neroli Daily Moisturiser (R215) – we’re obsessed with its firming, calming and brightening formula. Plus, it has a fresh, summery scent. The Exfoliate – GLOW Mask/Polish (R210) can be used a detoxifying mask or an exfoliating polish and works to draw impurities away from the skin. It’s infused with kaolin clay, turmeric powder, shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter to plump, brighten and keep pores clear. Another must-have is the Res-Q Antiseptic Balm (R50); a handy little tub that has many uses. It’s great for moms on the go!

Available from www.oribiorganics.co.za 

Leaf Skincare

Not only will the Amethyst Body Scrub (R135) get you glowy, silky-smooth skin, it will also make other parts of your routine – shaving, waxing and using self-tanner – even more effective. Similarly, the lip kit consisting of a Peppermint & Hibiscus Petal Lip Scrub (R60) and Rose Lip Balm (R40) will give you the softest, smoothest lips ever. Chapped lips? Don’t know her. This natural skincare hero also makes an excellent Moringa & Kaolin Clay Mask (R100). If you’re dealing with inflamed, blemished skin, reach for this mask boosted with good-for-skin ingredients.

Available from @leaf_skincare on Instagram