With the holidays being only a few days away, those of us who left our Christmas shopping until the end are slowly but surely starting to panic. How to know what someone wants if they didn’t send a list? Where to start looking altogether? And what if you finally knew what you wanted to buy, only to find out it’s out of stock? Deliveries tend to take a lot longer around this time of year than usual so chances are that even if you find something you want to buy online, it won’t be there in time for the holidays. Yes, the tension is real.
There’s multiple things you could do right now. One option, of course, is to run towards the nearest high street and buy something at a chain everybody knows. Practical, yet let’s be honest, it’s not very original. You’re taking a real risk because there’s a chance someone else will buy the same as you did. And that’s not cool. The second option is not that nice either. You take the risk, order that one thing you saw anyway and from that moment on, you’re stressing out. Will it arrive in time? Will it not? Only time can tell and if there’s one thing you haven’t got, it’s time.
So onto the third option then, shall we? Especially with all the damage Covid-19 has done, your local businesses would be thrilled if you bought something from them. And it’s even better if the brand you’re buying is Belgian too because that way, you’re really going local. Those items might be slightly more expensive than the ones you find on the high street but quality always comes first. So this year, opt for buying just one thing but do it well. You’ll see, it makes everyone happy: you, the person you’re buying for and the brand you’re buying from. These five Belgian brands are worth taking a look at if you’re asking us.
1. Orence
What’s so cool about Orence is the way they combine vintage with a small selection of carefully selected new items. Tone look at their social media or website suffices to see their style’s very minimal. All the objects will find a place in the home of your most stylish friend – whether you opt for some classy cocktail glasses, a fancy lamp or very minimal candle holders. Oh and they also do gift cards, if you can’t decide.
2. Studio Peloeze
Are you looking for qualitative jewelry which you can actually afford? Look no further. Studio Peloeze is the brand of Evelyne Maes, a Belgian goldsmith. All her pieces are made out of silver or gold-plated silver, meaning they resist a lot but won’t leave you bankrupted. Most designs are very simple and elegant and some even have a cheeky hidden meaning. We’re sure most of your friends will like the style so it’s a safe and thoughtful present.
3. Camille Toussaint
Every interior needs some art to decorate the walls, yes? And we all want something unique, yes? But sadly, we don’t all have the money to buy a Van Gogh or a Picasso, right? Well, Camille Toussaint to the rescue. The Brussels-based artist specializes in linocuts and has a lot of designs available, most of them referring to Brussels in some way, making them the perfect gift for a real Brusseleir. If you want to spend a bit more, you could also contact Camille for a personalized design – such a cool gift!
4. Helen B
Helen B is an illustrator based in Belgium but you won’t find just illustrations in her shop. There’s also mugs, tea towels, post cards, bed covers… You name it and you’ll find it there. The one thing keeping all those item together are the cheeky little illustrations on there. Maybe you’ll go for the naked couple, maybe you a roller girl or maybe the bad ass club is totally what you’re looking for. Whatever you buy, your gift will surely put a smile on the face of the one you’re buying for – and after all, that’s all that counts.
5. Kaai
Are you buying for a very special person in your life? And do you want to spend a bit (or a lot) more? Then we couldn’t recommend Kaai highly enough. There bags come in wonderful designs and the quality is just superb. Yes, you’re paying for what you get but then again, you get a magnificent bag from a Belgian brand which will last for years and years to come. Not really something for a secret Santa yet a thoughtful gift if you don’t mind spending a bit of money.