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A Gift Guide for the Cultivated Eye: My Finest Finds





You know what's funny. Writers will always say they wish they had more time to write. Then when they've got some unoccupied time, they'll find themselves interested in books, movies, napping, snacking, even chores - anything except sitting down to write with concentration. Myself included. I've just come out of a slow weekend without promises to anyone but myself, where I had big plans to nail down a blog post over two days. Of course, what I really ended up doing was binging two whole series - The Undoing (with Nicole Kidman) and Owning Manhattan (with Ryan Serhant) - eating an entire pizza by myself, scrolling Judge Judy clips on Facebook, headstronging my way through the last 100 pages of the book I was reading. You'll notice I've even twiddled with the colours on my blog. All in my pyjamas. I promise I'm not often as unkempt as this - I believe the young people call it 'bedrotting' - but on the rare occasion I am, it comes down hard.

It's Monday morning now, and I'm back to a semblance of myself. Neatly dressed in a crisp blouse, motivated, a little serious about how I'll use my time today. Feeling a lot more curated this morning, I'm penning a piece on elegant gift buying. Gifting can turn from 'transactional' into an art form if done properly. December - at least in South Africa, though I'm certain in most of the world - has turned into a frenzy of two-way exchanging of products. 'I'm obligated to get this person something because of the space they occupy in my life'. Let's turn the moment a gift is handed over into an act more sophisticated than that, with a gift guide filled with intentionality. Here are gift ideas that will make the receiver feel far less like you've had to palm something off onto them, and instead mark you as the genuinely thoughtful gifter in your circle.

I'm embarrassed that I have to deliberately add - because of the ingenuity of world we live in - that none of these recommendations are sponsored. Each item is something I've used myself - bought with my own money or something beautiful I've received by another. I will include a list of where the items can be bought right at the end, for those who've spotted an idea they'd like to follow through on. If you're curious, you can read about why I won't do influencer posting again. 
 
Now back to my sublime gift recommendations: 
 

Editions for the bibliophile:

 



We're starting with what is arguably my field of expertise. As an award-winning author, plus the owner of a prestigious publishing house, I have an eye for good literature. Good literature isn't always deeply intellectual - to me, it's anything that can entertain the reader in the way they prefer. There are few things as timeless as a book that will last through the decades, to gift. It's the closest you'll get to gifting an heirloom. 
 

For those who like to spend their summer on the beach with a book:

 
1. The Four Hundred Club by Keli H (yes, this is me!): reviewed as 'the ultimate lifestyle read', this story follows the insecurities of seven glamorous twenty-something year olds on the set of a reality TV show show.
 
2.  The Best of Times by Penny Vincenzi: This author used to be an editor at Vogue, and there are few people who can write as stylishly as her. This particular story follows a husband caught in a terrible car accident with his mistress - leading to an inevitable turn in everyone's lives. 
 
3. The Guest List by Lucey Foley: A wedding taking place on a private island escape is disrupted by ... a murder! Fun and twisty.  
 

For those who do want something thought-provoking: 

 
1. A Bend in the Road by Veena Pillay: A young girl, playing a game with her friends after school, ends up missing. Set in a small town against the upheaval of 1970s South Africa, this is a moving coming-of-age story set within the fabric of a mystery. Bonus - this is an award-winning novel so you are guaranteed something expertly written.
 
2. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga: This book made a great impression on me - I read it about a decade and a half ago, and still viscerally remember the way it made me feel. Through a dark story about a driver to an elite family, this book explores India without romanticism. 
 
3. The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Constantly referenced as my favourite book of all time, this one tells of a murder and the subsequent falling apart of the perpetrators, against a haunting dark academia background.
 

For those who like to say 'new year, new me!':

 
1. Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki: This book was on my list of top 3 non-fiction for the longest time. While not Kiyosaki's most famous work, it is the one that changed the way I understand how money works. 
 
2.  The Millionaire Fast Lane: If you're not a fan of clickbait-Kiyosaki, this book will do the trick. It also talks about wealth-building, but with a bit more substance and less repetition. 
 
3. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer: This book gave me so much peace in life. It is, essentially, a book about mindfulness, but not introduced in a vague spiritual way or even in a boring psychology way. You can read my full book review of it here.  

For those who like weird and wonderful finds:


1. Abecedarium - Tales of Terror: This horror anthology contains one nightmarish tale for each letter of letter of the alphabet. Whether you want to read a squirmish story about A for Alien, or a ghostly tale about J for Jinn, or folklore from around the world - this book is sure to spook even the hardest of horror fans. 

2. A Prophecy of Flowers and Lightning Art Book: With line drawings inspired by the fantasy novel of the same name, this is no regular colouring book. It is a sublime hardcover that opens flat, with single sided heavy pages, designed to hold any art medium of your choice - pastels, paints, pencils. It is only available by wait list (such a luxury buying experience!) so this would be better suited for upcoming special occasions rather than Christmas around the corner. 
 
 

 Objects of Daily Elegance

 I've said before, and I think it's worthy of being quoted again: 
 
"Fashion is a form of setting boundaries. The way you dress tells people exactly how they're allowed to approach you."
 
These dressy gift ideas show the receiver how much you revere them, and that you hope others see the same in them too.
 
1. A scarf: This small item can turn the simplest of outfits into something strikingly sophisticated. The only accessory an outfit needs, saving you the style work of picking multiple matching things to gift. 




2. Waterproof jewelry: Whether you pick the 2 items for R200 from Lovisa or the more well-packaged pieces from Harli + Harpa, this gift will come highly appreciated. As a user myself, waterproof jewelry is the most convenient kind - in the bath, at the beach, to the gym; there is nowhere this jewelry gets ruined. 

3. French hair combs: I'm hardly exaggerating when I say this has saved many a hair day. Even style-obsessed people like me don't enjoy maintaining our hair as much as it looks like we do. Gift an easy, effortless - but still very charming - French hair comb and share with the receiver this video on how to use hair combs for classic hairstyles. 

Gifts for Anyone with a Tale to Tell

 
Before becoming the owner of a publishing house, I'd had no idea how many people wanted to share their story in the form of a book. Grandparents, teachers, friends, work colleagues - so many seemingly every day people are actually survivors of this precarious thing called life. For those in your life who have thought about telling their story, but perhaps not had the encouragement to follow through, these are the perfect gifts to show them their journey matters. 
 
1.  A fountain pen: I've been living under a rock and only got my first fountain pen this year at the age of 32. And it has revolutionized the simple acts of noting appointments in my diary, jotting down phone numbers, signing bank documents into rituals of importance. There is no experience quite like writing with a self-important fountain pen. Of course you get pens in the tens-of-thousands-of-rands range, but there are so many nice ones that cost just a couple of hundreds of rands, of equally wonderful quality. If you're buying a fountain pen for someone who's also a first-timer, consider the Atterson Eleganace Fountain Pen reviewed by Keli H. 




2. Writers planner by The KREST House: My publishing company will be releasing a planner workbook in the new year that helps you plot and plan the framework of your story, so that the book writing process becomes far less overwhelming. Since this is a 2026 release, you might like to consider this for next year's special occasions. 

3. Creating Litery Art book: If you can't wait for the interactive workbook next year, and need something to gift for Christmas... consider this book by Keli H (me!) and Theresa Bhowan, who is a ghostwriter of over 80 books, some of which have reached bestseller status. In this book we advise you step-by-step on how to write a perfectly publishable novel, even if you've never done it before. 

4. Author Affirmation Cards: This is another bespoke item available through a wait list only. Though the wait is truly worth it. A deck of 54 ethereal, poetic, inspiring affirmations made for people who know their stories are meant to run through the world. There will be no greater way of showing the creative writers in your life you encourage their talent. 

Rituals of Restoration


On days that mark the end of a hard milestone - year end, graduation, another whirl around the sun, first home purchases, weddings - all one wants to do is relax after all their dedicated work. Gift a moment of well-deserved peace. 

1. Head spa: This trumps any regular massage. This experience focuses on relaxing the area we hold the most tension - the scalp, neck, and shoulders. It's an incredibly unique experience that is made up of focused massages, aromatherapy, oils, steam, hair care, lotions, sounds, water. A holistic wellbeing experience, rather than a commercial massage. 

2. Electronic scent diffuser: Easily one of the best gifts I've received. The one I have has different colour and steam settings. So it's a beautiful, ambient trifecta of: scent, colour, and humidifier. I really enjoy filling different essential oils in it. My home constantly smells relaxing. 

3. Himalayan salt lamp: This geode-shaped mass of crystallized salt with a bulb inside it makes my space look magical. Another bonus is that salt lamps are scientifically proven to neutralize electromagnetic radiation, reduce stress, boost mood, and aid sleep. In this tech-fueled world we live in, one can always benefit from this. I've placed mine in my bedroom, where it looks positively calming. 



Experiences Worth Remembering 


In a busy, constantly 'on' world, sometimes the most meaningful thing we can share with each other is intentional, quality time together. Here are some ideas of stimulating activities. 

1. Sip and Paint: Social painting sessions in lovely locations where people can mingle over drinks, food, music, conversation, while being guided on painting a canvas from scratch - this is a nationwide favourite activity at the moment. Apart from a fun few hours together, you'll also leave with a canvas painting as a memory. 

2. Calligraphy class: In the same vein as painting socials, you can bond over the calming art of elegant lettering, and leave with a skill that you can always use. 

3. High tea: Another national favourite are high tea events springing up at hotels everywhere. It's a reason to dress up, feel a little fancy, and enjoy conversation in a quiet, intimate setting.

4. Candle light concerts: I've never been for one of these but they come highly recommended. There can be no experience quite as familiar and evocative as a string quartert playing among hundreds of candles to enjoy together. 

Fine Indulgences 


Everyone enjoys a gift that's a little unnecessary - something that would be really nice to have, but not a priority to buy themselves. 

1. Earl Grey tea: The authentic thing, not the budget brand from a wallet-conscious grocery haul. The most premium brand of Earl Grey is Twinnings and, yes, it is a little over-the-top price wise for what some might consider just a box of tea bags. But to drink it is to get lost in an experience - from the smell, to the colour, to the texture. 

2. Luella perfume: for something a little novelty, the Luella brand makes perfume scents inspired by different cities. The Cape Town scent is fresh, zesty - it smells like confidence. The Joburg scent is sultry and silky, very sensual. The Paris scent is delicate and whimsical. There are others - but no Durban, unfortunately. 

3. Lego botanicals: I recieved this as a housewarming gift recently, with the note that real flowers would wither away, but this would remain forever. I loved that. I spent a few enjoyable hours building it, and now I've got something that reminds me of the gifter every time I look at it! And it makes for beautiful, low maintenance decor. 




Understated Luxuries


Something else I've said, also worth quoting: 

"A luxurious life has got nothing to do with the price tag attached to the items in it. It's just a way of living romantically."

These gifts are basics with a twist, elevating the mundane into a storybook moment. 

1. Satin pillowcase and eye mask: These usually come in a beautifully packaged set, to take bedtime - an otherwise daily necessity - into the realm of pampering self care. Satin pillowcases are good for hair health and feel sublime to sleep on. Eye masks, apparently, help with brain health. 

2. Maxwell & Williams mug: I'm starting a collection of these, that's how lovely they are. I'm not talking about the plain white functional ones - this brand has a line of vividly painted mugs perfect for gifting. From vivid patterns, to imaginative animals, to charming botanicals. They also come with a little card about the artist that painted the mug, making this feel extra special. Also, the quality of your tea or coffee tastes noticeably better in this well-made mug. 

Buyer's Reference 





A Prophecy of Flowers and Lightning Art Book wait list: https://kresthouse.co.za/product/art-book-wait-list/

Waterproof jewelry: Lovisa or Harli + Harpa stores

Atterson Elegance fountain pen: Take-a-Lot or Amazon 



Head spa: Body Beautiful (Durban) 

Twinnings Early Grey tea: Woolworths stores

Luella perfume: Foschini stores

Lego botanicals: Lego or Exclusive Books stores 

Satin pillowcase and eye mask: @home stores 

Maxwell & Williams mug: Whitehouse homeware stores or Take-a-Lot 

Happy Festive Season


This will be my last post for the year. It's been a wonderful year of reading, writing, and raising an empire. Wishing everyone a relaxing holiday, and may the next year hold many more such adventures for us. 

For more articles written by Keli H, the author, visit this blog's home page on keli-h.com


Keli H is the award winning author of the 400 series, which includes The Four Hundred Club and Splitting an Empire. The 400 series is high brow contemporary fiction revolving around the lives of wealthy circles. Keli's other works include Creating Literary Art. She is also the founder of The KREST House, a storytelling empire.


 
 

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