Fab Things Gift and Décor Store in Cape Town

The Newlands design boutique that’s proving local is lekker

As its simple but suitable name suggests, Fab Things, a trendy gift and homeware shop that opened in the stylish new Newlands Quarter on Dean Street at the end of November 2012, promises Southern Suburbs dwellers an almost endless array of positively fabulous (and proudly South African) things.

Like its sister store, which rests in Claremont’s cultural Harfield Village, this treasure trove of delightful odds and ends firmly espouses the belief that ‘local is lekker’(so much so that this proclamation has been printed on the shop’s glass front door), and thus only stocks products that have been designed and manufactured on Mzansi shores. In this way, it aims to not only show off our country’s vast creative potential, but also to serve as a supportive platform for local designers trying to establish themselves.

“When I first started looking, I was amazed at how many people are doing incredible things locally,” exclaims passionate owner Tracey Trevelyan, who has a long history in retail and a good eye for pretty, high-quality pieces. “There’s really no need to buy imported goods, because you can get everything you need right here.”

Supported by business partner and friend Nicole Le Roux, Tracey painstakingly sources a unique range of bespoke ceramics, jewellery, stationery, bags, textiles, crockery, cards, cushions, kiddies’ clothing, candles, sewing kits and much more from both well-known and emerging SA brands and creatives, like Skinny laMinx, Sootcookie, TinTown, Love Milo, Lula Fabrics, Peg & Thread, Schwarzie, Cath Price Ceramics and the Big Heart Company.

While girly must-haves, ladies’ presents and dainty décor pieces feature prominently in the small, quirky shop, there are a few items for men on the shelves as well – think Bow Peep bow ties and cufflinks, laptop bags, leather luggage tags, wallets and wine coolers – because, as Tracey says, “Boys like to spoil themselves too”.

And that’s exactly what this contemporary gift boutique represents: a charming little spot as ideal for those wanting to treat themselves as it is for those looking to spoil others. Suffice it to say then, for a distinct special occasion gift or locally crafted collectable with a touch of fabulous, this is your new one-stop shop.

Tip: Because Fab Things acknowledges the importance of the finer details, the shop offers a personalised wrapping service for only R20 extra. Hence, shoppers can opt to have their purchases wrapped in custom-made paper (it’s unique to the store) and adorned with a delightful ribbon and bespoke gift tag.

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9am – 6pm; Friday: 9am – 8pm (for late-night shopping); Saturday: 9am – 2pm; public holidays: 9am – 2pm.

Photographs by Julia Bingham

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Looking for other proudly Mzansi present options? Check out our guide to locally made gifts in Cape Town.

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