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There's a particular kind of homesickness that South African expats carry. It's not always acute — it's more like a low hum. The smell of a braai on a summer evening. The feel of a Veldskoen on a dusty path. The weight of a proper sheepskin slipper on a cold morning. Things that are so ordinary at home that you don't notice them until they're gone.
If you know someone living abroad who grew up in South Africa — or if you're that person, treating yourself — this is the gift guide for you. Everything here ships internationally from Made by Artisans, directly to doorsteps in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, and beyond.
The Slipper That Started It All
KARU Sheepskin Slippers
KARU has been making sheepskin slippers in Cape Town since 1968. For many South Africans, a pair of KARU slippers is simply part of what home feels like — the thing you put on when you walk through the door, the thing you miss when you're living in a flat in London or Edinburgh in January.
The range covers everything from the classic Cosy Sheepskin Slippers (available in caramel, grey, sand, choc brown, and charcoal) to the Oskie Slipper Boots for serious warmth, the Shloffy Leather Travel Slippers for those who want something packable, and even baby slippers and kids' sizes for the little ones.
Best for: the expat who misses Cape Town winters. Or any winter, really.
The Most Iconic South African Shoe
Veldskoen
If you had to choose one object that says "South Africa" more than any other, it might be a Veldskoen. Hand-stitched in Durban from full-grain leather, the Veldskoen is the shoe that South Africa has been wearing for generations — and the one that expats tend to reach for when they want to feel connected to home.
The range includes the Traditional Heritage Leather Shoe, the Chukka Leather Boot, the Classic Leather Boot in Rooibos and Fynbos colourways, and the Kariega, Sneaker, and Loft Golf Shoe for those who want the craft in a more contemporary silhouette. There are also kids' sizes.
Best for: the expat who wants to wear a piece of South Africa every day.
The Flip Flop That Needs No Introduction
Plakkie
Every South African knows a Plakkie. The leather flip flop that's been on South African feet at the beach, in the garden, and around the braai for as long as anyone can remember. Named after the places they belong — Clifton, Camps Bay, Coffee Bay, Port Saint Johns, Sardinia Bay — these are the sandals that carry the geography of home in their names.
Available in men's, women's, and kids' sizes. The NSRI 'Pink is for Buoys' and Maties editions are particularly good for the rugby fan or sea rescue supporter in your life.
Best for: the expat who misses the beach. Or just wants their feet to remember what summer feels like.
The Bag with a South African Name
sak.sak
Made in South Africa, named in Afrikaans, and designed for the kind of person who carries their life in a bag. The sak.sak range covers everything from the 'kant.sak' crossbody bag and 'klein.sak' small crossbody to the 'vlieg.sak' travel bag, 'skoon.sak' toiletry bag, 'safari.sak', and the 'skree.sak' baby bag. Machine washable, hard-wearing, and made in South Africa — with names that will make any Afrikaans speaker smile.
Best for: the expat who wants something practical that still feels like home.
The Boot Built for Groundcover Country
Groundcover
Handcrafted in Curry's Post in the KZN Midlands since 1990, Groundcover makes leather footwear the old way — by hand, with full-grain leather, built to last. The international catalogue includes the Alpine, Tundra, Arctic, and Blizzard wool-lined boots for winter, the Sabie Bush Boot, the Berg Utility Boot, and a full range of leather sandals including the beloved Daisy, Toe-Strap, and Grandpa. Shoes that improve with age.
Best for: the expat who grew up in the Midlands, or just appreciates things made properly.
Shipping Internationally from South Africa
All of the above ships directly to your door — wherever that door is. We use TUNL in partnership with UPS and FedEx for international orders, with full tracking from dispatch to delivery. Typical delivery times are 5–10 business days to major markets including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the EU.
If you're buying as a gift, you can ship directly to the recipient's address at checkout. No need to receive it yourself and repost it — we'll get it there.
South Africa, delivered. Shop now →
