12 Days of a Very Caribbean Christmas: An Island-Inspired Gift Guide and the People Behind the Products

Category: Our Islands

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December 16th 2024Back to our Sandals Blog > > >

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The question comes up every year: Where can I find a special gift that’s meaningful, useful, and unlike any other? Here’s your answer. The products you’re about to see below come directly from the hands of 12 artisans that the Sandals Foundation supports throughout the Caribbean. These gifts are unique. They’re created with natural island resources. And whenever you buy one of these products, you’re empowering the person behind it to transform their community through job training, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurial pride. You’ll also be claiming the coolest gift of the season.

Dana Baugh, Jamaica, Westmoreland, BAUGHaus Design Studio

Products: Handcrafted ceramics that combine functional design with artistic island flair.

Dana is a born and raised Jamaican ceramicist and founder of BAUGHaus Design Studio. With a passion for fine, authentic craftsmanship and design, she creates handmade ceramics that reflect her island roots and love for tropical modern aesthetics. Through her work, she aims to celebrate the beauty of Caribbean culture and sustainable craftsmanship. What began as a deep love for craftsmanship and a desire to make something meaningful evolved into a space where Dana merges her heritage with her vision, and each piece she creates reflects that journey.

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“Growing up in Jamaica, I was always surrounded by the vibrant colors, textures, and rhythms of island life,” Dana says. “And I wanted to bring that energy into my work.”

At BAUGHaus Design Studio, every ceramic piece is an ode to the vibrant soul of Jamaica—its colors, flavors, and the spirit of togetherness that defines island life. Through every collection, Dana aims to bring a piece of Jamaica’s warmth, hospitality, and artistry into homes around the world.

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“The early support from Sandals Resorts helped me gain the confidence to take the next steps in turning my passion into a thriving business,” she says. “Over the years, our partnership has flourished, with Sandals buying products from me for their resorts to collaborating on a variety of projects, even creating custom pieces for special events; Sandals has always been there to help bring my creations to a broader audience.”

See more at https://baughausdesign.com/ on Instagram at baughaus

Lisette Keus, Curaçao, Lionfish Caribbean

Her Products: Jewelry transformed from the fins, skins, and spines of lionfish.

Before she learned to be a jewelry maker, Lisette Keus learned to be a professional lionfish huntress off the coast of Curaçao. Driven by a passion to protect the fragile ocean ecosystem, she would remove the invasive fish one by one. A question always loomed: what else can I do to make every catch count? In 2016, she decided to use two dive tank O-rings and some lionfish fins to make her first pair of lionfish earrings.

“Our team has refined the process since those first earrings to make them more durable,” Lisette says. “Step by step, we’ve turned an experiment into a meaningful brand.”

The small operation in the corner of a dive shop has grown into Lionfish Caribbean, where Lisette combines her stunning wearable art with education about ocean conservation and sustainable food. With each purchase, she’s also able to pay a fair price to local lionfish hunters so they can continue to control the population. While purchases are available online, guests can visit the shop and even engage in Lionfish Jewelry Workshops, where they can make their very own pair.

“Because people are buying lionfish jewelry, we’re able to pay local hunters a fair price, making it possible for them to continue their vital work in controlling the population. Sandals, their clients, and ours all play a direct role in the solution, ” she says, “closing the circle of sustainability and making a real impact on ocean health.”

See more online at lionfishcaribbean.com and on Instagram at lionfishcaribbean
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Lacey Ann Bartley, Jamaica Manchester, Bartley’s All In Wood

Her Family’s Products: Hand-crafted wood gifts, décor, and furniture designed to celebrate Jamaica’s beauty.

At a young age, Lacey Ann Bartley would watch her father work with the indigenous wood found around the gulleys and forests of Manchester Parish in Jamaica. She and her brother learned their father’s precision woodworking skills and work ethic that’s been evident in the quality of each product from Bartley’s All in Wood for more than 50 years.

“The Sandals Foundation has been a crucial partner to help us expand our outreach through tree planting initiatives and to train craftsmen in at-risk communities,” Lacey Ann says. Her vision now extends far beyond the family shop. “The ripple effect of empowerment impacts not only our business but the greater community.”

See more online at bartleysallinwood.com.jm and on Instagram at bartley_s
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Kristle and Kimberly Jeffers, Barbados, Handmade by Kae

Products: Scented bath, body, and home products made with all-Caribbean ingredients.

Kristle and Kimberly Jeffers call their entire product line an extension of the way they’ve always lived, first as kids in Trinidad and then into adulthood in Barbados. Their family knew the nature of the islands would provide everything necessary for a healthy life.

“That’s the way our entire community thrived,” Kristle says.

So, when they wanted to find a way to care for their skin, they experimented with aloe, cucumber, coconut milk, and turmeric until they found their magical recipes. Every ingredient pays homage to their grandparents’ gardens and the island lifestyle. Today, they’ve expanded their product line into body oils, candles, and perfumes. All packaging is plastic-free as a way to thank the environment for what it has always provided them.

“People who are introduced to our products through Sandals now seek us out after being introduced to our brand at the gift shops,” Kimberly says. “It has helped us to grow and develop as we plan our production runs around anticipated needs and has given us valuable info as we streamlined our product offerings.”

See more online at handmadebykae.com and on Instagram at handmadebykae
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Louise Joseph-Ochasi, Antigua and Barbuda, Amya’s Design

Her Products: Bags, clutches, jewelry, and clothing made with Afrocentric touches and finished with natural accents.

An assignment during high school changed Louise Joseph-Ochasi’s life: Explore the forests of Antigua, find indigenous materials, and make jewelry from them.

“The joy of finding something in nature and transforming it into wearable art was born for me,” Louise says. “I want that joy to be evident in all of my products.”

Her products include bags and headwraps, a craft she learned as a little girl from her mother, who inspired her to start Amya’s Design. A few years later, the Sandals Foundation began purchasing her products to be showcased at Sandals’ boutique shops, where visitors from around the world can see them. Every clutch, tote, wrap, and piece of jewelry connects back to that assignment in school. This is why you notice a creative use of sea glass, bark, seeds, shells, burlap, and genuine African fabric.

“My products are my heritage,” Louise says. And it’s safe to say there is nothing else like them.

See more on Instagram at amyas.design

The Bahamas, My Ocean Limited

The Products: Handmade soaps, candles, ceramics, jewelry, and ornaments.

The team of artists at My Ocean Limited wake up every morning in Nassau as if they're waking up there for the first time, awed once again by the sights, sounds, and scents of the archipelago. It’s why they can’t wait to get into the studio and create another personal escape for someone who might not be waking up here daily.

“The diversity of The Bahamas provides limitless ideas,” says a My Ocean representative, who began crafting gifts 20 years ago. “Everything we create is a testament to the vibrant spirit and richness of our 700 islands.”

For example, the My Ocean team crafts candles that smell distinctly like passionfruit, mango, or sea salt and mint. They shape and stamp jewelry so each piece is uniquely Bahamian. They curate gift boxes to transport anyone who opens the top to iconic sites like The Blue Hole and the coral reef system, or to the islands of Abaco, Eleuthera, and Inagua. Could there be a better way to wake up?

See more online at myocean.com and on Instagram at myocean_bahamas

Laura Ward, Barbados, Earth and Fire Pottery Studio

Her Products: Christmas ornaments, wind chimes, chattel houses, and Bajan dolls, all hand-crafted from Barbadian clay.

When Laura Ward moved to Barbados from Venezuela in 1991, the island embraced her the way it embraces everyone — as if she’d belonged here forever. She embraced Barbados right back by learning how to craft its treasured earth, known as “Barbadian clay,” into Amerindian-style ceramics that have since become her signature across the island. To this day, Laura expresses her love for Barbados by depicting its unique architecture and culture in each piece, which she impresses, incises, inlays, burnishes, paints, and fires in a kiln.

“My work has been a journey since I encountered this island clay for the first time,” she says. “All I need is a vessel and the landscape around me for inspiration.”

See more on Instagram at earthandfirepotterystudio246
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Nydia Norville, St. Lucia, Choiselle

Products: Botanical hair and body oils, coconut shell candles and coconut wax candles

When Nydia Norville’s modeling career took her to New York City, the frantic pace of city life took a toll on her skin and spirit. The cures recommended to her included lengthy lists of chemicals and synthetics.

“I thought back to my childhood in St. Lucia, watching my grandmother make coconut oil and hair and skincare concoctions from botanicals harvested from the family garden. I borrowed those same concepts to start Choiselle, using natural ingredients known to have healing and aromatherapy benefits in the Caribbean.”

“Sandals Resorts has been a key partner in helping my business grow by supporting me in the development stages. They provided input and strategy to get the products to market,” she says. “More than anything, I proudly put these products out there because each one is made with intent and love.”

See more online at choiselle.com and on Instagram at choiselle
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Daisy Casimiri, Curaçao, Zumpiña Shop Culture Consultancy

Her Products: Keepsakes from her own hands and from artists on the island.

When Daisy Casimiri left her birthplace in Curaçao to attend art academy in The Netherlands, the island never fully let her go. Daisy returned after graduation to organize Carib art projects and to publish magazines and books. “I wanted to put our island on the map,” she says. In 2008, she went all-in by opening a gallery in the Rif Fort, which now provides a central platform for local artists and handcrafters to produce beautiful handmade items for tourists to take home as cherished memories.

Daisy also spreads her passion for this beloved island by offering disadvantaged young people an upward trajectory in education, work, and purpose. With the purchasing power of Sandals, each artisan gains confidence. With confidence, the quality elevates.

“Everything is made locally with two key ingredients,” Daisy says. “Time and love.”

See more online at cathedralofthorns.com and on Instagram at cathedral_of_thorns
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Cherise King-Gibson, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Isla Antilles

Products: Scented soy candles, all of them phthalate-free and naturally Caribbean.

When Cherise King-Gibson looked for a creative outlet to bring her peace in 2020, she never imagined an idea from her sister would convince her to put a good career on hold.

“I did not intend to become a chandler,” Cherise says of her full-time candle-making business, Isla Antilles, which she’s grown through research, networking, trial-and-error, and a passion she didn’t anticipate.

The candles are fully grounded in the tropical nature of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Dark View Falls candle, named after the iconic twin waterfalls, is a blend of coconut, green florals, and touches of wood. Coral Reef exudes hints of citrus and sage. Every ingredient comes from the islands and every step is done by Cherise and her siste

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“And now our partnership with Sandals allows us to reach a broader audience,” Cherise says. “It means we can spread more light and more joy to the world.”

See more on Instagram at islaantilles

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Emiliano Cuselli, Barbados, Tropical Art Glasses Barbados

His Products: Glassware for homes and fine restaurants, lampshades, stained glass, and ornaments.

It’s not a mirage when you lay your eyes on Emiliano Cuselli’s gorgeous glass serving trays and bowls. You really can see the Caribbean in the hues and elegant shapes of every piece. Pull out one of his platters and you sense the relaxing mood of the islands, too.

“This has always been my vision,” Emiliano says, “to reflect the beauty of this region in glass.” For the past 30 years, Emiliano’s one-of-a-kind glassware has become known all over the island simply as “Barbados glass.” Food and dishwasher safe, it’s found in restaurants, homes, and at Sandals. When Emiliano thinks back to how this started and to the fact his glassware is now synonymous with Barbados, he’s humbled to four short words: “This says it all.”

See more on Instagram at tropical.art.glasses
(Shipping to the U.S. is available)

Maraika Theresa Young, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Tide Sand & Hand

Her Products: Handmade indigenous crafts include organic coconut bowls and driftwood stone art.

The date is forever etched in Maraika Theresa Young’s memory: March 20, 2019. On that day, King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales) made his Royal visit to the Caribbean. While on St. Vincent, he received a beautiful stone-art piece made with organic materials. The art fit for the King was created by Maraika.

“That kind of appreciation builds pride,” she says.

It’s hard to believe Maraika started creating arts and crafts only a year before the King’s arrival. She and her children would search the beaches for stones, sea glass, shells, and driftwood. Maraika turned them into treasures, gifting them to friends and family, who convinced her to open a business. Since then, and with the help of the Sandals Foundation, she’s expanded her line into more markets while also offering other artisans from St. Vincent the opportunity to sell their products in her store.

“When people see these pieces,” Maraika says, “I want them to see that our way of life is vibrant, spirited, and priceless.”

See more online on Instagram at tidesandhand

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Sandals Resorts Wedding Packages

Your next great adventure begins here. Whether you prefer an intimate elopement or a grand affair, every wedding deserves a week-long celebration with a little something extra. Sandals and Beaches wedding packages offer the best of everything from pre-wedding events to unique wedding day and honeymoon experiences.

Click to read more articles about Sandals Weddings: Sandals Resort Wedding Planning

TWO LOVE BIRDS PACKAGE

Applicable for 2 people.

Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license

Pre-Wedding Events
• Scents of Love Couples massage*

During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown

On Your Wedding Day
• Bridal attendant*
• 10 digital images

At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Witnesses

At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d'oeuvres
- Sparkling wine
- Reception table with white linen and white cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
• Private candlelight dinner with four-course menu and prosecco*

On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice

For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

SWEETHEART WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for up to 10 people

Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the bride and groom (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
• $200 credit towards select photography packages
• $200 credit towards select videography packages

At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reception table with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with white or magenta dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen and white cushioned Chiavari chairs

On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package

- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

This package is complimentary when Bride and Groom stay for 7 nights or longer in Club or Butler categories. This offer is available Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm and is applicable only to 10 persons. This offer does not apply to ReTie the Knot ceremonies. Certain restrictions apply. See terms and conditions

BLISS WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for 12 people or more

Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20 (up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31. (up to 5 complimentary rooms)

Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen

During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the entire group (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
• 20 digital images
• $200 credit towards select videography packages

At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for 1 member of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for 1 member of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen & white cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection from the plated menus and a premium bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas

On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a Private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

EPIC WEDDING PACKAGE

Applicable for 52 people or more

Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20 (up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31. (up to 5 complimentary rooms)

Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• 2-hour private pre-wedding celebration dinner
• Wedding day treats : frozen fruit kabobs & small bites with sparkling wine for bride and groom (in-room while getting ready on day of wedding)

During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the entire group (not applicable to retail items)

On Your Wedding Day
• $500 credit towards the Royal Romance photography package
• $500 credit towards the Ultimate videography package

At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for up to 2 members of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for up to 2 members of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs

At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection from the plated or buffet menus and a premium bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
• One sweetheart table to include white linen, standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Two-hour DJ entertainment

On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine in resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
• $100 Credit towards either a private candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach or pool cabana

For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE

Applicable for up to 10 people.

Before You Arrive
• ReTie the Knot planning team
• Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
• Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride and groom (not applicable to retail items)
• One 5x7 photo print
• One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Single-tiered white fondant cake with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen & white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category

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Some of our destination weddings