Things from Africa, Bob Marley Museum, 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6

You do not have to know all the words to "Kaya" to appreciate the goods for sale in this establishment, which carries items from all over continental Africa. The carvings from Kenya and Mozambique are of a high quality and are a steal. You cannot beat the prices on Nag Champa incense, copper vases and massage oils. What's more are the colourful tapestries, yards of African inspired fabric and batiks that are unique and perfect gifts for those working within a budget.

Colette, 3 Queensway, Kingston 10 and The Accent Place, 65 A Red Hills Road, Kingston 19

These stores are an ode to the style of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. If you are in search of trinkets such as ashtrays, framed prints and funky jewellery then you must visit Colette's. The Alpaca jewellery collection is priced very attractively and the rare stones make good presents for individuals who are believers in myth and mysticism. Prices start at $300.

For Mexican houseware items such as blown wine and glass tumblers, table- cloths and vibrantly coloured rugs, there is no better place to go than The Accent Place. Prices start at $500.

The Andes, Shop #6 Dragon Centre, 6 South Avenue, Kingston 10

Ecuadorian ceramics, llama skin rugs, and colourful hammocks are on hand at this interesting and dazzling emporium. In addition, there is a cache of copper wear, corkboards and pewter collectibles, all imported from Portugal.

Bali Furniture, 39 Windsor Avenue, Kingston 5

Now, if you are looking to spend a little more on gifts this Christmas then visiting the Bali Furniture store might not be such a bad idea. The prices here are hefty but this is because the items are not trinkets.

It's the place to shop if you are looking to give extraordinary pieces of furniture as gifts. What you will find in this store are beautifully finished pieces of mahogany and teak furniture made in the warm South Pacific island of Bali. The smaller gifts here are Buddha heads and pineapple shaped candle holders for the wall, ranging around $2500 each, plus GCT.

Liguanea Drug and Garden Centre, 134 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6

This is a great shopping oasis for all things Asian. You will find a wide variety of sushi sets, tea sets, Chinese lanterns, chopsticks, Chinese umbrellas as well as dramatic wall fans, all of which make excellent gifts for those with an eye for the unusual. Prices are market-friendly and will surely be agreeable with penny pinchers.

- Text and photos by Kaili McDonnough

The home is no longer just a place to rest your head. Today's homes are an expression of their owners' a scenic haven from the stresses of everyday life, a refuge accentuated by prized possessions. Therefore, art and craft are great choices for gifts to give this season.

However, first, make sure you're familiar with the style and taste of the person well enough. Take a look at the home ­ decor, colour scheme, theme to get an idea of the most appropriate artsy gift. It is paramount that you determine whether the piece that you choose can fit into the person's home. For example, ask yourself, is there space on the wall for another picture? Is there room for another clay pot?

A gift of art may sound costly, but if you find the right spot you could end up spending less than you would imagine.

Try Colette, formerly the Wanderer, off Hope Road in Kingston. This intimate little shop retails unique art, craft and jewellery brought from Mexico, Brazil, Africa, Haiti and Indonesia. Prices run from $100 to $5,000.

Vanessa's Art & Decor, Central Plaza, off Constant Spring Road in Kingston, where items range from under $100 to more than $10,000. Items include pottery, ceramics and paintings from Latin America.

Shakti Yoga Centre, off Waterloo Road, Kingston, where items range from $500 to $3,000. The centre carries gift items of Indian origin, including ornaments, tablecloths and cushions.

Devon House Craft Fair, at Devon House on Hope Road, Kingston. Prices vary with a wide variety of items being offered.

Craft Cottage, Village Plaza, Constant Spring Road. Prices range from $50 to $20,000. Items sold are Caribbean and Jamaican art and craft, ceramics, carvings, and more.