The Stories Behind Our Gifts
The Gifting Studio
Every product we make starts with a question: what will this do for the person who receives it, long after the event or the handshake? This guide tells the story behind each piece in our range, what it's for, and the thinking that shaped it. Use it alongside The Gifting Studio brochure to choose gifts that carry meaning.
- Made to Be Used: Tools for reflection, rest and connection, not souvenirs that end up in a drawer.
- Rooted in Real Work: Our cards and journals grow out of years of coaching, facilitation and women's leadership work.
- Small-Batch by Design: Designed in our Cape Town studio and made in small batches, so quality and finishing come first.
- Made by Women: Handmade pieces come from the women makers in our collective, and every order supports their businesses.
Card Decks
Reflection & Conversation Tools
Our card decks are the heart of the studio. Each one is a small, portable tool that opens a conversation, with a team, a friend or yourself. They're designed so that a single card, drawn on an ordinary morning or at the start of a meeting, can shift the tone of a day.
Check In Cards
53 cards · for managers & facilitatorsSeven categories of prompts: Social, Build Trust, Creativity, Growth, Curiosity, Self-Worth and Wellbeing.
Why it mattersMost meetings start with updates. These start with people. A good check-in builds the trust and psychological safety that teams need to do their best work, and these cards make that easy for any manager, even one who has never facilitated before.
The thinking behind itBuilt from the facilitation practice behind our leadership retreats and workshops. The categories move a group from light warm-ups to deeper trust-building, so the deck works for a first team meeting and for a year-end offsite alike.
Good for: team leaders, new managers, HR and L&D teams, facilitators, offsite and retreat packs.
Shop ThisInside Out Self-Coaching Cards
31 cards · Think, Reflect, ActThirty prompts in three types, plus a card that links to a one-on-one Inside Out Session.
Why it mattersCoaching is out of reach for many people. This deck puts a coach's questions in their hands, so they can check in with themselves regularly, notice what they're carrying and choose one small action.
The thinking behind itThe Think, Reflect, Act structure follows a real coaching conversation: understand the situation, look inward, then move. It's a bridge between self-reflection and working with a coach.
Good for: emerging leaders, coaching programs, graduates, anyone in a season of change.
Shop ThisGolden Threads
20 cards · affirmations for financial growthAn affirmation and a reflection question on every card, across four themes, plus a how-to-use card.
Why it mattersMoney is one of the hardest things for women to talk about. This deck makes it gentler: draw a card, read it aloud, sit with the question over coffee or on a walk. It helps people name their worth, ask for what they need and build a future on their own terms.
The thinking behind itWealth is "woven one small, intentional choice at a time." The four themes (Knowing My Worth; Asking and Earning; Saving and Building; Spending, Sharing and Legacy) trace a journey from old money stories to legacy. Blue and gold ink-style art. For reflection, not financial advice.
Good for: women's networks, entrepreneurs starting out, financial wellness programs, graduates.
Shop ThisCEO of My Life
20 cardsAffirmations for taking ownership of your choices, time and direction.
Why it mattersA daily reminder that you get to lead your own life with the same clarity and confidence you bring to your work. A small nudge toward intentional decisions.
The thinking behind itDraws on the language of leadership and applies it to everyday life, reflecting the studio's focus on women stepping into their own authority.
Good for: women in leadership, founders, milestone birthdays, promotions.
Shop ThisMy Dreams Matter
20 cardsAffirmations for holding on to big hopes and taking steps toward them.
Why it mattersDreams are easy to put on hold. This deck keeps them in view and gives the recipient permission to take them seriously.
The thinking behind itPairs with the My Dreams Matter journal, so the cards prompt the thought and the journal holds the plan.
Good for: young women's programs, graduations, mentoring circles, new beginnings.
Shop ThisSelf-Worth Affirmations
20 cardsAffirmations for confidence, self-belief and kindness toward yourself.
Why it mattersThe way we speak to ourselves shapes how we show up. These cards offer kinder words to reach for on hard days.
The thinking behind itPart of our wellbeing series. Every deck has its own color palette so each one is instantly recognizable in a gift box or on a desk.
Good for: wellness days, staff appreciation, women's events, care packages.
Shop ThisIn This Moment: Enneagram Cards
Coming soonAffirmation cards for each of the nine Enneagram types.
Why it mattersPersonalized encouragement that speaks to how each person is wired, which makes it especially powerful for teams who have done Enneagram work together.
The thinking behind itThe first physical product from In This Moment, our Enneagram affirmation tool.
Good for: teams using the Enneagram, coaching clients, leadership programs.
Journals, Planners & Notebooks
Paper for Thinking
A notebook is one of the few gifts people use every day. Ours are designed to be lived with: some for planning, some for reflection, some simply beautiful enough to reach for. Several are guided, with prompts drawn from our coaching work.
A5 Planner & Wellbeing Journal
202 pages · soft cover · full colorYear review, Wheel of Life, goals and milestones, monthly, weekly and daily pages, habit, money and self-talk tools, coloring and self-care pages.
Why it mattersMost planners only ask what you need to get done. This one also asks how you're doing. It helps the recipient plan with purpose while looking after their wellbeing, which is how goals actually get reached.
The thinking behind itIt opens with reflection before planning, the way a good coaching session does, and builds in weekly reviews and mindful breaks so the year stays intentional, not just busy.
Good for: year-end and new-year gifting, staff wellness, conference packs, onboarding.
Shop ThisI Am Grateful: A Reflection Diary
A5 · beige, sage, blue or pinkIntention pages, a Wheel of Life, a short goals section, then gentle daily pages with gratitude prompts and periodic look-backs.
Why it mattersA calm daily practice with no rules, streaks or pressure. A full page, one line or nothing at all: every entry counts. It holds the ordinary days and the difficult ones.
The thinking behind itGratitude without performance. Generous white space, two gratitude prompts, one reflection on why a moment mattered, and one gentle intention for tomorrow.
Good for: wellbeing programs, thank-you gifts, end-of-year reflection, anyone who has had a hard year.
Shop ThisMy Life Operating System Workbook
A5 · self-guidedIdentity reflections, time, energy and support containers, boundaries, income alignment, weekly rhythm mapping and a pressure-test checklist for big decisions.
Why it mattersFor leaders and professionals carrying visible and invisible labor. It helps them redesign how work and life fit together, especially after burnout or overload, and treats health as part of good leadership.
The thinking behind itA reflective tool, not a productivity planner. It asks "who are you choosing to be?" and ends with a one-page summary of the recipient's own operating system.
Good for: leadership retreats, executive and board gifts, coaching programs, founders.
Shop ThisSelf Love Journal
A5 · pairs with affirmation cardsA guided journal for self-compassion, sold alone or with an affirmation card set.
Why it mattersGives the recipient space to slow down and treat themselves with the care they give everyone else.
The thinking behind itDesigned as a pair with our affirmation cards: draw a card, then write.
Good for: Mother's Day, Women's Month, self-care bundles, women's events.
Shop ThisMy Dreams Matter Journal & Notebook
A5 · with affirmation cardsA journal for naming dreams and planning the steps toward them.
Why it mattersTurns "one day" into a plan. A meaningful gift for someone starting something new.
The thinking behind itThe companion to the My Dreams Matter card deck.
Good for: graduates, young women's programs, weddings, new ventures.
Shop ThisAfrican Sunrise Notebook
A5 · 150 pages · soft coverA bright, full-color sunrise cover on a notebook made for everyday use.
Why it mattersThe notebook that goes into every meeting. Something warm and hopeful to carry plans, ideas and to-do lists through the year.
The thinking behind itA sunrise is a new chapter. The design is part of a matching family with the African Sunrise cushions, so it works on its own or as part of a set.
Good for: conference and delegate packs, team kits, onboarding, pairing with any card deck.
Shop ThisCustom Notebooks
A4 or A5 · lined or unlinedNotebooks with your own cover design, logo or event artwork.
Why it mattersBranding that people actually use. A notebook from an event is still on the desk months later.
The thinking behind itWe design covers with you so they feel like a gift, not merchandise.
Good for: conferences, workshops, launches, board and AGM packs.
Shop ThisHandmade Bookmarks
Maker: Sam's Beaded CreationsSilver-tone hook bookmarks, hand-beaded with bright wooden beads and finished with a small charm: a heart, yin yang, peace sign or "joy".
Why it mattersA small, personal touch that keeps someone's place, and the charm carries a little message each time they open the book.
The thinking behind itBeaded by hand by Sam, one of the makers in our collective, so no two are the same. An easy add-on that makes any journal gift feel complete, and every one supports her creative business.
Good for: stocking fillers, book clubs, add-ons to journal bundles.
Shop ThisAffirmation Home & Desk
Words Where You Rest and Work
We put affirmations where people pause: on the couch, beside the bed, under a cup of tea at the desk. These are everyday objects with a quiet message, so the encouragement keeps working long after the gift is opened.
Soft Joy Affirmation Cushion
40 x 40cm · inner includedOne short affirmation in gold lettering over a watercolor wash in blush, sky blue or honey gold.
"I choose Joy." · "This is where I Exhale." · "Rest is Work." · "Joy is my Rebellion."
Why it mattersA gentle reminder, in the place people rest, that rest and joy are allowed. For anyone who gives a lot of themselves, it's permission to slow down.
The thinking behind itRest as a feminist act. The wording comes from our work with women leaders who are learning that rest is part of the work. Sublimation printed so the design becomes part of the fabric and won't crack or peel.
Good for: thank-you and appreciation gifts, wellness bundles, housewarmings, retirements.
Shop ThisDaily Anchors Glass Affirmation Coasters
Set of 6 · glassSix affirmations on soft watercolor in blush, sage or cream, with a fine gold line.
"I lead from my values." · "I trust what I know." · "Small steps still move me forward."
Why it mattersSix small anchors for the moment you put your cup down. On a desk, they offer a steadying word in the middle of a busy day.
The thinking behind itEach affirmation is drawn from our coaching and leadership work. Designed and printed in-house, and available with gift boxing or custom branding.
Good for: leaders and colleagues, board gifts, office teams, hostess gifts.
Shop ThisPrinted or Custom Coasters
Sets of 4 or 6Coasters printed with our designs, or with your own artwork, logo or photos.
Why it mattersUseful every day and easy to personalize. A practical gift that brings a bit of design to a desk or table.
The thinking behind itA simple canvas for your story: a brand palette, a place, a milestone or a team photo.
Good for: client gifts, events, housewarmings, pairing with notebooks.
Shop ThisAfrican Sunrise Cushion Set
2-pack · 40cmA pair of cushions in our warm African Sunrise design.
Why it mattersBrings warmth and color into a home or office lounge. A hopeful image to come back to.
The thinking behind itPart of the African Sunrise family, matching the notebook, so you can build a coordinated gift.
Good for: office reception areas, housewarmings, client thank-yous.
Shop ThisNew Affirmation & Enneagram Cushions and Coasters
New for festive 2026New affirmation designs, presented in gift boxes.
Why it mattersReady-to-give pieces that bring the same encouragement into the home, beautifully boxed.
The thinking behind itExtends our card decks into objects people live with every day.
Good for: festive gifting, team gifts, markets.
Personal Keepsakes
Made from Your Moments
Some gifts mean the most because they carry a face, a place or an inside joke. These pieces are made to order, one at a time, from the photos and words you send us.
Make Memories Custom Photo Cushion
25cm or 40cm · one or both sidesYour photo of a pet, a person or a special moment, printed on a soft poly-linen cover.
Why it mattersA keepsake that's seen and held every day. It turns a favorite memory into something warm and present in the home.
The thinking behind itWe crop and prepare each image by hand and print in small batches with fade-resistant inks, so the colors stay bright wash after wash.
Good for: farewells, retirements, team photos, pet lovers, family milestones.
Shop ThisCustom Photo Money Box
PersonalizedA white frame-style box with your photo behind a clear front and a slot for coins and notes.
Why it mattersA keepsake you can save with. It makes a savings goal visible and personal, which makes it far easier to stick to.
The thinking behind itPairs with the Golden Threads deck as a gift about building a future, one small choice at a time.
Good for: financial wellness programs, children and young people, new parents, graduates.
Shop ThisCustom Key Rings & Cheeky Quote Keyrings
Photo or quote · 4 shapesDouble-sided photo key rings, or printed keyrings with short, funny lines like "Doing my best. Mostly."
Why it mattersSomething small that goes everywhere with the recipient. A photo keeps someone close; a cheeky line gets a smile on a long day.
The thinking behind itHumor is a form of care. The cheeky quotes are written in-house and made to order in small batches.
Good for: stocking fillers, event favors, team gifts, add-ons.
Shop ThisHandmade by Our Makers
Made in Small Batches by Women Makers
The Women Makers Collective is a community of women who create and supply products we source and sell. When you choose these pieces, you're investing directly in a woman's creative business. Each maker's work is personal, so no two pieces are quite the same.
Lucence by Mo
Maker: MoHand-poured soy candles with cotton or wooden wicks, reed diffusers, and handmade décor: trinket trays, jars, bowls and coaster sets with gold leaf.
Why it mattersCandles and décor that bring warmth and a sense of ritual into a space. Many vessels can be reused afterward, so the gift keeps its place in the home.
The thinking behind itMo pours and shapes every piece by hand using slow, careful techniques and natural soy wax, which burns cleaner than paraffin. Because each piece is handmade, color and gold leaf vary slightly.
Good for: wellness and self-care gifts, festive season, women's events, executive gifts.
Shop Lucence by MoCurated by Majestic Earrings
Maker collectionStatement earrings and accessories made from upcycled materials, in bold African-inspired designs.
Why it mattersJewelry with a story to tell. Each pair is a conversation piece that celebrates culture, creativity and women's empowerment.
The thinking behind itMaterials are given a second life, combining heritage patterns with modern style. Each pair comes beautifully packaged.
Good for: women's events, speaker and panelist gifts, Women's Month, birthdays.
Shop ThisSilver Charm Drop Earrings
Maker: Sam's Beaded CreationsAntique silver-tone charms: Africa Map, Tree of Life, Lotus, Sister Heart, Elephant, Mandala and more.
Why it matters"Little charms with big meaning." The recipient can wear a symbol of rootedness, balance, home, sisterhood or strength, and the giver can choose one that says something personal.
The thinking behind itHandmade by Sam, one of the makers in our collective. Every pair directly supports her creative business.
Good for: small thank-yous, sister and friendship gifts, stocking fillers, women's networks.
Shop ThisCollections & Everyday Pieces
Curated Ranges
Alongside our core ranges, we curate small collections around a place or a theme, plus practical pieces for the desk that we design to feel personal.
The West Coast Collection
Cushion covers, coasters, totes, notebooksPieces inspired by the towns and coastline of South Africa's West Coast.
Why it mattersA sense of place to take home. A thoughtful gift for visitors, delegates or anyone with a connection to the coast.
The thinking behind itOne of several collections we curate, celebrating the landscapes and small towns that inspire our designs.
Good for: visiting delegates, holiday gifts, housewarmings.
Shop ThisDesk Pieces
Mouse pads · phone & tablet holder · laptop sleevePractical desk accessories, many available in our designs.
Why it mattersUsed every working day. Paired with a card deck, they turn a desk into a place with a bit of encouragement built in.
The thinking behind itWe include them where they add real usefulness to a gift, such as the Work Happy and Desk Boost bundles.
Good for: onboarding kits, remote and hybrid teams, year-end team gifts.
Shop ThisGift Bundles
The Story Each Set Tells
Each bundle in The Gifting Studio brochure is built around one message. Here's what each one says to the person who receives it.
Lead with Care
For the leader who puts people first. Tools to open conversations and steady words for the desk.
Shop This Bundle
Team Year-End Kit
Reflect on the year together, then start the next one with a fresh page.
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The Full Exhale
Our most generous set. Permission to rest, wrapped up with handmade jewelry from a woman maker.
Shop This Bundle
Soft Joy
Joy and rest are allowed. A reminder for the couch and a deck for the morning.
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Slow Mornings
An invitation to begin the day gently, with a cup of something warm.
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Made by Women
Every piece made or designed by women. A gift that supports women's businesses directly.
Shop This Bundle
Golden Threads
Building a future, one small intentional choice at a time.
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Fresh Page
For new beginnings. A prompt to think and a place to write it down.
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Sunrise Charm
A meaningful symbol to wear and a notebook for the chapter ahead.
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Little Thank You
A small gift with real thought behind it, for the people who made a difference.
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Host & Toast
For hosts, partners and the people who brought everyone together.
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Desk Boost
Encouragement at eye level, for busy working days.
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Work Happy
A workspace that feels like their own.
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Coastal Home
A sense of place, brought home.
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Summer Feet
A playful nod to the South African summer.
Shop This BundleMake It Yours
Most of our range can be personalized for your organization, event or message, so the gift tells your story too.
- Custom covers, branding or artwork on notebooks, coasters and cushions
- Gift boxing and handwritten-style message cards
- Bundles built around your theme, values or event
- Bulk orders for teams, conferences, boards and delegates
Talk to The Gifting Studio
Tell us who you're gifting and what you'd like them to feel. We'll help you choose.
Email: gifts@thenextchapter.co.za
Phone / WhatsApp: +27 71 272 8245
Designed in Cape Town · Made in small batches by women makers · For every next chapter
























