Handcrafted gifts from Réunion Island: ideas people will love
Pouch, tote, insulated bag, matching set: our handcrafted gift ideas from Réunion Island, useful every day and made from recycled bottles.
By Tropical Factory3 min read
A good handcrafted gift from Réunion Island is something created on the island, that tells a story about it and that the person will actually use. Tropical Factory bags, pouches and insulated bags, illustrated with Réunion’s wildlife, plants and culture and made from recycled plastic bottles, are a good example.
Here are our ideas, by person and by budget.
Why give crafts from Réunion Island?
- Because it is unique: a pattern inspired by a fruit, a bird or a house from the island looks nothing like what you find in a supermarket.
- Because it is local: buying from a brand based on the island supports the people who create here.
- Because it is useful: a bag, a pouch or a lunch bag gets used every day instead of gathering dust.
- Because it makes a difference: our bags give plastic bottles a second life.
Our handcrafted gift ideas, by person
For someone who has everything
An illustrated pouch, €14 in the shop, fits anywhere and always finds a use: make-up, pens, chargers, a travel first-aid kit. The chameleon of Endormi and the sea turtle of Fano both come as pouches.
For a beach lover
An XL classic tote (€29), big enough for a towel, sunscreen and a summer read. Fano, Zanzibar, Bora or Picasso all work well.
For someone who eats lunch at the office
An insulated lunch bag: the S at €24, the M at €27. Practical, and much more cheerful than a plastic box in a supermarket bag.
For a family
An XL insulated bag (€42) for picnics and fresh food shopping. It comes in designs such as Pink Monstera, Kori, Nguzi and Paille-en-queue.
For a friend who moved away from the island
A design that speaks of Réunion: Letchi, Case créole, Paille-en-queue or Ravenala. For anyone who misses home, it is a little piece of the island in their daily life. We also cover this in which souvenir to bring back from Réunion Island.
For an illustration lover
The designs in the Collab' range (Case créole, Paille-en-queue, Letchi) come from a collaboration with Léa, an illustrator based on Réunion Island.
Our gift ideas, by budget
| Budget | Idea | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Under €15 | Classic pouch | €14 |
| Under €20 | Insulated bottle bag 1.5 L | €16 |
| Around €20 | S classic tote | €20 |
| Around €25 | L classic tote or insulated lunch bag S | €24 |
| Under €30 | Insulated lunch bag M or XL classic tote | €27 or €29 |
| To treat someone | XL insulated bag | €42 |
| Matching set | XL classic tote and pouch in the same design | €29 and €14 |
For smaller budgets, see also our selection of gifts under 30 euros.
The sizes available depend on the design: check the options on each product page in the shop.
The idea that always works: the matching set
A large tote and a matching pouch in the same design make a complete, coherent gift. You can do this with several designs, such as Case créole, Letchi, Fano, Ravenala, Tropical or Endormi, which come both as an XL classic tote and as a classic pouch according to their product pages.
How to have your gift delivered
- To Réunion Island: Colissimo delivery, free from €99 according to the site banner.
- To mainland France and Europe: Colissimo delivery, free from €150 according to the site banner.
- Timing: orders ship within 5 business days of confirmation, then delivery time depends on the destination.
For a birthday or a holiday, remember to order early.
FAQ
Where can I find a handcrafted gift on Réunion Island?
At the Saint-Paul street market, at the Tropical Factory stall (Fridays 8 am to 2 pm, Saturdays 8 am to noon), at our stockists on the island, or in our online shop.
Can I send a Tropical Factory bag to someone in mainland France?
Yes, the shop delivers to Europe with Colissimo.
What is the cheapest gift?
The classic pouch, listed at €14 in the shop at the time of writing.
