The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

There’s
something about Egyptian handmade products that always sparks that soft spot in
us. While we love supporting local businesses in any way that we can, this
little gift shop in Downtown Cairo presents us with a great opportunity to do
so and it couldn’t be in a better location.

Located in
the back of Townhouse Gallery next to the garage space is their gift
shop. Owned and managed by the gallery itself, all of the products for sale are
made by Egyptian artists.

More
frequently than not, the friendly attendant is usually finishing up a game of
backgammon out front, but he is more than willing to help with anything you
need. Browsing to your heart’s content is always enjoyable and the laidback
setting presents exactly that. Small and quaint, the shop gives off a cool,
urban vibe with its exposed walls and natural lighting.

Up front
and at our time of visit, the majority of items for sale were jewellery-based,
including pieces by local artist Thair Irab. Hammered metal bookmarks (50LE)
and funky stone jewellery were in the mix as well as necklaces and other
accessories from Gallery Noun. This reviewer’s favourite pieces were a
variety of brass rings by an unknown artist. One ring (60LE) in particular came with tiny, carved leaves holding an
even tinier brass ball; a quirky sophistication.

Other jewellery pieces ranged
from 15LE upwards including beaded sets. Also on display were canvas bags with
various prints, funky and socially-conscious accessories by EID Crafts- Egyptian Identity Crafts, the new Khawaga T-shirt line and CDs by local musicians such as Eftakasat and Digla.

Enlarged
photographs were on sale in the back room, including a series of Cairo street
scenes but with a distorted thermal layer, turning each into an almost
psychedelic image. Nearby, a charming and funny collection of wooden face door
hangings (150LE to 400LE) would make a great gift for anyone interested in the
occult. Don’t miss the paintings and mixed media pieces on the walls; their
large size and saturated colours make them difficult to ignore.

Seeing as
how everything is locally made; the stocked merchandise changes rather
frequently; so the shop is always freshly stocked with new finds on the shelf. The
creativity and love that goes into each of the items is evident, making
browsing even more enjoyable. Head to the gallery and check out the shop’s
collection; we’ve got some talent in this city!