Last-minute Christmas Present Ideas

A year has flown by like whooshh, and suddenly, here we are again at the most wonderful time of the year. I absolutely love Christmas – everything from holiday planning and baking to shopping for presents. But having a full-time job means I don’t always have the time to indulge in all of those festive activities as much as I’d like.

So during this busiest season, online shopping has become my ultimate lifesaver. Living in Bali comes with its perks, but when it comes to finding certain items, the options can be limited, but you can find almost anything online!

If you’re still on the hunt for last-minute Christmas presents ideas, here are a few suggestions from Kata Bella to help you out.

For mum

Mothers will appreciate anything we give them, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put some thought into it. I get that not every mum loves cooking, and not every mum is into feminine things like jewellery. But whether your mum spends her days in the kitchen, at the office, or juggling a bit of everything, the hands that care for the whole family deserve a little pampering. A good hand lotion or treatment set can go a long way in showing her just how much you notice and appreciate everything she does! And my go to local brand is Bali Soap.

Image credit: Bali Soap Instagram

For dad

I don’t know why, but I always associate dads with coffee. Maybe because they are always working and need their caffeine fix (it’s just my theory, lol). I’ve gifted these Sudana Family coffee beans from Satu Satu to a few dads, and they all loved it. If you’re unsure how they like to brew their coffee, it’s always safer to go with whole beans instead of ground coffee. That way, they can grind it fresh and make it just the way they like it.

Image credit: Satu Satu Coffee Company Instagram

For the eco-conscious or sporty friends

You really can’t go wrong with a cute tumbler! It’s practical, thoughtful, and helps them stay hydrated while saving the planet – what’s not to love? There’s this local brand called V Paper Co. that’s rolled out Christmas special designs that are perfect for the season. I’ve shopped with them for presents twice, and both times were a hit!

Image credit: V Paper Co. Tokopedia

For the picky ones

We all have that one brother or guy friend who’s impossible to shop for. But here’s the thing – most guys have one thing in common: they wear shorts. Whether it’s lounging at home, hanging out, or heading to the beach, shorts are a necessity, and black is a safe colour. Uniqlo has been my go-to for this kind of gift (success rate; 100%, based on experience). Another option is a black windbreaker jacket. Practical, stylish, and something they’ll actually wear.

Image credit: Uniqlo Indonesia Website

For the people you like…but don’t really know

When it comes to work colleagues, bosses, business partners, teachers, or neighbours – those you may not know well but still want to show your appreciation, hampers are a classic choice. A quick search on Instagram or e-commerce sites will reveal a gazillion Christmas hamper options, from IDR 100K to 1M. To save you the trouble, here I’ve picked one from Mena Cookies that’s both decent and not too pricey.

Image credit: Mena Cookies Instagram

Hope you find these ideas useful! Remember, it’s not about how much you spend – it’s the thought behind it that counts. So take a deep breath, get those last-minute gifts sorted, and enjoy the most magical time of the year. Merry Christmas and happy gifting!

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10 Aug 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Going Natural: Bali Wellness Products We Love

Bali Wellness Products More and more people are turning to natural personal care these days (myself included), and I don’t think it’s just a passing trend anymore. Once you make the switch, you really start to notice the difference - from the ingredients you’re putting on your skin to how your skin feels and responds over time. Bali has always been such a great place to discover natural wellness brands, with homegrown labels creating products inspired by the island’s connection to nature. There are many to choose from, but these are a few that the Kata Bella team has curated. Each one has something that makes them special, and of course, we have our favourites too! From super-soft natural soap bars and skincare for sensitive skin, to products for babies and teenagers, yoga mat sprays, and even home cleaning products, there’s something for everyone and every purpose. Switching to natural products in Bali is easier than you might think, and they also make lovely presents for your loved ones. So, we hope you like our list, and find something you love too! You may also like this article: Get Crafty - 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Bali SoapBamboo TigerCocona CareBoemi BotanicalsSensatia BotanicalsUtama Spice Bali Soap From the name, you can probably guess that their soap bars are the main stars of the show. I know using a bar of soap might sound a little old-school these days, but wait until you try theirs. They’re seriously smooth and creamy! Their soaps are made using the cold-process method, which basically means the ingredients are mixed without high heat, which keeps more of their natural oils and goodness. The bars come in nice tropical scents and are packed with natural ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated. They’re also free from harsh chemicals and parabens, making them gentle enough for all skin types and even suitable for your face. They also have other products like hand cream, body butter, deodorant, and liquid body wash. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Jasmine, lemongrass, and passion fruit soap bars, chocolate body butter. Image credit: Bali Soap Indonesia Instagram page Bamboo Tiger Their soap bars come in lovely dusty pastel shades, and some in fun rainbow patterns, making shower time a little more fun. They also have a whole range of products with illipe butter as the star moisturising ingredient, using essential oil blends instead of synthetic fragrances. The scents range from fresh herbs and cooling peppermint to warm spices and zesty citrus. The range also includes a vegan-friendly lip balm, geranium & bergamot body cream, a rosemary & kukui hair mask, and virgin coconut oil - all made with natural, nourishing ingredients. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Orange and peppermint soap bar, wood and spices illipe butter soap bar Image credit: Bamboo Tiger Instagram page Cocona Care They pretty much do all things coconut, from virgin coconut oil and shower gel to body lotion, body scrub, body cream, shampoo, and conditioner. So if you’re crazy about coconut, this is definitely the one for you! Everything is coconut-focused, making it a great little present too if you want to bring home a slice of the tropics. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Virgin coconut oil Image credit: Cocona Care Instagram page You may also like this article: Vegan Cafes in Canggu - 5 Nice Spots for Your Daily Greens Boemi Botanicals They have a pretty wide range of products, from soap bars and shampoo to body lotions, massage oils, pure natural oils, and scented candles. I’ve come across their products quite a few times at events too, where they’re often included in hampers, or they’ll set up a pop-up where you can create your own scented body oil. It’s such a nice little experience and makes the product feel a bit more personal! We also love how they name their collections in Bahasa Indonesia, like Matahari Pagi (morning sun), Rempah (spices/herbs), and Senja (dusk) - simple, beautiful, and very Indonesian. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Serai wangi (lemongrass) scented candle, senja body lotion Image credit: Boemi Botanicals Instagram page Sensatia Botanicals You’ve probably seen their shops in many locations around Bali, especially in shopping centres. They have pretty much everything your body could need, with natural skincare products from head to toe. But what really stands out, aside from the products themselves, is their range for everyone from babies and kids to teenagers and adults - and they even a dedicated men’s collection. The thoughtful packaging is not only lovely to look at, but also makes their products great little gifts for friends and family. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Lemongrass and mandarine body scrub, tea tree and lemon facial scrub Image credit: Sensatia Botanicals Instagram page Utama Spice Started in 1989, this brand has grown into a much bigger range of natural products over the years. It’s not just about skincare either - they now also make everyday household essentials like dish soap, laundry soap, linen spray, yoga mat spray, and multipurpose spray. And if you’re trying to be a little more eco-friendly, they also offer refills that come in aluminium packaging, so you can reuse your bottles instead of constantly buying new ones. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Cocoa lip balm, tangerine body lotion Instagram page: Utama Spice Instagram page And that’s our little round-up for now! There are definitely more Bali wellness products out there that deserve some love, so this won’t be the last of our discoveries. If you know a local brand we should check out, send it our way!

29 May 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Rosita Batik Shibori: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Fashion

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Eventually, she made the decision to switch to natural dyes, and that was the moment the brand evolved into a sustainable fashion label. Of course, the change came at a cost… quite literally. Production became more expensive, and the selling prices had to adjust accordingly. But slowly, Rosita Batik Shibori found the right market; people who shared the same values. As demand grew, so did production, this led to another meaningful step: hiring women from the village of Gamplong. By employing local housewives, the brand created opportunities for them to stay productive while earning additional income. What she thought was a small initiative turned out to have a significant impact, supporting not only the women themselves but also their families. You may also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations From a small village to Japan - proving that local stories can travel far From Java to the world Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the success of Rosita Batik Shibori. It began with small exhibitions around Surabaya, before expanding to Jakarta and later Bali. Rosita then participated in fashion shows that helped introduce the brand to a wider audience. She also actively hosted workshops, and all of this hard work eventually led to a major opportunity: showcasing her work in France at the Who’s Next Paris event, supported by L’Adresse Agency Paris and Pelindo Indonesia. She was over the moon when she secured an international buyer from Greece. The hustle didn’t stop there. Rosita Batik Shibori just had its second international opportunity - a pop-up event in Kobe, Japan, supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade in collaboration with IPTC Osaka and Bateeg Japan. 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18 Jun 2025 by Bella in Lifestyle

Bali Shopping Guide: Inside the Tropical World of Xoxo Bali

Meet Xoxo Bali, an iconic local brand bringing tropical flair to handmade souvenirs since 2013. Founded by a Bali-based artist Finda Ayu, this homegrown success story began with simple postcards and has since grown into a colourful collection of passport covers, greeting cards, and lifestyle keepsakes loved by travellers from around the world. Xoxo Bali stands out for its playful illustrations and visual identity - bright, cheerful, and unapologetically tropical. Each piece captures the spirit of Bali, translating everyday island moments into designs that are full of character. The Unexpected Beginning of Xoxo BaliXoxo Bali’s Best-Selling ProductsGreeting Cards: Cheeky Puns & Tropical FruitsPassport Covers: Water-Resistant Travel EssentialsToiletry Pouches: Versatile & DurableWhere to Buy Xoxo Bali You may also like this article: Things to do in Bali - Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit The Unexpected Beginning of Xoxo Bali If you’re a regular at Bali markets, you’ve probably noticed those bright colours with tropical fruit icons - yep, that’s Xoxo Bali. It all started at a Sate Ayam street food stall when Finda and a friend (that friend is me btw, haha!) were chatting over dinner about how cool it would be to have an Instagram page to share suggestions and updates on what’s new in Bali - there weren’t many pages like that back then! She decided to name it Xoxo Bali. Then she thought, why not take it a step further and sell postcards too? After all, how many people send postcards these days, right? Let’s make snail mail cool again! Plus, when those postcards travel around the world, they help spread the joy of Bali far and wide. Starting with postcards, little did she know she’d end up with a whole collection of merchandise - from tote bags and pouches to wallets, hats, and more. She quit her full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of building her brand! And now, 12 years later, Xoxo Bali is available in over 15 shops around Bali, and she’s a regular at markets. What a journey! You know what’s even cooler? Every single illustration is created by Finda herself! Let’s take a peek at Xoxo Bali’s current best-sellers and hear from Finda what makes each one so special. Xoxo Bali’s Best-Selling Products Greeting Cards: Cheeky Puns & Tropical Fruits After discovering that people still do send postcards, Finda decided to level up with greeting cards. Featuring colourful tropical fruit illustrations and cheeky puns, these cards were some of the first products she sold, and they've remained the best-selling items ever since. You may also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations Passport Covers: Water-Resistant Travel Essentials Adding some fun to your travels, these cheerful passport covers are made from water-resistant canvas on the outside, with pockets inside perfect for your boarding passes, cards, and other airport essentials. They've become a quick favourite too! Now you can travel with your favourite durian, but without the smell, hehe. Toiletry Pouches: Versatile & Durable Originally designed as a toiletry pouch to complement your travels, Xoxo Bali lovers quickly started using them to store all sorts of everyday essentials. The perfect size to fit everything from makeup and tissues to chargers and more. Like most Xoxo Bali products, they're made with water-resistant canvas on the outside and a water-resistant polyester lining inside. I confess that I own quite a few of these, even though I only travel with minimal toiletries. You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape Where to Buy Xoxo Bali With 12 years of creating unique, joy-filled products, Xoxo Bali now offers a wide range of items that you can easily browse and shop on their Tokopedia store: Xoxo Bali. More than just souvenirs, each piece carries a little slice of Bali’s colour, thoughtfully designed to bring happiness into everyday life. Support local artists and celebrate life the tropical way with Xoxo Bali, because sometimes, a little colour is all you need to brighten your day 🌴✨