5 of our favourite booths from A Jamaican Made Christmas

The spectacular two-day pop-up shopping experience, A Jamaican Made Christmas has ended (womp). However, for all who attended and shopped like there was no tomorrow, you certainly got the opportunity to take home authentic Jamaican pieces for either yourself or family and friends. The Desk got a chance to visit each day-walked up and down the Ham Highways and loved every single exhibitor out on display. However, 5 stood out to us so here are our favourites from A Jamaican Made Christmas:

1. Froot Silly Preserves

We met with the so-called 'Queen of Flavours' at the Froot Silly Preserves booth. Chef Simone Walker-Barrett, owner of these fruit and vegetable preserves told us how she conceptualises flavour combinations in her head. She is inspired by 'reject ingredients' and turns things that people don't usually like into something delicious. The flavours on display were Coffee-Caramel, Tamarind-Caramel, Sorrel-Picante, Pineapple Chutney and the flavour which caused the most of a stir (and our personal favourite), Chocho Relish.

Froot Silly cannot be found in stores -due to its low shelf life. However, they can be done to order if you just send an email to the 'Queen of Flavours' at divachef@gmail.com or visit one of her roadside picnics where she pairs the outlandish flavour combinations with foods Jamaicans know and enjoy.

2. Swypz Plus Wipes

If you happened to visit A Jamaican Made Christmas, you would have picked up on the glorious lemongrass scent wafting through the entire expo. Curious as to where it was coming from? Well, we'll tell you: from Alanna Kirschner's Swypz Plus Wipes display! This mom started off making wipes for her little cherubs when she realised she had been left with more than enough wipes from a project she had done previously.

Using natural ingredients, Kirschner has managed to combine the ease and usefulness of wipes with ingredients such as the lemongrass which in addition to having anti-fungal properties, has a calming effect on the user. Similarly so, when she ventured out into making face wipes, she used witch hazel which already possesses the ability to cleanse the face of any impurities. Interested? You can find Swypz in all Fontanas Islandwide, Loshusan, Earth Elements and Alchemist Pharmacy.

3. Najoy Coconut Oil

Coconut water is famed for 'washing off hearts' but did you know that the oil also has almost magical benefits for your skin and hair? Owner, Joy Alexander says the brand produces cold pressed coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and their very own coco-carrot and coco-castor infused oils. Coconut oil is great for your hair, skin, makeup removal, shaving your legs and so many other things. You can find Najoy in Fontanas and Monarch Pharmacies in 1-8 ounce bottles. Also, if you're thinking of giving the gift of delicious coconut oil this Christmas, they have gift packages available too- just email Joy at joyannfab@gmail.com.

4. Angels and Grace

Heavenly name, heavenly pieces. Owner and creator of the colourful african and tie-dye print clutches and bags, Grace Andrade is just as vibrant as her pieces. The Desk favoured the bright patchwork african print clutches, burlap tote and bikini bags. You can find Angels & Grace in the My Jamaica store inside Liganuea Plaza. Get someone the gift of Angels&Grace today!

5. Sweet and Simply Jamaican

Fruit cake may be the traditional Jamaican choice to bake and serve during Christmas but rum cake certainly has its place too. Mark and Wendy Fletcher were serving up some moist, decadent slices of their Sweet and Simply Jamaican rum cakes at A Jamaican Made Christmas. They began 2 and a 1/2 years ago and use authentic Jamaican rum. Their flavours include Chocolate Rum Cake, Butter Rum Cake and a Coffee Rum Cake that will be coming soon. You can purchase Sweet and Simply for yourself and your family or you can explore their corporate gifting option. Visit them at Unit #3, 69 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.