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

Cairo has
so many gift shops filled with home accessories and trinkets, that they can be
difficult to tell apart. Located on Hassan Assem Street in Zamalek, Moon Flower
is a gift shop with a distinctive Eastern edge.

It’s easy
to miss the modest shop because of its dark wooden sign and subtle window
lighting; but once inside, you’ll find the space filled with quaint and
charming accent pieces inspired by the Far East. There is plenty of woodwork available,
ranging from serving spoon sets for 110LE to a large and heavy
decorative chair for 3000LE. While a few other large pieces are on display, including
a tall CD shelf carved in the form of an elephant for 650LE, many of the pieces
are much smaller.  

Beaded
pillow covers, tiny elephant-shaped incense burners and hanging ornaments are
placed throughout the shop, making perfect housewarming gifts or charming
accessories to brighten up your house with. However, the display tables are low
and the shop is crowded, so make sure you look down; not only to spot a good find,
but also to keep from stepping on anything.

A small
selection of beaded jewellery hangs from the wall across the register. Most of
the pieces are earrings and necklaces, ranging from 30LE to 65LE. The pieces
are pretty, but nothing extraordinary. Similar key chains are available for
about 35LE, but it is not these beaded pieces that make Moon Flower memorable; rather,
it is the ornate boxes, bowls and statues.

Elephant
enthusiasts will probably have a difficult time walking out of the shop without
making a purchase. While many of the wooden elephant statues around Moon Flower
vary in size and style, the most unique pieces include a wooden wall hanging in
the shape of an elephant’s head and a marionette puppet embellished with
colourful thread and sequins for 1250LE.

Moon Flower’s
charm lies not only in its electiveness but also in its quality of wooden
pieces. So, whether you’re looking to drop some serious cash or frugally add
some flair to your home, you can find beautiful Far-Eastern-inspired pieces
here.