When money’s too tight to mention, Christmas gift buying can become a stressful affair. I’ve trawled some stores to find gifts that don’t cost the earth, to make the season a bit more festive. Happy shopping!
Please note that prices were accurate when published, but are subject to change at each store’s discretion.
Travel essentials
1. Alligator roll-up fleece picnic blanket
R119 at Takealot.com
This stylish roll-up fleece blanket comes in a carry bag with sling strap, making it easy to cart around for a picnic, camping or even outdoor concerts.
View this gift at Takealot: Alligator roll-up fleece picnic blanket >
2. Beach Mat
R69,99 MRP Home
A roll-up-and-go beach mat is an absolute must-have for any beach, picnic or camping trip. These colourful mats roll up neatly for easy storage and carrying and they’re available in various colours. If you’re not keen on just giving a beach mat, pair it with a vibrant beach towel (R99,99 at MRP Home)) and you’ve still got R20 to get yourself a treat.
View this gift at MRP Home: Beach Mat >
3. 360 Degrees Passport Wallet
R160 at Outdoor Warehouse
Store travel essentials like your passports, money, air tickets, credit cards and any other important documents in this handy wallet.
View this gift at Outdoor Warehouse: 360 Degrees Passport Wallet >
4. Go Travel Lightweight Tote Bag
R104 on Takealot.com
A 13-litre bag that folds up to take up no space at all? I can’t see why you haven’t already bought this gift. It folds into a small pouch and converts into a stylish tote when you need it.
View this gift at Takealot: Go Travel Lightweight Tote Bag >
5. 360 Degrees Traveller bag
R200 at Outdoor Warehouse
Carry your camera, cellphone, wallet, some sunblock and perhaps even chewing gum while you explore ancient cities, shopping malls or even if you’re just milling about.
View this gift at Outdoor Warehouse: 360 Degrees Traveller bag >
6. Cape Union 25-litre Tote Soft Cooler
R120 at Cape Union Mart
Whether you go for the funky lime, bright orange or stick to the basic black, this cooler bag is a great gift for summer. It collapses for flat storage so you won’t have to worry about cupboard space. Add in some drinks if you’ve got spare change.
View this gift at Cape Union Mart: Cape Union 25-litre Tote Soft Cooler >
7. Hats
From R69,99 at MRP and Woolworths
Keep the sun at bay with a straw sun hat or fashionable fedora (each R69,99) from MRP. Straw mesh in contrasting colours and a belt trim (R140) or a herringbone weave and print pattern (R180), both from Woolworths, turns these trilby classics into modern holiday must-haves.
View this gift at Woolworths: Straw mesh hats >
View this gift at MRP: Fashionable fedoras >
8. Printed Scarf
From R39,99 each at MRP
Chevron is all the rage and this bright beauty will add a fresh touch to any outfit this summer. I’d suggest buying two or three different patterns (there’s animal print, floral, abstract and others), wrapping them up and giving the gift of choice.
View this gift at MRP: Printed Scarf >
Body basics
9. Good Earth Shea Butter Luxury Wooden Crate
R199,95 at Clicks
This cleverly packaged crate of goodies includes body wash, soap, body butter, scrub and body lotion. The entire Good Earth range is great for gifting way under R200.
View this gift at Clicks: Good Earth Shea Butter Luxury Wooden Crate >
10. Nivea Men Sensitive gift set
R139,95 at Clicks
The great thing about this set is that it comes with a free water bottle. Yay for freebies! There’s also shaving gel and post-shave balm.
View this gift at Clicks: Nivea Men Sensitive gift set >
11. Ingredients Shower Gel Set
R120 at Woolworths
This colourful collection includes five travel-sized 100ml shower gels, ideal for cabin luggage or overnight trips. Scents include vanilla and brown sugar, lemon and verbena, olive and argan, marine and mint, and rooibos and honeybush.
View this gift at Woolworths: Ingredients Shower Gel Set >
12. 4-in-1 Toiletry Bag Set
R159 at Clicks
For the lady who’s always on the go, this set is suitable for everything from bulky lotions to tiny, finicky toiletries. They’re available in pink, purple and blue
View this gift at Clicks: 4-in-1 Toiletry Bag Set >
Great gadgets
13. Foldable Cube Speakers
R110 at Woolworths
Use an MP3 player or connect to your cellphone and listen to festive tunes with these nifty cardboard foldable speakers, great for weekends away, camping or even for your desk.
View this gift at Woolworths: Foldable Cube Speakers >
14. Sway SD Card MP3 Player
R99 at Clicks
For music on the go, it doesn’t come cheaper than Safeway’s Sway, a teeny clip-on MP3 player that works with an SD card (not included). Since you’ll have change, you might as well throw in an SD card to get them started.
View this gift at Clicks: Sway SD Card MP3 Player >
15. Safeway Rechargeable USB Shaver
R149 at Clicks
USB what? Yes, shaver, and it comes with a car charger as well. This is a handy gift for a busy bee who’s regularly having last-minute meetings and trips.
View this gift at Clicks: Safeway Rechargeable USB Shaver >
16. Tekut Bone Handle Biltong Knife
R149 on Takealot.com
Traditionally when you give a knife as a gift, the receiver should give you a silver coin in return. This biltong knife comes with a coin so the recipient doesn’t have to fret. For a nice touch, add a piece of biltong to this gift.
View this gift at Takealot: Tekut Bone Handle Biltong Knife >
Gifts for kids
17. Cars UV Swimsuit
From R150 at Woolworths
This two-piece swimsuit will make sure the little ones stay protected from UV rays while they’re out having a ball on the beach.
View this gift at Woolworths: Cars UV Swimsuit >
18. Inflatable Splash and Play pool set
R99,99 at MRP Sport
This easy-to-assemble set comes with an inflatable ball and tube and will have babies and toddlers splashing about for hours.
View this gift at MRP Sport: Inflatable Splash and Play pool set >
19. Ariel Hooded Towel
R160 at Woolworths
The poncho-style beach towel with hood dries and keeps kids warm between splashing, so they don’t miss a minute of playtime.
View this gift at Woolworths: Ariel Hooded Towel >
20. Barbie Overnight bag
R180 at Woolworths
Let your little princess feel like a grown up with her very own overnight bag with a sling strap and Barbie cover.
View this gift at Woolworths: Barbie Overnight bag >
Gifts for foodies
21. Mini Wok
R74,95 at Clicks
So giving a wok may not sound like a great idea, but throw in a pack of noodles, a couple of stir-fry recipes, some chopsticks (R79 for a pack of ten at Yuppiechef.com, or cheaper for disposable ones anywhere) and you’ve got yourself a great Oriental-themed gift. Shogun egg noodles R12,99 at Pick ‘n Pay.
View this gift at Clicks: Mini Wok >
22. That’s so cheesy! Gift pack
R169,95 at Woolworths
This entertainer’s delight comes with cheese straws, onion marmalade, salted crackers, a wooden cheese board and a melon preserve. Simply add cheese and chow down.
View this gift at Woolworths: That’s so cheesy! Gift pack >
23. Havana Tin Ice Bucket
R59,95 at MRP Home
I’m not saying give someone a bucket. That will be lame. Get a six pack (or more) of their favourite drinks, shove it in this ultra cool bucket, wrap it up and they’ll be hosting a braai in no time.
View this gift at MRP Home: Havana Tin Ice Bucket >
24. Megamaster Stainless Steel braai set
R149 on Takealot.com
This set includes a spatula, fork and tongs and to spruce it up a bit, I recommend adding a ‘King of the Grill’ oven glove (R35,99 at MRP Home).
View this gift at Takealot: Megamaster Stainless Steel braai set >
View this gift at MRP Home: King of the Grill’ oven glove >
25. LK’s Quarter Pot
R165 on Takealot.com
Getting someone a cast iron potjie pot is one way to ensure you’re invited to an outdoor cooking extravaganza these holidays. Help them along by adding a few sachets of Spice Mecca Potjiekos Spice (From R6,85 at Spice Mecca).
View this gift at Takealot: LK’s Quarter Pot >
View this gift at Spice Mecca: Spice Mecca Potjiekos Spice >
And finally…
26. Getaway digital subscription
And last, but not least, a shameless punt for our own digital magazine! You can get a 12 month subscription to Getaway digital magazine for R147, to read in your web browser, or from R198 via the Zinio app.
View this gift at Magsathome: Browser-based subscription to Getaway magazine >
View this gift at Zinio: Zinio app subscription to Getaway magazine >
