Gifting is no easy task, especially when there are many presents to be bought and your wallet is shedding its load faster than the power supply in South Africa.
But it shouldn't be this way if you approach the gifting process with thoughtfulness. As we grow older over the years, we realise that being the recipient of a thoughtful gift rather than a glamorous one (for a lack of a better word), really makes life a tad bit easier.
While a scintillating necklace is still worth squealing over when you open it, a new set of crockery for your apartment might be more practical for you in the immediate future.
I'm revealing my age and hinting at the same time here, by the way.
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So speaking of crockery, let's get right into our Christmas gift guide!
But first, let me offer this disclaimer; this is merely a guide and inspo for the kind of gift you can get for your loved ones, which is why some of the options provided here are what some many in SA's economy would consider aspirational.
Here's a list of gifts to consider for different kinds of people in your life:
The Homemaker
With young professionals either settling into their new flats, cottages, and even newly purchased homes, it's worth easing the burden of furnishing a new humble abode by gifting them with a few home essentials.
Bolo planter, currently on offer for R317 on Superbalist
The Philips SpeedPro Max Aqua is the only rechargeable, high-power stick vacuum that cleans more than 125m² in one charge*, thanks to the 360° suction nozzle. The special 360° suction nozzle captures up to 99,7% of dust and dirt in each stroke, leaving virtually nothing on the floor.
Available at Hirsch’s, Takealot and selected Expert stores at a recommended retail price of R9 999.
Terracotta vase with scored finish, R439 at ZARA Home.
The 'It' girl in your life
Basically, this person likes the finer things in life and they most likely already have the said finer things, but they don't mind having more.
Indulge her: Give your loved 'It' girl the gift of soft skin with the new Encanto Irresistible range that consists of shower gel, body lotion and hand cream for only R179.00 online on Avon.
Spoil your BFF with Avon True’s Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick and take advantage of the festive season special of two lippies for only R139.90, usually valued at R119.90 each. Choose any two shades from the NUDE and RED range – whichever is best suited to her personality.
Chanel has composed an ideal and enchanting world, the perfect setting in which to celebrate one of the most beautiful and festive times of the year. Embrace the magic of Chanel and the enchanting world of Jean-Paul Goude with four limited edition exclusive offers featuring the iconic fragrance N°5.
Lily-Rose Depp, Chanel ambassador and face of N°5 L’eau. Image supplied by Chanel
N°5 Eau De Parfum, N°5 L'eau, Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Gift Set, R2 960 at Chanel counters countrywide.
N°5 Fragments D'or, recommended retail selling price R 1 575 at Chanel counters countrywide.
READ MORE: Here are 12 unique, locally made items to gift your loved ones this festive season
Earrings from R899 at Scotch & Soda stores nationwide.
Scarf from R899 at Scotch & Soda stores nationwide.
The adventure seeker
This is for the person who seldom turns down an outdoor excursion and the person who's always saving towards their next trip away.
Whether it’s taking long walks around or donning a bikini by the poolside or trotting about all at festivals, this breathable hat will be perfect for your adventure seeker.
K-Way floppy hat, R299 at Cape Union Mart stores.
K-Way Spinner 2 Medium Luggage, R1299 at Cape Union Mart stores.
If you have a jet-setter friend or family member that can never get their luggage weight right, this is a perfect gift. This hard case luggage has a built-in scale that tells you whether or not you’re tipping the weight limit for travel.
More than just a toothbrush: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
Boasting 5 modes to cover all brushing needs - such as Clean, Polish, White Sensitive and Gum Care, it offers a truly customisable experience. For the person on the go, the deluxe USB travel case doubles up as a charger to ensure you are never out of power.
For home charging, the sleek charger glass doubles as a glass for rinsing after brushing. Available in a range of colours at Takealot for a recommended retail price of R3 299.00, but it's currently on offer for R2 199 at Dis-Chem.
For the tastemaker who also likes 'tasting'
Do you have someone in your life who values experiences more than objects? Then they'll appreciate the Spier Seaward, Creative Block, 21 Gables and Frans K Smit rangesthat now all bear a vegan-friendly seal from the 2019 vintage onwards for white wines, and the 2018 vintage onwards for reds.
These vintages of Spier Seaward and Spier Creative Block wines are on shelves in leading liquor outlets nationwide this summer.
For the new mom
Often when new moms have just given birth, people thoughtfully shower their little bundle of joy with gifts and tend to forget that women who've just brought life into the world need spoils too.
Considering she'll be on maternity leave, why not get the new mom in your life some comfy, yet chic sleepwear?
Country Road metallic stripe pyjama nightie, R699 at Woolworths.
A cute pair of sneakers to wear with any and every outfit because comfort is still key at this stage.
Superga 2750 fantasy cotu - white & swimmer, R899 at Superbalist.
And lastly, she'll probably want to keep her hair up with all the breastfeeding, and for the hair-pulling babies are known to do.
Whether it's braids, a wig or your own tresses, these scrunchies should do the trick stylishly.
2-pack scrunchies, R79 at Cotton On (or R150 for 5).
What gifts will you be giving this holiday season? Share your ideas with us here.
* Prices were correct at the time of publishing.
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