Lifestyle | Six ideas for special festive gifts

By Anna Malczyk

As another festive season rolls around, shopping malls are packed with people looking for the perfect gift for a special someone. However, it can be hard to find real inspiration among the masses of generic products – after all, who really needs more candles or kitchen utensils? If you’re stuck for ideas, try one of these six festive gift suggestions.

1. Give an experience

Instead of giving a physical present, how about purchasing a friend or relative an experience instead? A boat trip, opera evening, restaurant outing or ride on a steam train can create wonderful lasting memories, can be shared with others, and helps cut down on post-Christmas gift clutter. It also gives the recipient something to look forward to in the new year.

2. Give on behalf of others
Recently, people have started requesting that, instead of a present, they would appreciate a donation to charity on their behalf. There are many worthwhile causes that could use funding, especially over the holiday season. Giving to charity will make the person you are giving on behalf of feel great about their contribution, which is, after all, what the festive season is all about. Just be sure to choose a charity or organisation that your friend supports.

3. Vouchers rock
While some people are wary of vouchers because they see them as impersonal or “cheating”, they can actually be a great and welcome gift. They give the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they want and to have the fun of picking out the perfect item. Don’t forget that you can also give vouchers for intangible things, like outings or shows.

4. Contribute to a lifestyle change
Has your friend been talking about making a change in their life for a while now – going to gym, taking a class, learning a new language? Give them a much-needed boost by chipping in on a membership, a few classes or even a trip to the hairdresser – anything that will put them in the right frame of mind to start 2012 with a bang.

5. Make your own
There’s nothing quite as special as a personalised, handmade gift. Think about what you could make for your loved ones – if you have a craft hobby like pottery or woodwork, make a pretty decoration for their home; if you love cooking, try your hand at making some delicious jams and biscuits; if you’re a writer, how about a personal short story?

6. Local is lekker
Finally, remember that the best gifts are the ones that give back to the local community, so keep your fellow South Africans in mind. Try to buy products or services from South African businesses, and support local craftspeople and artists – their wares make excellent gifts for local and overseas friends alike.

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution license. 

Back to SmartyPants Newsletter - December 2011 Edition