Last-minute Gift ideas

Looking for great gifts to spoil someone special? Here are some ideas!

Shopping for gifts is not always easy, and Is it just me, or did Christmas sneak upon us? Between managing work & life, sometimes shopping for gifts just slip through the cracks. So, if you still have to go to the mall, here are some ideas as to what you can buy to fill that Christmas Stockings or Birthday boxes.

Gifts for Him

Shopping for the impossibly stylish man in your life can feel just that, impossible, and whether you're looking to suit sporty types, artsy guys, or golf fanatics, grooming products for men are one of THE best gifts you can give. Grooming products have become extremely popular, and from fragrances to shower gels, you will always find something that fits your budget.

URBAN MEN has some nice products that are good value for money and looks very luxurious! These products are perfect for that Sporty guy that is always on the run:

Urban Men Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Hair Wax (R69.95). Enriched with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Tea Tree Oil.

Urban Men Charcoal and Coconut Exfoliating Face Wash (R69.95). Cleansing exfoliating face wash, enriched with vitamin E, activated charcoal, and coconut oil.

Urban Men Shaving Gel (R79.95). Cleansing shave gel, enriched with vitamin E, tea tree, and coconut oil. Available from www.takealot.com.

Urban Men 2-in-1 Tea Tree and Mint Shampoo and Conditioner (R99.95). Cleansing two in one shampoo and conditioner. Enriched with refreshing menthol extract, tea tree oil, and vitamin E.

Urban Men Tea Tree and Mint Bath and Shower Gel (R89.95). Enriched with refreshing menthol extract, tea tree oil, and vitamin E.

If you want to splurge and get him something extra extravagant, the Mont Blanc Legend Eau De Parfum 100ml (R1435 available from Clicks) will put a smile on his face! The Montblanc Legend Eau de Parfum is the reinterpretation of the Montblanc Legend fragrance, revealing elegance and sophistication for the active man. This perfume has top notes that are vibrant, bright, and fresh, heart notes that are alluring, and dry notes that create a memorable signature.

The Gym-junkie will love the USN BlueLab 100% Plant Protein Vanilla Cinnamon 775g (R396 available from Clicks & Dis-Chem) it is made from pea, pumpkin seeds, and watermelon seed protein. This is perfect for individuals following a plant-based diet and will help build lean muscle. The vegan formula contains no soya, gluten, sugar, dairy, or artificial flavors and colorants.

This is a great gift idea for the car collector in your life! For less than R200 you can buy this Volkswagen Collectable from Pick n Pay.

Spoil the Coffee Lover with a cool mug & Coffee pods, like this funky mug from Typo for only R79,99 and these Starbucks Capsules for only R95, available from SPAR & MAKRO stores.

Is it just me or is this ball pretty cool? For only R69,95 you can get this ball from MRP Sport! Perfect for those days at the beach or braais with friends & family.

Gifts for HER

You will definitely make her day with the Montblanc Signature Eau De Parfum (R1499 available from Clicks, Woolworth, and selected pharmacies). This fragrance is chic, addictive, and feminine. It has top notes of sparkling clementine that ease into an enchanting floral heart of magnolia and ylang-ylang, which dry down to a sensual base of vanilla accented by musk and creamy benzoin.

This beautiful hanging calendar from TYPO is only R199,99 and will look beautiful in any office or home.

This is one of my favorite mugs, and the design is from the sketchbook range of Carrol Boyes' drawing books, this one is called Face Facts. You can get it from Yuppiechef or the Carrol Boyes store for R199.

I simply LOVE the Cotton Company, and therefore this Turkish Towel is one of my absolute favorite pieces in my home. You can either buy it online from them directly or from Yuppychef.com. Unfortunately, you might not get it in time for Christmas, but it is the perfect gift for birthdays as well. It's elegant & stylish and definitely a special gift to gift that special person.

I picked up this champagne glass from PEP home and is perfect for those gifts under R100! You can even add a bottle of Champers to the gift box to make it extra special, like this MCC Brut from Simonsvlei Wines for only R85!

A good book is also a great gift idea, like this self guidebook, Own Your Everyday written by Jordan Lee Doodley (R230 available from exclusive Books), perfect for that friend, sibling, or partner that is currently trying to chase their dreams.

If you are looking for something personal and special, a beautiful frame with a picture of the two of you are such a cute idea! I recently bought these two frames in the picture from PEP home, both for under R30!

Grab the Artistic Watercolor Brush Pens (R199) from Typo for that artistic friend and add a diary or Notebook, like this cute yellow one also from typo for R149,99! I picked up the Notebook from Bali Trading for only R75!

This year has been extra stressful, so something like the Sorbet Rock Star Bath Bomb Gift Set (R79,00) is perfect to add to the Christmas stocking! This includes a 60g firming bath bomb, 60g hydrating bath bomb, 60g balancing bath bomb, 60g nourishing bath bomb, and 60g rejuvenating bath bomb.

The multitasking Wet Brush Shower Detangler (R149.00) combines the best in convenience and efficacy. It gently detangles while distributing conditioning treatments evenly in the shower, plus it’s designed without a cushion for easy cleaning and air drying - not to mention it has a convenient shower hook handle. When you’re finished detangling, just rinse it off and hang it up! OmniFlex technology contours to the shape of your scalp for superior comfort. Available at Clicks stores.

Your Fitness Friend will love a Gift Box full of fitness goodies! The USN Slim & Beauty Collagen (R299 available from Clicks & Dis-Chem) can assist with skin collagen formation, joint mobility, hair growth, and nail growth and tastes AMAZING!

If you really want to spoil them, you can get them an active watch, like the Samsung Galaxy Active Watch (R3 449).

You can even add a water bottle to make the gift box a bit fuller, like the USN water bottle (R39,99 available from Clicks or Dis-Chem).

If you know what size they wear you can also get them a pair of training shorts with a cool print like the Sky Mid Tights (R179,99 ) from MRP Sport.

I love using beauty products as gifts!

Here are a few you can add to the Christmas stockings or Gift Boxes:

Bodycare from Africa Charcoal Exfoliating Shower Gel (R69.95). Enriched with Vitamin E and Argan Oil to exfoliate and smooth your skin, leaving it soft and radiant.

Bodycare from Africa Hempseed Oil Hand and Body Lotion (R74.95). Rich in Vitamin E and Hemp Seed Oil to moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft, silky, and smooth. Available from www.takealot.com and www.bodycarefromafrica.co.za

Bodycare from Africa Rosehip Hand and Nail Cream (R49.95). Enriched with Rosehip to moisturize & soften the skin.

Azana Spa Rosehip Micellar Water (R89.95). Enriched with rosehip extract, made to cleanse, soften & leave a radiant glow. Rosehip is an ideal cleansing oil for oily skin and contains retinoids which may help reduce the appearance of acne. Available at Dis-Chem stores.

Naturally Africa Hair and Scalp Oil (R159.95). This lightweight, the non-greasy formula consists of a multi-blend of natural ingredients such as castor oil, tea tree oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E to assist with everyday needs and adding luster, shine, and glossiness. The Hair & Scalp Oil (R159.95) is recommended for dry hair, scalp care, and split ends. Free from sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, parabens, and colorants.

Give your hair an upgrade with this super creamy hair mask. With an extra powerful formula, OGX® Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Mask (R209.95) helps to intensely hydrate and lock in moisture. With argan oil of Morocco (a natural source of vitamin E filled with anti-oxidants) and silk proteins, this creamy blend helps detangles, revive even the most severely dry, damaged strands delivering superior hydration and added inner strength. Give hair a second chance at soft, silky perfection! Available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Foschini and www.takealot.com

If you’re looking for more of a luxe vibe for year-end functions and New Year’s Eve festivities, COLAB’s Glam Dry Shampoo (from R79.95) is perfect for letting your hair get its glam on. This dry shampoo brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine. Fragranced with sensual Sandalwood and Cassis It's also perfect for adding texture and grip to hair you want to braid or style.

Available at Clicks stores.

Sorbet Hyaluronic Acid & Shea Butter Mani-Care Hand Mask (R65) treats hands to an at-home spa experience with moisturizing and softening active ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. Available from Clicks.

For the love of tropical! If you are looking for something for your friend that is always at the beach get them a beautiful beach towel like this Green Melange Beach Towel (R99,99 available from MRP). Stunning isn’t it?

Add some Tanning Oil, or a cool cap, like this 90’s Club Cap for only R150)!

Add something special

I always try to add a special touch to my gift boxes, like this Sweets Stocking for Christmas. I made the Slab Wrappers myself, to make it extra special. You can create your own and add a name, or special message.

Remember the whole idea of giving gifts is not to spend too much money, but it is rather the thought that counts. Getting something special yet useful & meaningful!

Merry Christmas, may the biggest gift of all be good health & great memories! Stay safe & be blessed!

C

xx