BUDGET CHRISTMAS GIFTS UNDER R 1000

Looking for affordable Christmas gifts?

You’ve come to the right place.

By the time you’ve added all the gifts on your list together, your Christmas ‘budget’ might be slightly eye-watering… mentally, you start calculating how long one person can survive on a loaf of bread and a satsuma without starving / going insane / resorting to eating the Christmas tree ornaments… it’s not really an ideal situation, is it?

To avoid this anxiety-inducing scenario and put the fun back into your Christmas shopping, check out our budget-friendly Christmas gifts for under R 1000 below. 

Under R 1000

Segway Tour

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift for that adventurous soul who loves nature? Look no further than an Experience Days outing like no other!

Imagine this: a captivating two-hour sunset Segway tour through a breathtaking vineyard. It all begins with a Segway riding introduction on a training course, setting the stage for an incredible journey through the farm. Your giftee will delve into Spier's pioneering bio-dynamic farming methods, marvel at the stunning vineyards, and capture the magical sunset against the distant backdrop of Table Mountain.

But here's the cherry on top: they'll toast to this unforgettable experience with a complimentary bottle of Spier's exquisite Signature Chenin Blanc, allowing them to savor the twilight ambiance of this extraordinary place long after the adventure ends. This isn't just a tour; it's an immersion into the world of wine, agriculture, and sustainability. It's the ideal gift for those who appreciate unique experiences and cherish the beauty of our world.

With an Experience Days voucher, you're not just giving a gift – you're gifting an extraordinary, romantic adventure that will be treasured forever. It's a Christmas present that promises memories to last a lifetime.

Featured Experience Gift: Sunset Segway Vineyard Tour in Stellenbosch From R 950

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Under R 900

Swim With Seals

Are you looking for a gift for an animal-lover, or someone fascinated by marine wildlife?

We think this aquatic adventure in Plettenberg Bay is a great, affordable gift for anyone who wants the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with seals. Tours depart from Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay. After signing in, your giftee will receive a short briefing from their guides and get kitted out in all the necessary equipment, including snorkels and wetsuits. 

They will then board a boat and cruise out to the Robberg Peninsula, home to around 6000 Cape fur seals! Here, the crew will drop anchor, and under the supervision of a fully qualified divemaster, they will jump into the water for a 30-minute swim. The seals are highly inquisitive and will likely come closer to see what all the fuss is about! Your giftee is sure to be talking about their underwater adventure for years to come…

Featured Experience Gift: Swim with Seals in Plettenberg Bay From R 895

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Under R 800

Perfume Making

For those who like the finer things in life, this sophisticated perfume making experience is a great budget gift this Christmas. During this unique experience gift, your giftee will create their own signature scent from scratch with the help of an expert perfumer, before exploring the perfume museum. 

The three-hour session will be led by one of the venue’s experienced perfume experts. They’ll be on hand throughout to offer guidance as your giftee explores a stunning range of scents imported from Grasse, France – the world’s perfume capital. They will learn which fragrances complement one another, and marvel at their ability to evoke memories of people, places and experiences. Complimentary Champagne, hot drinks, cheese and snack platters are all available, and this voucher includes entry to the exclusive perfume museum – the first of its kind in South Africa, and a fascinating insight into the ancient art. 

Finally, they’ll leave with a bottle of their unique creation, plus a luxurious scented body cream. This experience day is the gift that keeps on coming; every time they apply their bespoke scent, they’ll have you to thank!

Featured Experience Gift: Perfume Making Workshop Cape Town - Platinum Package From R 750

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Under R 700

Scenic Train Journey

Your giftee will experience the magic of Cape Town's countryside on this enchanting steam train journey to the Elgin Railway Market. They'll step back in time aboard a vintage locomotive and traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape. 

Arriving at the vibrant Elgin Railway Market, they'll discover a bustling haven of artisanal crafts, delightful cuisine, and live entertainment. They'll have the chance to explore stalls brimming with handmade treasures, savory cheeses, and fresh produce, and engage in the lively ambiance with live music or unwind with a drink, savoring every moment.

The leisurely ride back is filled with awe-inspiring views once more. This is an unforgettable adventure, perfect for anyone, and would make a great low budget Christmas gift.

Featured Experience Gift: Scenic Steam Train Journey to Elgin Railway Market From R 675

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Under R 600

Dance Lesson

A great Christmas gift for couples! If you know someone who has been talking about wanting to learn to dance for a while, this tango lesson might be the push they need to finally give it a go!

Argentine Tango developed in Buenos Aires and Uruguay from around the 1880s. There are several variations, but all have in common a sensual elegance, distinctive embrace, and heavy reliance on improvisation. The teacher, Rachael, has been dancing tango since 2001, and your giftees will benefit from her considerable expertise throughout the session. Rachael draws upon her wealth of experience – much of it gained among the world’s best teachers and in the late-night milongas of Buenos Aires – to offer a uniquely holistic approach to dance. 

This encompasses mind, body and spirit, with emphasis on the non-verbal communication and mindful connection between partners. Whatever their ability, they’ll be delighted by your improvement after just an hour! A fun and romantic experience gift for couples, or to attend with a partner. 

Featured Experience Gift: Private Couples Tango Lesson in Cape Town From R 600

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Under R 500

Sandboarding 

Gift the beach bum in your life to this fun and exhilarating sandboarding experience in Port Elizabeth!

Their unique Christmas gift will start with a short but scenic boat ride along Sundays River to the famous (not to mention glorious) Alexandria Dunes. Upon arrival their expert guides will talk them through the basics of sandboarding. 

After everyone is familiarised with the equipment they’ll be using, the guides give them the best tips and tricks to get them boarding like a pro in no time! Whether they’re daring enough to take on the steepest dune around, or they’d rather slide down the sand-hills on a belly-board, this relaxed sandboarding lesson is accommodating to everyone. 

Featured Experience Gift: Sandboarding in Port Elizabeth From R 449

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Under R 400

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Looking for an exciting yet budget-friendly Experience Days gift this Christmas? Picture this: an adrenaline-pumping clay pigeon shooting experience in picturesque Parys!

With this budget-friendly package, your lucky giftee gets to unleash fifteen rounds using a 12-gauge shotgun. They'll receive expert guidance, mastering everything from loading the weapon to nailing their aim at the soaring clays. By the fifteenth shot, hitting those targets will feel like second nature, leaving them exhilarated by the explosive targets and the satisfying rain of shattered pieces.

This Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience in Parys isn't just a day out; it's a chance to create unforgettable memories. Whether it's for a friend, family member, or colleague, this thrilling adventure in the countryside promises excitement and skill-building that they'll treasure for a lifetime. And the best part? It won't break the bank, making it an ideal affordable Christmas gift for the thrill-seeker in your life!

Featured Experience Gift: Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience in Parys From R 350

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Under R 300

Canoeing

If you know someone who loves nothing more than getting out on the water, they’ll love this Sundays River Canoe Hire gift voucher this Christmas.

The adventure begins when they arrive at the designated spot and sign in for this activity. Then it’s time to meet the canoe! There’s no better place to enjoy the water than the Sundays River, originally named Nukakamma (‘Grassy Water’) by the Khoisan people for its luscious evergreen riverbanks. As they begin your journey, they can take in the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the feeling of gliding along in their canoe. They may even catch a glimpse of Cape Otters, Vervet Monkeys, Bushbuck, Kudu or Porcupines. 

They will conclude their journey at the river mouth, where they can continue with the rest of their day, full with the feeling of the great outdoors.

Featured Experience Gift: Sundays River Canoe Hire Experience From R 199

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Under R 200

Archery Experience

Does your giftee fancy themselves a Legolas, Katniss Everdeen or Robin Hood? Make their archery fantasies a reality with this Parys archery experience gift.

The archery field is located close to the Vaal River and Vredefort crater, meaning the surrounding scenery is truly breath-taking and perfect for adventurous outdoor activities. The expert instructor will be on hand to teach them correct positions and stance, how to nock the arrow, and how to aim so your shot is straight and accurate. The tuition can be tailored to their skill level, so they needn’t worry if they’ve never held a bow before, they’ll be taught at a pace that suits them and will hopefully see a significant improvement in technique. 

By the end of the session they should be confident enough to be firing at further distances and hitting that centre point!

Featured Experience Gift: Archery Experience in Parys From R 120

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Under R 100

Wine Tasting

A budget-friendly Christmas gift with a difference, this wine tasting experience for two has the rare quality of feeling expensive but actually being extremely affordable.

If you’re looking for a gift for a wine connoisseur, look no further… Val Du Charron was first established in 2006 when the owners bought a 17th century farm that had fallen into disrepair, and spent nearly a decade restoring it to a fully functional vineyard and olive grove that has won a range of awards. 

With this Experience Days gift voucher, your giftees can enjoy an informative and entertaining tasting of their New World white wine blend, Cape blend, and the Rhone-style blend, with a professional wine tutor talking them through the various flavours and wine-making processes. Once the tasting session is finished they are welcome to enjoy the various facilities available at the estate, including a luxury spa, mountain bike trails, and two on-site restaurants - they could even make it into an overnight break!

Featured Experience Gift: Wine Tasting For Two at Val Du Charron in Wellington From R 98

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Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our budget Christmas gift guide for 2023.

We hope you've found something perfect from our list, no matter how big or small your budget might be this year.

From all of us here at Experience Days, happy Christmas!