BUDGET EXPERIENCE GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS - UPDATED FOR 2023

Looking for a budget Christmas gift? Look no further.

We've rounded up our favourite wallet-friendly gifts, and updated our comprehensive guide for 2023.

This is a great opportunity for you to experience new things and to create great memories whilst with friends or family for this Christmas. Don’t miss out on these gifts!

Craft Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting in Cape Town - R 175

During the Christmas season, gift a loved one this wonderful experience of a craft rum distillery tour in Cape Town, plus a tasting of three rums produced on site.

When it comes to small batch, expertly made craft liquor, rum is the new kid on the block, and none are doing it as passionately as Cape Of Storms Distilling Company in Salt River. 

Craft beer and craft gin have been long established on the microbrewery and distillery scene, and now it's rum's time to shine. Cape of Storms is a small batch distilling company based in Cape Town that produces authentic, additive and sugar free rum using a process they've pioneered from years of research and testing; a process where all are invited to witness on this guided tour of the distillery. 

Your giftee will be able to observe how the equipment works and what goes into each flavour, then they will be able to enjoy a tasting of three signature rums: Oak Infused Rum, The Great White Rum and Fyn Botanical Rum. A truly unique experience that presents rum in a completely new light!

An Experience Days Voucher for the Craft Rum Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience in Cape Town is the perfect gift for those who support local, independent producers - or anyone who is looking to gift a loved one for Christmas!

Express Segway Tour in Durban - R285

Looking for an extraordinary Christmas gift idea, without breaking the bank? Look no further. With this 45-minute Segway experience you can spend precious time with your family and or group of friends on a tour of the Moses Mabhida Stadium or Durban's scenic coastline.

With a choice of two trips, the Express Segway Tour Experience makes a fantastic Christmas gift for adventurous Durbanites. 

Whilst booking the experience, you will be able to choose from the Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour or the Golden Mile Tour, which is an iconic promenade on the Durban coastline. Whichever option you decide to go for, you’ll be guaranteed to have plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, expert tuition from the instructor, and a full 45 minutes of fun facts and interesting stories. 

Discover the 80,000 capacity Stadium and learn about its history and engineering, or glide all together along the seafront to the famous Suncoast Casino which homes its own semi-private beach - rated one of the top three in South Africa!

Whether you've got family visiting in KwaZulu-Natal and want to show them the sights or are looking for a unique Christmas experience gift for a loved one, the Express Segway Tour Experience in Durban is sure to be an unforgettable day out at an affordable price.

Eco Wine Safari and Tasting in Paarl - R 400

This Christmas, treat a loved one (and yourself!) to a tour of the beautiful Avondale wine estate during this eco safari, complete with wine tastings and a cellar tour.

The Avondale ethos is very much focused on organic and sustainable practices, using modern technology and a deep understanding of the natural environment to produce wine that is both ethical and incredibly high quality.

Starting in the Tasting Gallery, the tour begins with an introduction to the Estate over a glass of Methode Cap Classique, before climbing into the tractor train for a tour of the vineyard. Your guide will talk through the various methods Avondale farmers use to revolutionise the wine-making process, implementing biodynamic practices that get the Mother Nature seal of approval. 

In the vineyard you'll enjoy another wine tasting, then head underground to the gravity flow cellar for a fascinating tour of the slow wine production done there. Your experience concludes back at the Tasting Gallery where you can take in the incredible Klein Drakenstein mountains or have a wander through the exhibitions and artworks on display.

With Christmas on the way this is a truly unique wine tasting experience for budding connoisseurs and is guaranteed to give your partner and yourself a renewed appreciation for organic wine-making. Enjoy this budget friendly experience for Christmas 2023!

One Hour Falconry Hawk Walk in Cape Town - R1000

Do you know someone who would enjoy a leisurely hour's walk through the Cape Fynbos bushveld with majestic hawks swooping overhead? This one hour falconry hawk walk gift will treat them to an incredible, unforgettable adventure.

For millennia, resourceful humans have made birds of prey their formidable hunting companions. In the Far East, records of falconry date to well beyond 1000 BC, and the practice is recognised by UNESCO as a ‘living human heritage’. Today, hunting no longer takes precedence, but birds are still kept and displayed for the purposes of rehabilitation, conservation and education.

This unique experience in Stellenbosch promotes these key modern objectives, while offering a truly timeless natural encounter. After a brief introduction at the eco-tourism centre, your loved one will embark on an hour’s guided walk through the region’s stunning native bushveld, accompanied by two majestic Harris Hawks. 

These charismatic birds have become increasingly popular among contemporary falconers, who favour their aerial prowess and social disposition. Throughout the gentle hike, their new feathered friends will follow the group freely – periodically swooping to and from their gloved arms!

The One Hour Falconry Hawk Walk in Cape Town is a great chance for a loved one to interact with some remarkable birds of prey. An Experience Days voucher makes a memorable Christmas gift for the animal-lover in your family.

Mariepskop Mountain Quad Biking - R480

Enjoy this 60-minute quad biking experience with your family/friends  this Christmas season!

This adrenaline-pumping quad bike trail will take you through Franklyn Park and allow you to explore the breathtaking foothills of Mariepskop Mountain. Your friendly guide will give you a quick intro before revving off onto a flat track to get the hang of it. Not long after, you'll be off, diving into forests and spotting local wildlife such as baboons, antelopes, and vibrant birdlife along the way. With stunning Mariepskop views as your backdrop, this exciting adventure is an unforgettable and unique Christmas gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

Speed Boat RIB Ride in Mossel Bay - R450

Prepare your friends for a white-knuckle ride during this high-speed RIB experience in Mossel Bay, reaching speeds up to 120kph - even faster than Santa’s sleigh!

This super-fast RIB ride in Mossel Bay is like a rollercoaster on water! Seated in South Africa's fastest rigid inflatable boat, and winners of the Trans Agulhas Challenge, your friends are in for a white-knuckle thrill like no other.

On arrival at Quay 4 in Mossel Bay they'll find the boat's skipper waiting to welcome them on board, ready with life jackets for their safety and comfort. Once all guests are settled in their seats, the engine will start to rumble and cruise a safe distance from the shoreline... then they’re off! Reaching speeds up to 120kph, they’ll tear across the water at an eye-watering pace, powering across long straights and round tight bends, kicking up waves in their wake. This experience is not for the faint-hearted, but definitely not one to miss out on!

The Speed Boat RIB Ride in Mossel Bay is a thrilling experience to share with your adventurous friends for this Christmas and makes a unique gift for adrenaline junkies. Enjoy this budget friendly experience!

Sunset Schooner Cruise in Cape Town - R500

Board the majestic Spirit of Victoria, a 58ft Gaff Rigged Schooner for a scenic sunset cruise in Cape Town with your loved one!

Relax and enjoy stunning views from the deck of a traditional schooner during this 90 minute sunset sail in Cape Town. With two glasses of champagne (per person) included, it’s the perfect way to celebrate an occasion with someone special!

Tours depart from Cape Town’s world-renowned Victoria & Albert Waterfront. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your skipper and welcomed onboard the 58-foot gaff rigged schooner ‘Spirit of Victoria’. Once everyone is comfortable, you’ll then embark on a 90-minute sail to Table Bay. If you’re interested, your skipper will be happy to answer any questions about the boat and local area, while from the deck and seating area, you can enjoy breath-taking views of the Mother City, Table Mountain and Milnerton Lighthouse. On a fine day, there’s nowhere better to sip champagne and watch the sunset over the ocean. Sea, sunset, sails, and sparkle—what more could you really ask for?

The 1.5 Hour Sunset Schooner Cruise in Cape Town is a great way to toast the end of this year, and it would make a budget friendly experience gift for tourists and locals alike. It’s ideal for couples, so go on, treat your other half to a Christmas Experience Days gift certificate today!

Beach Horse Riding Experience in Jeffreys Bay - R450

Gift your loved one a leisurely horseback ride along the beach in Jeffreys Bay, a fantastic Christmas experience for animal lovers!

The trail follows a circular 13km route through a variety of different terrain. Before you begin, your guides will select a horse to suit your experience level, and if necessary, help you to mount. All the equipment—including McClellan saddles, helmets, and chaps—is of a high quality, and your guides will make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident before departing. 

They’ll then lead you both on a trek towards the Gamtoos river, through stunning fynbos coastal vegetation and areas that are home to a huge variety of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you can spot various rare bird species, tortoises, bushbuck, and seals! You’ll return via a 6-kilometre stretch of deserted beach, where you can canter through the surf or feel the wind in your hair as you gallop across the sand. When you look back on your life one day, we think it’s memories like these that will stand out. 

The Beach Horse Riding Experience in Jeffreys Bay is suitable for novice, intermediate and advanced riders, and it would make a unique experience gift for lovers who adore animals and the great outdoors. 

Ceres Valley Zipline Adventure - R500

Treat your lucky giftee to this thrilling zipline adventure so they can zip and slide their way across the Ceres Valley! The perfect Christmas gift for adventurous friends.

If your friend has a head for heights and a taste for adventure, they’ll love this thrilling zipline tour in the Ceres Valley. They will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Schurweberg Mountains as they descend eight slides totalling 1.4km in length! 

The experience begins in the town of Ceres, a 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town. After meeting their instructors and getting fitted for their harness, they will board a taxi/bus for the five-minute drive to the start point in the mountains. Here, after allowing enough time to enjoy breath-taking views across the valley, their guides will help them connect their harness to the first of eight foefie slides. 

These vary from 100 – 291 metres in length and hang 40 metres above the ground at their highest point. Sliding through the air with a backdrop of rock formations and the river far below—this is one adrenaline-filled experience they’ll never forget!  

The Ceres Valley Zipline Adventure is a fun activity to share with family or friends, and Experience Days vouchers make unique gifts for travellers and local thrill seekers during the Christmas season. So, what are you waiting for? Surprise someone special today with this budget friendly gift!

3 Hour Sandboarding Experience - R449

With Christmas on the way, sandboarding down the majestic sand dunes of Sundays River with this exciting 3-hour experience sounds like the perfect gift for a friend who loves extreme sports. 

This three-hour sandboarding experience will allow them to ride down some of the largest and least degraded sand dunes in all of South Africa.  A magnificent endeavour for an adventurer of any age. Whether they’re an experienced sandboarder or a complete beginner, they’ll be shown the ropes by their expert guides – and more importantly, they’ll have fun!

Their unique experience 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 they’re familiar with the equipment they’ll be using, they’ll give you 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 sandhills on a bellyboard, this relaxed sandboarding lesson is accommodating to everyone. So, go on and tell them to grab sun cream & a swimsuit, and get ready for three hours filled with learning and laughter.

The Sandboarding Experience in Port Elizabeth is a fun activity for any family and will make the perfect Christmas gift for the thrill seeker in your life!

New for 2023!

At Experience Days we're always adding new products to our roster, and 2023 is no exception! Read on to find out our top budget Christmas gifts this year.

Outdoor Glamping Pod Overnight Stay in Montagu for 2 - R 2100

If you know someone who deserves a little break away from it all, this outdoor pod overnight stay makes the perfect budget gift.

You'd be surprised what you can get for a mere R800! This Montagu adventure will entitle your giftee to one night of glamping fun in an upmarket luxury 'pod' with its own kitchenette. 

Your giftee's experience begins when they arrive for check-in at 2pm. They'll be greeted by the friendly staff who will show them to your luxurious glamping pod. There, they'll have the chance to settle in and unpack before enjoying everything this sweet little place has to offer. 

Known as the 'luxury of a bedroom in nature,' this glamping pod is fully equipped with a comfy queen size bed, side tables, lamps and a mounted fan - so they're really getting the best of both worlds. The glamp-site has everything one could need for a relaxing break, including a kitchen, braai, firepit, picnic area and a wood-fired hot tub. 

Wine and Cheese Pairing in Lubanzi Village - R130

One-of-a-kind experiences don't need to take up your entire Christmas budget. If you're looking to buy for a foodie or wine connoisseur, this Wine and Cheese Pairing in Lubanzi Village makes the perfect budget treat. If you're lucky, they may even let you join them... 

Lubanzi is a stunning seaside village, the perfect location for a relaxing evening full of wine tasting! Once you arrive at the lodge, you will be greeted by your friendly host. You'll learn the process of how wine is made whilst you are given a small tour of a brand new vineyard that will grow to produce its own wine in the future! Next, you'll get to try three different wine blends from different vineyards across South Africa.

During your tasting, you'll be taught how to taste wine like an expert, how to listen to and train your palate in order to know which wines you like, and which wine is the most appropriate for different occasions. Next, you'll get to pair each wine with two types of cheese to taste the difference in the combinations and strengthen your knowledge. 

Floatation Therapy Experience in Johannesburg - R650

If you know that your giftee has been a little tense, a floatation therapy experience can be a great way to melt their stress away. Treat them to this spa voucher for just R650, and take away their troubles for one hour!

They'll begin the experience by arriving at the spa in Johannesburg, which is appropriately surrounded by a peaceful flower garden. 

They'll then be greeted by the friendly staff, who will put any trepidation they have about the experience at ease. Floatation therapy is fast becoming one of the most favoured stress-busting treatments across the globe, offering the mind and body the opportunity to shut off and relax for an hour. 

The deep relaxation felt in this treatment is indescribable; the removal of external sensations of light, sound, touch, gravity and temperature allows the mind to be at total peace, and enter into a deep meditative state. 

Once your giftee has been shown to their floatation tank, their therapist will leave them in total privacy while they undress and enter into a state of relaxation unlike anything they've ever felt!

Marine Life Eco Boat Tour in Mossel Bay - R450

Treat the marine life enthusiast in your life to this wallet-friendly gift.  During this half hour adventure, they'll be able to spot whales, dolphins, sharks and seals! 

The Mossel Bay marine eco-system is a delicate balance of wildlife, geography, and natural forces that blend to create a sustainable habitat for many unique and beautiful animals, and one that needs protecting. 

During this Eco Boat Tour your giftee will join an expert skipper for a half hour patrol of the waters, watching out for whales, dolphins, sharks and seals, plus a magnificent range of sea birds.

On arrival at the Quay in Mossel Bay, they'll meet the boat crew and get settled on board, then set off in search of the many marine animals that call the bay home. 

Depending on the weather, the route of the tour will change to give your giftee the best possible sightseeing experience. 

They may cruise towards Seal Island, Pinnacle Point, or head out to where the shark cage diving takes place to watch the activity, all while enjoying informative commentary from your skipper. 

Because this is an eco tour, a main focus of the trip will be on the welfare of the marine animals, so the crew will be on constant lookout for wildlife trapped in anchor lines or fishing nets, helping the skipper rescue the animals should it be required. A fun and rewarding experience!

Makeover and Photoshoot in Johannesburg - R699

For those who are in need of a little makeover, why not get together with your best pals and feel like royalty at this Makeover and Photoshoot in Gauteng?

This regal photoshoot experience in Johannesburg, complete with a professional makeover and ten stunning images to cherish, is the perfect budget gift for those who love the camera. The friendly staff will welcome you to the studio, where your giftee will be treated to a fabulous makeover before striking a pose in two distinct outfits. You'll then be able to choose your top ten images for the photographer to edit and deliver to you on a sleek disc.

This fun photoshoot is the perfect experience for those looking to pamper themselves, and is a great gift regardless of the occasion.

Thanks for reading! 

Thanks so much for reading our top budget Christmas experience gifts! We hope you have found something for this season to get you in the spirit, but if you are still looking for the perfect match, browse our full range of experience gifts here. 

Got a question, or a budget Christmas gift you think we missed? Feel free to leave a comment; we would love to hear from all of you!