CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR COUPLES UPDATED FOR 2023

Looking for unique Christmas gifts for couples?

You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve rounded up the top Christmas gift ideas for couples, no matter what they love to do, in this handy gift guide which has now been updated for 2023! 

Read on to find our up-to-date recommendations - from overnight breaks to to guided mountain hikes. 

What To Buy for Couples Christmas 2023

We know that buying gifts for couples is not the easiest task… after all, they are two individual people in their own right. But they wouldn’t be together if they didn’t have something in common, right? 

Our first tip for selecting the perfect gift for a couple is tapping into what connects them. If they love to spend their nights cuddled on the sofa with a weighted blanket watching movies and eating pasta, then you know to steer clear of anything involving extreme sports or the outdoors. 

Conversely if they spend all their time hiking and surfing, a cheeseboard probably isn’t going to cut it!

It sounds obvious, but it makes people feel seen when you truly think about what makes them unique, and put that into selecting the right gift. Below, we’ve rounded up our top gifts for couples, according to their individual tastes and interests. Read on to find out more!

For The Couple in Need of a Break 

Lakeside Lodge Overnight Break For Two in Franschhoek - R 2100

An escape to tranquillity at the Lakeside Lodge at Chamonix Wine Estate, Franschhoek makes the Perfect Couple's Getaway for the ones in need of a break. This enchanting getaway promises breathtaking mountain views, a secluded room overlooking a glistening lake, and a delightful hot breakfast to start your day in paradise.

Upon arrival, warm and welcoming staff will guide them to their cosy lodge. Whether they opt for invigorating wine tastings, thrilling game drives, or simply wish to indulge in serene moments within the room with a drink from the honesty bar, overlooking the picturesque lake, the choice is theirs.

The well-appointed room boasts modern amenities, including full air-conditioning, a stocked mini-bar fridge, in-room safes, rejuvenating showers, entertainment via TV, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities – ensuring their utmost comfort throughout the stay. And what better way to conclude a serene overnight escape than a delightful breakfast served against the backdrop of tranquil waters?

This Lakeside Lodge one-night couples package is an ideal anniversary surprise or a thoughtful way to celebrate any special occasion.

For the Adventurous Couple

Two Hour Beach Buggy Tour of Paternoster - R 1100

We all know that couple who just can’t sit still. They’re always looking for the next mountain to climb, wave to surf, or unusual place to visit. For those couples who love to try new things, this Beach Buggy experience gift is just the ticket.

To start this thrilling experience, they’ll arrive at the beautiful location of Paternoster, where they will be warmly welcomed by Deon who'll go through what they’ll be doing throughout the two-hour experience. 

While driving out towards the beach, they will notice the incredible surroundings and wildlife. They’re likely to spot several species of birds, as well as dolphins, whales and penguins swimming along the seafront. Along the way, Deon will tell them all the information they could wish for about the beautiful area - including its history, about its beaches and villages. 

This tour can be tailor-made and altered to completely suit their preferences. Whether they just want to zoom along the beachfront taking in the scenery or enjoy a commentary throughout, they’ll be sure to have lots of fun!

For The Couple Who Wants to Make Memories

Couples' Photo Shoot in Johannesburg - R 995

This Johannesburg couples’ photoshoot voucher will make a great Christmas gift for any couple you know looking for romantic days out to make memories together.

They’ll begin their couples' photo shoot by meeting their professional photographer Rani in Johannesburg. With years of photography experience under her belt, Rani is a seasoned professional who knows how to get the best out of a photo shoot. 

Whether their shoot takes place in a tranquil forest or a beautiful meadow, the great outdoors of Johannesburg will serve as their backdrop. Rani will work with them to determine the most flattering poses and make them feel comfortable. 

Their shoot will last for approximately half an hour, and at the end, they’ll have a selection of professional photos to send out as wedding invites, display in your home, or put inside a memory book to look back at in years to come. These will be sent to them online, approximately 2 weeks after the date of the shoot. The gift that keeps on giving!

For The Outdoorsy Couple

One Hour Falconry Hawk Walk in Cape Town For Two - R 1000

If you know a couple who just can’t sit still, it's likely the last couple of years will have been particularly difficult (and boring!) for them. After a while of having to stay indoors, give them the gift of getting outside.

In the heart of Stellenbosch lies an extraordinary experience that offers a timeless encounter with nature. In this Falconry Hawk Walk, they'll start with an informative session at the eco-tourism center, setting the stage for an hour-long guided stroll through the breathtaking native bushveld. What makes this experience truly unforgettable? The company of two awe-inspiring Harris Hawks, known for their aerial prowess and amiable nature, guiding the couple through the terrain.

As they traverse the picturesque landscape, these charismatic birds will gracefully accompany the group, swooping in and out, perching on their gloved arms from time to time, forging a bond that echoes the age-old connection between humans and raptors.

The One-Hour Falconry Hawk Walk in Cape Town offers a rare opportunity to intimately engage with these remarkable birds of prey, and is ideal for animal loving and outdoorsy couples.

For Wine-Lovers

Horse Riding and Wine Tasting Experience For Two in Paarl - R 1260 

This Horse Riding and Wine Tasting experience allows couples to enjoy a scenic horse ride and wine tasting at a local estate!

Once your wine-loving couple have arrived and are settled on a horse, they will set off on a guided ride through picturesque orchards, vineyards and flora and fauna with breathtaking views of the mountain range, heading all the way to Table Mountain. 

The guides adjust to everyone making sure they feel comfortable and secure at all times, so this is a great opportunity to try horseback riding if they have never done it before. If they have ridden a horse before, there are trots and canters included for intermediate and experienced riders. 

The day will finish with an informative wine tasting at one of the areas select vineyards, giving them ample time to relax and reflect on their wonderful experience.

Stellenbosch Bike Tour and Wine Tasting For Two - R 1790

Surrounded by sprawling nature reserves and impressive mountains, Stellenbosch is one of the most popular visitor destinations outside of central Cape Town. 

Mountain bikes, helmets, and snack packs are provided, so all the lucky couple needs to worry about is keeping an eye on where they’re cycling whilst taking in the incredible panoramas surrounding them, meandering through the endless vineyards and country roads. 

The Stellenbosch bike and wine tour lasts approximately four hours, during which a knowledgeable guide will highlight local landmarks and points of interest, punctuated by two wine tasting sessions at prestigious wine estates. At the end of the experience they are welcome to stay for lunch at one of the wine farms in the area, or head on home with a heightened appreciation for the Winelands!

For Petrol-head Couples

Sunset Cobra Driving Experience in Cape Town - R 2200 

If you’re buying for a couple who love nothing more than a shiny new car, this Sunset Cobra Driving Experience will help them take matters into their own hands! As opposed to just driving a car around a track, this allows them to hire the car for a whole evening so they can feel like the epitome of class and sophistication as they barrel through Cape Town in their impressive vehicle. 

Arriving at the car rental centre in Cape Town, they’ll pick up the keys to their very own classic Cobra and prepare to hit the road. Whether they choose the blue with white stripes, white with red, black with silver or stylish red with black stripes, they’re guaranteed to turn heads. 

With 35km to play with and a full tank of gas, they’ll be free to explore many of Cape Town's most popular sunset spots, including Signal Hill, Lion's Head, and the Camps Bay Tidal Pools. There's nothing quite as romantic as watching the sun go down from the comfort of a classic V8 Shelby Cobra.

For Couples Who Love The Water

Sundays River Canoe Hire Experience - R 199

Gift the couple in your life who just can’t stay out of the water with this canoe hire experience voucher this Christmas.

The Sunday River Canoe Hire adventure begins when they arrive at the designated spot and sign in for the activity. Then it’s time to meet their 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 their journey, they’ll take in the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the feeling of gliding along in their vessel. They may even spot some of the local wildlife who call the area home, including Cape Otters, Vervet Monkeys, Bushbuck, Kudu or Porcupines. 

Depending on the weather conditions on the day, wind direction and various other factors, the Sunday River canoe adventure can take anything between 2 – 4 hours. They will conclude your journey at the river mouth, where they can continue with the rest of their day full up with the feeling of the great outdoors.

For Artistic Couples

Flower Arranging Class in Gauteng - R 2475

Flowers are a classically 'romantic' gift, and how better for an artistic couple to bond than over a creative flower arranging session?

This experience will take place at a successful florist's studio, where the creative couple will be provided with all the materials they need to begin.

Over the next few hours, they'll be able to relax and enjoy the serenity working with flowers brings. Focusing on the floristry style and designs that interest your giftees most, the expert teacher will show them necessary techniques to create beautifully unique arrangements - but most importantly they'll have fun!

They'll pick up a few tips and tricks, not only from their teacher but also their like-minded peers, while drawing inspiration from the impressive examples provided, to create an arrangement which demonstrates their own personalities and creative flare.

For Couples Who Love to Dance

Private Couples Tango Lesson in Cape Town - R 600 

Is there anything more romantic than learning to dance together? Give the lucky couple the gift of a new skill for 2023 with this Private Tango Lesson in Cape Town. 

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. 

This 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 their improvement after just an hour!

More Couples' Christmas Gifts for 2023

Franschhoek Hop-on Hop-off Tram Tour For Two - R 600

This really is a completely one-of-a-kind day out for couples. During this incredible Winelands journey, they'll be able to curate their very own hop-on hop-off route to experience the best wine the region has to offer.

The Valley is rich with fascinating history, sprawling wine estates and unparalleled views, making a day trip the ideal way to spend romantic time together. The hardest part of the day will be deciding which line to book onto, choosing from the Pink, Grey, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Red and Yellow routes. Each line takes them to a variety of estates. 

After a day full of incredible views, beautiful wine and each other's company, they'll both be grinning from ear-to-ear.

Marine Life Eco Boat Tour in Mossel Bay - R 450 

If the couple you're looking to buy for this Christmas are interested in marine life, they're bound to love this Marine Life Eco Boat Tour of Mossel Bay.

Not only will they enjoy scenic boat trip together - they'll also discover the seals, dolphins and sharks that call the bay home, learning all about their natural habitat from the onboard skipper. 

Depending on the weather, the route of the tour will change to give them the best possible sightseeing experience. Because this is an eco tour, a main focus of the trip will be on the welfare of the marine animals, so guests 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!

Ultimate Serenity Spa Day with Lunch in Fourways For Two - R 4290

Maybe the couple is overworked and in need of a break?

Treat them to the ultimate day of relaxation with this spa day in Johannesburg - complete with a healthy, freshly prepared lunch. 

This experience takes place in one of Gauteng's most distinguished spas, where facilities include a heated indoor pool, Swiss shower, steam room, and Himalayan salt room. During their visit, the couple will enjoy a rejuvenating Middle Eastern mud ritual - complete with tropical rain shower - and a classic, sixty-minute facial.

These are followed by tension-relieving foot, back, neck and shoulder massages, designed to ease the stresses of a demanding day-to-day.

The spa takes pride in the quality of its customer care, and all treatments are delivered by qualified professionals, using carefully selected beauty products.

Thoroughly relaxed, they can finally sip champagne in the privacy of their own jetted spa bath, before the time comes to bid a reluctant goodbye.

Elephant Interaction at Camp Jabulani in Hoedspruit - R 975

Gift the animal-loving couple in your life this fun elephant interaction, based in Camp Jabulani. 

If they're at all interested in elephants, this interactive experience is bound to make them smile as they learn the behaviours and habits of these gentle creatures.

They'll arrive at sunrise, and enjoy a tea or coffee while they meet the elephants. After everyone's acquainted, the couple can look on as the elephants head off into the bush to forage in their natural environment.

They can expect a personal encounter, along with a full hour and a half with an expert guide in order to ask them questions and hear their stories.

Some of the elephants were born on the reserve, whereas others were rescued and brought to the camp for rehabilitation and integration into the new habitat, coming from as far away as Zimbabwe!

During the encounter they'll get to feed the elephants and exchange trunk greetings, giving the bolder ones a friendly stroke as they curiously explore their new visitors.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our guide to Christmas gifts for couples, updated for 2022. 

If you’re still looking, browse our full range of experience gifts here. 

Got a question? Feel free to leave a comment; we’d love to hear from you!