Gifts for Women: Thoughtful Gifts for Her

Now, we can’t speak for all the moms out there, but if there’s one thing ours love, it’s a great day out with a few glasses of wine! And that’s exactly what to expect from this guided tram tour of the Franschhoek wine-making region. Guests climb aboard a replica of the original 1920s double-decker and embark on a fascinating journey between several local wine estates – hopping off for tastings, tours and a specially curated three-course lunch. It’s a truly memorable experience gift for mom.

If Mom is a foodie - or even someone who just loves to be pampered - you can't go wrong with this afternoon tea gift voucher, entitling her and a lucky guest (namely, you) to three decadent tiers of sweet and savoury delights at Cellars Hohenort Hotel.

Served daily from 11am - 12pm and 3pm-5pm, High Tea at Cellars-Hohenort can be enjoyed at your choice of venue: in the Greenhouse, on the Hohenort Terrace, Greenhouse Bar or in the Palm Arch. Take in the incredible Table Mountain views and gaze across the sprawling gardens as you settle in plush surroundings, sipping on complimentary tea or coffee from the extensive selection while you await the main event.

You may even want to purchase a glass of bubbly for added decadence! Starting with the savoury layer, you'll enjoy gourmet delights like caramelised onion tart, smoked salmon mousse cornets, and slow braised lamb fold over, along with the traditional finger sandwiches. This will be followed up by freshly-baked scones with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream.

Finally comes the all-important sweet layer, which includes key lime pie, mini milk tarts, and walnut carrot cake amongst many others. The menu changes depending on the seasons and the chef's inspiration, so there's plenty of excuse to come back again!

Our moms love to pamper themselves, and Waas make just the products for the job. They began formulating their chemical and cruelty-free skincare range in a small kitchen in Camp Street, Cape Town. Since then, they’ve introduced a whole variety of products inspired by the changing seasons and their effects on mind, body and soul. From hydrating body balms to nourishing treatment oils – all products are made with 100% natural and ethically-sourced ingredients and presented in Waas’ minimal, recyclable packaging. Trust us, your mom will approve.

Nothing says romance quite like an overnight break, and at Experience Days, we’ve a great selection to choose from. Have a browse, and you’ll find quirky glamping getaways and lakeside retreats, self-catering lodges and luxury five-star hotels. Whether you’re celebrating her birthday, Christmas or a special anniversary, an overnight break is your chance to sweep her off her feet – so don’t miss it! Head over to our getaways and short breaks section now and surprise your girlfriend, wife or partner with a romantic experience gift she’ll never forget.

Yes, it’s another classic gift for her, but choosing jewellery for your girlfriend can be difficult. Get it right, and she’ll forever treasure and wear your gift as a token of undying love and affection. Get it wrong, and you could find yourself asking, ‘whatever became of that antique broach I got you from the flea market? I never see you wearing it’ – to which averted eyes and a hasty change of subject are the only reply. Happily, Cape Town-based Meraki Jewellery Design creates delicate, timeless pieces your girlfriend will love. Made from raw stones, sterling silver and recycled brass, they’re designed to age gracefully and compliment all sorts of styles.

Cape Town’s Missibaba makes quality women’s accessories using only the finest materials and artisanal methods. Founded by Chloe Townsend, it’s a company committed to empowering women through investment in its own 18 strong team as well as involvement in other upliftment and skill-sharing programs. Every bag is expertly handcrafted in line with the principles of ‘slow fashion’, and the range includes Instagram favourites, like the Banana Bum Bug, pineapple appliqued handbags, and collaborations with South African jewellery and accessories label Pichulik. A practical and fashion-forward gift for your girlfriend that’ll leave her wide-eyed at your exquisite good taste.

Our apologies to all those with skydiving grannies out there, but on the whole, if you’re going to buy your grandma an experience gift, it’s probably best to choose something a bit more relaxed. Better still, make it something the two of you can do together. Happily, this perfume making workshop ticks both boxes!

Treat your grandma to a chilled-out two hours surrounded by gorgeous scents in Cape Town, during which you’ll learn which fragrances complement one another, and marvel at their ability to evoke memories of people, places and experiences as you craft your own signature perfumes.

Complimentary hot drinks are available, and your 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, you’ll leave with a concentrated bottle of your signature creation, plus a luxurious scented body cream.

A scented candle makes a great gift for almost anyone, including Grandma. These ones from Amanda + Jayne are hand poured in small quantities, using pure soy wax, naturally fragrant oils and an eco-friendly cotton wick. There’s a variety of delicious scents to choose from, but we’re most intrigued by the ginger cake, cedar chest and greenhouse. Some of the most popular flavours are even available in these oh-so cute gold travel tins!

An old-fashioned treat for an old-fashioned lady! Err, you might want to rethink that gift tag. Still, a gift hamper from authentic toffee makers Darling Sweet is sure to put a smile on your grandma’s face. They’ve several to choose from, each containing a different selection of sweet treats and featuring artwork by artist Nicolas Maritz. All handcrafted toffees and toffee spreads are made using traditional methods and quality, natural ingredients (sourced locally wherever possible). Flavours include honey & salt, bird’s eye chilli and rooibos chai – so there’s plenty to keep Grandma returning for another!

Remember when you gave each other dares as kids? Well, they don’t get bigger than this! At Experience Days, we’ve a range of tandem skydives that’ll test Sis’ head for heights and put a huge tick on her bucket list. From Plettenberg Bay to Kruger National Park, we’ve opportunities for her to experience the thrill of freefall in the company of experienced tandem professionals, starting at just R2,650. So, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience gift your sister will never forget (hopefully for the right reasons) – look no further!

If your sister is partial to a tipple or two - or three - this wine and cheese pairing voucher will make the perfect experience gift for her.

Lubanzi is a stunning seaside village, the perfect location for a relaxing evening full of wine tasting. Once your sister arrives at the lodge, she will be greeted by her friendly host. She'll then learn the process of how wine is made during a small tour of a brand new vineyard that will grow to produce its own wine in the future!

Next, she will get to try three different wine blends from different vineyards across South Africa. During the tasting, guests are taught how to taste wine like an expert, how to listen to and train their palate in order to know which wines they like, and which wine is the most appropriate for different occasions.

Finally comes the all important wine and cheese pairing! She’ll strengthen her knowledge by pairing each wine with two types of cheese, tasting the difference in the combinations. This gift is guaranteed to be a winner.

You’re grownups now, so you can give grownup gifts. Copeland Rum is the award-winning first release of master distiller and veteran electronic musician James Copeland. Fermented and distilled in the Cape of Storms, it’s a full-flavoured, additive-free single rum full of tropical flavours and darker, spicy aromas. Great with freshly-squeezed fruit juices or as part of a classic rum cocktail. Whether she prefers a daiquiri or a Cuba Libre (the heathen!), grab your sister a bottle – it’s one she’ll sure appreciate.

Does your friend love the beach and keeping active? Well, surf’s up! That’s right, during this two-hour lesson, she’ll get to grips with the fundamentals of surfing, with private tuition from a professional instructor. From practicing the all-important ‘pop-up’ to catching her very first wave, it’s a guaranteed fun day out that could even be the start of something very special. Oh yes, try surfing once – and you’re hooked for life! Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss out, and luckily this an experience gift that two can share. Question is, who will be the first to stand up?

Rialheim is a pottery manufacturer and creative studio based in the Cape Winelands. It makes ceramic homewares inspired by the landscape and heritage of its surroundings. The factory sits on the site of a two-hundred-year-old farm, Clairvaux, and takes its name from the semisweet white wine first produced there in 1980. This, in turn, was named in honour of Rial Kloppers, the wine cellar’s founder. Visit Rialheim’s online store, and you’ll find stunning tableware, vases decorative ornaments and more, all handmade with love and sold at affordable prices. We think they make great gifts for friends, so go on, take a look!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good braai with family and friends? Great food cooked over an open flame, plus good company and maybe a beer or two – it doesn’t get better than that. But has your friend really been braaiing to her full potential? In The Democratic Republic of Braai, Jan Braai (real name Jan Scannell) shows readers how to make the most of this proud South African tradition. With loads of simple yet exciting recipes, this is the ultimate braaiers companion, featuring straightforward, logical instructions and gorgeous, appetising photographs throughout. Treat your mate today – and eagerly await your next braai invite!