LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS UPDATED FOR 2023

Welcome to Experience Days' Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide - updated for 2023!

Don’t worry, we know the feeling… Christmas is just around the corner, and you’ve been so busy with work, chores and trying to continue having friends other than the guy who makes your sandwich at lunchtime, Christmas shopping may just have slipped your mind (and maybe your wallet wasn’t so keen on the idea either.)

When you have a lot of people to buy for (friends, colleagues, and the sandwich guy) it can feel overwhelming when you’re down to the wire and don’t have anything under the tree. That’s why we’re here to "wrap up" (sorry) our favourite last-minute gift ideas that still make an impression.

Don’t worry, they’re not those kind of last minute gift ideas – you know, cheap shower gel or discounted boxes of chocolates purchased from the supermarket – these, although they can be acquired in a short amount of time, will still make the recipients smile on Christmas Day. Read on to find out our favourite Last Minute Christmas Gifts for 2023. 

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Homemade

When in doubt, make! If you’re not naturally artistic, you might feel like this one doesn’t apply to you – so if you’ve never so much as looked at a paintbrush, use the other creative skills at your disposal to make a heartfelt gift for your loved ones. 

Baked Goods

Brownies or cookies are a quick and easy present for those giftees who have a sweet tooth.
Christmas, after all, is the time of the year when you can eat as much sugar as you like without feeling bad about it, so whip up a batch of cookies or brownies, get out your nicest Tupperware and decorate with a bow! Voilà, you have a sweet and homemade Christmas gift. 

For delicious bakes in a hurry, we like the following recipes:

- Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from I Heart Eating
- Cocoa Brownie Recipe from Inspired Taste 

Homemade Room Spray

If you’re short on cash and time, a homemade room spray is a great last-minute gift idea, using just an empty spray bottle and fresh flowers or essential oils with water. We like these Christmas themed room sprays from Tidbits.

Collage

No, we’re not talking about the dried-pasta-and-glitter concoctions of your youth. (Well, there can be some glitter involved…)

Collages are a really creative and imaginative way to express your creativity, without needing to draw anything by hand. Interesting materials are your friend, from fun cardboard in different colours and textures, to ribbons, to eye-catching magazine clippings.

You can spend hours (although as the title of this post suggests, we don’t have hours, so quick-smart, get sticking) combining different patterns, shapes and pictures to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art. They can be serious or silly, elaborate or simple.

The direction you take is completely up to you – and the most attractive part of this gift (apart from the glitter of course) is the small outlay. You’re only paying for the materials, so your purse strings will thank you. 

Flowers

Who doesn't love receiving flowers? They are a sweet tradition that dates back generations, and are loved irrespective of who gives them. What better way to elevate the experience than to handpick and arrange the flowers themselves? This Flower Arranging Workshop in Gauteng is a creative experience where you can make arrange your own bouquet in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Affordable but Mighty

“Okay, but I don’t have time to cut out cute pictures from magazines, bake anything, or create a special room spray.”

We hear you. Time is often the most precious commodity of all, and if you’re lacking in that department (as a lot of us will be in this run-up to Christmas) sometimes the answer is cold, hard cash. 

“Wait – I have hardly any of that, either.”

Not a problem! Affordable shop-bought Christmas gifts with sentimental value don’t have to break the bank. Check out some of our favourite affordable but mighty last-minute Christmas gift ideas below:

Pyjamas or Loungewear

No matter how hard we try to convince ourselves that we are a civilised society, in reality all anybody wants to be doing is wearing their pyjamas. We have no research to back this fact up, but we strongly believe this to be true.

That’s why you can never go wrong with a great pair of pyjamas, slippers or a dressing gown to make your giftee feel truly cosy. Why not try this floral pyjama set for an adorable Christmas gift?

Coffee Beans

There’s nothing better than a proper cup of coffee, and if your giftee can’t go without their morning fix, treat them to a nice bag of freshly roasted coffee beans.

Most coffee shops will sell their own brand either pre-ground or as whole beans, so however your giftee enjoys their morning cup, there’ll be something for them.

This Christmas gift shows you care, without breaking the bank.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts: Vouchers

Okay – maybe we’re biased, but we happen to think vouchers make excellent Christmas gifts. Particularly experience vouchers, as this gives your recipient the opportunity to make memories in 2023 and beyond, instead of just acquiring more material goods to get thrown away or donated.

Our experience gift vouchers are delivered instantly via email, so there’s no need to worry about it getting to you in time for the big unwrap! We’ve rounded up some of our top picks for Christmas 2023 below:

Wahlberg's Eagle Encounter in Stellenbosch, Cape Town - R 135

Instant Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers

This fascinating eagle encounter in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, is the ultimate gift for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors.

If you’re in need of an instant gift for the bird-loving human in your life, this full day experience is sure to impress. During their experience, your lucky giftee will have full access to a leading eco-tourism centre, where they’ll meet falcons, hawks, owls and reptiles.

They can enjoy live raptor displays, and the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the resident Wahlberg’s eagle, Wally. A quick Christmas gift that will stay with them for years to come!

Sundays River 2.5 Hour Boat Cruise - R 450

Instant Christmas Gift for Your Best Friend

Treat your best pal or the intrepid explorer in your life to this fantastic Sundays River 2.5 Hour Boat Cruise, the perfect last-minute Christmas gift for water babies.

They’ll meet their guide, before venturing out on their vessel into the Sundays River. The river was originally named Nukakamma (‘Grassy Water’) by the Khoisan people for its luscious evergreen riverbanks, which we think will make a beautiful view for your giftee.

They’ll enjoy a serene two hours exploring the Sundays River by boat, with their knowledgeable guide on-hand to answer any questions they might have. 

Express On The Go Spa Day in Rosebank - R 780

Last Minutes Christmas Gift for Your Mum

… or anyone in need of a quick pick-me-up!

This revitalising on-the-go spa day in Rosebank entitles one lucky giftee to their choice of 2 spa treatments, a mani-pedi and use of the spa facilities.

Whether your mum has been working too hard, or you have a friend in desperate need of some pampering, there are few better ways to spend a few hours.

The facilities at The Rosebank spa include a calming floatation pool, heated indoor pool, steam room and sauna.

The perfect Christmas gift to make your giftee feel renewed and recharged for the new year!

Snorkelling With Seals - R1650

Last Minute Christmas Gifts for an Adventure Lover

Imagine the excitement of diving into False Bay's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by friendly seals eager to greet you. This snorkelling experience, perfect for adventurers and animal lovers alike, begins near Simon's Town.

No prior diving experience is needed! With a group of up to 12, receive expert guidance, gear up, and hop on a Zodiac RIB for an unforgettable encounter. Picture your giftee surrounded by curious seals and abundant marine life, creating memories that'll last a lifetime.

This unique adventure is the ideal gift for locals seeking new thrills or tourists craving an extraordinary experience - perfect for that giftee who loves an adventure (along with cute seals!).

Tandem Paragliding Experience in Cape Town - R1300

Last Minute Gifts for Adrenaline Junkies

Well, better them than you, right?!

If you’re buying for someone who holds adventure close to their heart and is always chasing the next adrenaline rush, this tandem paragliding experience in Cape Town makes the perfect last-minute gift.

During this breath-taking paragliding experience over Cape Town, your adventurous giftee will be in the hands of expert instructors who have safety at the forefront of their minds – along with fun, of course!

Once they’ve been talked through the safety aspects of the flight, they’ll get strapped into their harness. A truly unforgettable Christmas gift.

New Experience Gifts for 2023

Below we've rounded up a selection of experience gifts perfect for giving to a loved one this Christmas. From adrenaline junkies to those who prefer a little rest and relaxation, we have added a wide selection of experiences this year suitable for every giftee on your list!

Ceres Valley Zipline Adventure - R500

Buying for a big thrill seeker? This one is for them. Packed with heights and adrenaline, this zip line adventure in Ceres Valley is the ultimate gift for a loved one with nerves of steel.

Your giftee can embrace their adrenaline as they coast through the sky on a course of 8 slides. As they zoom through the air 40 metres above the ground, they’ll take in the breath-taking views of the Schurweberg Mountains.

Surrounded by incredible sights and packed full of some next level exhilaration, we think this zip line experience is bound to be a winner on Christmas day!

Craft Rum Distillery Tour & Tasting in Cape Town – R 175

For rum lovers, how about this fascinating distillery tour? Your giftee will tour a small batch distilling company and enjoy a rum tasting session of three signature samples produced in house.

During their two-hour tour of Cape Of Storms Distilling Company in Salt River, they’ll gain an insight into the distilling process, what goes into their unique flavours and why the team are so passionate about craft rum!

Couples' Photo Shoot in Johannesburg – R 995

Perfect for engaged couples, newlywed friends or as a surprise for your own partner, this romantic photoshoot is in Johannesburg makes a thoughtful gift to give this Christmas.

Your giftees will enjoy a professional photoshoot in a picturesque outdoor setting in Roodepoort. They’ll spend 30 minutes together in the company of expert photographer Rani, who will work with the pair to get the best shots.

After approximately two weeks, the couple will be sent 20 high resolution photographs that they can proudly print and frame. With memories to last a lifetime and a set of show-stopping photos, Christmas gifts don’t get much more thoughtful than this!

Sunset Cobra Driving Experience in Cape Town – R 2200

Give someone the unforgettable gift of a Cape Town sunset!

By day Cape Town is a beautiful city with an abundance of incredible views. By night, it transforms into a majestic place that sparkles under the setting sun. Your giftee and a guest of their choosing will enjoy cruising this world famous coast in a charming classic car. They’ll begin their experience as they pick up the keys to their very own classic v8 Shelby Cobra from the rental centre. Once ready, they’ll get behind the wheel and hit the road for an hour and a half – just as dusk falls and the sun sets over Cape Town.

With 35km to explore, your gift recipient can hit up popular sunset spots such as Signall Hill, Lion’s Head and the Camps Bay Tidal Pools.

Thank you for reading!

And that concludes our Instant Christmas Gift Guide, updated for 2023. From homemade offerings to thoughtfully chosen experiences (wink wink), we hope our gift guide has helped you to find something special for those who are left on your list.

Experience vouchers make great last minute Christmas presents to receive instantly via email, and are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase, giving your giftee plenty of time to enjoy! If you’re not sure which experience to go for, you can always opt for an open voucher and allow your giftee to (literally) choose their own adventure.

As always, the Experience Days elves are on hand to help with any festive quandary, or answer questions about our experiences. Just contact us today, or leave a comment under this article; we’d love to hear from you. 

From all of us here at Experience Days, merry Christmas and a happy new year!