THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR 2020

Looking for the perfect gift?

Below you'll find the ultimate list of unique, unusual and exciting birthday gifts, perfect for anyone from your best friend to your long-term partner. 

If you’ve known someone for a long while, the chances are this isn’t the first time you’ve scratched your head over what to get them for their birthday. Already, 365 days have passed since you stood in the perfume aisle of the pharmacy trying to decide which brand was less weird to buy your best friend; the one called ‘DESIRE’ or the one which smells slightly like potpourrie… And yet here we are again, a year later and trying once more to decide what to get them for their birthday.

There’s no need to linger in the strange smells of the perfume aisle, try to decide between two slightly unflattering tops, or buy them a pair of bed socks because you left it right to the last minute…  Experience Days has you covered.

Below you’ll find our picks for the most interesting and unusual birthday gifts in 2020. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find the perfect gift!

Give them the gift of an experience…

SWIM WITH SEALS IN PLETTENBERG BAY - R 850

Got a marine wildlife fan on your hands?

Treat them to this incredible experience in Plettenberg Bay, where they’ll have the indescribable joy of swimming and interacting with seals. 

During their 2 hour long experience, their expert guides will take them out to Robberg Peninsula, home to around 6000 Cape fur seals.

Here, your lucky giftee will get to get to know these gentle creatures as they glide through the deep blue water.

Whether they’re an animal lover or just someone who’s always chasing the next unusual adventure, this experience gift is one they’ll remember for a lifetime. 

ONE HOUR SPIER FARM SEGWAY TOUR IN STELLENBOSCH - R 375

You can’t really go wrong with a Segway tour! A relatively recent invention, the Segway has firmly cemented itself as the transport of the tour group, and we think this one hour Spier Farm adventure is one of the best tours going. 

If your giftee is a wine lover – and let’s be honest, who isn’t?! - Spier Farm's fertile grounds and gabled farmhouses will serve as the perfect place to learn even more about their favourite tipple.

As they whizz through the farm on their unique machine, they'll learn all about Spier's ingenious bio-dynamic farming techniques, touring the vineyards where Spier grows its organic Merlot grapes, surrounded by stunning views of the farm's mountainous backdrop.

OPEN DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY FLIGHT - R 4600

Not for the faint-hearted, this open door photography flight will serve as the ideal gift for budding photographers with a sense of adventure.

This flight can depart from either Cape Town or Johannesburg, and will take your giftee on a stunning aerial tour of the sprawling landscape below. They’ll be accompanied by veteran aerial photographer Grant, who will show them how best to capture the incredible sights on camera. 

The door will be removed to allow for better angles, and your daring giftee will be securely harnessed to the interior of the aircraft while they take the most beautiful shots of their life! Grant will be on hand at all times to offer tips and techniques. 

ELEPHANT INTERACTION AT CAMP JABULANI IN HOEDSPRUIT - R 975

Treat your giftee to a life-changing interaction with these gentle giants at Camp Jabulani!

This 2 hour experience will see them meet and interact with a herd of elephants, informed by expert guides.

They'll get to feed them, exchange greetings, and even give the more social elephants a friendly stroke as they curiously explore their new visitors.

CAPE TOWN FYNBOS TASTING EXPERIENCE - R 1200

This 2 hour Fynbos tasting experience in Cape Town is a truly one-of-a-kind birthday gift for those who love to explore new hobbies!

This experience will see your giftee learn about a selection of unusual Fynbos species in a laboratory-style tasting including Rhino bush, Cancer bush and Buchu, amongst others. 

They'll see how these distinct flavours of the Cape Floristic Region are made into teas and tinctures, complemented by sweet treats and digestives.

FULL DAY TUK TUK WINE TOUR FOR TWO IN FRANSCHHOEK - R 760

Another great gift for wine lovers, this tuk tuk wine tour for 2 takes your giftee through the lush wine region of Franschhoek in a truly unique method of transport: the adorable tuk tuk!

They'll visit 5 - 6 vineyards, indulging in a full day of sightseeing, wine tasting and relaxing in the sun.

Highlights include fabulous Cape Dutch architecture, lunch overlooking the mountains, and commentary from their expert guide.

Give them something to keep… 

Kids Drawing Necklace - R 1,401.79

If you’re looking to buy for someone who has kids, this drawing necklace is a cute and unusual way to celebrate their family life!

This incredible jeweller will turn their kids' works of arts into wearable jewellery to treasure forever, made from scratch out of sterling silver.

A beautifully sentimental gift for the parent who has it all… 

Custom portrait illustration - R 190.00+

Are their walls looking a little blank?

Adorn their home with a beautiful custom-made portrait. Whether you’d like their likeness to be reimagined, or perhaps an unusual illustration of the two of you together, this talented artist will create a beautiful digital rendering of a subject of your choice, before sending a digital download.

Forward to your giftee on their birthday, or print it out for them to hang up on their walls!

This personal, thoughtful gift really shows that you care. 

Personalised Interests Observer Style Notebook - R 286.87

If your giftee has a lot of hobbies, these gorgeous handmade notebooks will help them to compartmentalise their various responsibilities, allowing their busy life to run more smoothly. 

You can select their favourite colours for the front covers, and label each notebook with a different hobby or responsibility. Altogether, the notebooks look decidedly Instagrammable and will serve your giftee for many busy days to come. 

Give them something to eat or drink… 

Champagne and Chocolate Gift Box - R1579.00

If your giftee has a sweet tooth and a penchant for Champagne, they'll love this indulgent gift set. 

Premium Moet & Chandon Champagne is paired with decadent Ferrero Rocher truffles, all presented in a stainless steel cooler to keep their Champagne ice cold while they celebrate!

Coffee Gift Box - R 891.30

Step up their morning routine with this coffee gift box!

Caramel fudge is paired with iced shortbread balls, chocolate cranberries, local pecan nuts and coffee from the Barista Boys. 

They'll enjoy their premium coffee from their ceramic mug, complete with wooden coasters. 

A truly stylish way to indulge in their morning brew. 

Braai Snacks, Spices & Sauces - R369.90

Treat your lucky giftee to this fabulous gourmet hamper, including everything they need to braai in style!

Inside their gift box, they'll find beef biltong, salted nuts, texan rub, BBQ steak seasoning, garlic oil and chilli sauce. 

This is a decadent feast in a box, the perfect birthday gift for foodies. 

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading! That concludes our ultimate list of unique and unusual birthday gifts for 2020. We hope you’ve found something perfect from the above, but if you’re still looking, browse our full range of experience gifts here. 

Have a question or suggestion for a unique birthday gift? Leave a comment; we’d love to hear from you!