UNIQUE EXPERIENCE GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2023 - FROM R200

It's now less than four weeks until Christmas, which means it's 100% acceptable to have lights up, decorate your tree, and start Christmas shopping for your loved ones!

Finding a unique and exciting Christmas gift doesn't have to be a chore, and doesn't have to break the bank. With over 300 amazing activities and days out across South Africa, Experience Days is your one-stop-shop for gifts that will make even the fussiest friends jump for joy! In this article we've listed some of our favourites starting at just R200, proving thoughtful Christmas gifts can also be purse-friendly. Read on for fantastic Christmas 2023 inspiration!

Located at the foot of the eastern side of Table Mountain, Newlands Brewery is a Cape Town icon that's been providing the country with beer since 1657. For only R100 per person you can don an audio headset and follow an expert guide through the brewing cellar, fermentation room, bottling and labelling factory, the distribution warehouse, the original brewhouse, and finally the bar for a tasting of five Newlands brands. Your ticket also includes two draft pints or bottles after the tasting, so you're getting a lot for your money! We'd recommend this experience as a fab Christmas gift for Dads and fans of the precious amber nectar.

Speaking of South African icons; we're moving onto our very own botanical phenomenon, fynbos. Yes it's pretty to look at when you're out hiking, but it's also the oldest source of medicine in the country, being used in traditional African remedies for hundreds of years. During this utterly one-of-a-kind tasting experience in Cape Town, you'll learn about the different varieties and uses for each plant, mixing cordials and infusions that are like nothing you've tasted before. The workshops are run by Giselle Courtney (one of the nicest people I've ever met!) and are fun for all ages, making this experience a great Christmas gift for Mums and groups of friends.

Think rally driving is just for pro-racers and Red Bull sponsored adrenaline junkies? Think again! This half day experience in Pretoria gives anyone over the age of 16 the chance to try professional rally driving - without even needing a licence! If you're after a Christmas gift that will make a huge impact, we can't recommend this off-road experience enough. And if the price is a bit steep, there's also a Passenger Ride for R875 where guests can experience the power of pro rally driving from the safety of the passenger seat. This activity is completely unique, and would be the perfect Christmas gift for young petrol-heads!

If your giftee is a creative soul (or an avid chocolate-lover), have them  master the art of Instagram-worthy cakes at this Chocolate Ganache Cake Decorating Workshop in Durbanville.

Led by an expert cake-maker, dive into the world of cake decorating and sugar art with a workstation equipped with professional tools. Upon arrival, your instructor will outline the day's agenda and showcase techniques you'll explore during the workshop. Whether you're a newbie or seeking to enhance your cake decoration prowess, this workshop offers the perfect blend of technical learning and artistic expression. The best part? You'll proudly take your masterpiece home!

This Cake Decorating and Sugar Work Class in Durbanville is a wonderful opportunity for a thoughtful and unique gift that promises to unlock baking mastery. Surprise that special someone and watch creativity soar in the kitchen this holiday season — an extraordinary and unique Christmas gift for aspiring bakers!

There's no lack of wine tasting experiences in South Africa, but Avondale Wine Estate in Paarl have taken things up a notch with an eco-tractor tour of the farm and tasting on their beautiful patio. With a particular focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly practises, Avondale are leading industry pioneers with innovative bio-dynamic techniques that create wonderful wines that don't harm our planet. Learn about this unique farm during a scenic tractor ride through the grounds and finish up with a delightful tasting overlooking the hills - a fantastic Christmas gift for wine lovers!

If your giftee is an adrenaline junkie, this Zombie Shooting Experience might just be the thing for them this Christmas. Prepare for the zombie apocalypse in an unforgettable way with a themed shooting experience in Cape Town. Led by a dedicated range instructor, this experience offers the chance to test three guns and make an informed choice for survival. The safety briefing, whether at the office or the shooting range, ensures a clear understanding of gun handling and safety measures. The Zombie Shooting Experience in Cape Town isn't just a day out; it's an opportunity to settle the debate on the best weapon for fighting the undead while adding an adrenaline-fueled twist to your giftee's holiday season. An exceptional and unique Christmas gift for the adventurous soul in your life! 

Claimed to be the fastest flowing river in South Africa, Sundays River is scenic, full of wildlife, and meets the ocean conveniently close to Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This 90 minute cruise is the best way to see the beautiful green banks of the river, keeping a keen eye out for birds and marine life while the captain entertains you with informative commentary. Pack a picnic or simply sit back and enjoy the views - just don't forget your camera! A gift voucher would make a magical Christmas present for Eastern Cape residents and tourists alike, and for only R300 per person it's incredible value for money.

Our final choice for 2023's Hottest Christmas Gift Ideas is the 10,000ft Plettenberg Bay Tandem Skydive, the ultimate experience for adrenaline junkies. If you buy them a gift certificate, they have to do it - that's just how it works! The price may be a little high (no pun intended), but the look on their face when they open the gift certificate Christmas morning? Priceless. Parachuting over Plettenberg Bay and landing right on the beach is a feeling that can't be matched, so make this Christmas one to remember with an Experience Days Gift Voucher.

Thanks for reading! We hope you've found some inspiration and are no longer dreading your Christmas shopping, but if none of these take your fancy there are hundreds more across the country, with everything from horse riding to spa days to food tours, with everything in between. Happy Holidays!