15 Christmas Present Ideas for 15 Personalities

A pick of 15 fabulous gifts for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts and girly girls to sporty sorts and sentimental souls

Last Update: November 25, 2016

The sorts of Christmas gifts that really put smiles on people’s faces and evoke warm, fuzzy feelings are those that have been thoughtfully selected to match the loved one’s tastes, hobbies, quirks and character. So, with this in mind, we teamed up with the gift gurus behind Tidy & Co, an online store that stocks its cyber shelves with only unique, meaningful products, to put together an overview of 15 festive season present suggestions for 15 distinct personalities.

Below, there are ideas for the outdoorsy, the imaginative, the trendy and the sentimental, and every item is available just a click away via the virtual shop. The e-boutique delivers overnight to all main centres in South Africa (just be sure to place your order before 2:30pm) or within two to three days to more remote areas – a flat rate of R65 is charged for parcels under R500; for those above this price, shipping is free.

15 CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS FOR 15 PERSONALITIES

Grow Your Own Bonsai Kits for Budding Botanists and Nature Enthusiasts
Perfect for green-fingered kiddies or outdoorsy sorts who enjoy working with their hands, these delightful starter packs come with seedlings for growing your own gorgeous bonsai tree. Not to mention, they’re also equipped with a plastic pot and instructions on how to cultivate the little plants. While adults who love minimalist horticulture are bound to adore these tiny trees, they’re also a great way to teach little ones about the environment and how to look after your own plants.

Price: R75 per starter pack.

Art Classes for Creative Tweens and Imaginative Adults
Not your ordinary gift, this option is ideal for young Picassos who already own everything else or for grown-ups who’ve always been hungry to get their hands on a blank canvas. An art class gift voucher gives recipients a chance to attend any one of an assortment of different lessons at the Bright Day studio in Woodstock, with options ranging from classes for absolute amateurs to classes focused on expressionism or figure drawing. The sessions are bound to inspire and entertain, so this is the sort of gift that won’t ever be forgotten.

Price: R250 per class.

Magazine Subscriptions for Cool Trend-conscious Teens
A one-year subscription to a favourite magazine is the sort of present that’ll give joy to even the most moody and hard-to-buy-for of teens, especially those who’re eager to keep up on the latest developments in fashion, beauty, technology or cars. Tidy & Co sells subscriptions to publications like Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure, Car and Popular Mechanics as well as a few that are sure to appeal to sports fanatics (Ride and Compleat Golfer, for instance). All the magazines are available in print or digital form.

Price: Between R192 and R240 (depending on the magazine) for a one-year subscription.

Braai Spice Pack for Tong Master Types
If you’re desperately hunting for something for dad, or for anyone who just loves to reign over the coals, this seasoning set is a winning choice. The pack comprises 12 different bottles of hot spices from all over the globe, including options like tandoori, piri-piri, Texan BBQ, Cajun, harissa and red curry, as well as a booklet of recipe suggestions. With it, the proud new owner will be able to turn a bland chicken breast into a delicious piece of poultry perfection.

Price: R245

Flowering Tea and Teapot for Serene Old Souls
A nod to Chinese culture, this beautiful gift is sure to be a hit with tranquil tea-loving types who appreciate all things pretty and dainty. The package contains eight flowering balls, each of which is made from green tea leaves hand-strung around a dried bloom. When placed in hot water, the little brew buds open out to reveal a lovely blossom. A glass teapot is included too so that tea-drinkers can watch the whole fascinating flourishing process before pouring a soothing cuppa.

Price: R380

The Coffee Route Book for Local Caffeine Lovers
For those who prefer to support small local businesses over corporations, The Coffee Route lists all the best independent coffee shops in Cape Town and surrounding areas. The book focuses not only on cafés that brew perfect cups of coffee but also places that have a welcoming atmosphere and a delectable selection of food and snacks to nibble while chatting away with friends.

Price: R200

Stud Earrings for Girly Girls and Ladies
It’s an indisputable truth: jewellery is a fail-proof gift option for almost any woman who loves the finer things in life. Tidy & Co sells an assortment of petite earrings that’ll suit an assortment of budgets and look lovely on the lobes of your special someone. The collection includes sterling silver studs with lapis lazuli or amethyst stones; cute and quirky cat-shaped earrings; pretty, pink mother-of-pearl rose studs and, the most popular option, twisted silver wreaths with a brass heart detail. All the jewellery is locally made, so this purchase won’t just put a sparkle in someone’s eye; it’ll support the South African craft scene too.

Price: R295 – R700

Nude Charcoal Prints for Cultured Patrons of the Arts
Culture vultures and art lovers will get much joy out of these striking charcoal drawing prints of nude figures by renowned Cape Town-based artist and illustrator Doug Powell. They’re rich with movement and emotion, and as they’re part of a limited edition series (there are only 50 copies of each of the five sketches), the recipient will be one of only a few people in the world who owns the work. What’s more, as the prints are affordable, they’re a great way to start off an aspiring collector’s portfolio.

Price: R250 per print. 

VuvuzelaNation Book of Cartoons for Sporty Sorts with a Sense of Humour
If you’re on the hunt for something for a sports fan that’s a little more exciting than a rugby ball or golf glove, consider this entertaining compilation of more than 200 drawings by well-known controversial cartoonist Zapiro. In his irreverent style, the satirist recounts the fascinating, somewhat political, tale of South African sport from 1995 to 2013, and all the key characters from our athletic past make an appearance (think Hansie Cronje, Caster Semenya and old Oscar Pistorius, for example). It’s the sort of book that’ll bring laughs for years and is equally appropriate for jock-y and intellectual types.

Price: R145

A Message Mug for Sentimental Souls or Lovey-dovey Couples
This porcelain mug from local designer Love Milo is a fun reform on the regular coffee cup and a tip-top gift for someone who’s gets a little dewy-eyed in response to sweet words. Adorned with a bird and notebook spine design, the mug comes with a ceramic pen that anyone can use to scribble little ‘P.S. I Love You’-style messages on its surface – the ink comes off easily in hot water and the item is safe in both the dishwasher and the microwave. Another idea is to buy two of these cups and give them to a couple as a combined gift (they would be as ideal for a newly married pair as they would for gran and grandpa).

Price: R165 for one mug.

Tote Bags for Young, Fashion-forward Females
If you’re searching high and low for a special something for a style-conscious teen or young lady, you can’t go wrong with a trendy tote bag. Tidy & Co has a range of different options, some of which are ideal for casual daytime wear and others that would look equally eye-catching at night or at a more formal function. More specifically, the online shop stocks two artsy bags printed with artist Vladimir Tretchikoff’s famed, richly hued Chinese Girl and Zulu Girl images and another two 100% cotton carriers with graphic black-and-white designs and genuine leather handles.

Price: R425 – R449.

Darling Sweet Toffee for Sweet-natured Sugar Addicts
Very few people would turn their noses up at a chic little package filled with homemade toffee. This colourful toffee package from Tidy & Co is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth or as a meaningful gift for a friendly acquaintance, like a secretary or work colleague. The hand-crafted packaged is bursting with toffees made right here in the Western Cape. The toffee comes in a variety of flavours such as red wine and chocolate, orange and pomegranate and honey salt.

Price: R65

Quirky Socks and Ties for the Hippest of Hipsters
Standard socks and ties might make for rather boring Christmas gifts, but there’s nothing regular or mundane about the colourful, off-the-wall fashion accessories from Tidy & Co. Both the skinny wax print ties from Mzansi brand Babatunde – they come in funky African-inspired designs – and the bold, funky socks from proudly South African company Sexy Sokcks are made for individuals with a small dose of eccentricity and a whole heap of style. They’re trimmings for the quintessential Cape Town hipster who’s set on waging war on the mainstream.

Price: R165 for a pair of Sexy Socks and R120 for a Babatunde tie.

Soy Pamper Hamper for Pamper-me Princesses
This soy pamper hamper is a great Christmas present idea for a special sweetheart who likes to be indulged or for hedonists in touch with their sensual side. The hamper includes scented soy body and moisturising candles, nourishing soy body butter, relaxing foam bath, revitalising bath salts and glycerine soap. All of these delights are made using natural products that make your skin feel good and smell great.

Price: R410 per hamper.

Ed Suter Coasters for Proudly South African Homemakers 
Anyone who oozes urban cool but is also an avid nester in love with all things local should have one of these striking sets of drink coasters in their house. The cork-backed beverage mats bear prints of images taken by Cape Town-based photographer Ed Suter, and there are several different options available, including a set that features Nguni cattle and another with a quirky soft drink theme. The packs comprise four heat-resistant coasters and are the ideal Christmas gift for someone who’s recently moved into a new home or who simply loves adding to their domestic collection of wares.

Price: R95 for a set of four coasters

Tip: Tidy & Co also sells quirky gift cards for around R25, so you can buy your Christmas gift and an accompanying note at the same time. What’s more, you can get the present beautifully wrapped before delivery for just R15 extra.

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On the lookout for ways to celebrate the festive season this year? Consult our guide to Christmas feasts and parties in Cape Town.

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