Romantic gift ideas in Cape Town

Sweep your soul mate off their feet

Last Updated: 19 January 2022

Valentine's Day is one of the most commercialised days in human history, it is also the day that many of our romantic triggers get put to the test – but romance doesn't always have to mean heart shaped boxes of chocolates and teddy bears. Romance is not only found in the extremely expensive or sparkly things (although some would beg to differ).

It can be found in the little things one can do for one’s better half – from a simple breakfast in bed and a brisk walk through your neighbourhood to simply spending quality time with your partner. We've rounded up our pick of things to do and buy to make your Valentine's Day less cheesy and more cool. Most people don’t need much but they do appreciate a whole lot – and remember what they say about the little things, they count for the most.

ADD MORE SPARKLE TO HER LIFE

Of course, you’re the sparkle in her life, but you can always sprinkle a little more. At reputable South African jeweller Shimansky, three diamond rings declare love boldly: The Evolym (“my love” spelled backwards), the Circle of Love and the My Girl diamond, cut at the workshop and patented internationally. You’ll find more than just these three beautiful options at Shimansky.

Romantic and bespoke: handcrafted fynbos rings

Diamonds + platinum + handcrafted designs. It doesn’t get more romantic than a handcrafted engagement diamond ring set in a range of precious metals, including gold and platinum and created by the master craftsmen at Cape Diamonds Cape Town studio. You don’t have to design from scratch either. Their Cape Fynbos Range offers a unique collection of exquisite diamond and platinum engagement rings that celebrate the rare beauty of the Cape floral kingdom and, of course, your soon-to-be fiancé. And who says it has to be an engagement ring? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, whether it comes wrapped in a proposal or not.

Unit 6, Victoria Junction | 57 Prestwich St | Green Point | +27 (0)21 421 5364

Boozy Breakfast

The Avontuur Wine Estate hosts Network Breakfasts every second Wednesday of the month. A gorgeous spread is prepared for no more than 55 guests. Guest speakers are invited to deliver presentations that impact and empower those in attendance. Surprise someone with an inspirational breakfast at a magnificent venue.

Avontuur Estate | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 855 3450

Surprise them 

First and foremost there’s nothing better than a good ol’ surprise. Waking up to the smell of omelettes prepared by your partner just for your indulgence and a bunch of blooming roses is enough to make a good V-day great. A surprise breakfast in bed does wonders to many relationships. Surprises do not just have to stop there though. There are many other ways to give your partner the unexpected, just make sure that it is well planned, well timed and, of course, top secret.

Make something

Handmade gifts are one of the most appreciated gestures and we all know that nothing says 'I love you' like your time. Write a romantic poem to remind your partner how special they are, bake them a scrumptious chocolate cake or add a wild berry twist to their bubbly with the premium tipple Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. Note that your partner could easily find that Charly’s Bakery box you’re trying to hide so do your best to use your own hands and time instead.

KWV House of Brandy

If your better half is fond of brandy then warm things up a little by treating your partner to a guided tour of the largest brandy distilling cellar in the world. Explore the aromas, tastes and textures of brandy and awaken the senses on this fascinating tour of 120 giant copper stills. You'll get to sample award winning brandy at the end of your tour. What’s more? They offer chocolate pairings too - get ready to eat and drink your heart out!

Breede River Valley | +27 (0)23 342 0255

James Sedgwick Distillery

Now if your love is even fonder of whisky then be sure to surprise him with a tour of the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington – just a 56-minute drive from the Mother City. The distillery has recently opened its doors to public tours and whisky pairings.

79 Stokery Road | Wellington | +27 (0)72 415 3440

A massage by candlelight

For a more sensual night-in visit Cape Town's Wild Olive for a range of scented candles with wax that can be rubbed into your skin – perfect for a relaxing, candlelit massage. Their catalogue includes a range of soaps infused with mocha, shampoos available in rosemary, sage and thyme, and scented candles composed with indigenous fynbos and geranium. Massages are the perfect way to get rid of all the relationship stress-knots that you’re carrying on your shoulders.

Wild Olive African Artisans | 29 Pepper St | Cape Town City Centre | +27 (0)21 422 2777

The ultimate date night accessories

Find an exceptional range of date-night accompaniments at Desir Intimate Collection. The online store has hand-picked only the highest quality sex toys and accessories (from seductive lingerie to cosmetics, literature and games) from across the globe to satisfy even the most discerning customers. Plus, everything you find online, you can find at their showroom located in Camps Bay. What are you waiting for? Honour yourself, today.

13 Totnes Avenue | Bakoven | Camps Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0) 86 099 4160

Men deserve to be pampered too

Mr. Cobbs is a step back in time to ornate barber's chairs and Victorian trimmings. Your blokes clean shaven, Valentine's dinner-ready look will include calamine and coconut face wash, sandalwood shaving soap and shave herbal cream applied by an expert barber at affordable prices – male grooming at its best.

Shop no. 279 | Upper Level | Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | +27 (0)21 418 2427

Learn a new sport together

Stand-up paddle surfing offers you and your lover the same challenge and workout as surfing but by moving over the waves in a standing position whilst using a paddle – how cool is that? Surfstore Africa offers two-hour surfing lessons and boards whilst paddles and wetsuits are available for rental.

50 Beach Rd | Muizenberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 788 5055

Horse riding on Noordhoek Beach

Plan a dreamy escape from the city through the ocean spray at picturesque Noordhoek Beach and have a horse as your only form of mobilisation. Three rides leave daily from Imhoff Equestrian centre between 9am and 8pm and you can make a romantic day of it with dinner at the farms at La Carte restaurant, craft shops, a visit to the snake park or a camel ride made for two.

Imhoff Farm | M65 | Close to Kommetjie |+27 (0)82 774 1191

Dress to impress

Creative or arty boyfriends will love Hello Again's T-shirts, V-necks, sweatshirts, cardigans and hoodies adorned with funky prints. Celebrate his hard work at the gym by rewarding him with a figure hugging T-shirt by local brand, Fittees.

Shop 57B | Gardens Shopping Centre | Upper Buitenkant St | Oranjezicht |+27 (0)21 426 0242

Cruising Chapman's Peak in a sporty little number

Slip into the two-seater paddle shift transmission of a rented Ferrari F430 Spider with your sexy soul mate and traverse Chapman's Peak with the grace of a bird in a flash of sleek, red status. There’s nothing more romantic than a drive along Chapman’s Peak in a little red number.

Cape Town | +27 (0)21 510 0108

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Take a piece of Cape Town wherever you go with these souvenirs.

For more romantic ideas be sure to read our romantic restaurants in Cape Town and our romantic things to do in Cape Town.

The city also offers loads of things to do for couples.

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