Christmas gift ideas to suit every budget

With just over a month to go before Christmas, many of us have started thinking about purchasing gifts for our loved ones. But with so much to choose from, it can be challenging to decide what to buy for whom – especially when you’re on a budget.

While it’s the thought that counts, it’s also important to purchase something practical that your loved one will actually use (and not end up packing away at the back of a cupboard!). We’ve identified handy gifts across all ages to suit all budgets this festive season. Here are the items we recommend adding to your basket:

Shopping for babies and young children can be so much fun, especially with the variety of toys nowadays. But in reality, most parents prefer a practical gift that makes their lives easier, as opposed to another toy to add to the basket. Here are a few valuable ideas that parents will love:

Vital Baby Nailcare Set contains everything parents need to keep little fingers and toenails tamed. The scissors, nail clippers, and emery board have been designed to be safe for little ones and easy for parents. 

Vital Baby Nourish Prep and Wean is the ultimate way to prepare healthy, homemade meals for little ones. Perfect for batch cooking, it has three functions to assist with every step of weaning: sterilising, steaming, and blending. 

Toys that facilitate learning are a great gift option; parents will thank you! We love:

Infantino My 1^st Sensory Shapes & Puzzle Set is a 24-piece puzzle set that teaches problem-solving skills and awakens tactile senses. It introduces curious little minds to shapes, colours, and patterns and includes eight must-touch sensory-engaging fruit shapes to keep little hands busy. 

Infantino Link & Crinkle Animal Counting Book is an easy-to-use educational toy that will keep a baby amused for hours. It allows the baby to explore new textures, patterns, and colours, and each page introduces early counting concepts. The book can easily attach to diaper bags, car seats, or strollers and comes with a BPA-free textured teether. 

nurtureOne Nesting Cushions are the ultimate gift for babies and parents. They offer more comfortable sleep and encourage better sleep, which ultimately helps parents have a better night’s rest. They also help relieve babies who suffer from reflux and stuffiness. 

Beauty products are a practical gift (we know they will be put to good use!) and the ultimate treat. Here are some of our top choices:

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrubs are the ultimate pamper product to transform your shower into a self-care haven. Made from the finest quality natural ingredients, these scrubs are gentle yet effective and known for having incredible scents that not only linger on the skin but also fragrance the bathroom. This summer, we love the Tropic Glow and Watermelon variants.  

Softlips Lip Balms make the perfect stocking filler – they’re small, affordable and oh-so practical – especially as they contain an SPF. With a large variety to choose from, they have a lip balm suitable for all needs. We love the tinted options for a hint of colour: Rose Tinted and Bronze Tinted are our favourites. They offer a sheer and sparkly formula that glides on smoothly and protects lips with nourishing vitamin E and SPF 15. 

Who doesn’t love a beautifully scented candle or aromatherapy product? A home scent can transform your workspace, living area or bedroom into a haven of creativity, relaxation or productivity thanks to the benefits of essential oils. We love: 

The SKNLogic Body Candle doubles as a home fragrance and a body care product. This ultra-moisturising candle can be used as a relaxing massage or body oil and is enriched with fig extract, shea butter, olive oil, vitamin E, and beeswax. 

Forget about the traditional Christmas crackers filled with useless novelty items – there’s a new cracker set in town! SOiL’s Aromatherapy Cracker Sets contain six crackers, each containing an organic SOiL Essential Oil or Remedy Roller. Locally manufactured, top quality and boasting various physical and mental health benefits, they’re our crackers of choice this festive season.

While most men enjoy using good quality grooming products (and, contrary to popular belief – care about their appearance!), they don’t always know where to start or what to buy. Simple, easy-to-use grooming products make a fantastic gift. We recommend:

26′ DEEP Ocean Alchemy skincare products for men. This locally-manufactured range is affordable, effective and fuss-free. Why not treat him to the 26′ DEEP Ocean Alchemy Men’s Face Wash, which offers a gentle cleanse, the 26′ DEEP Ocean Alchemy Men’s Facial Moisturiser, which nourishes and restores the skin thanks to argan oil and macadamia, and – if he has facial hair – the 26′ DEEP Ocean Alchemy Beard Oil, which tames, smoothes and protects facial hair. 

For body care, we love Earthsap’s range of environmentally friendly options. The Earthsap East India Islands Men’s Body Wash and matching Roll-on are naturally fragranced with oils and spices from the East Indian Islands, including cloves, cinnamon, citrus and aniseed. 

Men are known for loving gadgets and electronics. If your budget allows for a bigger purchase, why not treat him to something new and exciting to enhance his daily life?

Relaxabox Sound Boxes are already a major hit in Europe and are now available in SA. These unique, beautifully crafted sound boxes liven up any space, bringing the soothing sounds of nature indoors. Rechargeable and sustainably produced, they’re triggered by motion and automatically fill a space with the calming sounds of nature as soon as you enter the room. We love the Relaxabox Oceanbox, which brings the magical sound of the ocean to life (think the soothing rhythm of the waves, seagull calls and a fresh sea breeze!). 

The MAYU Swirl Structured Water Carafe revitalises water by restoring its natural properties and enhancing its natural taste and smooth texture. Using Innovative Vortex Technology, the swirling motion system set in the stylish handblown glass carafe creates a swirling whirlpool that naturally aerates the water, replenishes dissolved oxygen and balances pH levels to structure and improve hydration. It improves the quality and taste of your water and is also a striking and beautiful decorative item to show off in your home. 

Whether you choose to splurge, spend or save this festive season, there is a lovely range of items available to suit any budget. Remember that it’s the thought that counts, so don’t get bogged down by the details!