It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Well, technically “the time” started back in October already, when, come the 1st, the shops were already stringing up their Christmas decor.

Putting together my gift guides is one my favourite post series’ to create, so let’s kick off with Part 1 of my Christmas 2022 Gift Guides, featuring SIX awesome gifts under R500!

By the way, if you want more gift ideas, you can check out my past Gift Guides for some inspiration. Plus an oldie, but a goodie is my Guide on How to Give the Best Gifts.

1. Gifts for fans of paper and pen

The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a wonderful gift if the person you’re spoiling loves to write or appreciates fine penmanship. Nothing the beats the curves and swirls of cursive, and the best writing instrument for perfect cursi-vature is of course, a fountain pen. Now, fountain pens are hellish expensive and can go into the double digits for a special pen, but the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a great pen for any avid collector. It’s even appreciated and loved by the most die hard penman because it’s light and sturdy, writes like a dream and don’t forget it’s engineered in Germany, so you know it’s well made and for only R429, it’s a steal!

2. Gifts for fitness enthusiasts

Fitness gadgets are always popping up on gift guides because of a number of reasons. No1, we tend to eat like little piggies all through the festive season, and by January, we’re stripping down to our bikinis, so we need the help. And No2, fitness gadgets are always evolving, therefore making them fresh and fun.

I for one love my Exercise Loops from MRP because they are really nifty and take up such little space, plus you can do a bazillion different resistance exercises with them. This one in particular is the Medium Exercise Loop and believe it or not, this snappy little band gives you a resistance ranging between 16kgs to 39kgs – All in one band. Plus it’s super cheap at only R199.99.

3. Gifts for foodies

Buying gifts for foodies is so much fun because the options are endless. I especially love this Spice Route 8 Pack from Yuppie Chef because the packaging is so beautiful and really speaks to the traveler and explorer heart.

The collection features a selection of iconic and exotic spices from all over the world and is a great way for your gift giver to travel the world without leaving the kitchen. It’s the cheapest travel ticket to explore the world at only R259.

4. Gifts for those who love their G&T’s

Re-usable straws are so common these days, you can find them just about everywhere. But what about re-usable straws that are short enough to stick in your gin glass without you having to move your head like a chicken to try peck the long straw sticking out of your glass? Ah ha, you know what I’m talking about and that’s why this 4 pack of Glass Straws from Τakealot makes a perfect gift for only R220!

5. Gifts for hot chocolate overloaders and serious warm drink lovers

A mug is probably the most boring gift, unless, of course, it’s a Le Creuset Mug. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding on the best colour for your chosen gift. Although in all fairness, no matter what colour Le Creuset Mug you get them, they will love it.

Especially this red Extra Large Logo Mug from Le Creuset. It holds a whopping 580ml. That’s double the warm goodness and perfect for my Ridiculously Delicious Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe.

6. Gifts for those with a sweet tooth

If your gift receiver is a fan of flavoured coffees (hello Starbucks toffee frap, hello Cinnabon), then they will love the ability to spice up their coffee at home with MONIN syrups.

And to make it extra festive, why not gift them with a 1Litre of MONIN Gingerbread Syrup from Online Beverage Store. It’s so damn delicious, I doubt it will last long enough for them to let you try it, so make sure you get own.