The coronavirus pandemic has certainly stripped us of the unnecessary. This year, people truly learnt to appreciate what it is they have, and so the first gift that everyone should give and appreciate this Christmas is each other and the time we spend together.
There are other gifts you can get for those who might be far away, just let to them know you’re thinking about them.
Pay a bill
The pandemic hit the whole world hard, with some people even losing their jobs. If you know somebody who is in need and you can spare some money, how about you pay a January bill for them? Or buy a pair of school shoes for their kids? Some families are without electricity; if you have money to spare, help them with their prepaid electricity, that can make a difference this December.
Vernacular Christmas cards
It might not seem like much, but getting relatives Christmas cards in your home language can give them that extra warm and fuzzy feeling. A young woman, Nokuthula Vezi, is making Zulu Christmas cards for R30 each. You can find her on Instagram @Bravozulucard and on Twitter @Nokseezy.
Scents for your home
We’ve spent so much time at home this year it doesn’t make sense to not buy something for the home. So be your friend’s favourite by gifting them calming scents and linen sprays for their home. For some international scents you can drop by Skins Cosmetics in Sandton, and also check out Clicks or Dischem for options that are easier on the pocket. Do also try small businesses such as Design Your Space Luxury Candles by Noluthando Mpama. Mpama creates scented candles, linen sprays and room scents.
Artisanal spreads and sauces
We’re all foodies and trainee chefs by now. Add some exciting flavours to your sandwiches and dishes with artisanal spreads and sauces. Over the course of the year Sowetan has profiled many small businesses that excel in these. Try out flavoured butter by Vhon-gani Shumba, her product Mibutter has such flavours as sea salt and black pepper, parsley lemon chilli and roasted garlic, and cinnamon honey and ginger, among other interesting flavours.
Stun your family with some egg, dairy and gluten-free flavoured mayo by Keketso Sephai. Her product, called Cook with Keketso, can be used to baste, as a spread for sandwiches and on salads. Do try out Lapa Artisan Condiments by Tiisetso Sebola. The Limpopo-born Sebola's sauces include flavours such as green chilli and spring onion, smoked peppa ketchup, sweet and spicy, and hot sauce. The condiments come in glass jars that you can recycle.
Donations to worthy organisations
We will end off this gift guide as we started, the year 2020 was a harsh year on everybody. Identify organisations that help those in your community and donate essentials that they might need. It is best to find out what exactly the organisation needs from them so that you are sure that your donation helped.
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