Festive gift ideas that keep on giving
‘It's the season for giving but it is also the season in which the petrol price in South Africa has reached a new all-time high and consumer spending is under severe pressure.
The situation means that Father Christmas probably can’t afford to be as generous as he would have liked to be, but calls for a more considered and creative approach to gifting. Rather than splurge on spoils – many of which are often nice but unnecessary – we’ve compiled a list of “alternative” gift ideas, some of which keep giving throughout the year, while others help to ease some of the ongoing financial pressure people are feeling.
Game on
An Xbox or a Playstation is sure to be on many wish lists this festive season but for those on a tight budget it may just seem out of reach. Luckily Teljoy, South Africa’s foremost rent to own provider, makes it possible to rent gaming consoles on a monthly basis. It’s a model that allows you to forego the large upfront cost of purchasing the console outright but rather let’s you access it on a monthly basis. What’s more, the cost of renting the console includes maintenance and insurance of the unit, plus the option to upgrade or downgrade at any time.
“Our rent to own model prioritises access over ownership, allowing for unlimited use of the unit for no more than the cost of the monthly premium. It’s increasingly the way consumers across the globe are choosing to use electronics, appliances, furniture and even fashion and leisure equipment,” explains Jonathan Hurvitz, CEO of Teljoy.
Also read: Ten Top Tips to Save Energy This Festive Season
Spick n span Lighten the domestic load for a loved one this Christmas and right into the New Year by hooking them up with a regular cleaning service, such as those offered by SweepSouth. A SweepStar makes quick work of cleaning, gifting your loved one with the luxury of time (and a clean home!). SweepSouth now also have pre-vetted gardeners, painters, pool cleaners and handymen on their books, so you could even organise the gift of home maintenance for a friend or relative this festive season.
Thank you for the music
The gift of music (and podcasts and concerts) is one sure to be widely welcomed by both young and old this festive season. Audio streaming service Spotify’s gift cards make the ideal present for those who love to discover new music or learn new things via a dynamic podcast. You may even want to take it a step further and purchase a full subscription to the service for a friend or family member. There’s also nothing wrong with signing yourself up too!
Take the grrr out of grudge purchase
Insurance premiums aren’t known as grudge purchases for nothing. Paying a monthly premium for something you may never need but can’t risk going without, in case something does happen, is nobody’s idea of a great way to spend money. Ease the burden for a friend this Christmas but offering to pay their monthly car insurance premium. It’s up to you whether it’s a once off or if you can afford to do it monthly or three, six or even 12 months.
MiWay Blink offers comprehensive car insurance in a blink and guarantees no paperwork and no long phone calls, thanks to the smart tech it uses. Head of MiWay Blink, Christiaan Steyn, says, “the past couple of years have hit South Africans’ pockets hard, with the Covid-19 pandemic largely to blame, and to make matters worse, the medium term projections are uncertain due to the current economic trends. As research shows that South Africans are generally compulsive buyers, and are shopping more online since the pandemic started it is advisable for consumers to buy what they actually need and save every single Rand they can. Insurance is a necessary purchase”.
A gift for those who love to give back
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one this Christmas, why not support South Africa’s great causes that make a significant difference in the lives of those who most need our help? A Relate bracelet is the perfect gift for someone with a social conscience. Not only are they attractive on your wrist, but this 100% not-for-profit social enterprise donates the majority of its revenue to credible causes – and creates desperately needed income opportunities. The festive season is about gratitude and generosity and in tough economic times, few things say “I appreciate you” as much as a practical gift.
