Check out this vegan gift guide for the festive season

Oh So Heavenly

Gift your loved ones with a heavenly gift of Oh So Heavenly. Every year, this brand releases special gift packs containing their most sought-after products. You can't go wrong with this brand, it leaves skin, hair, face and body feeling pampered and cared for. While the brand is endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty, not all of the products are vegan. So, read the labels and look out for products marked as vegan and steer clear of anything with milk or honey in it. This gift is available exclusively at Clicks. Find more information here.

Chocolate

We all enjoy a little chocolate every now and then. And there is nothing better to spoil a loved one with this Christmas than this luscious treat. While a slab of Nova Chocolate is always appreciated, why not go the extra mile and really spoil them? Get them their own specially crafted box of designer chocolates from The Chocolatiers. These handmade chocolates contain natural organic ingredients. The Chocolatiers are 100% plastic free, only using compostable and recyclable packaging. You can find this product at retail outlets across Joburg. To see available stockiest, click here. Find more information here.

Wine

There is no better way to be festive and celebrate the season than with a good bottle of wine. Unfortunately, not all wines are vegan. But that doesn't mean vegans don't get to enjoy a bottle or two every now and again. Joburg has a wide variety of great wine that's free of animal products. Our favourite is from the Warwick Wine Estate. Based in Stellenbosch, this winery offers a range of quality vegan wines, such as Warwick First Lady and Three Cape Ladies. But refrain from gifting a vegan with any Warwick Sauvignon Blanc, as these do contain animal by-products. You can find these wines at Pick 'n Pay, Checkers, Spar and Makro, among others. Find more information here.

The Good Stuff

Another South African beauty brand, The Good Stuff, has loads of beauty products on offer. From shampoo and bath goodies to deodorant and skin care, they have a product for every beauty concern. They also have pre-packaged gift sets available featuring some of their most luxurious products, such as fragrances, body wash and body cream. Like Oh So Heavenly, they are endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty. They also have both vegan and non-vegan ranges, so keep an eye on those labels. To find these gift sets, visit your nearest Dischem store. Find more information here.

Vegan Gift Box

For a truly unique gift, why not put together your own gift box for that special someone? This way, their gift will be specially made just for them, containing all their favourite treats. Get a large box or basket and fill it up with a range of vegan-friendly items. Some great treats that are vegan include Beacon Sparkles Fruit Mix, Jelly Tots, Skittles, Oreos, Bakers Romany Tarte and Beacon Midnight Velvet chocolate bars. You can also include some vegan biltong, available at The Fussy Vegan and a bottle of vegan wine for an even more spectacular gift. Find more vegan treats here.

The Whippet Gift Card

Linden's favourite coffee shop is now offering up delightful vegan options. Featuring a wide range of tasty vegan treats, The Whippet is a must-visit for anyone following a vegan, vegetarian, plant-based or flexitarian diet. With items ranging from the Crisp Golden Tofu Breakfast to the Corn and Green Chilli Poppers, there is something for every palate. So, why not gift a loved one with a Gift Card to this diverse eatery? When all the Christmas leftovers are gone and we're in the middle of the January slum, they'll get a chance to visit the best Linden has to offer. Find more information here.

Candles

Not only are candles a wonderful gift, but with Joburg's power outages, they are also a very useful one at that. SoyLites crafts candles that are hand-poured, long burning and expertly blended. Each candle contains aromatherapy oils to improve moods and create a relaxing ambiance. These candles, which are plant-based and cruelty-free, burn at low temperatures. This means that the wax can then be used as a fabulous moisturiser. Pick up something from the Massage Candle Range or the Soy Body Balms range to gift your loved one with a relaxing full body treatment. Other options include the Coconut Candles, Soy Crayons and Soy Wax Melts. SoyLites are available online. Find more information here.

Give To The Needy

Most vegans have huge hearts. So, why not make a small donation in their name to a special charity? If you'd rather gift your loved one with something they can unwrap, then stop by at your local animal charity store and purchase a heartfelt gift for them. Browse through a wide selection of good quality books, select a quirky trinket, find a treasure trove of unique decor items you won't find anywhere else or have their very own mugs or Christmas baubles made just for them. These gifts will not only be meaningful keepsakes, but the funds collected will go towards feeding, housing and caring for an animal in need. Find Animal Charity Stores here.

Woolworths Beauty

For a personal touch, gift your loved ones with a gorgeous bottle of perfume, makeup or a selection of brightly coloured nail polish. Not sure where to get all of this? Then head to your favourite Woolies branch. Here, you'll find a range of fragrances, makeup, hair care, skincare, nail care and bath goodies. And the best part? All of these products are now 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Not only will your loved ones be getting a gift that is completely harm-free, but they will also be getting good quality gifts from a trusted brand. Find out more about the WBeauty brand here.

Cheeseboard

Christmas is the season for indulging, and what better to indulge in than a cheeseboard? With this gift, you can put together a selection of your loved one's favourite treats. Think crackers, biscuits, artisan bread, jam, marmalade, preserves and a selection of pickles, nuts and fresh or dried fruit. Add some vegan cheese and arrange this on a customised board, and you have a gift that will make even Santa envious. NetFlorist has a wide range of gorgeous engraved cheeseboards on offer. Find our favourite selection of vegan cheese here.