Christmas creeps up on us every year. One minute it’s barely spring and the next, the Christmasdecorations are appearing in the shops and carols are being played on rotation. If you’re like us andfeel a little uninspired post-pandemic, you might find these Christmas gift ideas not only break the predictable mould, but also make you feel good about buying and gifting
Holiday gifts that you’ll feel good about buying this Christmas
Christmas-themed gifts
If you’re ready to get into the spirit of Christmas, you can’t go past the dreamy creations by Marley
and Lockyer. Hang a handmade, personalised calligraphy star on your Christmas tree or sip your
morning coffee from one of their stoneware mugs. Each piece is loving crafted and cured in Ness’
Tasmanian kiln.
You might also like to go the DIY route and craft your loved ones something thoughtfully made. The
ideas in this list range from flavoured salts to ceramic tile coasters, and guarantee to be unique and
personal without breaking the bank. One of our favourites is to create your own Christmas wreath.
Delicious smells and relaxing oils
We recently stumbled upon Wood Art Valley and their delicious soy candles, which are handmade in
the Yarra Valley. They also make candle holders from naturally fallen trees in the Yarra Ranges. The
stories behind the products are just as interesting as the products themselves! And who doesn’t love
something that comes with a bit of history?
Another favourite is Red Hill Candle Co, who manufacture creams, coffee scrubs, bath bombs,
jewellery and more. Their Christmas gift packs are a thoughtful compilation of local treats.
Also of note is Urban Rituelle and their Australian-made bath, body, skincare, and home fragrance
range. We love their philosophy and the gentle, considered nature behind their products.
Sartorial surprises
Nothing will beat a Natalie Begg cami for the ultimate Christmas gift. The 100% natural silk camisoles
come in every colour of the rainbow, and if you can’t find it, Natalie will hand-dye one for you. Other
luxury gifts include Natalie Begg silk robes or fitted lingerie.
If you’re looking for a personalised shopping experience, drop by Sedonia in Seddon, Melbourne, for
their carefully crafted range of homewares, textiles and gift ideas. Saintgarde in Adelaide is another
underground favourite with numerous brands in stock, a handy preorder section for your favourite
pieces and free shipping in Australia.
Look and feel amazing
Who doesn’t love taking time out for pampering? Our Natalie Begg team swear by Chief Stylist in
Adelaide for amazing colour and an expert cut, while Adelaide Skin Therapy caters to all our beauty
needs from skin needling to chemical peels.
Melbourne locals should head to Telleish Hair Studio for their follicle needs, especially if you’re
looking to refresh your blondes (their speciality).
A voucher will take the guesswork out for someone special or enquire about surprising them with a
double booking so you can chat and pamper at the same time.
Pint-sized presents with a difference
What child doesn’t love seeing themselves in print or on camera? Now your child can have a whole
adventure just about them with these personalised books. Follow your child’s story as they try to
find their name or have a Where’s Wally–style experience with books that put your child in the
centre of the action.
If you want to encourage your child’s love of exploration, Kiwi Co’s kits provide them with a hands-
on experience. Each kit is tailored for your child’s age group or interests and they can enjoy monthly
projects that challenge their thinking and encourage them to build enriching science or art projects.
For the four-legged pet in your life
If your favourite little one is the four-legged kind, the eco dog toys at Queenie’s Pawprints might be
just what Fido wants to find under the Christmas tree. Cat lovers will find a range of adorable eco
accessories for kitty cat, including these adorable cat hats. Even the humans will find accessories to
declare their pet love, including these cat brooches.
Support local shops with takeaways and vouchers
The reality is, your local businesses are all still trying to recover from COVID shut downs and
disruptions. Show your support by buying local where you can. A thoughtful Christmas gesture might
be buying a friend dinner from their local restaurant and having it delivered or sending them a
voucher from a local boutique, bookstore or produce store. Sometimes just deciding to not buy gifts
this Christmas and having dinner out with a friend instead is a wonderful way to connect and re-
energise yourself.
However you decide to celebrate the holiday season this year, it pays to remember that the most
important thing is that you spend it with people you care about. It’s those moments where you sing
silly carols or debate your family traditions that reinforce what Christmas means to you. Whether
you spend Christmas with family or the family you chose, your holiday season doesn’t need to look
like anyone else’s. Just remember to prioritise time for yourself so you have the energy (and the will)
to keep up with the busy holiday season.