… And something chic to pack your lunch
Take the hassle (and heat) out of someone’s next beach or picnic day with a stylish but functional collection created in Queensland. All coolers and satchels are insulated with water-resistant lining and feature fun designs. $40-$90, thesomewhereco.com
The Somewhere Co. Cooler Bag, Lunch Satchels and Picnic Blankets come in many colours and patterns.
‘Buy’ a country town
From Batemans Bay to Mildura, take a trip to local towns that are on this limited-edition Monopoly board in place of the traditional streets. $5 from every sale will go to the Australian Red Cross’ bushfire recovery efforts. $60, from retailers nationwide
Hiking … but make it fashion
Made from 100 per cent recycled nylon, hiking pants are the stylish wardrobe staple to give loved ones who are spending summer in nature, or exploring new urban spaces. $150, zorali.com
For the style-conscious
Make a new pen-pal
While many of our diaries and notebooks were mothballed this year, start someone’s 2021 on a regal note with Romance Was Born’s second collection with Papier. Add the recipient’s name to the Sydney-made stationery for an extra-personal touch. From $42, papier.com/au
Bring out brighter days with Romance is Born’s second Papier collaboration.
Bags that give back
Handcrafted by women in Papua New Guinea, the Among Equals non-for-profit collections bring together the ancient practice of Bilum weaving with contemporary style. The label is dedicated to empowering artisans through a sustainable income. Our pick is the Sepik Bilum. $220, amongequals.com.au
Sepik Bilum is one of the many styles made by artisanal women across Papua New Guinea.
Respectable spex
Szades will have your nearest and dearest looking the right kind of shady at parties, picnics, and (hopefully) festivals. Made in Melbourne from old sunnies that have been recycled, the glasses have a good level of UV protection and glare reduction. $80, szade.com.au
Szade’s sunnies are made from old pairs.
Queen for a day (or more)
Pearls have had a resurgence in 2020 thanks to The Crown and celebrities including US Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, and Harry Styles. Jan Logan’s Mollymook pearl collection is named after the iconic NSW South Coast beach. $245, janlogan.com
Make a bold statement with the Hex Bag.
A great bag, from all sides
For a locally-owned splurge, new Melbourne label Behold The Brand offers designs that make a style statement while being ultra functional. Available in five bold colours, the Hex Bag has an adjustable strap, making it versatile enough to take from day to night. $629, behold-thebrand.com
This is The Social Outfit’s fourth annual Collaborative Fashion Print Project.Credit:Diego Lorenzo Jose. Styled by Peter Simon Phillips
Wearable art
For those who like bold and unique pieces that tell a story, The Social Outfit’s Heirloom Community Print has been designed by five young emerging artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Inspired by the theme of memories and family traditions, the prints, accessories and clothing celebrate identity and unity. $4-$429. thesocialoutfit.org
These quick drying shorts are a holiday staple.
Never get caught short
Every man needs a luxe pair of boardies to go from beach to bar. Made from Italian quick-dry cotton, this print by Sydney-based swim and resort label Commas is inspired by the art deco architecture synonymous with ocean pavilions on the East Coast. $310, commas.cc
For the craft-lover
Can’t travel? Let your gifts do it for you
Spend With Us, created by well-known author and speaker Turia Pitt, showcases jewellery, homewares, experiences, local produce, beauty and outdoor items from small, regional businesses. Surfers will love Seasick Threads, while foodies will appreciate anything from Kangaroo Island’s Bush Organics. spendwithus.com.au
Indigo Boxer Shorts and Christine Land Koala from Dowry.
Toys with a touch of Australiana
Dowry, a quaint store in Moruya, on the South Coast of NSW, focuses on unique items for the home. Think handmade toys including bears and koalas made from old woollen blankets, to retro floral cotton dresses, naturally-dyed boxer shorts and cushions. dowry.com.au
Help a sister out
Many women who lost their jobs in the pandemic started new businesses, and this hub of more than 1000 brands is dedicated to helping them reach financial independence. There’s gifts across a range of categories to suit every budget, including homewares, artworks, toys and planting trees in bushfire-affected areas. marketplace.globalsisters.org
The Creative Cubby is fun, and doubles as storage.
Creative Cubby
Set up a quiet space and let the children’s imagination run wild with a cubby that also acts as storage for their reading books and toys. It’s eye-catching, easy to assemble and can be shipped nationwide. $330 (includes shipping), bump2bubandbeyond.com.au
For the love of fairies
Looking for educational material or a toy that will give back to local communities? This social enterprise helps many small business affected by the pandemic, bushfires and drought to showcase their handmade and wooden designs, perfect for school holiday fun. fairyfuntoys.com.au
For the gourmand
R L Foote Design Studio Bubble Plate.
For the tablescapers
Patterned plates were a definite pandemic trend, and this blue-and-orange bubble design, by R L Foote Design Studio, will stand out on any table. Available in various sizes, from salt dishes to platters. $33-$547, nnaw.com.au
Gin that helps bushfire recovery efforts? Cheers to that.
A hamper for all tastes
These guys have taken the guesswork out of choosing a hamper for a loved one, with brands including Maggie Beer, Barossa Valley Cheese Company, Whisk & Pin, Rochford Wines and more. There’s even ones for four-legged friends. $85-$230, hampershandpicked.com.au
Get a message or picture print on to Fowles bottles.
Gin fling
Grown Spirits has collaborated for the third time with Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah to create a limited-edition blend that will help support the horticultural and science staff with bushfire-recovery efforts. $129, gardengrowngin.com.au. Why not pair it with a seafood platter from East 33? From $159, east33.sydney
A label of love
Fowles Winery, from Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges, can print your own personalised label on its eight wine varieties. You’ll lose hours playing around with all the designs available (we did). $50-$240, fowlesdiy.com.au
For the beauty queen or king
A scent to share
For those who love travelling, this unisex ode to Byron Bay will evoke free-spirited adventures to rainforests and waterfalls. The botanical notes of finger lime, coriander, cedar wood and sandalwood are tried and tested to stay fresh on a summer day. $229 (100ml), goldfieldandbanks.com
Give the gift of an Australian-inspired fragrance.
Give a good night’s sleep
Is there anything better than an uninterrupted slumber? Help them on their way with this pack, which includes a candle and spray made with calming lavandin oil, as well as a mulberry silk eye mask and pillowcase. For every purchase, the company will donate a similar box to a woman in crisis accommodation. $199 (individual products also available), twogood.com.au/good-things
Two Good Co X Maison Balzac Christmas Gift Pack.
Peggy Sue Bath & Body Oil.
Bath booster
With a focus on luxurious natural and organic ingredients, 95 per cent of Peggy Sue’s range is able to be refilled to divert excess waste from landfill. Made with grapefruit, jojoba and coconut oils, the bath and body oil relaxes and hydrates – use it on body, hair and cuticles. $44, peggysuesoaps.com
Healing hands (and lips)
After wearing masks and washing our hands over and over for months, this duo will wipe away time. With rich watermelon extract, grapeseed, wheatgerm and rosehip oil, your skin will feel calm, hydrated and silky after washing all those Christmas dishes. $23, grownalchemist.com
Grown Alchemist Lip + Hand Kit.
Spoil them, help her
Aromatherapy brand Oil in Kind has partnered with Her Future Coalition to fund a month’s education for disadvantaged young girls in Kolkata, India, from each box sold. The boxes include body oil and wash, hand creams, essential oils and a diffuser from local partner brands including Kora and Springfields Australia. $60, oilinkind.com
The In Kind Box.
For the eco-conscious
Troppolicious’ Workout Warrior box.Credit:Jason Van’t Padje – The Raw Photographe
Presents with personality
A gift site that matches your chosen recipient to an eco-friendly hamper via a quiz? Sign us up! Your responses may lead you to any number of gift boxes with cute names: Babe’licious, Ukulele Jam and Knots to Love, to name a few. Each purchase will also help support Barnardos Australia’s Gifts for Kids. From $280, troppolicious.com.au
Cocktails and Candy Canes Wreath.Credit:Kas Richards
Forever flowers
Keep 2020’s dried flower trend going with a wreath or arrangement that will last up to seven years – and is totally Instagram worthy. Best of all, you can say good-bye to manky water when you accidentally leave your flowers and head to the beach. $50-$199, everbloome.com.au
This essential kit is suitable for all plants.
For the green thumb
We put the best products we can find on our bodies so the same should apply to our plants. This health kit includes a grow concentrate, protect spray and support pellets, and each purchase will help plant a tree in bushfire-affected areas. $45, wethewild.co
For the big-hearted
Yes, you can buy kindness
The Australian Red Cross has a range of gifts starting at just $12 that will provide essentials for a person in need. Think woollen blankets, emergency accommodation, meals, transport and funds to support visits to those living alone. gifts.redcross.org.au
Help a child learn about different cultures and the world around them.
Travel around the world – from home
Everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington, is racking up the miles, even when we cannot. Each month, thanks to his friends at UNICEF, he will send a children’s activity pack filled with a journal, world map, personalised postcards, stories from children, stickers and more. And it all goes towards supporting disadvantaged children. $20 a month, unicef.org.au
Get a little more outta life
Nicole Economos is an online producer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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