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Christmas is fast approaching, and with it, the frenzy that is the festive gift-giving season.
Whether you’re shopping for dad, the fitness junkie or the foodie, we’ve curated a selection of the best Christmas gifts to help tick everyone off your list, no matter what they’re into.
Fashion and beauty
Yves Saint Laurent and His Dogs, Martin Bethenod
For the fashion lover in your life with (or without) a stylish pooch, Yves Saint Laurent and His Dogs, by Martin Bethenod ($75), is a fun dive into the visionary fashion designer and the furry friends who accompanied him everywhere from the runway to his Parisian apartments. Featuring nearly 80 images from the photographic archives, it’s a great coffee-table book for the fashion history obsessive.
Australian designer Christopher Esber’s new collaboration with Specsavers features a range of stylish spectacles for the fashionable men and women in your life. This slick pair, the Sun RX05 ($249) featuring interlaced silver detailing on the arms, is our pick of the bunch.
Schwa Studio Vase Cropped Tote
Schwa Studio’s Vase Cropped Tote ($288) is an elegant but modern handbag for the stylish person in your life. Designed and handmade in Sydney from Italian cowhide leather, the structured body is lined with heavy-duty canvas to withstand every day use. Available in classic black, chocolate brown and grey.
Odesse Extrait de Parfum
Australian perfumer Odesse makes lovely contemporary fragrances in Melbourne that are a thoughtful gift for the nose in your life. Their Deep Orchid Extrait de Parfum ($90 for a 50ml bottle) is a popular choice, with notes of tea, bergamot and rich florals.
Mannequin Hands: A Guide to Nail Art, Victoria Houllis
If they’re always sporting a fresh set of nails, consider this book from Sydney nail artist Victoria Houllis. Mannequin Hands: A Guide to Nail Art ($32) features stunning photography with all the inspiration they’ll need, alongside practical advice on nail and cuticle care and more than 150 ready-to-use decals designed by Houllis.
The best Christmas gifts for foodies
Credit: Stuff (NZ)
Seafood lovers will enjoy this Fish Weight ($165). Brought to you by Australian chef Josh Niland, of Saint Peter fame, it is a great addition to the kitchen arsenal. Designed to keep fish flat in the pan to allow for even cooking and that perfect crispy skin (without the need to finish in the oven), it can also be used for grilling meat on the barbecue, and making toasted sandwiches or crispy potatoes.
Barbetta Aperitivo Al Martini gift box
Indulge the dirty martini devotee with this gift box from Sydney Italian restaurant Barbetta ($190). Each hamper includes a bottle of LORO Olive Martini for the perfect ready-made cocktail, aperitivo plate, artisan french fries, fig and pepper almonds, biccies, fig and walnut chocolate and Aussie green olives.
If they’re an old soul who loves nothing more than a top-notch glass of whisky in their wood-panelled den each night, consider this gift pack from Tassie distillery Callington Mill ($165). They’ll get a cask of their classic cool climate single malt whisky, alongside a traditional boozy English Christmas pudding, made with Australian dried vine fruit and suet.
&Klevering Mushroom Salt & Pepper Shakers
These ceramic salt and pepper shakers ($39) from Dutch brand &Klevering are a fun option for the person in your life who loves a little woodland whimsy at the table. As a bonus, they look just as great as sculptural elements as functional salt and pepper shakers.
Beysis Wine or Can Cooler
Credit: Stuff (NZ)
These coolers from Beysis (Can cooler, $38; Wine cooler, $85), are a great option for enjoying a cold one in the great outdoors. The brand offers free personalisation, with coolers designed to fit standard bottle or can sizes for condensation-free chilling.
It’s Olio candle and olive oil set
Credit: Stuff (NZ)
Every home cook needs a good bottle of olive oil. South Australian brand Mr Olio makes a lovely extra virgin olive oil from McLaren Vale, packaged in a convenient squeezy bottle for easy drizzling. This set ($80) pairs a bottle of their classic EVOO with an olive oil-scented candle from Hunter Candles.
The best Christmas gifts for arts and culture lovers
Theatre tickets
The cast of Rent at The Sydney Opera House.Credit: Neil Bennett
For the arts and culture lover, why not gift them a voucher or season pass to their local theatre, music, dance or opera company that they can enjoy through the year?
Some options include:
- National: Opera Australia; The Australian Ballet; Bell Shakespeare; Bangarra Dance Theatre; Australian Chamber Orchestra.
- Sydney: Sydney Dance Company; Sydney Theatre Company; Belvoir St Theatre; Sydney Opera House; Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
- Melbourne: Malthouse Theatre; Melbourne Theatre Company; Victorian Opera; Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
- Brisbane: Queensland Theatre; Queensland Ballet.
- Perth: Black Swan Theatre; West Australian Ballet.
Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them, Susannah Fullerton
For the person who you always find snuggled up on the couch with a good book and a feline friend, consider this new release from Australian writer Susannah Fullerton. In Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them ($43), Fullerton explores the fascinating history of literary greats and their furry companions.
Credit: Stuff (NZ)
A basket weaving kit is just the ticket for the person who always has a new hobby. This one from Ngumpie Weaving ($65) comes with natural and/or coloured raffia and all the tools they will need to create their own basket. The company also offers a virtual workshop ($95) teaching traditional Aboriginal weaving techniques, if they’d prefer to learn in real-time and in a group setting.
These sculptural vases (from $85) by Sydney-based Isekai Studio are visual delight for the design-lover in your life. Their clever 3-D printed pleated vases change colour depending on the angle they’re viewed from, and come in a range of sizes, colour palettes and architectural shapes.
Curio Multi-Blocks BBY Peppertime blanket
This check blanket ($280) from Melbourne textile makers Curio Practice is a versatile throw for the book lover in your life to keep them warm and cosy while they read. Woven from pure Australian merino wool, edges are finished by hand, with a small hand-embroidered label rendered in cotton in Central Victoria.
The best Christmas gifts for men
Puebco Vintage Parachute Tote Bag
Credit: Stuff (NZ)
This tote bag from Puebco ($90) is made from vintage parachutes, lending a utilitarian aesthetic and creating a lightweight but durable accessory. The straps are made from recycled nylon and old belts, with two options for lengths. It’s a handy carry-all for everyday use – whether for work, errands or beach trips this summer.
Banabae Old Mate Cap and Stubby Bundle
Whether it’s a dad, grandfather, husband or uncle, Banabae’s Old Mate Cap and Stubby bundle ($65) is a fun and practical gift for summer. Each pack includes a retro-inspired green cotton corduroy cap and Australian-made stubby holder.
Cricket-loving dads will enjoy tickets to Cricket the Musical (from $50). The brainchild of singer-songwriter Denis Carnahan, it’s a hilarious, one-man show that takes on the world of cricket. Playing in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney from November 2025 through to January 2026.
James The Redstone Pocket Knife
Every adventurer needs a good pocket knife – whether they’re camping, rock climbing or hiking. The Redstone ($149) from Australian brand James was designed with the help of professional rock climber and photographer Savannah Cummins. It’s small and lightweight with a grippy handle and ambidextrous slide lock. Choose between a range of colours and a straight or serrated blade.
Saint Cobes Solid Parfum Discovery 8-Set
This discovery set from Australian perfumer Saint Cobes ($80) includes eight of its solid scents so they can get a feel for what they like. Alcohol and paraben free, perfumes are made in Australia and are travel-friendly. The pack also comes with a $15 digital voucher to go towards the purchase of a full-size perfume.
The best Christmas gifts for fitness, sport and outdoors lovers
Fitness enthusiasts will love Icebreaker’s Cool Lite range. Made from an ultra-fine Merino wool, it’s lightweight, breathable and designed to keep its wearer cool. Something from the T-shirt range (from $119) is a safe option for most giftees. It spans a variety of silhouettes and colours for all genders.
For the cowabunga king or queen in your life, SurfEars’ earplugs ($65) will keep water out from where it shouldn’t be and keep ears comfortable and infection-free. Made from recycled ocean plastic, they’re designed to let sound in and come with a detachable leash for secure wear in harsh conditions, ventilation holes for drying out and a magnetic storage case. They’re also great for swimmers, kayakers and divers.
Cryo Remedy Cold/Hot Compression Sleeve
These compression sleeves (from $80) are a practical gift for the fitness obsessive in your life. They can be used as either a heat or ice pack, depending on the need, and are helpful for soothing sore muscles, post game recovery or sprains. The small sleeve, suitable for wrists and ankles, is also a good option for office workers or crafters.
WAW Badfish Bodysurfing Handplane
For the person who practically lives at the beach, this Handplane ($100) from Australian company WAW is a clever tool to add a little something to their body surf: increasing speed and control and reducing drag. Made from plastic waste collected from Australian beaches, it’s suitable for ages five and up and comes with a padded adjustable strap for all hand sizes.
If it’s time to upgrade their ear buds, consider JLab’s Epic Open Sport Earbuds ($200). This particular model is designed with athletes and fitness junkies in mind, offering great sound quality, comfortable fit and features to help runners stay safe and aware of their surroundings.
Homecamp Backcountry Stove & Ferro Rod Kit
For the outdoor lover who also likes to travel light, the Backcountry Stove & Ferro Kit from Australian brand Homecamp ($149) includes a foldable stainless-steel stove and cleverly placed slots to direct airflow for minimal fuel consumption. Each kit also comes with a wet wax canvas bag for convenient storage and transportation and ferro rod and strike for an easy way to light fires.
The best Christmas gifts for gardeners
Lucky Things’ Plant Pins ($35) are a fun way to spruce up an indoor jungle. They’re handmade in Melbourne from recycled plastic, and come in a wide range of colours and sizes to suit any taste.
We The Wild Leaf Health Kit with Gloves
For the dedicated plant parent, this Leaf Health Kit from We The Wild ($45) will help keep their collection looking spick and span. Each set comes with a pair of microfibre gloves and a bottle of neem oil spray to conveniently and gently clean foliage.
Bird watchers and twitchers will appreciate these handcrafted paperweights and whistles ($69) as a thoughtful gift. Made from clay and then hand fired and painted, the range includes various native Australian and New Zealand birds, including magpies, black cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets.
The best Christmas gifts for travellers
Twelve South AirFly Pro
For the frequent flyer in your life, Twelve South’s AirFly Pro ($90) is a clever adaptor that connects wireless earphones to airplane in-flight entertainment systems (those flimsy headsets begone!). It can be used to support up to two sets of earbuds, meaning two people can watch the same movie at once, on the plane or on a laptop or tablet while travelling.
Streamline their travel with the Transit Carry-On Suitcase (from $429) from Australian brand Bellroy. The compact design packs a lot into a small space, and comes with removable packing cubes, an internal Apple AirTag pocket, smooth-running and quiet wheels and a durable outer shell.
The best Christmas gifts for tech-lovers
Journey ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat
For the person in your life with a bevvy of gadgets and gizmos, Journey’s ALTI Wireless Charging Mat ($150) will keep them all charged and organised in one place. Made from vegan leather, it doubles as a mousepad, with a concealed document holder underneath, and comes in four colour options.
These controller holders (from $30) from Cable Guys are a playful but practical gift allowing neat storage of gaming controllers or devices. The range spans a broad selection of characters – including SpongeBob, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Snoopy.
This retro-inspired radio from LEGO ($170) is great for the big kid in your life with an affinity for vintage gadgets and music. Once built, it works as a transistor radio, and also features a hidden smartphone dock for them to blast all their favourite songs on demand.
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