With only a few weeks left, time’s running short to get all that Christmas shopping done. Here we feature some inspired gift ideas.

With only a few weeks left, time’s running short to get all that Christmas shopping done. Here we feature some inspired gift ideas.

Club has the festive season totally covered

The Canberra Southern Cross Club will bring the finest local treats to Christmas tables across Canberra, says Kristen Allen, general manager of marketing and communications.

“From our handmade, sustainably smoked Christmas hams, to our luxurious, family-recipe Christmas cake, and beautifully curated hampers filled with festive delights, it’s the perfect way to make your celebrations truly unforgettable,” she says.

CSCC is offering a selection of food, hampers and vouchers.

“Our hams are handmade locally and naturally smoked, using sustainably sourced Australian pork to bring you the finest flavour,” says Kristen.

“Each ham will come with our house-made spicy mango glaze, cooking instructions and a calico ham bag to store leftovers.”

Kristen says the club’s limited-edition, homemade, traditional Christmas cake will also be on sale.

“Using her cherished family recipe, our executive pastry chef uses all-natural ingredients with absolutely no preservatives added,” she says.

According to Kristen, the festive gifts don’t stop there with Christmas hampers and CSCC gift cards available.

“Whether you’re indulging in a festive treat for yourself, hosting loved ones, or looking for the perfect fit, our hampers have something for everyone,” she says.

Alternatively, a CSCC gift card can be enjoyed at all four venues for dinners and drinks.

The Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison and the Yacht Club. Purchase at shop.cscc.com.au

The gift of live music: go ‘beyond the ordinary’

Ana de la Vega encourages everyone to “go beyond the ordinary” and give the gift of an unforgettable concert experience.

The artistic director of the Snow Concert Hall says its just revealed third season has “a bold and vibrant selection of international artists, with a program that offers a wonderful range of fine classical music from around the globe.”

“Our 2025 season brings together six unforgettable performances featuring Nordic influences and beloved classical masterpieces,” she says.

“A gift subscription is more than just a present; it’s a year-long journey through the magic of music, featuring six extraordinary concerts by world-renowned international artists,” she says.

“Whether your loved one is a lifelong music enthusiast or someone ready to explore the transformative power of live performances, this is the perfect gift to create lasting memories.”

The season includes performances from the Balanas Sisters, the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Kristian Bezuidenhout, Sjaella, Benjamin Grosvenor, Anthony Marwood & James Crabb and a special performance from Ana, herself an internationally acclaimed flautist, from her album My Paris.

Ana says they provide an online gift-wrapping, postal and delivery service online to make the gift of music as magical as it can be.

“This is your chance to immerse yourself in unforgettable performances that celebrate the very best in classical music,” she says.

Snow Concert Hall, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill. Call 6260 9700 or visit snowconcerthall.com

Gifts help keep the tradition of hand-blown glass alive

In the lead up to Christmas, Canberra Glassworks is holding some special Christmas-themed classes.

“We are hosting Christmas glass classes to blow your own glass bauble in the Hotshop or craft handmade ornaments with friends and family,” says artistic director, Aimee Frodsham.

Outside of the workshop, Aimee says the Glassworks’ Gallery Shop has recently expanded online and this is the perfect place for people to buy works and support artists.

“Supporting Canberra Glassworks means supporting local artists and keeping the tradition of hand-made glass alive,” she says.

“It’s a gift that reflects Canberra’s vibrant arts community.”

Kingston’s Canberra Glassworks is the largest glassmaking facility dedicated to studio glass in the southern hemisphere.

“Being the largest facility makes both Canberra and our organisation truly unique!” says Aimee.

“Our glassmaking facilities attract artists and makers not only from across the country, but also internationally to work with the best in glass blowing, neon bending, casting and more.

“Many of their artworks and glassware are then available in our Gallery Shop for visitors to gift, collect and use in their homes.”

Visitors can access a public viewing platform to watch the artists at work in the Hotshop, Cold Shop, kiln forming and flame-working studios and, Aimee says, visitors can book a class to learn how to make their glass art, take a guided tour or take part in group activities.

Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6260 7005 or visit canberraglassworks.com

Karen has gifts that keep on growing

Karen Brien, owner of Pialligo’s Cool Country Natives, says her plants and gift certificates make ideal Christmas presents.

“We also have a lovely line of locally produced cards from a local, well-known botanical artist Cheryl Hodges featuring native plants and insects, as well as new Christmas ones,” she says.

Cool Country Natives is dedicated to only selling Australian plants and is Canberra’s only retail nursery to propagate 90 per cent of its tubestock and some of its potted stock.

“Ninety-five per cent of our plants are frost hardy and heat tolerant, but we do have some special plants for your garden that require a special place,” she says.

“We also hold licences to sell threatened species, and collect and propagate from local populations.”

Open seven days a week, except for some public holidays, Karen says the nursery has the largest range of Australian plants suitable for growing in Canberra’s difficult climate and helps customers to have a great success rate with their plants.

“Our plants have been selected for local conditions, however because we propagate our own plants, we can source many local species and have a large range of threatened species.

“We choose our suppliers carefully to ensure plants are hardened to our local conditions.”

Being selective in the nursery’s stock is important to Karen to ensure that it provides the best quality plants, potting mix and fertiliser.

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666 or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Folk festival has festive gift idea with a bonus

Preparations for the 2025 National Folk Festival are well underway with an expected 350 events over the Easter long weekend in April.

But for Christmas, co-artistic director Michael Sollis offers the idea of giving the gift of experience of connection and creativity.

“For every day ticket purchased, receive a free ticket to the Thursday opening night,” he says.

“With a vibrant mix of music, dance, workshops and food, there’s something for all ages and interests.

“Attendees can enjoy captivating performances from iconic Australian singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, First Nation artists like Stuart Joel Nuggett and Canadian storyteller David Francey.”

Michael’s co-artistic director Holly Downes says the festival will have a selection of interactive and participatory experiences.

“Get involved in daily Irish dancing sessions with Margaret and Bill Winnett, step into the elegance of the Bridgerton Ball or join the Yankadi African Dance party with Super Mande Percussion,” she says.

Michael says the festival will have a diverse array of food from around the world.

“It’s a feast for the senses,” he says.

According to Holly, this event is for all ages, with something for everyone.

“Families will love the daily dances, including tarantella, bush dances and swing sessions,” she says.

“Children and adults alike can enjoy interactive workshops and creative activities.

“With vibrant cabarets, a Latin fiesta and a late-night trad rave, the festival is a perfect outing for those looking to share fun experiences with friends or partners.”

National Folk Festival April 17-21, Exhibition Park in Canberra. Tickets now available at folkfestival.org.au/citynews

Gift shop ready for an Aussie Christmas

Wombat Cards and Gifts is a small family business started by Monica and John Rolls in 2015.

“We began as a small market stall selling homemade greeting cards that I started making when I retired,” says Monica.

The business is now located in Belconnen, although Monica still attends markets around Canberra and surrounds.

Monica says she loves what she’s doing and loves that she’s achieving something by introducing people to Australian animals.

“It’s a nice way to talk about country and the animals living in it,” she says.

“I love the Australian animals… and I love expressing my joy through the store.”

Monica says Wombat Cards and Gifts will be open on Christmas Eve until 3pm and will open on Boxing Day with a sale from 9am to noon.

Monica manages the shop alongside her two casual employees – both family members – and emphasises the importance of shopping local and supporting small businesses.

“When you support a local business, you’re supporting people in your region, not a multi-million-dollar company,” she says.

Not only does Monika sell her handmade cards, her shop now supports and stocks other local artisans and creators.

Wombat Cards and Gifts will also have a market stall at Summernats 2025.

Wombat Cards and Gifts, Shop 2, 31/35 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 0423 786222, or visit wombatcardsandgifts.com.au

Skip the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary, says Richard

Looking to support local artisans? Richard Thomas says to look no further than the Watson Arts Centre, where local potters and ceramicists showcase a selection of ceramic art and pottery at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair.

“Here you’ll discover the perfect gift at the perfect price while supporting local artisans,” the CEO says.

“Whether you’re shopping at the fair, or exploring our shop, you’ll find a wide array of handcrafted treasures that are both meaningful and locally made.”

Richard says that unlike the bustling shopping centres, their premises offer plenty of free parking, making shopping experience hassle-free and enjoyable.

“This Christmas, skip the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary by choosing gifts that showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of our local makers,” he says.

“Come say ‘hi’ and visit us at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair, where the spirit of the season meets the artistry of pottery, and where you’re sure to find gifts as unique as the people you’re shopping for.”

Canberra Potters Christmas Fair, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson, 10am-4pm December 6-15. Call 6241 1670 or visit
canberrapotters.com.au

Take the guesswork out of giving by going handmade

Take the guesswork out of giving with a handmade and bespoke piece of art from Belco Arts.

“A gift from The Shop at Belco Arts comes from a carefully curated collection of wearable and usable art selected for quality, artistic innovation and excellence,” says marketing manager Shan Crosbie.

“Shoppers can explore our range online or head into the centre where our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect gift for all tastes,” she says.

Outside of the centre’s selection of art and handmade pieces, Shan recommends the gift of music for Christmas.

“If you’re after the perfect ‘experience’ gift and still want to support artists this Christmas, tickets to our upcoming 2025 Smith’s@Belco gigs with Alex Lloyd and Emily Wurramara are sure to be a hit!” she says.

“We are the multi-arts centre at the heart of Belconnen and offer opportunities to be creative and to connect through exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and events.”

The Shop will be open until 4pm on Sunday, December 22 and the online cut-off date is Friday, December 13.

Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Call 6173 3300 or visit belcoarts.com.au

Trevor’s flight simulator takes gift giving to new heights

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind experience, says owner Trevor Vickers.

“We provide the opportunity to experience what it’s like to captain the world’s most popular commercial aircraft, using our replica 737 flight simulator,” he says.

No experience is necessary to fly in the simulator, based on the Boeing 737-800NG, as every “flight” is assisted by an experienced instructor to ensure the budding pilot gets the most out of the session.

“It’s a gift that’s out of the ordinary. People love the experience. Some say: ‘It’s reignited my passion for aviation’.

“Lots of people dream of flying a plane as a kid, and put those dreams aside.”

Gift certificates are available online and Trevor says participants can bring up to four passengers for free.

With more than 24,000 airports around the world to choose from, each session is tailored to the interests of the guest pilot. Some like to fly over cities such as New York or Paris, or visit the Egyptian pyramids, while others prefer trying barrel rolls and flying under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or being challenged by a difficult approach in the Himalayas.

Details of two other activities – paraglider simulator and Icaro’s active virtual reality – can be found on the website.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, 4 Montford Cr, Lyneham. Visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834 026.

Try a show at the ‘home for everyone who loves the arts’

Giving someone the gift of live performance is giving them an experience that is unique because no performance is the same and no person experiences a performance in the same way, says Jordan Best.

“Live performance is about connection,” says The Q’s artistic director.

“We are a home for everyone who loves the arts, whether you’re an artist or audience member, we create space for you.”

According to Jordan, The Q’s tickets are affordable, with some performances offered on the “pay-what-you-feel” model.

“We believe that the arts are for everyone, regardless of your financial situation,” she says.

“We have gift vouchers available that can be redeemed to any show in our venue.

“We also offer memberships to The Q, so that you can save on every ticket to our season shows, as well as receiving a discount at our bars.”

Jordan says The Q programs performances for every person in the community.

“We’ve got comedy, dance, musical theatre, drama, classical music, tribute bands, opera and everything in between,” she says.

“We are one of the only performing arts centres’ in Australia that are producing work to tour.”

The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6285 6290 or visit theq.net.au

Discover the many ways that hemp can help

South Pacific Hemp goes to great lengths to source only the best hemp products, says store manager Sue Booth.

“We get to know the story and origin behind each wholesaler, we pride ourselves on knowing these individual companies’ stories and telling our customers exactly where the products originated,” she says.

“The global market for hemp is predicted to nearly quadruple in value between 2020 and 2027.

“This is because of hemp’s hardiness across a wide range of climates, its ability to grow in and improve poor soil, as well as absorb more carbon dioxide than any other crop, and that every part of the plant is useful.”

Sue says she also takes pride in having vast knowledge about the different hemp products and uses.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours and has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.”

Sue says hemp gives years of wear, while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep.

In store, Sue is offering $15 off most clothing in store and online for the months of December and January, 5 per cent off for Seniors Card holders in store and free shipping for orders over $50 across Australia.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898 or visit southpacifichemp.com.au