For the germaphobe
Bye Bye Bad Natural Hand Protector
Kiwi brand Bye Bye Bad’s Natural Hand Protector ($8) is a nice gift for the keen sanitiser in your life or person who’s always on the go. Alcohol-free and made in New Zealand, it’s formulated with Bioactive Totarol™, an ingredient that helps inhibit bacteria growth for up to 24 hours, Kawakawa, Hemp, Manuka and Echinacea. Gentle on skin, it’s also a nice gift for new parents.
For the home gardener
These Vibrant Australian Midnight Star Show Earrings ($75) from regional NSW brand Featherdale are a lovely option for the bird obsessed. Handcrafted from ethically sourced feathers collected through natural moulting from Featherdale’s farm or the farms of friends and family, they’re a pretty ode to Australia’s feathered fauna.
For the home chef with a serious knife collection
If they put serious time into caring for their Japanese cooking knife collection, then Sansho’s Camellia Oil ($26) is a nice aide to keep their expensive cookware working how it should. Food safe, it helps protect metal objects from rust and patination – meaning it’s also handy for keeping gardening tools in check. It can also be used to keep wooden utensils such as chopsticks and spoons looking new, given its lightweight consistency means it doesn’t leave a greasy finish on timber.
For the golfer
Walker The Hunter Antique Brushed Gold Ball Markers
Upgrade their golf game with these vintage-inspired The Hunter Ball Markers from Walker ($40). Sold in a set of three, each pack includes a bottle cap marker and two Kookaburra markers, all made from enamel with gold brushed finish.
For the dog-obsessed friend
Outback Tails Desert Dog Chew Toy
Treat your dog-loving friend with a little something for their pooch. This Desert Dog Chew Toy ($29) is made from eco-friendly jute and natural dye, and printed with artwork by Patricia Nakamarra Oldfield. Proceeds from the sale go to Aussie Desert Dog Rescue in Yuendumu, and the toy can be composted at the end of its lifespan.
For the analogue friend
Queensland stationery brand Creator’s Friend was founded by Alanah Purtell, who wanted to create neurodivergent-friendly notebooks that worked with, not against her. Their collection of hobby notebooks (from $18) cater to a range of niche interests, from knitting, to strength training, collecting, gardening and much more, to help users stay organised and on track.
For the colleague whose 3pm sweet treat needs an upgrade
For the colleague who habitually ducks out for a 3pm KitKat or Mars Bar, upgrade their afternoon snacks with this sardines chocolate box ($19) from Melbourne chocolatier Monsieur Truffe. Fish-shaped (not fish flavoured), and available in milk or dark chocolate.
For the cheese-loving friend
The Wood People Pebble Platter Duo
The Pebble Platter Duo ($49) from The Wood People is a useful gift for the person who loves to entertain with a good charcuterie or cheese spread. Each set includes a mango wood platter (ideal for dry foods) and a grey resin platter (suitable for soft cheeses and pastes), both handcrafted in Melbourne.
For the mum in need of a bit of rest and relaxation
For the hardworking person in your life in desperate need of a little self-care (and who has a bath in their house), Addition Studio’s Bath Brew ($20) is a nice treat. Made in Australia with white ochre, zeolite clay and native essential oils, it’s essentially a giant teabag to infuse bathwater with relaxing goodness.
For the friend who enjoys a cocktail … or two
Porter Green Mecc Silicone Unbreakable Cocktail Glasses
These Mecc Silicone Glasses ($50) are “unbreakable” as their name suggests, making them perfect for picnics, days out at the beach or for the not-so-steady entertainer. Made from food grade silicone they’re lightweight and dishwasher safe and come in a broad range of attractive colours.
For the ceramic-loving family member
If they’re all about good vibes and alternative medicine, consider Vessel’s Aura Protection Balm ($38). With a base of organic shea, jojoba, kokum butter, beeswax and Vetiver, and Buddhawood, Eastern Red Cedarwood and Yarrow, it can be used as a simple moisturiser or massaged onto temples, wrists, necks, hands or feet for a quick aromatherapy treatment.
For the sibling with a sweet tooth
Jacob Leung Koji Salted Caramel
If they love salted caramel, then they’ll love this Koji-infused version ($15) from Australian food stylist and author Jacob Leung. Made from miso (Koji is fermented rice or soy grains used to make such things as miso and soy sauce), it’s a sweet, umami-rich addition to toast, baked goods or ice cream.
For the friend obsessed with colour theory
A Dictionary of Colour Combinations
First published in 1930 by pioneering Japanese artist, teacher, costume and kimono designer Sanzo Wada, A Dictionary of Colour Combinations ($26) laid the groundwork for contemporary colour research. This edition, based on his original volume of work, offers 348 delightful colour combinations, and is the perfect gift for the painter, crafter or person redecorating their home and in need of inspiration.
For the Pilates princess or prince
For the Pilates-loving person in your life, these non-slip socks from Australian brand Paire ($24) are a practical and thoughtful gift. Made from Aussie merino wool and organic cotton, they’re nice and breathable, soft, lightly cushioned and antibacterial. If ankle socks aren’t their speed, Paire also make a crew sock version ($28).
For the kid cousin getting into crafts
This vase from Octaevo Barcelona ($30) is a colourful and affordable way to spruce up a bunch of flowers if a fancy vase is not on hand. Made from waterproof paper, it wraps around any vase or water bottle for an attractive display.
For the friend who loves summer entertaining
Yes Yum Kimchi Oyster Dressing
If they love seafood and Korean food, consider this Kimchi Oyster Dressing from Yes Yum ($18). Handmade on NSW’s south coast from their delicious fermented kimchi, it’s ideal for drizzling on fresh oysters or prawns, or added to a bloody mary for a spicy kick.
For the homebody friend with an eye for fun
These tumblers from Italian glassware company Ichendorf Milano ($35) come in a wide range of designs to suit any taste – from poodles to cats, strawberries to pumpkins, and everything in between – and look adorable filled with water or their favourite summer cocktail.
For the mum (or dad) who loves to bake
An oven rack pull is a nifty tool for habitual bakers or avid home cooks. Its simple curved design latches onto trays or wire racks for easy pulling or reorganising without the risk of burns. This Blackbutt wood oven puller ($19) is carved in NSW by David Barden of Wood We Create.
For the coworker who always eats at their desk
Whether they’ve been swept up in the recent matcha craze or are an OG lover, Sad Girl’s Silky Matcha Spread ($22) will scratch that green tea itch. Nut free and gluten free, it’s great on toast, croissants, ice cream or eaten straight out of the jar.
For the parent dreaming of adventure
Squidinki’s thousand-piece puzzles ($40) feature playful and intricate illustrations from Max Mendez. With designs celebrating iconic Australian landmarks (and wildlife, like the “bin chicken”) as well as well-known overseas destinations, they’re a great gift for the person who loves to travel or is proud of home.
For the person trying to cut back on sugar without losing the fizz
Six Barrel Soda’s Seltz Drops ($10) are a nice gift for the sober or sober curious, or that person looking to cut down their sugar intake. Each bottle makes about 50 drinks, and it can be added to still or sparkling water or anything made by an at-home soda machine.
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
