I’ve always been a last minute shopper. I’m deeply envious of people who get their Christmases sorted out months in advance, but I also take comfort in knowing that I’m part of a biiiiig group of last minute shoppers!
So if you’re like me, then this post is written just for you…
I’m here to help you out with some great ideas, but also to encourage you to shop local. I first started doing this a few years back as a result of being disorganised and leaving my Christmas shopping to the last minute. I couldn’t bear the thought of dashing through a crowded mall full of cranky, stressed out people and buying boring things that didn’t mean a whole lot. And I didn’t have time to shop online because of shipping cut offs and postage stress. So I went to a local boutique called Meet Gather Collect. And I did my entire Christmas shopping in that one store! And it was GREAT. Not only did I buy some beautiful, quality products that I never would have found otherwise (and definitely wouldn’t have thought of myself), but I also gave my hard earned dollars to a small local business. And that not only put food on their table and ensures their business continues to thrive, but it makes me feel good! Supporting local businesses is SUCH an important and wonderful thing!
We are so lucky in Canberra to be surrounded by so many clever, creative, entrepreneurial individuals and teams who have fantastic shops and services that make the perfect gifts–for everyone in your life. So please read on to get our pick of some fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Boutiques & Stores
Tip You’re It
The ultimate in baby and kids goods in Canberra. We love Trev & Che who run this store and we love shopping here. They stock heaps of trending and well known brands–everything from toys and clothing to nursery furniture. But they also have lots of lesser known brands, and I love the surprises that brings! There are gorgeous gifty things for adults too! It’s a fun place to visit–even with kids in tow (trust me, we have gone in their plenty with our destructive toddler).
Visit them in person at: 5/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon
Online shopping is available too at: https://www.tipyoureit.com.au
Meet Gather Collect
A gorgeously curated haven of beautiful objects at the fun and quirky Aranda shops. Many of the things they sell are made in Canberra, but those that aren’t are still made by small Australian artisans and creatives. They have clothing, shoes, jewellery, homewares, baby goods, cards and wrap, wall art, furniture, candles and much more. You can buy gifts from as little as $20. And they have vouchers available too. The store is run by a gorgeous couple, who have just had their first baby, and they are super passionate about what they do. It makes me feel good every time I visit their store!
Visit them in person at: 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda
Online shopping is available too at: https://meetgathercollect.com.au
The Beautique
My favourite beauty stop in Canberra. Not only is this place the ultimate for buying beautiful experiences for your wife/girlfriend/mother (I’m still waiting to be bought a luxe mani/pedi treatment one day, hint hint!), but they also have amazing gifts as well – chocolates, tea, body products, homewares. Jess is a gifted curator of beautiful things and goes out of her way to stock products that are not found elsewhere.
Visit them in person at: 96/235 Flemington Road, Franklin
Online shopping is available too at: https://www.the-beautique.com.au
Bison
One year I did about 60% of my Christmas shopping at Bison. Last year, we bought a few gifts there too, and we also spent Christmas money that we were gifted there on ourselves!!! If you don’t know this brand, you need to. Brian’s creations are the ultimate in luxurious, heirloom homewares. They have beautiful high end objects like vases and platters that nobody ever buys for themselves (hello, perfect gift!). But they also have a lot of regular items like glasses, dinnerware, teapots, coffee cups, all made with amazing attention to detail and in beautiful seasonal colours. We love our Bison items! I couldn’t recommend this brand more highly.
Visit them in person at: 6/8 Beltana Rd Pialligo AND Shop G14/27 Lonsdale St Braddon
Online shopping is available too at: https://www.bisonhome.com
Food & drinks
The Canberra Distillery gin and vodka
This small batch distillery has been super visible at all local foodie events in recent years. Our very favourite of all they do is the French Earl Grey Gin. It’s a beautiful deep purple colour, but when you mix it, it turns pink. It’s super fun to drink, and tastes amazing. Such a great gift for a gin lover, or someone who doesn’t need ‘things’.
Available from their online store at: https://www.thecanberradistillery.com.au/
Or from one of these local stores: Plonk (Fyshwick and Belconnen markets), Ainslie Cellars, Hops and Vine (Hall) and Prohibition at the Foreshore (Kingston).
Jasper & Myrtle chocolates
If you visit markets and food events, you definitely would have come across these chocolates before. Everyone knows a chocolate lover, or two or three, and this stuff beats anything mass produced by a long shot!
Available from their online store at: https://jasperandmyrtle.com.au
Visit them in person their factory and retail space: Unit 9, Building 3.1, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Or from one of these local stores: Ainslie IGA, Deakin IGA, O’Connor IGA, the Cook Grocer, the Chifley Grocer, The Essential Ingredient Kingston and Poachers Pantry.
Contentious Character wines
I love these wines as a gift because their labels are so fun and provide scope to really personalise your gift! Labels include ‘Dry as a dead dingoes donga’ and ‘It takes time to reach your prime’. Most bottles are around the $30-$40 mark and they also sell a range of their own condiments, plus gift cards and food/wine experiences.
Visit them in person at: 810 Norton Road, Wamboin, NSW
Online shopping is available too at: https://www.contentiouscharacter.com.au/
P.S This post is not sponsored in any way. We just personally like and shop from all these brands, and want to share the love of supporting local businesses. Happy shopping!
Images used in this post are from each store’s social media pages.
