Forget socks and generic gift vouchers, here’s a selection of cool present ideas for everyone on your list.
It’s all about planning and strategy when it comes to Christmas. Don’t leave your shopping until the last minute and wander around Westfield aimlessly. From cheap stocking fillers to luxe designer gifts, it doesn’t matter if someone’s been naughty or nice, we’ve got you covered.
Drinks subscription for Cocktail Lovers
Cocktail Porter is a cocktail subscription service where you can get hand-crafted cocktails delivered direct to your door. They start from $135/month.
A Fancy Knife Set
This is an awesome present for someone who’s just moved into their first place or perhaps someone who fancies themselves a Masterchef in the kitchen. I’ve never seen a knife block like it. THE EGG is by Baccarat, Australia’s biggest home grown cookware brand. Their knives are popular amongst top chefs and home-cooks. The 7 piece stainless steel knife block was $999 and has been reduced to $399 at House.
Wireless Headphones
How on earth did I manage life without Apple AirPods before? I love them. They work with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac. You can adjust the volume, change the song, make a call or even get directions by simply double-tapping to activate Siri. Available from Apple for $229.
Drinks Trolleys for Booze Lovers
There’s nothing worse than seeing nice booze laying on someone’s floor or tucked away in a stuffy cupboard. Drinks trolleys are a beautiful present idea with lots of different styles to choose from. I particularly like the Ritz trolley from Freedom ($199) and the Gatsby Bar Cart ($279) from Temple & Webster.
Alternative Calendars are a Thing
From beer calendars to organic tea, jewellery, make up, candles and more. Advent calendars aren’t just filled with chocolate these days. Check out our guide here.
Voucher to Quay
The newly renovated Quay restaurant was one of my most favourite dining experiences this year. Whether you’re buying for someone who lives in Sydney or someone who’s planning a visit if they’re a foodie they’ll appreciate a voucher to this three hat restaurant. Vouchers start at $50 and are available here.
Secret Foodies for Adventurous Food Lovers
Naturally i’m a bit biased with this one but Secret Foodies gift vouchers are super popular this time of year and an awesome gift idea for food lovers. It’s a really unique experience and perfect for anyone who loves food, meeting new people and trying new places. You can buy vouchers starting from $75-$150. They’re valid for 12 months and will be emailed to you upon purchase so you can easily slip them into a card and voila- present sorted! Available online here.
Cookbooks With Recipes You Secretly Want Them To Cook You (wink wink Mum)
A lot of cookbooks come across my desk each year but here are four that grabbed my attention. Behind the Half Door ($39), a beautifully crafted hardback Irish cookbook filled with stories and 90 delicious recipes. One of my favourite Sydney bakeries Flour and Stone released a cookbook. Nadine Ingram shares her baking secrets in Flour and Stone, baked for love life and happiness ($55). Cook your way through more than 250 traditional and contemporary home-style Indian recipes in Christine Mansfield’s Tasting India: heirloom family recipes cookbook ($50). Actress Reese Witherspoon brought out a cookbook called Whiskey in a Teacup ($33) all about southern style parties and her favourite dishes growing up.
The BEST Card Game EVER
I am absolutely obsessed with this game. Forget regular Monopoly which takes hours and always ends in a fight, Monopoly Deal is faster and way more fun. It’s usually $19.95 but available at at The Gamesmen for $12.95 here.
Quit Horsing Around, Buy A Nice Watch
The Horse is an Australian brand well known for their beautifully crafted women’s and unisex watches. The watches come in lots of different colours, i’ve got the one pictured above and wear it everyday. Watches are around $159 (sometimes cheaper on The Iconic if they have a sale).