For the germaphobic
Goodbye Bad Natural Hand Protector
Kiwi brand Bye Bye Bad’s Natural Hand Protector ($8) makes a nice gift for the sharp sanitizer or person who’s always on the go in your life. Alcohol-free and made in New Zealand, it is formulated with Bioactive Totarol™, Kawakawa, Hemp, Manuka and Echinacea, which helps inhibit bacterial growth for up to 24 hours. It is gentle on the skin and also makes a nice gift for new parents.
For the home gardener
These Vivid Australian Midnight Star Show Earrings ($75) from regional NSW brand Featherdale are a lovely option for bird obsessives. Handcrafted from ethically sourced feathers collected from natural shedding from Featherdale’s farm or friends and family farms, these feathers are a beautiful tribute to Australia’s feathered fauna.
For home cooks with a serious knife collection
Sansho Camellia Oil
If they devote serious time to maintaining their Japanese kitchen knife collection, Sansho’s Camellia Oil ($26) is a good sidekick to keep expensive cookware working as it should. Food safe, helps protect metal objects from rust and tarnishing; This means it is useful for keeping garden tools under control. It can also be used to make wooden kitchen utensils such as chopsticks and spoons look new, as it does not leave an oily surface on the wood thanks to its light consistency.
for golfer
Walker The Hunter Antique Brushed Gold Ball Markers
Elevate your golf game with Walker’s vintage-inspired The Hunter Ball Markers ($40). Sold in a set of three, each pack includes a bottle cap pen and two Kookaburra pens, all made of gold brushed enamel.
For the dog obsessed friend
Outback Tails Desert Dog Chew Toy
Treat your dog-loving friend to a little something for their dog. This Desert Dog Chew Toy ($29) is made of eco-friendly jute and natural dye and printed with artwork by Patricia Nakamarra Oldfield. Proceeds from the sale go to the Aussie Desert Dog Rescue in Yuendumu, and the toy can be composted at the end of its life.
For analog friend
Creator’s Friend Notepad
Queensland stationery brand Creator’s Friend was founded by Alanah Purtell, who wanted to create neurodivergent-friendly notebooks that worked with her rather than against her. The collection of hobby notebooks (starting at $18) helps users stay organized and on track by addressing a variety of niche interests, from knitting to strength training, collecting, gardening and more.
For the coworker whose 3pm dessert offering needs improvement
Monsieur Truffe Can of Sardines
For that colleague who makes a habit of hitting the KitKat or Mars Bar at 3 p.m., upgrade their afternoon snack with this sardine chocolate box ($19) from Melbourne chocolatier Monsieur Truffe. Available in fish shape (not fish flavored) and in milk or dark chocolate.
For the friend who loves cheese
The Wood People Pebble Plate 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 plate (ideal for dry foods) and a gray resin plate (suitable for soft cheeses and spreads), both handmade in Melbourne.
For mothers who need some rest and relaxation
Additional Studios Bath Brew
For the hardworking person in your life who needs a little self-care (and has a bathroom at home), Addition Studio’s Bath Infusion ($20) is a nice treat. Made in Australia with white ocher, zeolite clay and indigenous essential oils, it’s essentially a giant tea bag that infuses bath water with soothing benefits.
For friends who love a cocktail or two
Porter Green Mecc Silicone Unbreakable Cocktail Glass
These Mecc Silicone Glasses ($50) are as “breakproof” as the name suggests; This makes them perfect for picnics, days at the beach, or the not-so-steady entertainer. They’re made from food-grade silicone, are lightweight, dishwasher safe and come in a wide range of attractive colours.
For the family member who loves ceramics
If it’s all about good vibes and alternative medicine, consider Vessel’s Aura Protection Balm ($38). With a base of organic shea, jojoba, scented oil, beeswax and Vetiver, as well as Buddhawood, Eastern Red Cedar and Yarrow, it can be used as a simple moisturizer or massaged into temples, wrists, neck, hands or feet for a quick aromatherapy treatment.
For the sister with a sweet tooth
Jacob Leung Koji Salted Caramel
If they love salted caramel, 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 things like miso and soy sauce), it’s a sweet, umami-rich addition to toast, baked goods, or ice cream.
For the friend who is obsessed with color theory
Dictionary of Color Combinations
It was first published in 1930 by Sanzo Wada, a pioneering Japanese artist, teacher, and costume and kimono designer. Dictionary of Color Combinations ($26) laid the foundation for contemporary color research. Based on the original work volume, this print offers 348 beautiful color combinations and is the perfect gift for the painter, crafter or person who is redecorating their home and needs some inspiration.
For the Pilates princess or prince
Double Ankle Grip Socks
For the Pilates-loving person in your life, these non-slip socks from Australian brand Paire ($24) make a practical and thoughtful gift. Made from Aussie merino wool and organic cotton, it is pleasantly breathable, soft, lightly cushioned and antibacterial. If ankle socks aren’t up to speed, Paire also makes a crew sock version ($28).
For the kid cousin to start crafts
This vase ($30) from Octaevo Barcelona is a colorful and affordable way to spruce up a bunch of flowers if you don’t have a fancy vase. Made from waterproof paper, it can be wrapped around any vase or water bottle for an attractive display.
For the friend who loves summer fun
Yes Yum Kimchi Oyster Sauce
If they love seafood and Korean food, consider this Kimchi Oyster Dip from Yes Yum ($18). Handmade on the south coast of NSW from delicious fermented kimchi, it’s perfect for drizzling over fresh oysters or prawns, or added to a Bloody Mary for a spicy kick.
For the fun-loving roommate
Ichendorf Milano Tumbler
These glasses from Italian glassware company Ichendorf Milano ($35) come in a wide range of designs to suit everything from poodles to cats, strawberries to pumpkins and everything in between, and look adorable filled with water or their favorite summer cocktail.
For the mom (or dad) who loves to bake
We Create Wooden Oven Rack Traction
The oven rack puller is a nifty tool for the habitual baker or avid home cook. Its simple curved design attaches to trays or wire racks for easy pulling or rearranging without the risk of burning. This Blackbutt wood kiln puller ($19) was carved by David Barden of Wood We Create in NSW.
For the coworker who always eats at his desk
Whether they’re caught up in the latest matcha craze or they’re an OG lover, Sad Girl’s Silky Matcha Spread ($22) will scratch that green tea itch. It is nut-free and gluten-free; Great on toast, croissants, ice cream, or eaten straight from the jar.
For parents who dream of adventure
Squidinki Puzzle
Squidinki’s thousand-piece puzzles ($40) feature fun and intricate illustrations by Max Mendez. With designs celebrating Australia’s iconic landmarks (and wildlife such as the ‘dustbin chicken’) and well-known overseas destinations, they make a great gift for the travel-loving or home-proud person.
For those trying to cut down on sugar without losing gas.
Six Barrel Soda Seltz Drops
Six Barrel Soda’s Seltz Drops ($10) make a nice gift for sober or sober enthusiasts or people looking to reduce their sugar intake. Each bottle makes about 50 drinks and can be added to sparkling water, sparkling water, or anything made in a home soda maker.
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
