Christmas is a time for spreading love and cheer, right? But you should also try to give a thoughtful gift with some real originality. We’re here to help! Here’s our guide to what’s stylish, as sustainable as possible and truly gift-giving-worthy. You’ll feel comfortable knowing that each recommendation has been tested by our team for a true review. Here are some of our picks for those you care about in your life.
For Techies!
Skullcandy Sech ANC and MOD Earbuds
Sesh ANC 
MOD
We’ve enjoyed testing out these ‘Supreme Sound’ Sesh ANC earbuds. Super stylish with a 4-mic hybrid active noise-cancelling, they’re rated better than our Apple and our Sennheiser ones. They have a handy Stay-Aware Mode, so you can tune out annoying family members/Christmas carols or bad reality TV without being disturbed (we won’t tell!) Packed with lots of features, including Finding Technology, IP55 water resistance and 46 hours of battery life. Great value at under $150
The Mod True Wireless earbuds share similar design features, boasting IP55 sweat- and water-resistance, which we tried out by running in the rain! They have tuned drivers and a noise-reducing Clear Voice Smart Mic in each bud to deliver the best audio quality for pumping tunes across rock, soul and techno. Preset and custom EQs and Stay-Aware Mode with the easy-to-use app means it’s easily configurable and a snap to use. Both earbuds are available for purchase online or via JB Hi-Fi Mod RRP $99.99$
Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse
We love our lavender keyboard and Pebble mouse.
Redefine your workspace with fan-favourite K80 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and Pebble Wireless Mouse. We found it super easy to use and set up, connecting up to 3 devices easily. The natty Pebble has a USB stowed under the shell layer to connect if that’s your personal preference. The keyboard has a substantial feel, yet it’s quiet and leightweight so it’s easy to move around the house. We adore the groovy colours (Sand, Blueberry and Lavender Lemonade – which is our pick).
Logitech.com to purchase keyboard RRP $79.95 & Pebble RRP $49.95
AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter by Twelvesouth
Forget those horrible airline headphones that sit in your ear like a torture device and leave you tethered to the seat. The 2nd gen AirFly supports wireless earbuds and earphones for over 20 hours by simply connecting via Bluetooth. Simply plug the device into the headphone jack, and connect. It’s really that easy. Users love it for running on the treadmill, watching shows on a tablet, and even connecting to a hire car without the risk of synching your whole phone and its personal information. With summer right on our doorstep, we plan to take this on the boat when we’re not using it in the air.
Buy now RRP $34.99
HUAWEI FreeBuds Lipstick
Swoon. The minute this scented box arrived, we were head over heels in love with the thoughtful design, turning beauty into sound. Talk about sexy glam. The lipstick case is a dream to pop in our handbag, The stems make gesture control far more comfortable than other earbuds as you aren’t pushing the bud down into your eardrum, which quite frankly can be painful. These have it all – noise cancelling, HD recording, intelligent audio paring and an app to give you more control. The sound is fantastic in high and low ranges. Ladies, this is one to ask Santa for. HUAWEI FreeBuds Lipstick RRP $339 https://consumer.huawei.com/en/headphones/freebuds-lipstick/
For Drinks Lovers
Freixenet Christmas Bon Bons
Internationally acclaimed winemaker, Freixenet, has launched two gorgeous limited-edition Christmas Bon Bons. They arrived beautifully wrapped in a Christmas Cracker-designed gift box, and each Freixenet Christmas Bon Bon includes a 200ml Piccolo-sized bottle of Freixenet Italian Sparkling Rosé and a 200ml Piccolo bottle of Freixenet Prosecco. Cheers to that, no? Available exclusively through Dan Murphy’s and BWS. RRP $13.00 each
Tsarine is the drink of the Tsars and royalty. We love their classic brut – a lighter style of champagne, and perfect with oysters (we love them too) without being overpowering. For something a little more special, try the rose. Bright and fresh, it will transport you to a luxurious French estate with just one sip. Fresh aromas of red fruits and notes of strawberry, redcurrant, and blackcurrant really pop on the tongue. The finish is long, tart and remarkably fresh. RRP $68.99 Major retailers & Dan Murphys
Soda Stream DUO & ART
SodaStream is taking refreshment to the next level thanks to their latest and most premium innovation, the DUO sparkling water maker, which carbonates both plastic and glass. It’s so easy to use, with no messy screwing to connect the bottle and the casing like our last soda stream. It also doesn’t require power so it can go out in the garden or the beach with you. To use it, simply turn the lever to the right, and the aluminum canister angles automatically forward. Pop in the bottle, push down and press for bubbles. So easy. We love the nod to sustainability and style with glass bottles that look stylish on the table. We gave the ginger beer flavour a run for its money and can’t say we were sorry! Major retailers RRP $229
Boutique-y Gin Company Gin Collection
When did gift sets get so cool?! Drinks by the Dram are taking things up a notch with their festive packs, perfect for a friend who loves a tipple or two. The ‘dram’ means these are perfect one-drink-sized tasters of gins they might not already have on their bar shelf. Think honey pomelo, cherry and even a spit-roasted pineapple-infused gin. With twelve minis in the gift pack, it can do double duty as an advent calendar if you’re gifting early. https://shortysliquor.com.au/boutique-y-gin-company-gin-collection-gift-set-12x30ml RRP $84.99
Keep it chill with Huski Wine Coolers
This Summer, we’re manifesting long sunny days without a raindrop to ruin our picnics. And you can bet that we’ll be bringing this hard-working gizmo with us! The Huski Wine Cooler is one of those gadgets that’s so good you wonder… ‘why didn’t I think of that?’.
Forget carting around an esky or the annoyance of your wine dripping water every time you pull it out of the ice bucket – the clever Kiwis at Huski have developed an insulating case that will keep most 750ml bottles cool for up six hours. We’ve seen other wine coolers on the market that don’t fit champagne bottles, and for us, we’re all about versatility with our summer drinking. This one gets a gold star! https://www.huskicoolers.com.au/products/huski-wine-cooler? RRP $89.99
For lovers of tea – the T2 advent extravaganza
The advent calendar of choice this season! Spread the cheer with these twenty-four loose-leaf teas and tisanes. Ready to dance on your palate, sing to your senses and leave you with an aftertaste of pure joy.
Recipients will love this mixture of traditional teas, including Earl Grey, Chai, China Jasmine, along with flavoured teas like Pumping Pomegranate, Sticky Date Delight and Strawberries & Cream. There’s one for every day until Christmas. The perfect grown-up gift for those who are just a bit over tiny pieces of chocolate for breakfast. Buy now $45
Baci Chocolate
Baci, pure chocolate love is a tasteful (LOL) gift for Christmas. Baci Perugina Amore e Passione is the new limited-edition box created to celebrate love, a passion for creativity, beauty and excellence that distinguishes the history and identity of both Baci Perugina and Dolce & Gabbana. The soft gianduia taste filling, enveloping the signature whole hazelnut, is enriched with exquisite raspberry flavoured crystals. All covered in a sublime ruby red coating, creating a small gem of indulgence. It’s made even more unique with phrases by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. $21.90 available here.
For the Style Conscious
Dri-Glo Eco-Conscious home styling
The first Dri-Glo towels rolled off the loom in Yarraville, Victoria in 1930. Over the next 88 years, they’ve graced homes across the country and become an iconic Australian Brand. We love their commitment to sustainability and design. With so much to choose from, we tested out their Linen Quilted Coverlet Set. It arrived beautifully boxed (recyclable) with each bit in its own little drawstring bag, such a treat! The bedding is beautiful, sustainable and perfect for summer, with a lovely weighty quality to it. They made our spare bedroom look uber stylish, and the denim colour is utter perfection against white walls. Dri-Glo, is offering up to 60% off their premium e-commerce collection, available only via their website, from November 16 to 28.
Trend: Socks over leggings – Bondi Active
Long socks over leggings have been trending recently, with many of the A-list celebs rocking this look around town. Santa Stockings and socks always go together, right? We are loving these super soft socks that feel good on your tootsies and give a bit of tszuj to an otherwise boring outfit. We’ve tested them from workout to sofa and can vouch for their comfiness. Plus, they’re Australian!
Bondi Active, https://bondiactive.com/unisex-active-socks/ RRP $25
Isla in Bloom Picnic Rug
Forget your old roll-plaid picnic rug! Isla in Bloom’s gorgeous rugs are almost too good to unpack your lunch onto. In fact, plenty of their extra large picnic rugs never make it outside, doing duty instead as queen bed covers, throws or even room rugs. They’re certainly big enough for a bed cover, coming in at 190 x 160cm. Made of 100% cotton, they’re soft and cosy but plenty durable, too. There are plenty of fun boho prints to choose from – we’re in love with our Posie, a pretty smattering of pastel florals that’s the stuff our young hearts are made of. https://www.islainbloom.com.au/collections/picnic-rugs/products/posie-picnic-rug RRP $209
Katie Perry’s Sustainable Superfine Merino Wrap
Wrap us in luxury but make it eco! Chilly restaurants in summer and cool night air will be held at bay with soft merino wool that regulates your body temperature and boasts anti-bacterial properties. The best part? Everything is locally produced, made in Australia and will last for a lifetime. Each is hand-cut by the designer for minimal wastage. This luxe treat comes with a breathable cotton bag and will take you from the aeroplane to yoga glass to a champagne brunch without a second thought. In a pinch, it’s a way to protect yourself from the sun without overheating. We can’t recommend these enough. In a rainbow of colours, you’ll want to sneak one into your cart for yourself. Our favourite? The whisky, but the chilli red and indigo are also stunners. Add three embroidered initials for just $30. Add to cart here RRP $159.00
Swanky Socks
Socks are the perfect stocking stuffer! And with Swanky Socks you’re truly going to be the best gift giver. Made from Merino Wool these are comfy, supportive and will last a very long time. Odour resistant, good for the environment (they break down into the earth), and as a bonus – with purpose beyond commerce for every pair of Swanky Socks sold, the team donate a pair to homeless shelters. $29.95 each. Available here at Swanky Socks.
The Pari Pointed Ballet Flat
These little dancers are hot hot hot. But shhh, these stylish and also comfortable ballet flats are brought to you by UGG. Yes, UGG Express. Perfect to take you from work to party seamlessly because they are cute as all get out and so comfy. Who knew style and comfort could be used in the same sentence and not be ironic? Made from the softest Nappa leather, with leather lining these have a slight heel and a sole for gripping – so perfect for partying and remaining upstanding. Available here $235 (currently on sale for $80)
Spiritus Stones
For someone a bit spesh in your life, these bracelets are certainly charming. Grade A gemstones and 14k gold hardware are set off by natural stones for hand-crafted jewellery made to order. Spiritus Stones may be the perfect gift for someone needing a boost (or just for yourself). With a wide range of colours, you’ll find the perfect gift for the folks you care about. RRP $95
Hush Puppy Shoes built for style
Do you remember when you saw your grandma wearing Hush Puppies and hoped that those shoes never happened to you? Well, call me a Rottweiler – this new range of Hush Puppies are fierce. And comfortable – suitable for both work and play. The insole and padded arch makes for a comfortable wear, as you’d expect from a classic brand, yet the heel and gold studs say anything but. Perfect for anyone who loves to go from day to night or someone who loves to dance the night away and not miss a beat. There’ll be no more carrying your heels after hours of dancing with these puppies. The shoe above is Truffle and available for RRP $189.95 at the Hush Puppy store.
Belkin SOUNDFORM Move Plus
Ear buds are not all created equal. Belkin’s buds are slick operators. The bud design is low profile – black, streamlined, simple. We’re into it. There’s up to 24 hours of playtime (5 hours for the buds, an additional 19 hours from the case), microphones in each ear bud, and they’re sweat and splash-resistant. https://www.belkin.com/au/true-wireless-earbuds/P-PAC001.html RRP $59.95
For Earth Lovers
The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
This is certainly a tome to make time for. Greta Thunberg’s literary debut is more than 400 fascinating pages and documents not just the famous environmentalist’s impassioned thoughts, but also a thorough examination of the state of our planet. From geophysicists and oceanographers to meteorologists to economists, philosophers and engineers, there are different perspectives here to support the Earth’s plea for attention. Placed on a coffee table, it’s a surefire conversation starter. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-climate-book-9780241547472 RRP $55
Thermos™ Food Jar
No more single-use plastics (or sad desk lunches) for the lucky soul on the receiving end of this gift! Good old Thermos has upped their game with the Stainless Steel King Vacuum Insulated Food Jar. It’s got a 470ml capacity, an extra wide mouth for easy serving and best yet, it will keep lunch hot for 9 hours or cold for 14 hours. We’re also loving the hot red edition if you can get your hands on one. https://www.bigw.com.au/product/thermos-stainless-king-vacuum-insulated-food-jar-470ml-stainless-steel/p/698719 RRP $46.99
For Foodies
The Gozney Portable Pizza Oven
We don’t know anyone who doesn’t love pizza. It brings people together and lends itself to fun and festivity. So why not create your own?… just exactly like you like them? You can make it an occasion with fire-cooked crusts, but Gozney’s pizza ovens take you beyond mere pies. Think savoury souffles, puffy sourdough loaves and hickory smoked pork butt. Why warm up the kitchen when you can cook outside? We like the super portable Roccbox, restaurant quality but anywhere you are. With a double-layer stone floor and kitchen-grade stainless steel, this baby gets hot and stays hot. We’re talking 500C for amazing 60-second pizzas. Choose from grey or olive (soooo pretty) and between gas only or gas and wood. Purchase here RRP $799.00, on sale now for $639.20
TRUFF Truffle Lovers Pack
Do you know how to TRUFF? It’s got a cult following with good reason. Everything from the packaging to the product screams luxury, eben the box it comes in with its fetching gold trim. The Truffle Lovers Pack has everything you need to enter the blessed umami world; Black Truffle Hot Sauce, Black Truffle Pomodoro Pasta Sauce and Black Truffle Oil. Having tried it all, we think the truffle oil is the real stand out in a world of many inferior products, but you’ll have to try for yourself. It has a deliciously strong flavour and even after two weeks the oil is fresh and clean. The TRUFF Truffle Lovers pack is available for purchase online or via David Jones. From $112.95 RRP AUD
Pelli ‘Ok Weekend’ Picnic Set
Saving the Earth has never looked so chic. Perth-based brand Pelli’s tagline is ‘Est. for the future’ and they live by that motto, through their range of ocean-friendly, vegan and toxin-free bags, cooler bags, water bottles and reusable food storage and utensils. Viva la sustainability!!! In fact, every time you buy a Pelli product, you’re cleaning up a square meterage of the ocean, thanks to a partnership with Ocean Crusaders. Purchasing the ‘Ok Weekend’ Picnic Set means you’ve helped clean up 18m2 of ocean, and your lucky recipient gets a 100% natural canvas cooler bag, two insulated tumblers, and a cute cheese board and cheese knife set. It’s perfect for a picnic for two, we can attest we ate our cheese and drank our wine guilt free knowing the ocean was a little safer. https://pellibags.com.au/products/small-picnic-set? RRP $139
Salt&Pepper Fromage Stand
Got a friend who already has good platter game? Help them level up with this snazzy set of circular stands. We’ve all read those styling guides that say height is the new grazing board, and the Salt&Pepper’s 2-Piece Serving Stand Set means your antipasti-loving bestie can stop hunting around for apple crates for a little lift on the table. Made from fast-growing and sustainable acacia wood, the chunky style serving boards have plenty of space for a good combo of cheeses, biscuits, nuts, dried fruits, pretzels and the plethora of other things we’re adding to our boards these days. The’d also rock as plant stands. https://www.saltandpepper.com.au/sandp-fromage-serving-stands-s-2 RRP $84.95
Junee Christmas Chocolate Hampers
Forget Father Christmas and just call yourself Willy Wonka. The Christmas range from orangic chocolate and licorice factory Junee is the stuff sweet tooth dreams are made of. Located in the town of the same name, 30 minutes north of Wagga Wagga, it’s not hard to imagine Willy Wonka at home in the historic former flour mill mixing up new creations. There’s Rudolph’s (or Santa or Frosty’s) Favourites Hamper stocked with the likes of chocolate freckles, slabs of rocky road and chocolate-covered licorice, Christmas Chocolate Pizza Wheel, chocolate Christmas trees or Christmas-themed bags of goodies. You really can’t go wrong. https://www.juneelicoriceandchocolate.com/christmas Hampers from $30.
HelloFresh Christmas Box
This gift is good for foodies, but also for non-foodies who want to be foodies, or don’t have time to be foodies, or don’t know how to be foodies! We gave last year’s Christmas Box a whirl and it was the easiest Christmas dinner we’ve whipped up yet. This year you can get an entire feast delivered to someone’s doorstep, with all the instructions and ingredients they need to put on a spread arriving as part of the Christmas Box (think a cracker smashed pav!). But you can also opt-in for Festive Faves meals like Beef & Pistachio Meatloafs with Peppercorn Gravy, available now through to December 25th. Christmas boxes are available to order until December 13. https://www.hellofresh.com.au/
Salt & Pepper Fromage Picnic Stand
Not all picnics were created equal. If you’ve got a bestie who loves putting on a spread in the great outdoors, this will certainly put their picnic game on point. Coming in at 50cm long, Salt & Pepper’s mini folding table has enough space for a bottle of bubbles and four glasses, so no more spillage on unstable ground. And there’s even room for some charcuterie in between! Now that’s the perfect picnic combination in our books. https://www.saltandpepper.com.au/salt-and-pepper-fromage-picnic-table-50-x-35cm? $79.95
For beauty lovers
Burt’s Bees® Squeezy Trio Gift
Give them some cool lips this summer. Let your favourites enjoy the taste of lush with no nasties and the fruity flavours of Burt’s Bees® Squeezy Trio Gift this holiday season. Perfect as a sweet gift for a loved one or yourself, and an ideal stocking or cracker stuffer. Featuring three popular favours of the new Squeezy Tinted Lip Balms that provide all the hydration your lips need, you’ll love the light dash of colour perfect for the summer and holiday season. RRP $34.95
Astromantique Body Oil
Body oils are everything right now. Covering Earth, Water, Air and Fire, the Astromantique range of body oils are delicious hydration for your skin. Designed by two sisters – alike but very different, one is a famous Tarot reader and the other is a mother of four and business woman. Both seek beauty innovation believe in self-care. We all love oils and know the hydrating befits, so give the gift of dewy, gorgeous skin in stunning packaging.
Baxter Blue
This sleep mask from Baxter Blue is a perfect gift for anyone who’s craving a good night’s sleep (and really who isn’t?). This blocks 100% of light so your body can rest properly and naturally drift off into sweet sweet slumber. Made from a delicate fabric, it’s soft on the skin, and is fitted with internal padding of memory foam so yu can catch up on your beauty sleep any time of day or night. Go from insomnia to “wait, what is it morning?” https://www.baxterblue.com.au/products/sleep-maskAvailable here RRP $49.95
The Groomed Man Co.
Gifting personal care can be hard. Finding something remarkable, truly designed for men and also effective isn’t easy. But, look no more. The Groomed Man Co has extensive ranges in beard, face, hair and body care for men… good grooming, no bullsh*t! A splendid range of men’s grooming products made for men, by men. They do all the research to find natural and synthetic ingredients that deliver real results for the face, skin, body, beard and hair. Now maybe he’ll stop using your eye cream?
The Fresh Face Kit- $125 or Beard oil and Balm Kits- $70 in Man Mint, Morning Wood or Cool Cola
Cremo for a Barber Grade Experience
Heard the hype? We have! No. 1 U.S Beard-Brand* and Men’s Grooming Company, CREMO has finally arrived in Australia! Woot Woot!!
Famed for its high-performance ingredients and iconic scents, the full range of 21 products has your man sorted from beard, hair styling, body wash, shave prep and skin care products. Boom! The Shave Cream and Beard & Scruff creame were tried and tested out by our scruffy-faced and and clean faced friends who are now ready to swap brands. Exclusively available online through its Australian Amazon Storefront.
Wrinkles Schminkles
Giving someone good skin is more than a Christmas present, am I right? Perfect for stocking stuffers or as part of a home spa kit, the new Eye-Smoothing and De-Puffing mask is a no-needles alternative to looking fresher. Peptides derived from hibiscus help smooth expression lines and reduce the appearance of crows feet and laugh lines. Be sure to buy a set for yourself, too. Wrinkles Schminkles products. RRP $50
Lanolips
An oldie but a goodie – classic brand all revamped. Multiple deliciously edible flavours will bring a bit of glamour to the lips while taking care of them!
Love the lips of those you love and give them Lanolips! (Say that after multiple egg nogs!). Investigate your flavour here.
Contour Cube
Designed and made in Australia, the Contour Cube was specifically designed to shape and sculpt your face, tighten pores, de-puff eye bags and add radiance to your skin. In summer, we’ll have these on standby after hot days outside. These will soothe and contour, and, hey – Kendall Jenner loves them too! Available here RRP $34.95
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glam to Go mini Palette
Perfectly sized to pop in your handbag, carry on or a Christmas stocking, this versatile mini palette of 8 all new, matte and metallic shades suit any complexion and take you from day to night in a snap. Easy to apply and effortlessly blendable for everyday wear, or build up shades for a glam holiday look. Available at Sephora RRP $49
For the home
Christmas scented Glasshouse Candles
To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Glasshouse Fragrances have released a range of Christmas candles and scents to bring all the festivities into your home. Unique packaging and soy candle goodness make these the perfect hostess gift for anyone who enjoys the serene moments of luxury that are synonymous with Glasshouse. Available here and all good retailers. Starting RRP $59.95
Zodiaque-Moon
Star-studded gift-giving at its finest, we say. These beautifully designed gift packs include a scented soy candle, extra long matches and bound journal with your giftees star sign for a personal touch. Gorgeously gift boxed and wonderful to open, they make a unique set for a special someone. Buy direct from Zodiaque Moon store $125.
Laser LED Karaoke Microphone
Come on, there’s always someone who wants to end the night at a karaoke bar. They’re your target for this fun gadget. Or there’s also the kids, if you’re in need of a gift for a future music icon. Grab them a black, silver or rose gold mic, and get ready for some serious tunes. Yes, the mic does light up with LED lights when it’s in action. It also has a rechargeable portable battery, playback audio via aux cable and 32GB capacity MicroSD. https://www.bigw.com.au/product/laser-karaoke-led-microphone-pink/p/33770 RRP $49
Belkin BOOST CHARGE
Boost is certainly the right name for this line of nifty charging products. First there’s the BOOST 2-in-1 wireless charging station. Not only is it a 2-in-1 charger, so you can charge your phone and another device at the same time, it uses MagSafe magnets so you can go wire-free. If you have a MagSafe phone case, you can just pop your phone straight on to charge and it turns into a little stand. Watch your favourite shows, video chat, you name it, all hands-free. https://www.belkin.com/au/2-in-1-wireless-charger-stand-with-magsafe-15w/P-WIZ010.html RRP $149.95
Then there’s the BOOST CHARGE Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad. Perfect for someone who is often on the go and needs to give their phone a quick boost; the charger snaps into place and gives you a 7.5w buzz to get you through the dreaded low battery alerts. https://www.belkin.com/au/magnetic-portable-wireless-charger-pad-7.5w/P-WIA005.html
Connect SmartHome Smart White LED Lightbulb
Give the gift of… never having to fight over who gets up to turn the light off. Now we’re talking. The Connect SmartHome globes are controlled by app, you can hook them into Alexa or Google Assistant and never worry about light switches again. This is the perfect out-of-the-box stocking filler! https://connectsmarthome.com.au/product/connect-10w-smart-white-bulb-e27/ RRP from $10
Laser Fabric Bluetooth Speaker
Technically this portable speaker doesn’t have to be used just at home but it’s a handy little number for those who like to move around the house and take their music with them. Plus they can charge their phone wirelessly on top at the same time. Win Win. Then there’s a price point. It won’t break the bank and it will get the tunes pumping in no time. https://www.target.com.au/p/laser-fabric-bluetooth-speaker-with-wireless-charger/64839004 RRP $10
