Can you believe that the Black Friday Sales are behind us and Christmas is on its way? We are kicking off our Gift Guide with a few tested favourites from our writers to help give you some Chrimbo inspiration!
Gifts for Foodies
Exotic Bazaar – Flavour of the Middle East
Founder Gilava Pour started her business to connect Australians to a new world of Middle East cuisine, one that reflects the region’s wealth of good food and great hospitality, where food can be a messenger of peace and brings people together. The range covers four regions of the Middle East, the meal bases include Persian Walnut Chicken, Tunisian Shakshuka, Turkish-Style Meatballs, Moroccan Tagine and Persian Herb Stew. Two of my favourites was breakfast icon shakshuka, I simply added some eggs and cooked for 20 minutes. I also really liked the tagine with lots of big flavours. They are vegan and ready to go, just add your veggies/meat cook and then put your feet up. RRP $8. To celebrate the launch, bundles of all five meal bases are 30% off exoticbazaar.com.au
Aurum Poultry Co. x City Larder Hatch New Gourmet Products
Australian specialty poultry producer Aurum Poultry Co. and Melbourne’s famous charcuterie artisans, City Larder have partnered to create Aurum Fine Food. Aurum is famed for their care of rare Fook Wong Cockerel and Pullet Hens. Sadly commercial chooks reach adulthood in 30 days. Not so these VIP’s are locally raised, free to roam, slow grown and cared for, taking three times as long till they are fully grown. The new range includes a delicious Cockerel Liver Pâté it is a dense texture, intensely flavoured pate with notes of ginger and garlic. The Cockerel, Moorabool Valley Corn-Fed Duck and Chive Terrine is a superior version of cheaper mass marketed fattier offerings. It’s packed with flavour but elegant and balanced. However its the insanely brilliant Salt Baked Chicken, or Jim Guk Gai (鹽焗雞), which has me at my kitchen counter, literally drumstick in mouth, eyes rolling to the back of my head with joy and wonderment now knowing what a chicken should taste like. At $38 it is insane value for the best roast chook I have ever cooked and eaten in my life – and its a WHOLE chicken! 25 minutes in my airfryer and its impossibly golden, glossy with the most incredible flavour and the other bonus instant stock to dip chuncks into. Oh and I haven’t even tried their Cockrel Double Stock yet! Get your Xmas chook here
Wiltshire – New Silicone Air Fryer Square Collapsible Pan and Liners
I can’t tell you how many times I have burnt my hands trying to get food out of my airfyer. So this little invention of a collapsable soft pan with, wait for it – handles on each side make this a game changer. I cooked a tuna melt and the clever ridges on the bottom allowed for air circulation to deliver crispness. I like that it collapses flat for easy storage. If you have a XXL airfryer you may want to use 2 in one go. The other new launch is a new range of airfryer liners. I tried it with a chook and it is perfect for meats. The liners allow for healthier cooking by reducing the need for added oils or fats, but you can baste easily during cooking plus there is no washing up. I have to say my vote is for the reusable pan lowering waste. Airfryer Square Liners 16 cm, RRP $13 available at Woolworths and Coles, Silicone Air Fryer Square Collapsible Pan, RRP $17
Pyrex Frypans with Removable Handle
These have become my kitchen heroes, and they make a fantastic Christmas gift for cooking enthusiasts. These frypans combine practicality with innovative design, making them a must-have for any cook. The detachable handle feature is a game-changer, allowing for easy storage – so useful with small or overloaded and versatile use—from stovetop to oven – meaning less washing up!
The high quality that Pyrex is known for continues with these non-stick pans, with a surface that ensures food cooks evenly and effortlessly slides off the pan. Whether you’re searing or sautéing, these frypans deliver exceptional performance.
The sleek design and functionality make these an elegant addition and a thoughtful and practical gift to cook with ease and precision. Compatible with all stove tops, including induction and Lead, cadmium, PFOA, PFOS, and BPA free. RRP $150 available from Big W or other leading retailers.
Linen House Bush Christmas Range
Irresistibly cute, this set of four bush baby placemats with matching coasters – will give a furry and feathery Australian-twist to a festive feast. They’re extra large and perfect for indoor or outdoor dining. Linen House has a range of other Christmas specials this year, including embroidered tea-towels. If you’d prefer to gift something more year-round, these Wonderful Birds placemats can adorn a picnic table while the kookaburras steal snags from the barbie. Bush Christmas 4-Piece Placemat Set $49.99 is available from LinenHouse.com
Corelle Portofino dinner set
These are a delightful addition to any dining table, bringing a touch of Italy. These plates feature vibrant and intricate Italy-inspired patterns that add a touch of elegance and culture to every meal. They’re lightweight yet durable construction means they can withstand the rigors of daily use while still looking fabulous! This 12 piece set includes 4 x Dinner Plates, 4 x Side/Salad Plates and 4 x Soup/Cereal Bowls. Made from up to 80% recycled glass and non-porous, this set is easy to clean and wont stain.
Perfect for summer, these are a beautiful and practical way to freshen up meal times this season. RRP $169, available on sale $99 at Spotlight.
For Tech Addicts
Motion True Wireless Earbuds became our new buddy last year and they have stepped up the game with Motion2. After living with these for 2 weeks I really like the seamless pairing so I can switch from walking my greyhound and then watching streaming from my ipad with multipoint two-device connection. The 12mm drivers and three EQ presets deliver a high-fidelity, personal audio experience better than the older model and the app makes it even eaiser. They are better than the BOLT, with a fit which is comfortable thanks to sealed in-ear fit and up to 9 hours of non-stop playtime, plus another 24 hours of playtime with the charging case. An IPX5 rating means they’re sweat and splash resistant. Clear Call Quality technology with two microphones in each bud allow for in-person sound on calls but i found it struggled outdoors, with my dad saying ‘hey love I can’t hear you’. The other downside is that their are no volume controls, so you have to fish out your phone to alter the sound. Available in black, white, pink and blue. RRP $69.95 available on belkin.com/au and select retailers.
Ember Smart Mug2
How many times have we made ourselves a cuppa, then got distracted a phone call, pup walk, zoom and more? How good would it be if we had our own butler to ensure that we had a perfect temperature bevvy on hand on demand? We gave it a spin! Say hello to Ember’s smart drinkware range which maintains our coffee or tea at our preferred drinking temperature, ranging from 50°C to 62.5°C. I set my desired temperature for an Earl Grey and even tracked its temperature through the user-friendly Ember app with 1.5 hours of enjoyment. Placing the mugs on the charging coaster also ensures that the Ember remains charged. Yes it’s decadent, but if you have a tea or coffee lover in the house SO amazing! RRP $239, JB Hi-Fi, David Jones, Amazon.com.au and ember.com
Welcare – Non Chemical Insect Bite Healer
I never used to be bothered by mosquitos until about two years ago. It’s not the kind of adoration I crave. Despite creams, sprays I get bitten a lot and so something to ease the pain is worth trying. I was a bit sceptical but this thing actually works.
The system uses heat therapy to provide rapid relief, reducing itching and swelling. Surprisingly it uses triple AAA batteries (not USB). I hold the power button to switch ‘on’ in green mode and then place it against my bite (I have three on my wrist and two on my fingers) from the pesky mosquito in my bedroom last night. I start with the child ‘mode’ and place a little heat plate over my bite and press down the button with a person icon, the device light turns blue, heating to 47C, I have to hold for 3 seconds till it beeps. Its actually hot and a bit uncomfortable. If you are a bit more hardcore, Activate ‘adult’ Mode 2 by pressing the button twice. The heat moves to 50C and you need to hold for 6 seconds. I will need to work up to that tolerance. Repeat if necessary after a 2 min break, but no more that 5 applications per hour. How does it work? The heat breaks down irritants and neutralises proteins in insect saliva or venom. It reduces histamine easing pain, boosts blood flow to clear irritants faster improving skin recovery and long term irritation. Did it work? Yes it really did! Available at pharmacies, outdoor retailers and online RRP $41.95.
For Beauty Lovers
NEW GHD Helious® Professional Hair Dryer – Icy Blue
I have tested out a few high end hairdryers including Cloud Nine and this is by far my favourite. The colour is a limited edition with a sexy little wash bag to boot. It’s a gorgeous looking piece of tech, but let me step you through why I love it so much. First is power – a 2200 Watt brushless motor and waveform heater with Aeroprecis® technology creates a 120kmph airflow. It’s the super fine nozzel with concentrated flow which makes a huge difference and for the first (in a long time) my curly girl hair is tamed and more sleek than other hairdryers I have used. Second, are options with 3 speeds and heats along with a cool button. It just took a quick once over with my straighteners and my crazy locks are tamed. Third, it is quiet, with bespoke acoustic levels, mid weight and really comfortable to use. Plus the professional length 3m power cable, and a 2-year consumer warranty give it an edge. Ultimately its all about how quickly you can dry your hair and for me how sleek it is. Love! Buy at GHD RRP $360.
BOOIE Beauty by Celeste Barber
We just love, love love their ’Bloody Delicious!’ – Illuminator Moisturiser (in 4 shades: Champagne, Cream, Holiday and Coffee) which is now my daily routine. They have just released: ‘Where The Hell Is My…? Lipstick Trio’ in three versatile shades (Pearl, Nude and Rose) packaged together for convenience, offering hydration, tint and gloss for any occasion. Can’t get enough Available here for RRP $65.
Lamav Ayurvedic Body Oil – Uplift
My absolute favourite product this year and everyone should have it! My go-to for a touch of luxury and self-care. This oil is a true blend of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and modern skincare magic. Infused with the heavenly scents of blue tansy, ylang ylang, and jasmine essential oils, it transforms dry, dull skin into a smooth, radiant glow. The fast-absorbing formula deeply hydrates, reduces scars, and leaves skin feeling nourished and revitalised.
Giving this body oil as a gift is like sharing a spa experience in a bottle. Not only does it enhance the skin, but it also promotes a sense of calm and well-being. RRP $49.95 available from Lamav
Lamav Dry Brush
The other product I feel in love with this year is my new skincare must-have, is this beautifully crafted brush from Lamav. A solid dry brush session with these firm bristles will leave your skin feeling invigorated and looking radiant. The natural bristles gently exfoliate, promoting smoother, softer skin and improving circulation. This is the best dry brush we’ve tried and we’ve tried a few – it’s firm, and fits in the hand well.
Giving the Lamav Dry Brush as a gift is like gifting a ritual of self-love and wellness. Not only does it enhance the skin’s appearance by reducing cellulite and increasing lymphatic drainage, but it also adds a moment of mindfulness to any daily routine. I’ve paired with the oil and after just one use, you’ll notice a glow that feels like a rejuvenating spa treatment at home. RRP $29.00 available from Lamav.
For the Car Enthusiast – Armor All
Just in time for the silly season (and warm weather), the Armor All Complete Car Care Kit has everything you need all in one place. This all-in-one kit includes everything you need for a thorough car cleaning, both inside and out including a wash, protectant, sponge, microfibre cloth and even air freshener. The kit itself even comes inside a handy bucket that you can use to wash the car, and then store the items ensuring no more hunting around the garage for missing items. The best part? It’s not going to cost you an arm-and-a-leg at just $35 at Supercheap Auto, making it perfect for a Chris Kringle or stocking stuffer.
For that step above Armor AllⓇ Ultra Shield and Ceramic Detailing Kit that includes a ceramic car wash, wheel cleaner with colour change technology or the Ultra +Ceramic Wipe. All these products are formulated with Armor All’s dirt or water repelling technology to help create an invisible protective barrier on the surface of your car giving even longer lasting results. After a round trip to the bush and back, found the protect and shine ceramic wax, and wheel cleaner especially impressive with the wheel cleaner literally melting the dirt and brake dust away with one wash. Ultra Shield + Ceramic Detailing Kit. – RRP $89.99 and Complete Car Wash Kit – RRP $34.99 at Super Cheap Auto.
Gifts for Gamers
Exploding Kittens: Good Vs Evil
For explosive chaos – this is the perfect game for families. I even tested it on a 9 year old who loves cats (for political correctness – and she said I LOVE this game).
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil takes the wildly popular card game to a whole new level by introducing a cosmic battle between light and dark. The core gameplay remains intact: players draw cards, trying to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten, while using action cards to outwit opponents.
The new “Good” and “Evil” decks influence the powers you wield. Will you align with the angelic side, granting helpful boons to yourself and others, or embrace the chaotic devilish cards to wreak havoc? Adding a physical spinner to the mix keeps players on edge as they face unpredictable consequences for their choices – and ensures you’re thoroughly sick from laughter.
Whether you’re new to Exploding Kittens or a die-hard fan, Good vs Evil adds a fresh layer of strategy and fun to a very modern classic! $50 from EBGames.
Dixit
For something completely enchanting, look no further than Dixit. This award-winning game is a storytelling masterpiece that sparks imagination and connection, making it a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings between young and old.
Each round, players take turns as the storyteller, choosing one of their beautifully illustrated cards and crafting a clue—be it a word, phrase, or sound. The challenge? Make it evocative enough to guide some players to the right card but ambiguous enough to mislead others. Other players submit their cards to match the clue, and everyone votes to guess the storyteller’s card.
With its surreal artwork, simple rules, and endless interpretive possibilities, Dixit is as much a creative experience as a game. A wonderful touch of magic under the Christmas tree for anyone who loves a story or has a story they want to tell. $29.00 from Amazon.
Ticket to Ride: Europe
We’ve been desperate to play this for a long time – and for good reason. It’s so much fun. Ticket to Ride: Europe combines strategy, fun, and a touch of wanderlust?
This classic board game invites players to traverse the continent by building railways, connecting iconic cities, and completing secret routes for points.
What sets this edition apart is its unique additions, like ferries, tunnels, and train stations, which add depth and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, the rules are simple enough to learn quickly but offer plenty of room for strategy and surprises.
The beautifully designed map and colorful train pieces make it as visually appealing as it is engaging. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings with friends, Ticket to Ride Europe is a gift that guarantees hours of friendly competition and globe-trotting fun! $49 Kmart.
For the host
Glasshouse Candles
The favourite candle loved by all has innovated beyond itself to bring this season’ yultide scent. Akin to the Pantone colour of the year, The Glasshouse Candle Christmas scents are the perfect gift for hosts (or just yourself) this year. Bringing a festive glow to any home, the “Under the Mistletoe” and “Gingerbread” fragrances make perfect Christmas gifts.
The “Under the Mistletoe” candle envelops your space with a romantic blend of berries and apple. Its enchanting aroma creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings in the AC (so you can pretend you’re in the Northern Hemisphere) Gifting this candle is like sharing a warm hug filling the huggee, with joy and love.
The “Gingerbread” candle, on the other hand, captures the essence of freshly baked gingerbread cookies with notes of nutmeg, and spice and a hint of bourbon. Lighting this candle instantly transports you to a festive kitchen filled with holiday cheer and sweet treats.
These candles not only add a delightful fragrance to any room but also bring a touch of elegance with their beautiful packaging. Give a gift that smells like Christmas. A scent is worth a thousand memories after all. RRP $59.95 at leading retailers, on sale at Domayne $42.
