Christmas Gift Guide 2015

BY NYSSA BOOTH

With Christmas around the corner, Sydney-siders are faced with the inevitable struggle of Christmas shopping. To avoid the stress this holiday season, check out this guide for interesting gift ideas, along with quirky shops and stalls to visit.

For Him:

Ben’s Meat Bible

Ben O’Donoghue’s new cookbook, Ben’s Meat Bible, includes 150 meaty classics inspired by his travels and dishes from across the world. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for meat-lovers and culinary enthusiasts.

Price: $39.95, Available at most bookshops.

Sydney 6ers Club Memberships

Club Memberships at the Sydney 6ers are the ultimate gift for cricket fans, providing a variety of benefits including premium seating, access to training sessions as well as priority access to finals tickets.

Price: $55–$125. Available online: membership.sydneysixers.com.au/Packages

Beard Grooming Kit by Pigeonhole

Know a beard than can’t be tamed? Birdsnest presents this beard grooming kit from Pigeonhole which includes beard wax, beard oil, scissors and a moustache comb––perfect for keeping facial hair in top condition.

Price: $49.95. Available at Pigeonhole Sydney stores (Central Park, Surry Hills, Bondi) or online: birdsnest.com.au/brands/pigeonhole/50383-beard-grooming-kit 

For Her:

The Aromatherapy Company Christmas Scented Candle

The Aromatheraphy Company have you covered this holiday season with their range of Christmassy scented candles, which will fill the home with the smell of Christmas spices and puddings.

Price: $14.95. Available at Myer stores.

Lush Cosmetics Christmas Wishes Gift Pack

Lush’s Christmas Wishes Gift pack is the perfect way to help her relax and unwind once the festivities settle down. In the spirit of Christmas, this musical box is loaded with seven different all natural, organic products including bath bombs, mouldable soaps and 5 gold rings.

Price: $62.50. Available at Lush Cosmetics stores or online: lush.com.au

“Roundie” Beach Towel

Round beach towels are all the rage right now. Available in many different patterns and styles, Roundie beach towels from The Beach People are a great gift idea for a sun-loving, beach-goer.

Price: $110. Available online: thebeachpeople.com.au

For the Kids:

Swimfin Swimming Aid

Swimfin swimming aids are a unique and creative tool to assist in teaching your children to swim. The shark fin floatation device is designed to boost confidence, comes in many colours and is fitted with self-adjusting straps, making swimming fun for children of all ages.

Price: $44.95. Available online: swimfin.com.au

For everyone:

Sunnylife “Really Big” Inflatables

Ranging from giant tropical birds to ice cream cones, Sunnylife Inflatables are currently the hottest pool toys to hit the stores this summer, and provide the best comfort for lazy summer days.

Price: $59.95–149.95. Available at Glue Stores or online: sunnylife.com.au

Assorted Pop Vinyls

These cute figurines are the perfect gift for any pop culture buff. Ranging from Game of Thrones to Adventure Time, there is a pop vinyl of almost every fictional character, making these beauties the ultimate collector’s item.

Price: $15.95–$18.95. Available at Kings Comics, Pitt St. See their online store: kingscomics.com

Places to shop:

Oxfam Shop

The Oxfam Shop is a great spot to pick up ethical fair trade food, drinks and gifts. By shopping with Oxfam, not only are you bringing joy to a loved one, you are also helping to support a wonderful not-for-profit organisation in their fight against unfair work and trade agreements. When you spend $50 in store or online you are automatically entered in the draw to win a year’s supply of fair-trade chocolate.

Various store locations throughout Sydney (including Broadway Shopping Centre), or go online: oxfamshop.org.au

Workshopped at the Village Bizarre Night Markets

If you’re looking for the quirkiest handmade products to gift this Christmas, you can’t go past Workshopped’s stall at the Village Bizarre Night Markets at the Rocks. Showcasing a brilliant selection of their finest unique home wares, jewellery and art, Workshopped is not to be missed.

Friday nights until Dec 18, 6:30pm–10pm. Atherden Street, The Rocks. 

Sydney Living Museums Christmas Fare

Sydney Living Museums Christmas Fare is your one stop shop for locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal foods, handcrafted by some of Sydney’s finest artisans. Entry to the Fare is just a gold coin donation and includes admission to the world-heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

Dec 17, 4pm–9pm. Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Queens Square, Macquarie Street. 

Meow Girl Jewellery at Finders Keepers Markets

Meow Girl is a Sydney based jewellery and object brand, specialising in hand painted miniature ceramic and porcelain pendants. Stop by their stall at Finders Keepers Markets for unique, bold designs and cute jewellery fit for animal lovers. The markets are open all weekend and entry is only $2.

Dec 11–13 (Fri 6pm–10pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm). Australian Technology Park Exhibition Hall, Locomotive Street, Eveleigh. 

Carriageworks Twilight Christmas Markets

Taking place just two days before the holiday season begins, the Carriageworks Twilight Christmas Markets is the place to pick up the best fresh produce for your Christmas feast. With succulent turkey, hams, cherries and cheese on offer, as well as last minute handmade gifts, attending the Twilight Markets is a must.

Dec 23, 4pm–9pm. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh (corner Codrington Street). 

Blender Gallery

Know of a music fanatic? As part of a special Christmas deal, Blender Gallery (Paddington’s cultural mecca for music photography) are offering up some of their best Rock’n’Roll prints at irresistible prices, including the photographic work of Elliot Landy.

Tues–Sat. 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington. Check them out online: blendergallery.com