One week out and looking for some gift inspo for Christmas? We’ve collated an unsponsored gift guide from local businesses for gifts you can buy with just a few seconds to spare. Some of it is written from the perspective of the business, others are in third person. We’d streamline it, but it’s ONE WEEK FROM CHRISTMAS and no one has time for details. Take a look at these great submissions….
FOOD STUFF
Rosé & Cheese Hamper
What: Rosé & Cheese Hamper
Who: The Artisan Cheese Room
Why: Treat your loved one to the gift of cheese and wine this Christmas! The Rosé & Cheese Hamper contains a gorgeous lo-fi rosé from the legends at Gentle Folk in the Adelaide Hills, paired with three perfectly ripe artisan cheeses and matching accompaniments. The ultimate gift for enjoying this summer!
How much: RRP $119
Where: East Esplanade Manly or order online for collection in store or delivery throughout NSW, Melbourne, Brisbane and ACT theartisancheeseroom.com.au
Portable Picnic Table
What: Custom Picnic Table
Who: Picnic Butler
Why: Our picnic tables are handcrafted in Australia using responsibly sourced local hardwood timber. With a high-quality finish and robust design, these tables will be a centrepiece for your picnics throughout the year. Ideal for use at the beach, in the park, at music festivals, sunset cinema outings, sporting events, and many other occasions. Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Let our Table Finder help you find your perfect table!
How much: Starting from $125
Where: https://www.picnicbutler.com.au/
Chunks Bakehouse Cookies
What: Box of four mixed cookies. Choose any two chewy flavours & any two chunky flavours to fill you box.
Who: Chunks Bakehouse
Why: Our cookies are thick, decadent and loaded with delicious goodness. All orders baked fresh to & hand delivered to your door. With nine different cookie flavours to choose from there is something for everyone!
How much: A mixed box of 4 is $25
Where: https://chunksbakehouse.com
Yummy Christmas Wreaths
What: Xmas Rocky Road Wreaths
Who: Love to Bake
Why: Looking for a sweet Xmas gift that’s great for everyone from family members and friends to colleagues?? ROCKY ROAD – XMAS WREATH WITH NO NUTS!! Order right up until Xmas week – 18cm diameter and 8cm in height – Caters up to ~20 people
How much: $47.00 each
Where: 0422 187 227 or fiona@lovetobake.net.au
Mince Tarts
What: Berkelo Spelt Mince Tarts
Who: Berkelo
Why: The classic Berkelo mince tart made right here on the Northern Beaches with organic and sustainable ingredients. Warm them up or eat them straight from the box, the countdown to Christmas is on! We’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy Christmas surrounded by loved ones and many spiced spelt mince tarts filled with organic fruit.
How much: $3.5 or 6 for $20
Where: Available in store at: Brookvale, Manly, Mona Vale, Mosman, or online @www.berkelo.com.au
Boutique Platters and Hampers
What: Grazing Platters, Hampers or Gift Vouchers
Who: Ástin Min Fine Foods
Why: Impress your friends, workmates, teachers and loved ones with the Gift of the Graze, A Hamper, or a gift voucher to an exciting Local Small Business this Christmas. We’ve got something for everyone, and you’re sure to find something deliciously unique in our Boutique Deli at Long Reef!
How much: Fully customisable to your budget
Where: 2/998 Pittwater Road, Collaroy OR on Instragram @astin_min_fine_foods
Gourmet Christmas Hampers
What: Christmas Gift Hampers
Who: Creative Hampers
Why: Gift hampers are the perfect gift for friend and family you can’t be with over Christmas. Also great for the person who has everything!. The easy way to Christmas shop with hassle of malls and shops and have it delivered anywhere in Australia….quality hampers that look spectacular and a gift you’ll be proud to give. Have a lot of people to say Merry Christmas to? We work with a lot of local businesses (large & small) and arrange all their Christmas gifting to say thank you to staff & clients.
How much: Starting at $85
Where: www.creativehampers.com.au
A mixed bag (sack)
Surf Sock for Wetsuits
What: Surf Sock is the perfect stocking stuffer for wetsuit wearers!
Who: Surf Sock
Why: Tired of struggling to put your wettie on? Surf Sock is the answer! Made on the Northern Beaches from spinnaker sailcloth offcuts heading for landfill, simply put the Surf Sock over your foot and slide your wetsuit on. Pull it out and use it on your other foot – it’s that easy! Great for kids and adults, Surf Sock work better than a plastic bag. They are super strong and guaranteed to last.
How much: RRP $19.95 (includes P&H)
Where: www.surfsock.com.au
Skincare gift pack
What: While You Were Sleeping Overnight Renewal Facial Set (Currently on sale $125)
Why: This is a gorgeous brand imported by folks in Brookvale. I love all of the products and use them regularly. This was their top submission for Chrissy this year. It’s a limited-edition gift set. The powerful facial duo of Dream Cream Restorative Night Cream and Bright Eyes Regenerating Eye Cream will work together while you sleep to help increase firmness and support vitality. The finishing touch is a relaxing pillow mist to help ease you into a deep sleep to ensure you awake looking and feeling your best.
This gift bag is made from 100% Ocean Waste Recycled Plastic. Keep it and love it forever!
Where: https://voyabeauty.com.au/product/while-you-were-sleeping-overnight-renewal-facial-set/
Organic Bowl
What: Organic Bowl
Who: Artifex Interiors
Why: The Artifex Interiors Organic Bowl is constructed in solid timber wholly by hand and no two bowls will ever be the same. They are designed to be a feature in any room. Made local, made to last.
How much: $250-$650
Where: Artifex Interiors/ @artifexinteriors / 33 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah, NSW 2093 / www.artifex.com.au
Digitalise your old photos
What: Gift Cards towards digitalising family photos/negatives/slides/converting home movies to MP4
Who: Scanpix
Why: Every family has family photos in albums and boxes which are tucked away and forgotten about. Scanpix digitalises these photos & converts home movies to MP4, bringing them to life to ensure that they are enjoyed now and for future generations. We provide a free pick up and drop off service. We will come to you and collect your family photos and home movies and digitalise them and return them to you on a USB or hard drive.
How much: Gift Cards start from $50
Where: www.scanpix.com.au or call 0423 957 132
Hand Drawn Christmas Cards
What: Hand Drawn Christmas Cards
Who: Madi made
Why: Support a local artist, Madi and her small creative business. A hand drawn Christmas card accompanies any gift you give this holiday season to make it more unique and special. There are 6 Christmas card designs in total, each on high quality watercolour paper. A collection of the cards are featured at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum design shop.
How much: $10 per card or 3 for $25
Where: @madimade.co on Instagram or www.madimade.co
Brailed Christmas Cards
What: Brailed Christmas Cards
Who: Braille by Luca
Why: Most unique Christmas card on the market! Individually handmade, with customised Braille message which everyone can read. Engaging, entertaining and inclusive.
How much: $15 per card or $65 for pack of 5 cards. All prices include card, envelope, custom message, Braille code bookmark and postage.
Where: braillebyluca.bigcartel.com
Sleek Espresso Machine
What: Rocket Appartamento Espresso Coffee Machine
Who: Espresso Services Plus
Why: The Appartamento is a premium domestic Espresso Machine with a compact footprint, designed with the modern kitchen set-up in mind. With expert engineering that can only be expected from Rocket Espresso, the Appartamento delivers a high-quality brewing experience allowing users to recreate café quality coffee at home.
How much: RRP $3,599.00 – 10% off until Christmas $3,239.00
Where: www.EspressoServicesPlus.com / 6/4 Hayes Street Balgowlah
Fine Art Prints
What: The ‘Bask’ Collection – Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
Who: Amber Made Studio – local artist, illustrator and teacher, Amber Oswald
Why: This collection of limited edition fine art prints is a celebration of the ocean, sunlight and the everyday moments to be basked in. Originally painted with watercolour, the prints are designed to transport you to the ocean and bring a sense of calm to the home. They are reproduced with archival quality inks on museum-grade papers with the intention of being loved for lifetime.
How much: Prints start at $85
Where: www.ambermadestudio.com
Personalise your cups and glasses
What: Personalised Wine Glasses, Champagne Glasses or Coffee Mug
Who: Everlasting Daisy & Co.
Why: There is nothing better than having your own personalised glass or mug. It adds the perfect touch to any Christmas table or even just to wind down after a long day at work.
How much: Wine glass = $10 Champagne glass = $15 Coffee mug = $15
Where: evelynheal.wixsite.com.au/everlastingdaisy
Organic Candles
What: Christmas Bush candles
Who: CandleXchange
Why: CandleXchange allows you to enjoy creating a relaxing and welcoming home environment without cluttering your home or adding the empty containers to landfill. With our unique ‘Burn & Swap’ system, we reuse every empty container you return, creating zero waste and making your next candle 30% cheaper! That means you can enjoy continuous ambience with our pure and natural candles and fragrances that are both lighter on the environment and your wallet!
How much: From $39.95
Where: Available to buy in store at CandleXchange, Shop 47, Balgowlah Stockland or online www.candlexchange.com.au – Be sure to check out the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter candles when you’re at Stocklands too!
Spiked Punch Succulents
What: Succulent Bowl Arrangement – 30cm statement extra large bowls
Who: Spiked Punch Succulents
Why: What to give them when they have it all? A Spiked Punch Succulent bowl of course! These bowl arrangements will look fabulous for years to come and they suit everyone, even those who dont have green thumbs, because succulents thrive on neglect!
How much: $100 in black or white
Where: Message on Facebook: Facebook.com/spikedpunchsucculents OR on Instagram:@spiked_punch_succulents
French Linen Bed Sets
What: French Linen Bedding Sets
Who: Lone Wolf Linen
Why: Searching for a small, ethical linen brand that does things differently from the big guys? You found us! Designed on the Northern Beaches of Sydney by mother and daughter in law duo Lindy and Daisy, our collection of small run, ethically made bedding is what dreams are made of. (Editor’s note, I have bought these and do love them).
How much: from $229
Where: www.lonewolflinen.com.au
Modern Tea Towels
What: Bright, modern tea towels in hand-painted designs
Who: Coffee Towels Australia
Why: Great gift to spruce up anybody’s kitchen! Whohas too many tea towels? Our hand-painted tea towels are individually made, unique pieces. We also have printed some designs of which you can buy more than one. The towels are either linen or linen/cotton, soft, absorbent and machine washable! The inks are eco-friendly and Australian made. Our home studio in Balgowlah has been operating for six years, selling from our Etsy store as well as supplying gift box businesses.
How much: Price $24 and under – FREE SHIPPING
Where: www.coffeetowels.Etsy.com
Portable Travel Pillow
What: Sleep Keeper Pillow
Who: Sleep Keeper
Why: SleepKeeper pillow carriers for your pillow while you travel. A water-resistant bag that easily compacts your pillow to a third of its size. Clean, compact and protected. Perfect for all the family, camping, cruising, road trips, scouts, school camps.
How much: $39.95 with free delivery in Australia
Where: https://sleepkeeper.com.au/shop/
Beautifully designed planners and journals
What: 2023 Amelia Lane Life Designer (diary/planner)
Who: Amelia Lane Paper
Why: The 2023 planner for women who want to stay on top of life in style. An all-in-one diary, it’s your must-have 2023 planner to keep your life on track and carve out time for all the things this year. Organise your whole life and calm the chaos with our bestselling 2023 planner.
How much: $54.95 – $79.95
Where: https://www.amelialanepaper.com.au/
Pleasing Pottery
What: Handmade, unique small-batch ceramics
Who: Pleasing Pottery
Why: Handcrafted, unique small-batch pottery pieces for sale, created to be simple, functional and pleasing. From Christmas decorations, cups, and bowls, to decorative pots and vases. The perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for the home.
How much: Prices as per FB listings, will vary depending on item
Where: Facebook and Instagram @pleasingpottery
Eco Friendly Beach Towels
What: Eco-friendly Sand-free Beach Towels
Who: FOLC Collective
Why: Our towels are sand repellent, quick drying, ultra-absorbent, super compact and lightweight and will make a trip to the beach hassle-free and easy. They come in our unique waterproof bag to keep your valuables sand-free while at the beach and to put your wet stuff in on the way home. Even better, our towels are made from recycled plastic bottles and in a sustainable way so that future generations can continue to enjoy our planet. Our towels are designed on the Northern Beaches and represent the Australian landscape, which we are dedicated to protect by planting native trees in bushfire affected areas – restoring the bush one towel at a time.
How much: $69.99 for large beach towel in waterproof zip bag | $119.99 for XXL beach towel in waterproof drawstring bag. Free shipping for orders over $75 | Free local delivery on the Northern Beaches on all orders.
Where: folccollective.com.au
Declutter and stay organised
What: Bamboo Desk Organiser + Docking Station
Who: The Space Cube
Why: The Space Cube tackles the clutter but doesn’t take over….17 compartments with a small footprint in fully assembled eco-friendly bamboo. Create desk calm (yes it’s a thing!) with an organiser that holds all your office supplies and daily essentials whilst charging devices and hiding charging cords. This organising dynamo works great on the kitchen bench, entryway and bedside table too. One great looking organiser that gets the job done at home and the office!
How much: $54.99
Where: www.thespacecube.com.au
Sand Society
What: Sustainable Beach Towels
Who: Sand Society
Why: Sustainably made sand free towels. They are light weight, ultra absorbent and are available in two sizes. A regular beach towel size, and a towel big enough for two people. Created by two Manly locals.
How much: From $59.95
Where: https://www.sandsociety.com.au/
Experiences
See what’s on offer at Q Station
What: Q Station Gift Voucher
Who: Q Station
Why: A Q Station Gift Voucher is the perfect way to indulge your family or friends. Each voucher has a three year validity and can be personalised for your recipient. Your giftee can decide on how to use their voucher – for accommodation, a history or ghost tour or a dining experience at the Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar.
How much: Any amount
Where: Order gift card @ https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/qstation/items/301468/calendar/?flow=558050&full-items=yes
Rumble Boxing Manly
What: Free 1 x month membership to our boutique boxing gym when we open in April next year + a free set of branded boxing gloves, wraps and a bag.
Who: Rumble Boxing Gym
Why: A new boutique boxing gym is set to open in the heart of Manly in April next year and this is your chance to win a 1 x month free membership and the gloves, wraps + bag to go with it!
How much: $470 RRP
Where: https://www.doyourumble.com.au/
Jazzercise classes
What: Jazzercise fitness class ~ blend of dance cardio and strength training
Who: Jazzercise Seaforth
Why: Jazzercise Seaforth is the perfect way to exercise for those loved ones that don’t connect with the gym or are just struggling to find their ‘ thing’. The class is 40 minutes dance cardio that can be done high or low impact plus 20 minutes strength training with hand weights and mats. It is a fun, friendly, supportive class to modern music. Come and see for yourself you will wish you found it sooner!
How much: $125 a month for unlimited classes or a 10 pass for $200, but if you’d like to gift a taster, that can be arranged too.
Where: Baringa Ave. Seaforth, NW 2092 or call Jan @ 0419202802
Create stories with friends
What: Life Story Writing Gift Packs
Who: A Way With Words
Why: Give a gift of respect this Christmas with our Life Story Writing Gift Packs. Grandparents can record their stories with their grandchildren, friends with each other, couples, or parents and their kids… Writing Life Stories together is a great way to connect with a loved one – an experience which will create memories of its own. Or perhaps you have someone who’s always wanted to write their own life story… How much: $42 – $90 – currently 40% OFF all gift packs
Where: https://awaywithwords.net/life-story-writing-menu/
Paint while you sip wine
What: Paint & Sip Class
Who: Taste Graze Create
Why: Join Taste Graze Create for this fun paint and sip class in the heart of Brookvale! Held at the rustic, boutique San Telmo Cellars and teamed up with local, amazing artists, you will spend two hours learning how to paint a stunning masterpiece made by you! With good company comes delightful wine and delicious food! So as you create, sip on some house wine and champagne, as well as indulge in your individual antipasto grazing plates (optional) of assorted crackers, deli meats, cheese and dip. Plus, at the end, you can take home your masterpiece to hang proudly on the wall!
How much: $69 pp
Where: Taste Graze Create at San Telmo Cellars, 1B/98 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale NSW 2100 / https://taste-graze-create.square.site/
Energy Healing Session
What: Gift Cards for a one hour Energy Healing session
Who: Flow Holistic Living
Why: Who doesn’t like being spoilt? Even though self-care is so important and most people don’t make the time or don’t spend money on themselves this way, a gift voucher is a wonderful gift for anyone wanting to relax and reconnect.
How much: $120 individual session or $40 workshop
Where: Freshwater Wellness Centre, 1 Rowe St Freshwater / https://www.flowholisticliving.com
IV Drip to restore balance
What: IV vitamin drip or injection
Who: Aesthetics by Abbey
Why: This is definitely a gift for someone who has everything (except sufficient vitamins). The world of IV vitamin drips is a new one to us but I’ll be learning about it when I pop in to meet Abbey, who is Manly-based, next week. If you’re curious about this medically supervised and administered process works just shoot an email or DM to Abbey, details below.
How much: $30 – $300
Where: @aesthetics_by_abbey email: aestheticsbyabbey1@gmail.com
Deluxe Experience at Jonah’s
What: Fine Dining Experience Gift Voucher OR Luxury Hotel Packages Gift Voucher
Who: Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel
Why: Give the fit of a luxury Jonah’s experience this Christmas. An iconic Sydney destination, Jonah’s overlooks fabulous Whale Beach, one of the most beautiful ocean stretches in Australia. Jonah’s is an oasis of tranquillity and luxury boasting 180-degree panoramic views of the ocean from every hotel room and every table in our restaurant. Jonah’s is renowned for its contemporary Italian inspired Australian cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Federico Tidu.
How much: Pricing starts from $280 for a 3 course a la carte lunch or dinner for two
Where:Jonah’s is located overlooking Whale Beach. 69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach
Sustainable facial at House of Samara
What: Glowing Skin Christmas Facial
Who: House of Samara
Why: House of Samara is a sustainable skin care salon that has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability. Awarded the Northern Beaches Council Business Sustainability Award 2021 and finalist in the Australian Beauty Industry Awards Best Eco Salon 2022. As a Sustainable Salons Partner 95% of waste is repurposed and operates its business on solar energy. So, if you are looking for a relaxing gift this Christmas that will leave you with glowing skin but also gives a little something back to the environment, then this is the perfect choice.
How much: $125 plus $3 sustainable salon fee
Where: Book at https://www.houseofsamara.com.au/
Make your own masterpiece
What: Gift voucher for a 2.5hr Clay Creation workshop
Who: Clay Creations at Crackpot Studios and Gallery
Why: This is a fun activity for anyone wanting to get in touch with their creative side by making their very own masterpiece. You will also leave feeling relaxed after the experience of working with clay. Your pieces will be glazed and fired for you to collect approximately 3 weeks later. We also offer clay classes for children during the school holidays.
How much: $99 pp
Where: www.crackpot.com.au OR Crackpot Studios and Gallery, Freshwater
Stretch in the surf
What: SUPYoga, Kayak Yoga, Beach Yoga vouchers
Who: Flow mOcean
Why: Looking for a unique experience of adventure on the ocean with yoga blended in. SUP yoga, Kayak Yoga, Beach yoga gift vouchers. Join us in Manly each weekend or private booking, for a yoga experience not to be missed!
How much: From RRP $60
Where: https://www.flowmocean.com.au/
Younger folk
Fedoras for the whole family
What: 100% Australian wool fedoras (hats) for adults and children (right down to 6 months old) designed with removable leather chin cords & children’s flexible/polarised sunglasses.
Who: Trende Australia
Why: The fedora is an essential item for every wardrobe. These seasonal hats are handmade from 100% soft Australian wool and designed with removable leather chin cords. We love the fedora for their timeless versatility!
How much: $65 – 75
Where: https://trende.com.au/
Locally-designed sleep aid Kookaburras
What: Kooee & Co baby comforter with white noise ($64.95)
Who: A new brand for bubs from two local mums and paramedics
Why: Kooee is a call for sleep, created so your child will associate our dreamy sounds and cuddly mates to bedtime. A portable piece you can take with you on your daily adventures to help bring on sleep time in any situation. Our Kooee’s characters are all designed, and hand drawn by an Australian indigenous artist who has captured Australia’s wildlife and crafted them into a soft cuddly comforter. Each Kooee plays a dreamy tune that will drift you back in time to an Australian cultural classic.
Where: www.kooeeandco.com.au
School Holiday Camp at Chower Bay
What: Coastal Explorer Experiences and School Holiday Camps – Chowder Bay.
Who: Land’s Edge Foundation
Why: Chowder Bay, a historical maritime village lined with dusty gold sand and calm, turquoise waters. We will put you at the heart of this beautiful environment, through activities like kayaking and paddleboarding led by our experienced guides and marine biologists, you can explore the bay and surrounding coves whilst looking over to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Picking up new skills and new knowledge you will create wonderful memories from your time in the water.
How much: Gift voucher starting at $70
Where: https://coastalexplorer.landsedge.com.au/gift-vouchers/
Soccer guide with tips from Sam Kerr
What: The Kicking Goals Journal
Who: Louise Blair (local writer) and Sam Kerr
Why: The Kicking Goals Journal is an illustrated, interactive soccer journal for young players from 5 to 12 years old. The book contains a monthly calendar to track training, games and guide you through the season. Plus soccer know how, tips, stats, goal setting tools and words of wisdom from Sam Kerr. Kids will love the monthly tekkers challenges, tactics sessions, growth mindset and other fun activities. The journal is being sold in a box set with the 4 other books in The Kicking Goals Collection for Christmas.
How much: RRP $25
Where: BigW, Dymocks (Warringah mall), Humphreys in Manly or Amazon.
Organic Wetsuits for the kids
What: Sustainable children’s wetsuits designed in Manly
Who: Avalon Swim Co
Why: Easy on the planet: Our wetsuits are made from Forest Stewardship Council certified natural rubber, a renewable and plant-based alternative to petroleum and limestone based neoprene. Easy to get on & off: Zips on the wrists and ankles makes these cuties easy to get on and off your little ones Easy on the eye: Beautiful, timeless designs that will help you spot your little one by the sea.
How much:$175, however, 15% off during Xmas automatically reduced at checkout
Where: www.avalonswimco.com.au
Positive Affirmations for Kids
What: 26 Positive Affirmation Cards For Kids
Who: The Creative Sprout
Why: The Creative Sprout is passionate about educating children about self-confidence, mindfulness, and positive self-talk! This set of 26 Positive Affirmation Cards for Kids is designed by two local NB mums & printed locally in Brookvale. Complete with a calico drawstring bag for safekeeping, they make a perfect Christmas gift that will enrich a child for years to come.
How much: $29.95
Where: 2-6 Smith Lane Manly / www.thecreativesprout.com.au
Skin Care for your Tween
What: Tween Face Essentials Pack
Who: IKO Collective
Why: IKO’s products help adolescents to build a compassionate & caring relationship with themselves by encouraging daily self-care routines, Scientific studies show that a child’s sense of self-love is taught, it is not a given. Self-care practices are an effective way to help young people become more in touch with their emotional and physical needs, and grow stability and resilience, in the rapidly changing world of a tweenager/teenager. All our products are Australian-made, natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.
How much: RRP $49.95
Where: www.ikocollective.com.au
