A thoughtful Christmas gift guide for your loved ones this year

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Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

There is an art to gift-giving. You need to know what makes a person tick – and for real impact, what meaning or memories they will attach to the gift long after the festive season ends. The Australian Traveller team have curated a list of gifts that are sure to inspire your gift-giving this Christmas and are guaranteed to be used with fondness by your loved ones throughout the year ahead.

Australian Traveller and International Traveller Bundle Subscription

Perfect for: Jet-setters, armchair travellers and anyone dreaming of their next great escape

Australian Traveller and International Traveller bundle subscription
Everyone will love this bundle subscription.

Give the gift of wanderlust with a one-year Australian Traveller and International Traveller bundle subscription. Perfect for travel enthusiasts, this subscription delivers inspiration for local and global adventures straight to their doorstep. Packed with expert tips, hidden gems and breathtaking photography, each issue fuels the desire to explore.

Price: $54.95

Dyson Big+Quiet purifier

Perfect for: Design-conscious homebodies

Dyson Big+Quiet formaldehyde air purifier in a kitchen and living room
Ensure a healthier environment without compromising style.

Say goodbye to airborne irritants with Dyson’s Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, a sleek, high-performance air purifier designed for large, open spaces. Engineered for whisper-quiet operation, it effectively tackles pollutants, allergens and even formaldehyde, making it an ideal addition to homes where air quality matters most. Its cutting-edge sensors and advanced filtration technology ensure a healthier environment without compromising style.

Price: $1499

Sonos Ace headphones

Perfect for: The listener 

Sonos Ace headphones
Beyond the eye-catching design, these headphones are packed with features.

Featured in Time’s best inventions of 2024, Sonos Ace headphones deliver a refined listening experience like no other. With features such as advanced noise cancelling and surround sound, crystal-clear 30-hour call-time, smart sensing, seamless Bluetooth switching, and rapid charging – the revolutionary headphones provide an immediate immersion into your favourite music or podcasts. The advanced technology in the headphones even tracks subtle movements to consistently adjust the balance for the optimal listening experience. Ideal for your frequent flyer friend this holiday season, the Sonos Ace is a game-changing gift that combines luxury, convenience, and top-tier performance.

Price: $699

Kitsch XL Heatless curling set

Perfect for: The put-together one  

Kitsch XL Heatless curling set
Give the gift of healthy hair.

Damaging your precious locks with heat is so last year. Give your tired hair a rest from harmful heat and instead invest in an XL Heatless curling set from Kitsch. Heatless curls create the same effortlessly flawless look that hours of styling with heat achieves, minus the damage and the time commitment. This long-lasting heat-less alternative frees up so much of your schedule for more important things, like enjoying a hot coffee in the morning rather than battling with hot tools. With endless ways to style and experiment, finding the perfect curl for you becomes a fun and exciting journey! For someone who’s always looking flawless, even at first light, heatless curls are the ultimate gift this holiday season.

Price: $30.80

BAINA essential bathroom set

Perfect for: The indulgent  

BAINA Fuyu Chalk bath towel set
These bath linens are the ultimate way to treat your loved ones. (Image: Hannah Scott Stevenson)

There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a fluffy, brand-new towel after a long, indulgent, hot shower. Australian brand BAINA offers a stunning range of luxe colours and sets to suit any bathroom, from vibrant oranges and fresh sage to our favourite, the rich burgundy. Made from organic cotton terrycloth, these bath linens are the ultimate way to treat a friend who appreciates the finer things in life. Beautifully crafted and designed, sustainable and soft, BAINA essential bathroom sets bring everyday indulgence to the next level.

Price: $368

St Agni flip flops

Perfect for: the trendsetter 

St Agni flip flops
It’s flip-flop season.

Has anyone else heard about flip-flops coming back into fashion? This year’s Copenhagen Fashion Week declared that flip flops are being brought out of the beach bag and becoming a must-have fashion staple. Seen on runway models, street style stars, and even bikers, Copenhagen Fashion Week has given flip-flops a fresh perspective, proving that they’re no longer just a beach staple – they’re here to stay. Global brands are jumping on board re-vamping the classic Havaiana to fit into any stylish wardrobe. Australian brand St Agni offers the perfect luxe leather flip flop sandal in chocolate, black and white, for the daring trendsetter in the friend group.

Price: $339

Shevoke Bobbi Tort sunglasses

Perfect for: The observer  

sunglasses from Bobbi Tort
Nothing says summer quite like a new pair of sunglasses.

For summer, sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Why not spoil your fashion-forward friend with a stylish pair from fresh Australian brand Shevoke? Celebrating a decade this year, Shevoke are a fusion of vintage and contemporary. Influenced by iconic 90s and 00s style, their range of sunglasses is sleek and sophisticated. In fact, they’ve even been spotted on the likes of Kendall and Kylie Jenner! This holiday season, treat your fashionable friend to a pair of handmade, eco-friendly sunnies that not only look great but are also a nod to sustainability. It’s the ultimate accessory for summer style.

Price: $220

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July In Transit suitcase

Perfect for: the stylish packing guru 

July In Transit luggages
Well-made, thoughtfully designed cases get even better with age.

Whether you’re a first-time flier or a seasoned traveller, Australian brand July has refined the art of travel with stunning suitcase designs full of clever functional features. The limited edition In Transit collection is available in two colours; bone white and steel blue, and with the option to personalise, you can add a special touch for someone who loves their luggage to stand out. 

Price: From $375

Oroton x Frank Green

Perfect for: the thirsty one

Oroton and Frank Green collaboration
Time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a stylish bottle.

Frank Green has collaborated with Australian luxury brand Oroton to create a limited-edition collection of Frank Green reusable bottles and cups with timeless Oroton colours bound in sleek premium pebbled leather. This collection offers a sophisticated and stylish solution for reducing waste whilst simultaneously staying on trend. These bottles and reusable cups are a versatile and eco-friendly gift, perfect for anyone looking to make a positive impact, one sip at a time. 

Price: $119

Endota intense new age facial

Perfect for: the overworked 

luxurious facial at Endota spa
Endota is the ultimate wellness haven. (Image: Kimia Kazemi/Unsplash)

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation or treat your loved one to an all-inclusive ‘intense new age spa treatment’ – the perfect way to unwind. The luxurious facial combines an anti-ageing clinical peel, hydro-microdermabrasion, light therapy and a signature serum sheet mask, for a rejuvenating spa experience. Whether you are celebrating the close of another busy year, or welcoming fresh possibilities of the new one, this thoughtful gift epitomises relaxation and renewal.

Price: $280 (75 mins)

ghd flight+ travel hair dryer festive gift set

Perfect for: the traveller with fabulous hair

ghd flight+ hairdryer gift set
Get beautiful blow dries while taking up less space in the suitcase.

Small but mighty, the ghd flight+ hairdryer is 25 per cent smaller and 49 per cent lighter than a full-sized dryer, making it perfect for powerful, yet travel-friendly, blow dries. Featuring a foldable design, dual voltage functionality and advanced ionic technology to leave hair looking sleek and shiny, whilst noticeably reducing frizz and flyaways. For Christmas, get it in a gift set with a mini travel brush in a stylish case to set the traveller in your life up for effortless hair styling wherever they go.

Price: $160

ALPHA-H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum

Perfect for: the sunseeker 

sunscreen from Alpha H
This sunscreen offers unparalleled protection in an ultra-smooth formula.

With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any morning routine. Gold Coast-based brand ALPHA-H has the perfect solution for a simple, year-round skincare regime. Unlike typical sunscreens that can sting or feel tacky, this serum offers a smooth, primer-like texture that can be worn alone or under makeup.  

Packed with Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera, this broad-spectrum sunscreen not only protects but also nourishes the skin, leaving it luminous and smooth all day long. It’s also rich in anti-ageing properties, helping to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines. ALPHA-H’s Dawn to Dusk serum sunscreen is a fantastic gift for a friend who takes skincare seriously, combining luxury, practicality, and lasting skincare benefits. 

Price: $64.95 

Trtl travel pillow

Perfect for: the dreamer 

woman wearing Trtl travel pillow
Get the perfect sleep in transit.

Say goodbye to crick necks with the Trtl travel pillow! This innovative, scarf-like travel pillow from Australian brand Trtl has recently gained popularity thanks to its ergonomic and space-saving design. With a structured neck brace surrounded in fleece fabric, the travel pillow makes awkward travel sleep much more comfortable, offering firm neck support without the annoying head-bobbing or painful stiffness. It’s the perfect gift for the person who values their beauty sleep – or anyone who’s ever suffered through an uncomfortable flight. Help them rest easy on their next jet-setting adventure with the Trtl travel pillow this Christmas!

Price: $79.99

Charlotte Tilbury supermodel kit

Perfect for: The beauty queen  

Charlotte Tilbury supermodel kit
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s also in this kit.

Luxe beauty, makeup and skincare brand Charlotte Tilbury has been captivating users for over a decade. With a glowing, timeless style that complements all ages, the brand makes everybody feel like a million dollars – because who wouldn’t want to feel like a supermodel? This seven-piece set epitomises flawless beauty and offers a curated selection of high-quality products that are the ultimate finishing touches to any makeup look. The supermodel kit is perfect for the makeup novice and the seasoned professional alike, providing the extra luxe and glowing boost of confidence you need to set up your day for success.

Price: $340

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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm

Perfect for: The collector

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm watch
This Tissot watch is a gift that will always impress.

A beautiful watch is the ultimate gift for a winning wardrobe. Swiss-made brand Tissot has been trusted and relied on for over 170 years, creating timeless timepieces. Whilst there are countless crafted watches to choose from, the PRX Powermatic 80 stands out as a decidedly classic option. This automatic watch features a skeleton back, allowing you to admire the intricate mechanical movements within. Its detailed face comes in an array of colours – our favourite being the elegant ice blue. Available in both a 35 and 40mm size the PRX offers versatility to suit any wrist size. Whether for a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, this Tissot watch is a gift that will always impress.

Price: $1150

Never Never Distilling Co. Panettone Negroni

Perfect for: The cocktail lover

Never Never Distilling Co. Panettone Negroni
This Negroni adds the sweet flavours of Italian Panettone.

The Negroni is already the best cocktail, but for Christmas, Never Never Distilling Co. have taken it up a notch. Conjuring all of the aromas of Nonna’s kitchen, rich spice flavours combine with sweet candied fruit to create a complex and delicious twist on the iconic Negroni. The result is a decadent, ready-to-pour cocktail that celebrates the famous Italian sweet bread. Serve the Panettone Negroni chilled, straight from the freezer and poured over a large block of ice. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge. And the cocktail lover in your life is all done.

Price: $70

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish

Perfect for: The drink connoisseur

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Give a bottle from the Glen Moray Explorers Range collection.

Crafted to showcase the quality and diverse flavours of Glen Moray’s Speyside single malts, give a bottle from the Glen Moray Explorers Range collection to the drink connoisseur in your life. Each expression within this range highlights unique cask finishes and ageing techniques, designed to appeal to whisky enthusiasts with a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore new, distinct taste profiles. From sherry and port casks to sweeter wine finishes, the Explorers Range offers a journey through a variety of flavours, inviting drinkers to experience the nuanced, innovative side of Glen Moray’s traditional distilling expertise.

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish, in particular, is a rich, layered single malt whisky known for its elegant interplay of flavours, highlighted by a burnished gold hue that hints at the depth of its character.

Price: $65.99

Le Creuset cast iron round casserole dish

Perfect for: the cooking connoisseur  

When you think of Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is food – obviously. While the highlight of any Christmas lunch is undoubtedly the spread of delicious meats, vegetables, seafood and holiday drinks, let’s be honest; most of our memories are made in the moments of edible bliss rather than the tireless hours spent in the kitchen beforehand. Le Creuset is tried and true, established in 1925 France and its cast-iron round casserole pot is iconic in the world of cooking, coming in a wide variety of gorgeous colours to match any kitchen and its appliances (our favourite is the perfect blue; Chambray). Gift your under-appreciated saint of a friend the ultimate aid for cooking, especially one-pot wonders!

Price: $360-$1300

Rhode fall lip case

Perfect for: the gloss addict  

Practicality meets style with Hailey Bieber’s latest must-have accessory! Well-known brand Rhode has created the perfect solution for multitasking women: easy access to both your phone and lip product at the same time. The limited edition fall lip case comes in four sophisticated colours, with the espresso shade being our favourite. It’s sleek, functional, and stylish – everything you need in an everyday accessory. For an extra optional treat, you can also purchase a matching Rhode peptide lip treatment, though the case is compatible with most other lip glosses. This would make the perfect gift for someone who appreciates practicality with a side of style – ideal for anyone who wants to keep their essentials close at hand.

Price: $38

Aesop Screen 3 gift set

Perfect for: the hygiene freak 

Quintessentially Australian, Aesop is the epitome of understated luxury skincare, forever en vogue. For the friend who’s always reaching for the handwash or the one who meticulously curates their scents, Aesop’s Screen 3 gift set is the ideal gesture to show them how much you care. This beautifully presented set includes the iconic Resurrection Hand Wash, Eleos Aromatique Softening Hand Balm, and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser – three essential products that elevate any home or travel skincare routine. A gift that’s equally about self-care as it is about luxury, Aesop is always a winning choice.

Price: $110

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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

    Elise Cullen Elise Cullen
    Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

    Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

    From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

    vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
    From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Central Coast oyster experiences

    From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

    But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast, however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

    Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

    guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
    Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed. Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

    shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

    Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

    While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

    Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

    Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s.

    If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

    woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
    Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

    Organic dining

    What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

    The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

    Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics. Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

    farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
    See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

    Paddock-to-plate dining

    High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

    Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

    woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
    Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare. One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

    Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

    cocktail at Bells At Killcare
    Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

    Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

    The Best Christmas Gift Ideas For 2024