Last Minute Local Gift Guide

  • Last Minute Local Gift Guide image

It happens every single year. You have plenty of time for Christmas shopping and then suddenly, Christmas is here, and you’ve got no gifts. Fear not! We know exactly where to shop locally for your last-minute presents, Kris Kringle gifts and even those little treats you shouldn’t buy for yourself while Christmas shopping, but still do. And you won’t even have to set foot in one of the big malls (because we know that that alone can be a bloody nightmare).

POP Canberra – Braddon

The perfect place to go for truly local goodies. POP Canberra is a collective that houses exclusively local products which means its good for you, but also for our local economy. From jewellery, to gin, soaps and ceramics, there’s something for everyone at POP. Plus, they’re open 7am – 10pm EVERY SINGLE DAY in the lead up to Christmas. If that isn’t convenience, we don’t know what is.

 

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Lilly Cooper – Manuka

Lilly Cooper call themselves Canberra’s one stop gift shop – and with good reason. You’ll find gifts and homewares sourced from both local Australian makers, and the best of the best from around the globe. They have gifts for teachers, teens, parents, pets and anyone in between.

The Essential Ingredient – Kingston

Food and treats can make an excellent gift, or even an addition to the Christmas lunch and The Essential Ingredient has everything you need in this department. They boast the best stocked cheese room in Canberra, as well as delicious chutneys, teas, oils and speciality ingredients. All of your tableware, linens and cookware can be found here as well. Plus, jump on their website for some yummy, free recipes for your festive feasts.

Hive – Braddon

Just across the road from POP, Hive in Braddon have a passion for well made, useful gifts. This is the place to go for stunning home wares, gorgeous smelling candles and luxe skin care. If you like giving thoughtful, beautiful presents then Hive is the place for you.

Dirty Janes – Fyshwick

If you’re looking for a unique and different gift, then Dirty Jane’s is the place for you. It is a warehouse filled with vintage goods, furniture, collectibles and handmade goodies curated by individual stall holders. Put aside some time for this one, you’ll love getting lost in this store.


Book Face – Gungahlin

You can’t go wrong with a good book as a present. Book Face have a great range of kids books, non-fiction and fiction works and of course – a yummy array of cook books. You’ll also find notebooks, quirky cards and other bits and bobs here that are perfect stocking stuffers.

 

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Landspeed Records – City

Landspeed Records are a Canberra institution, and with a vinyl revolution on the rise you’ll be sure to find any record you desire within their four walls. Music aside, they also have a cute range of clothing, accessories and posters!

Trove Canberra – Dickson

Tucked away in the Dickson shopping centre, Trove is one of Canberra’s best handmade co-operatives. With gifts ranging from one of a kind creations to special staples, they’re lovingly made by locals and will be perfect for your loved one.

Meet Gather Collect – Aranda

There really is something for everyone at Meet Gather Collect. You can pick up Australian designed and made jewellery, clothing, ceramics and so much more. PLUS they offer workshops if you want to learn a new skill like basket weaving, spoon carving and clay building. Pop in and grab a treasure, or a gift card if you can’t decide what to get!

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets – Fyshwick

The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets are the best place in town to pick up your produce, meats, and seafood for all the eating you’ll be doing over the festive season, but while you’re there make sure to check out all the places to pick up a last minute pressie. From Andez Jewellry to Book Lovers Lane and Kismet Toys, there’s no shortage of little treats for you, the kids and your pets.

Other handy hints:

    • Don’t forget to check out the art galleries, museums, information centre or even the arboretum. There are SO many in Canberra and they have beautiful gift shops with an array of knickknacks that will suit anyone.
    • Hit up the smaller surrounding towns in the ACT/NSW. They usually have small boutique stores where you will find unique treasures.
    • Look for local stall pop ups in the big malls, they usually have great small items perfect for stocking stuffers.
    • You can’t go wrong with a gift card for a local restaurant or café! Perfect for those people who are IMPOSSIBLE to buy for.
    • You can pick up local wines and spirits at most big name liquor merchants in the ACT, just ask them to point you in the right direction!
    • Check out an op shop for a special, sustainable gift this Christmas. You get a gift and get to give back all in the one transaction. You can also make a donation to a local charity as a gift, to really make a difference.

 

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