Canberra’s very own Christmas shop, and it’s doing a lot more than selling baubles.

I’ll be honest, I’m a “decorations go up on December 1st and not a second earlier” kind of guy. Reindeer’s Retreat had other plans for me.

Sitting on Boolimba Crescent in Narrabundah is Canberra’s very own Christmas shop, and it is FULL of Christmas. Wreaths, garlands, bonbons, jewellery, cards… if it can be hung, wrapped or gifted, they’ve got it.

The best part is the decorations are sorted into themes, so you’re not stuck in front of a wall of baubles having a crisis. There’s traditional reds and greens if you’re a classic, Peppermint Candyland if you want your lounge room looking like a lolly shop, and Champagne Forest if you’re fancy (or want the neighbours to think you are). Feeling a bit less festive? There’s a whole Grinch section for you too. But my favourite find was the Aussie bush Christmas ornaments made from bristle brushes. They’re seriously cute, and they’d be perfect if you want your tree looking a little more gum tree than pine tree.

But here’s the bit that really got me. Reindeer’s Retreat is a social enterprise, and they mark up for purpose, not profit. Owner Adele set it up to give people a flexible, supportive place to work, including survivors of domestic and family violence and people who are neurodiverse or living with medical conditions. Heaps of what’s on the shelves is local or Australian-made too. So that Christmas ornament you just bought? It’s actually doing something. They call it “Magic with Meaning”, and honestly… they nailed it.

If you’d rather make it than buy it, they also run workshops. You can do garlands, table centrepieces, resin jewellery and even Santa beard making (I have questions). Sessions are small and take about an hour, so it’s a pretty cruisy arvo out with your mum, your bestie or your work wife.

The verdict? If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start Christmas early, this is it. Go have a squiz, and this year, buy something that means something.

📍 45 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah
🕙 Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (Sundays for workshops and by appointment)