We don’t want to alarm you, but we’re down to single digits when counting the weeks until Christmas, which means you needed to start shopping yesterday. Never fear—we’ve come up with an absolutely cracking Brisbane gift guide that'll snag you bragging rights as Santa this festive season.
Read on for uncovered gems for everyone from your lover to your mother—even the mate who has absolutely everything.
Delight Taste Buds With A Restaurant Voucher
We hate to brag (not!), but Queensland is home to the best eats in the country, so treat the foodie in your life to a delish Brisbane-gifted dining experience at one of our top spots. Gift a gastronomic adventure at Brisbane icons like Bianca, Exhibition or Stanley for stellar views and good vibes aplenty.
Want to explore further afield? Go on a tasty roadie to the Gold Coast and check out Queensland Restaurant Of The Year's 2024 winner Labart. On the Sunshine Coast, you can’t go wrong with Asian fusion eatery, Sum Yung Guys. Need more inspo? Check out these epic Brisbane eateries.
Inspire Them With A Piece Of Indigenous Art
Show the culture buffs in your life how much you love them by gifting an incredible piece from one of Queensland’s most inspiring Indigenous artists. Meanjin-based Goreng Goreng artist Rachael Sarra’s vibrant, colour-soaked pieces (prints and apparel) are something to be treasured for years to come.
Meanjin business Chaboo, owned by husband and wife artists Casey (Quandamooka and Nunukul) and Roy (Wakka Wakka), sell hand-painted cups and bowls of solid acacia wood. Each unique design shares stories of their connection to land, water and sky.
Treat Them To Some Craft Tipples
For the person in your life who has everything, a craft tipple from one of Queensland’s top brewers is the ultimate Brisbane gift. From your dad to your bro-in-law, beer connoisseurs will love a mixed taster box from Newstead’s Range Brewing filled with XPA and Hazy Ale tinnies, plus a logo glass to sip from.
And who wouldn’t love a carton of cold ones from Queensland’s oldest independent beer makers, The Sunshine Coast Brewery? Their Sneaky Seagull Pale Ale on a hot summer arvo is what dreams are made of.
Kit Out Their Wardrobe With Pieces From A Local Designer
Brisbane is brimming with lust-worthy collections from up-and-coming designers to brand staples you know and love. Quirky, ethically-made pieces using secondhand fabric is what sets Alice Nightingale apart from the rest. The label’s iconic bags and vibrant-coloured tees are a must for your bestie, just don’t be surprised if you snag one for yourself.
Female-founded Girl And The Sun is our go-to for breezy summer staples, or, treat someone spesh to a dainty permanent bracelet from Rebellious Grace.
Opt For A One-Of-A-Kind Present With Personalised Plates
Go all out this festive season with one-of-a-kind personalised number plates. Thankfully the local legends at Personalised Plates Queensland make gift giving oh so simple. First up, design the plates. Pro tip: think about the lucky driver's nicknames, niche hobbies and personal jokes, then create their unique letter combo and choose from PPQ's endless design options.
Next, the plates are manufactured by hand and delivered to the address of your choice—just remember to tick the gift option at checkout, so you can transfer them into the plate recipient’s name for free. Or, if you've got a fussy friend who'd rather keep creative control, nab them a gift voucher to create their own this Christmas. So easy yet oh-so-special, it’ll be a prezzie loved for a lifetime.
Deck Out Their Space With Beautiful Homewares
From hand-spun ceramics to candles that smell like a holiday, gorge homewares will never disappoint. Start by filling your loved ones' stockings with stunning goodies from Green Tangerine in Paddington, where Brisbane-based artist Diane Lopes has curated a thoughtful treasure chest of locally made pieces including planters, vases and luxe body care.
And you’ll be spoilt for choice at Artisan, a not-for-profit organisation that exhibits and sells a diverse range of art, jewellery and homewares from both local and Indigenous creatives like Finn O’Sullivan and Lulu Geraghty.
Give The Gift Of Bliss With A Spa Voucher
By the end of the festive period everyone could do with a lil’ extra TLC, so ensure your loved ones get their zen on with a spa voucher. They can float, steam and soak away their stresses in total luxury at The Bathhouse Albion. Send them straight to heaven with an uber-relaxing head spa at Atama in New Farm, or Varsana in West End where every inch of your treatment is personalised.
And you can never go wrong with a classic day spa experience. Soothe tight muscles at Heavenly Spa tucked into The Westin, or gift a glowy facial at Kailo Wellness Medispa in the Valley.
Gift An Epic Experience
If your loved one doesn’t dig material presents, then snagging them a voucher for an awesome immersive experience is just the ticket. Foodies will love Brisbane’s tasty cooking classes. Help them embrace their inner Willy Wonka with a chocolate masterclass at New Farm Confectionery, or check out The Golden Pig who offer classes on everything from authentic Italian to French decadence and Thai classics.
Adventure-seekers will get a kick out of Riverlife’s offerings—there’s a Twilight Paddle & Prawns tour on the Brisbane River or you can abseil down Kangaroo Cliffs. Creatives will be stoked with a pottery class at Mas & Miek Ceramic House or a paint and sip sesh at Rosé Soiree or Cork and Chroma.
Need more Brisbane Christmas gift guide ideas? Head here:
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These 21 Sustainable Gifts Are Your Answer To Conscious Gift Giving
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Outdoorsy Gifts: 21 Gifts For That Person Who’s Always Outside
Image credit: Green Tangerine, Facebook
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