Nobody said nailing gift ideas was easy. From Mother's Day gifts to anniversary gifts, baby shower gifts, birthday gifts and "just because" gifts, there are a lot of factors at play. For one, the occasion must be considered. Plus, their personality should always be a driver. And, of course, budget.
Here's where to go looking when you need gift ideas in Sydney. Strapped for time? Check out our picks for the best gift delivery in Sydney here.
Hypmotive
Smidmore Street, Marrickville
For those looking to pick up wares made by local creatives, Hypmotive Hub should be top of the list. The concept store champions local artists, designers, and makers—so you’re sure to find a swag of one-of-a-kind gifts here. The space not only functions as a shop, but also as an art gallery, workshop space, and pottery hub, with everything from quirky jewellery and locally made threads to handmade ceramics, puzzles, and even yoga mats for your bendy friends.
Provider Store
Riley Street, Surry Hills
It’s no secret that Japanese wares are some of the best in the biz. And the pint-sized Provider Store is selling a carefully curated collection that's all about sustainable, ethical, and slow-made products, so no mass-produced, overdone pressies here. On top of all the plates, teacups, cutlery, textiles, magazines, and artworks by Japanese and local makers, the store also peddles owner Tara Bennett’s own scented candles, which she hand-pours into Japanese teacups. These make for exceptional gifts, but the winning factor is that once they burn through, you can either use the cup for your morning cuppa or get a new candle poured for just $10. Sustainable success.
Sorry Thanks I Love You
Westfield Sydney, CBD
Need a present that says it all? You can head to inner-city gift shop Sorry Thanks I Love You and pick up pressies for every occasion—from designer threads and luxe accessories, as well as handcrafted jewellery, books, flowers, gourmet food products, and craft booze. Yep, it really does have it all—including an attached coffee shop—so you'll probably want to take home something for yourself too.
Aesop
Various locations
It's hard to go wrong with the beloved Aesop home and beauty products, and for good reason. Mums love them, the gals love them, and the guys low-key froth showing off their fancy soap. Aesop does a range of gifting packs that make the decision-making simple, but it's also hard to go wrong with a geranium leaf body wash or aromatic candle. With nine locations across Sydney and in-store collection available when you order online, you're always in for a winner (and will probably walk away with generous samples).
The DEA Store
Redfern
Got a mate who’s all about aesthetics? The DEA Store never disappoints—even for the pickiest of people. The acronym stands for Delicate Eye Area, so everything on the shelves will please the eye, guaranteed. You’ll find Japanese ceramics, beautiful linens, hand-poured candles, fine jewellery, and just about everything in between across two stores: one on Regent Street, and the other on Bourke Street. Plus, new items from local and international designers are added every week, so there’s always a fresh pile of potential pressies just waiting to be bought.
Girl Meraki
Wills Road, Woolooware
Founded by a mother-daughter duo, Girl Meraki is a South Sydney gem. Walk through the duck egg-blue door and you’ll find a heap of designer products, vintage items, and coastal-chic wares all sourced directly from local creators and small businesses from around the globe. Its homewares are equally as aesthetic as they are functional, and it also stocks plants, candles, and ideal gifts.
MAILLOT
Valentine Street, Haymarket
Bringing together three storeys of curated brands from Japan, Korea and Europe under one roof, MAILLOT is a special mixture of gift shop, cafe and art gallery. Pay the stunning haven a visit to browse exclusive street fashion, independent brands and lifestyle elements including home decor, grooming products, cooking and outdoor goods, and stunning sustainable items. There's also a smaller edit at the OG store up in Paddington.
Culture Kings
Church Street, Parramatta and George Street, CBD
Got a sneakerhead or sports fan in your life? Culture Kings is internationally recognised as a go-to utopia for sneakers and streetwear. This store has seen everyone from A$AP Ferg to Nas walk through its doors, which means it’s probably good enough for your partner or mate (or super-cool parent?). And, boy, are the streetwear brands good, with Carré, Dead Studios, Off White, and Saint Morta all available, plus an insane collection of kicks and logo caps. Still not impressed? The CBD store has its own basketball halfcourt, and you can shop online to guarantee your gift selection here.
Kinokuniya
The Galeries, CBD
Imagine you’ve died and gone to book heaven—that’s what it feels like when walking into this sprawling CBD bookstore. Tucked away on the top floor of The Galeries, Kinokuniya has something for every kind of reader, stocking more than a whopping 30,000 titles in numerous languages. Page-turners, art and design hardbacks, cookbooks, and a huge range of manga, you name it—it’s got it. On top of all the books, it also sells DVDs and a heap of stationery, including cute cards to go with your top-choice paperback present.
Collector Store
Oxford Street, Paddington
Buying in a hurry? Collector Store makes it easy thanks to its beautifully presented store and knowledgeable staff. The shop houses a curated range of items, including womenswear and menswear, homewares, furniture, skincare, candles, and those oh-so-trendy Missoni towels. You won’t be overwhelmed by the options, but you sure as hell won’t walk out empty-handed. Plus, they gift wrap free of charge, so you can save yourself the hassle on that front.
PLAYA By Lucy Folk
Hall Street, Bondi
If you’re setting out to pick up fun, unique jewellery, Lucy Folk’s concept store in Bondi, PLAYA, is well worth a stop. The Aussie goldsmith and designer is known for creating ‘wearable art’—from whimsical rings and unique earrings to fun sunnies and luxe beachwear. Not to mention the pink-hued store is like an artwork in itself, so expect to be inspired as soon as you walk in. Lucy Folk also has a shop on William Street in Paddington, if that’s more convenient. Want even easier? You’ll find all the goods on the impeccably designed online store and have the perfect present shipped straight to your friend’s door.
Octopus Design
King Street, Newtown
King Street’s go-to gift store, Octopus, has present-perfect items to fit any budget—from $40 lava lamps to $2000 daybeds. Whether your giftee might like a reusable coffee cup, cosy slippers, candles, Swedish lawn games, knick-knacks, cookbooks, tableware, or toys, Octopus is the place for bold, fun designs. It also has a sister store—Opus—located on Paddington’s Oxford Street, where you’ll also find just about every type of gift under the sun.
Got someone in your life who already has everything? Then get them a bunch from Sydney's best flower delivery or the gift of travel with a stay at the best Airbnbs in NSW.
Image credit: Provider Store, Provider Store, Andy Braithwaite, Aesop, Girl Meraki, Culture Kings, Kinokuniya, Collector Store, PLAYA By Lucy Folk
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