Deck the halls and all that jazz, but more importantly, you best get that Christmas gift-shopping list together quick-smart since there are only three weeks to go before the big day.
To help quieten those maddening thoughts of what to buy for family, friends and loved ones, we present to you our annual Christmas Gift Guide, crammed once again with unique items for those
spoilt
special people in your life.
From four-dollar stocking stuffers to three-figure luxury goods, we’ve got every budget covered.
Time to make room under that tree, and get wrapping like a department store demon!
Gift guide collated by Chris Prindiville, Lisa Andrews & Antonino Tati.
↑ 01.
WHAT: Boba Fett Bottle Opener. DESCRIPTION: Just when you thought your drinks were safe, here comes Boba Fett, the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter, ready to pop open a cold one and get that party started. This solid metal gadget also features magnets on the back, so you can stick it to your fridge and be ensured quick access whenever there’s a job to be done. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Star Wars fans who need their drinks opened in one fell galactic swoop. Or one very cool Dad. COST: $29.99. AVAILABLE: Order online at www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 02.
WHAT: Cherry Bin by Qualy. DESCRIPTION: At first glance it’s just a glossy oversized cherry. At closer inspection, an absolutely original waste container: the Cherry Bin by design group Qualy. Not just a talking piece, but practical featuring a plate attached to the handle that indicates the level of rubbish within, letting you know when to empty it. Holds around four litres of rubbish. We’re calling it beautiful garbage! WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Your BFF. Or one very creative Mum. COST: $58.00. AVAILABLE: From www.design-3000.de with expedite shipping available.
↑ 03.
WHAT: Doctor Who Tardis Teapot. DESCRIPTION: Become the lord of teatime when making your next brew… with your very own Tardis Teapot! Able to hold 750 ml of your favourite tea, the Tardis Teapot makes break-time that bit more exciting. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Doctor Who fans, young and old, and those who enjoy drinking their tea in quirky style. COST: $38.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 04.
WHAT: ‘Where Chefs Eat’ Book published by Phaidon Press. DESCRIPTION: When you’re planning an itinerary for visiting a city, one of the first questions that springs to mind is “Where to eat?” Get the inside knowledge and find out where the chefs are eating, because let’s face it, they’re the experts. The Australian section of the book includes insights from the likes of Neil Perry (Rockpool), Anthony Camorra (MoVida), Peter Gilmore (Quay) and Shannon Bennett (Vue De Monde). An essential guide to good food; globally. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The friend that fancies themselves a bit of a gourmand. COST: $39.99. AVAILABLE: In quality bookstores and at www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 05.
WHAT: Frida Floral Cushion Cover by Desirée Feldmann. DESCRIPTION: A living room conversation piece, this throw cushion sleeve is made from polyester poplin fabric, individually cut and sewn by hand. Measures 16″ x 16″ and features a double-sided print. Pillow insert not included. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: An appreciator of pop art. COST: $20.00. AVAILABLE: At www.society6.com with expedite shipping available.
↑ 06.
WHAT: The Ultimate Bath Collection by Aromatherapy Associates. DESCRIPTION: Let them immerse in the power of aromatherapy thanks to an expansive collection of beautifully blended bath and shower oils. Aromatherapy Associates have won awards for this range, so the goods have got to be, well, very good! Contains 10 x 9ml bath and shower oils. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Mum or your big sis. COST: $138.00. AVAILABLE: At leading hotel and destination spas and at www.aromatherapyassociates.com.au.
↑ 07.
WHAT: Decorative Tissue Box by Jade+Amber. DESCRIPTION: Brighten up the bathroom or bedroom with a little old-fashioned charm in the form of a golden bee motif. This handsome ceramic tissue holder is made and painted by hand, and powder-coated for durability. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Nan would love it; perhaps she’ll even think you’ve bought it from some antique store. COST: $59.00. AVAILABLE: At www.jadeplusamber.com.au.
↑ 08.
WHAT: 20th Century French Retro Goat Skin Drinks Cabinet. DESCRIPTION: A unique antique drinks cabinet, circa 1970, made of quality redwood and upholstered in goat skin (eco fanatics, be warned). Holds tens of bottles of spirits and sure to go with any style of decor, retro or contemporary. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: That very decadent someone. COST: PoA. AVAILABLE: From www.allpress-antiques.com.
↑ 09.
WHAT: USB Computer Drinks Fridge Refrigerator Cooler. DESCRIPTION: Although most of us work within air-conditioned offices, those sweltering summer days still have us working up a thirst. Thanks to this USB-powered refrigerator, your favourite bevvy is able to stay cool at your desk. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Hardworking colleagues in need of refreshment. COST: $49.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 10.
WHAT: WineX Watermelon Tapping Keg. DESCRIPTION: Summertime is party season, and what better way to serve fruity cocktails and punches than from, yes, a watermelon. This innovative keg will allow you to transform a humble watermelon into an attractive drinks dispenser. Not just for summer, when Halloween next rolls ’round, you can take that pumpkin and turn it into a perfect spiced wine keg! WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The ultimate party hosts, or anyone who likes to bring a little fun to weekend get-togethers. COST: $34.95. AVAILABLE: From quality home-ware outlets including Kitchen Warehouse.
↑ 11.
WHAT: Fujifilm Instax Camera. DESCRIPTION: Capture those unique moments in an instant. Whether transforming images from your mobile device via share printer, or simply pressing the shutter on the Instax camera, making memories never was so fun. Or retro-like. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The friend with six Instagram accounts. COST: $88.00. AVAILABLE: From Officeworks.
↑ 12.
WHAT: Crumpler Spring Peeper Holdall. DESCRIPTION: Formerly known as the Crumpler Ultimate Exit, this holdall duffel bag is versatile, lightweight and very easy on the eye. The large zipped opening gives full access to contents, and featues include removable shoulder strap, strong carry handles and alloy hardware. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Your travelling bro or gym buddy. COST: $145.00. AVAILABLE: At www.crumpler.com.au.
↑ 13.
WHAT: Ovela Queen Air Bed. DESCRIPTION: A comfy queen-size air bed for unexpected company (or expected, depending…). Forget the sofa or single bed in the back room; they’ll actually look forward to sleeping on this comfy thing. Boasts a soft and plush flocked top for extra comfort, and built-in pump for fast and easy inflation. Inflates or deflates in under three minutes. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The buddy who’s just started up an Air B’n’B business on the side. COST: $76.00. AVAILABLE: At www.kogan.com/au/.
↑ 14.
WHAT: Inflatable Swan Drink Holder. DESCRIPTION: Just when you thought summer couldn’t get any better, now thanks to outdoor product manufacturers, Sunnylife, your favourite bevvies are able to float right up right to you. This majestic inflatable swan is able to hold three drinks on its back, making it the ideal waiter for those who want to maximise their time in the pool. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Lazy bastards and those with a penchant for kitsch. COST: $24.95. AVAILABLE: At www.zanui.com.au.
↑ 15.
WHAT: Retro Vinyl Turntable Record Player. DESCRIPTION: Put on your fave tunes in something akin to what they used to spin them on in the ’70s and ’80s with this very fab little turntable. It’s lightweight and portable so you can take the party with you wherever you go. H’its Huge compilation album not included. Sadly. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Your hipster mate who loves vintage style. COST: $194.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 16.
WHAT: Sonos Sub. DESCRIPTION: From the makers of all-round excellent speakers comes this beauty with built-in amp,, subwoofer, etc. Bone-rattling bass with zero buzz or rattle. Hide it out of view, or place it centre-stage in the living room. Either way, the Sonos Sub gives provides max audio impact. One-button setup. How easy is that? WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The avid music lover. Oh heck, get one for yourself. COST: $949.00. Plus, for a limited time get $50 off every Sub purchased. Offer valid until December 31, 2016 and while stocks last. AVAILABLE: From quality audio outlets and at www.sonos.com.
↑ 17.
WHAT: Construct A Clock. DESCRIPTION: This easy-to-build clock whips up in a jiffy, and will fascinate young minds with its turning cogs and swinging pendulum. The clock is spring-driven, so requires no batteries and is the perfect way to teach kids basic mechanical principles. And, yes, how to tell the time. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The intuitive kid. COST: $29.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 18.
WHAT: Cross Peerless Fonderie 47 Collector’s Edition Rollerball Pen. DESCRIPTION: The pen may be mightier than sword, but Cross have produced one about as tough as an AK-47. Created in collaboration with Fonderie 47, each pen in this special collector’s edition features a disk of blackened steel from a melted-down AK47 gun embedded in its cap. Each pen is marked with the Fonderie 47 logo, while on the panel of the cap is the unique serial number of the very gun taken out of circulation to create it. More than just a writing instrument, the Cross Peerless is helping realise the vision of an Africa free from assault rifles. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The scribbler or scribe who is expecting something somewhat special this Christmas. COST: $525.00. AVAILABLE: Visit www.luxurypens.net.au for stockists.
↑ 19.
WHAT: David Bowie iPhone Case by Art Collective Replaceface. DESCRIPTION: Online outlets like Threadless.com and Society6.com invite artists to provide their works to be printed on all manner of homewares and gizmos. Think: pillow slips, tote bags, wall clocks and, of course, trusty phone covers – like this stunning iPhone case that pays tribute to David Bowie [RIP] by radical art collective, Replaceface. Literally hundreds more to choose from. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The art and music lover. And of course anyone who adores Bowie. COST: $35.00. AVAILABLE: At www.society6.com.
↑ 20.
WHAT: Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook by Michael Joseph. DESCRIPTION: This epic book is the ultimate Christmas companion; a culmination of 17 years’ work on Jamie’s part, fine-tuning incredible festive recipes that will work for you at home, and dishes that go beyond the festive season. Features several of the celebrity chef’s old favourites, as well as loads of new ideas to tickle the taste buds. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Nan, Mum or your fanatical foodie friend. COST: $55.00. AVAILABLE: From quality bookstores, physical and online. Published by Penguin Random House Australia.
↑ 21.
WHAT: ‘Hey Bitches’ Gum. DESCRIPTION: Who can keep their tongue in cheek when there’s gum to be chewed? This brilliantly packaged box contains eight sticks of cinnamon gum and a message on the front that can only be presented to friends close enough to get the irony. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Like we said, friends close enough to get the irony. COST: $4.95 a pack. AVAILABLE: At www.optocoonline.com.
↑ 22.
WHAT: Smitten Cosmetics Lip Paint. DESCRIPTION: Less of a lip gloss and more of a glorious lip paint, Smitten Cosmetics offer a range of 12 shades in total, each as delicious as the next. Choose from ‘Ooh La La’ red, ‘Ravishing Raspberry’, ‘Peach Princess’, ‘Rudie Nudie’ and whole lot more. The packaging itself is innovative and practical with each lip paint coming with a nifty light embedded in the lid that switches on when you unscrew it. Along with a built-in mirror on the side for easy application, Smitten lip paints are the answer to any girl who’s posed the question: Do my lips look alright? Indeedy they will; in any light. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Your BFF. COST: $29.95. AVAILABLE: At www.smittencosmetics.com.au.
↑ 23.
WHAT: Marvel Super Hero Deluxe Adventure Pack. DESCRIPTION: Going to the cinema is one thing, but nothing compares to the stories a kid can come up with when he or she has their own set of action figures. Save the day as Captain America in astro armour as he takes on the the evil Thanos, or help Spiderman defeat the villainous Lizard in his gator-bot rod. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: Those kids, big and small, who dream of heroic adventure. COST: RRP $39.95. AVAILABLE: From authorised retailers listed at www.hasbro.com.
↑ 24.
WHAT: Crayon Condiment Dispensers. DESCRIPTION: We were all told as kids not to play with our food. But if you can’t have fun, then what’s the point? Thanks to Spinning Hat, meal time can become fun time. Fill up each ‘crayon’ with sauce and turn even the most uninspiring meal into an artistic creation. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The adultescent in the kitchen. COST: $35.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 25.
WHAT: Wild Card 8GB USB ‘Mixtape’. DESCRIPTION: Once cherished as that most intimate of gifts, the humble mixtape has sadly gone out of style. Thankfully for all those hopeless romantics, Wild Card has brought it back, new and improved, for the 21st century. Share photos, songs, films and memories with this perfect gift in classic retro style that can be easily treasured as a magnet/keyring. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The high-school friend or lover who used to make actual mixtapes for you. COST: $31.00. AVAILABLE: At www.etsy.com.au.
↑ 26.
WHAT: Liquid Education Books. DESCRIPTION: Whether they’re a beer aficionado or lover of great coffee, either one of these gorgeously bound books ought to appeal. Brought to you by Smith Street Books, publishers of quality hardbacks with personality, ‘Beer’ by Will Hawkes delves into the backstory of the liquid gold we love to indulge in over summer, while ‘Coffee’ by Jason Scheltus goes into the process of turning beans into the perfect brew. These are beverages that some of us might take for granted, while for others, they’re absolute sustenance. The books are beautifully illustrated by fine artist Daniella Germain. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: They make perfect stocking stuffers for, yes, beer lovers and appreciators of quality coffee, respectively. COST: $24.99 each. AVAILABLE: From quality bookstores and available online through Amazon and Booktopia.
↑ 27.
WHAT: Otto Pencil Case Set. DESCRIPTION: Have them studying in style with this set containing ruler, sharpener and two pencils with erasers. Education, after all, is golden. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The study buddy. And a good idea to get the kids equipped before school starts again. COST: $12.95. AVAILABLE: From Officeworks.
↑ 28.
WHAT: Plantronics Backbeat Wireless 105 Headphones. DESCRIPTION: Be the envy of your friends as you listen to music and take calls on the world’s first hybrid neckband wireless headphones. Delivering full-range sound and with a built-in microphone that allows for hands-free conversation, the Backbeat 105 is the perfect way to stay in touch… and get out on your own. WHO TO BUY FOR: Tech-heads, trend-setters and go-getters. COST: RRP $99.95. AVAILABLE: For stockists visit www.plantronics.com/au.
↑ 29.
WHAT: VW Campervan Toiletry Bag. DESCRIPTION: Officially licensed by Volkswagen, this rad toiletry bag is the perfect accompaniment for any camping trip or other vacation. Shaped as a 1960s style VW campervan, it’s a pretty cool take on the boring, generic toiletry bag. Features elasticised and zippered inner compartments and a five litre capacity. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The happy (or hippy) camper. COST: $37.95. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
↑ 30.
WHAT: The Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Drum Shaped Lunch Box. DESCRIPTION: “It was twenty years ago today…”. No wait, it was 50 years nearly… Inspired by the most brilliant of albums by The Beatles, this Sgt Pepper’s lunch box ought to brighten up any gluten-free/paleo/organic/whatever’s-made-it-so-dull sandwich. Think outside the, er, box, and you could just about carry any little thing in this nifty case. Measures 20 x 20 cm and is made of sturdy tin. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The avid music memorabilia collector. COST: $15.00. AVAILABLE: At www.allposters.com.au.
↑ 31.
WHAT: Ampersand A5 Journal. DESCRIPTION: Made from split leather, this attractive journal ought to give your moleskin a run for attention with plenty of room to jot down stuff thanks to 192 pages within. COST: $20.00. AVAILABLE: At Officeworks.
↑ 32.
WHAT: The Vampire Wine Glass. DESCRIPTION: A good drop of wine should be felt in the blood. So what better way to savour your favourite vintage than from the Vampire Wine Glass. Handcrafted from quality borosilicate material, this mesmerising glass features a curved stem that is hollowed out to create a drinking straw of sorts. You can sip your red bevvy just like a vampire sucks blood, then. WHO TO BUY IT FOR: The wine lover with a diabolic sense of humour. COST: $24.99. AVAILABLE: At www.yellowoctopus.com.au.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!