The holiday season is fast approaching, and you’re now having to think about what to get your nearest and dearest. But while those gifts can be hard to choose, it’s the presents for those you don’t know all that well that are among the hardest to pick.
The colleague you drew in Secret Santa. The neighbours who watered your plants while you were away. And the distant cousin you barely know but just found out has been invited to Christmas. You want to get them something thoughtful, but that’s still affordable (blaming you, rising cost of living!), so ideally something under $50.
So, what to get? Ahead, we round up some of our favourite gift ideas that tick both of those boxes. From a lunch bag featuring a colourful design by an Australian artist, to a unisex fragrance that blends sweet with spicy, these are a few of the most thoughtful gift ideas, all under $50.
Maxwell x Williams Kasey Rainbow Be Fierce Insulated Lunch Bag, $39.95
Created in collaboration with Brisbane artist Kasey Rainbow as part of her Be Fierce collection, this lunch bag from Maxwell & Williams is great for a giftee of any age. It’s made from recycled PET and is insulated so it keeps contents hot or cold for longer. The giftee can use it to transport snacks for picnics or as an everyday lunch bag — carrying a piece of Aussie art wherever they go.
Who Is Elijah His | Her Perfume, $45
Even if they already have a signature cologne or fragrance, any giftee will appreciate this unisex scent that balances sweet notes with spicy. They can keep it alongside their usual fragrance bottle in their bathroom or toss it in an everyday bag to spray on whenever they’re in need of a freshen-up in the day.
Peppermint Grove Hand and Body Wash, $19.95
You can never have enough hand and body wash. This lemongrass and lime-scented option features notes of vanilla pod, lemon and lime. They can either place it on their bathroom or kitchen sink to use as hand wash, or pop it in their shower to use as body wash. Grab them the accompanying body cream ($25.95) of the same scent, and they can display them side-by-side for a hotel feel.
Marini Ferlazzo Wild Planet Kids Apron and Hat Set, $39.95
For any kids you have on your gift list, get them this kids’ apron and hat set from Maxwell & Williams. Made from durable cotton, they’ll be able to fully protect clothes and hair, not to mention survive multiple washes after the messiest of baking. The apron shows an illustration by Australian wildlife artist Marini Ferlazzo of a young Fennec Fox, embellished with flowers and foliage.
Circa Pine & Snow Gum Soy Candle, $46.95
Gift someone the smell of Christmas — well, here in Australia, at least — with this 350g candle. It has up to 70 hours of burn time that’ll fill their home with the scent of fir balsam, pine needles and red fruits, blended with an Australian twist of minty eucalyptus.
A Very Koko Advent Calendar, $39.90
An advent calendar makes for a great gift for someone you’re planning to see at the end of November or start of December, like your work colleagues, family friends or barista. Behind each little door of this calendar, they’ll find a piece of moreish milk chocolate, handcrafted from all-natural ingredients, meaning no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Silk Magnolia Pure Silk Eye Mask, $45
It’s more than likely anyone who already owns an eye mask needs an update, and that anyone who doesn’t is at least up for trying one — particularly in summer when it gets light earlier. This mask is filled with silk floss that works to help delicate facial skin keep its moisture and reduce fine lines around the eyes. It also comes with an adjustable elastic band, so it’ll fit all head sizes.
Fazeek Wave Soap Dish, $45
Finally, like the eye mask, chances are most people could do with an upgrade to their soap dish, too. This soap dish has a sleek wave design that’ll let the water run off a soap easily so that the bar lasts that much longer. The dish is made from hard-wearing resin and runs 10cm-long.
