​​Australian creatives share the last minute gifts they’d be happy to receive

’Tis the season.

While I’d bet that most of us start the festive season with the naive intention of getting all our gifting done early, the reality is usually vastly different. Madness ensues in the days before Christmas, as we scramble to buy for the cousin we haven’t seen all year or that friend who always seems to have everything.

This year, I’m giving up on my usual well-intentioned hopes for organisation, and fully leaning into the fact that I’ll be purchasing gifts last minute. I’d almost call that personal growth.

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section. 

To spark inspiration for my gift-giving endeavours, I enlisted the help of creatives who, in my humble opinion, have impeccable taste. I asked them what they’d want to unwrap if they were on the receiving end of a last-minute Christmas pressie from everyone’s go-to technology mecca JB Hi-Fi. Read on and add to your arsenal of emergency gifts for this year’s festive season. You’re welcome.

Eliza Sholly, freelance writer

Earlier this year, my besties got me a tattoo commissioned from one of my favourite artists. In the drawing, the girl is wearing a pair of big, noise-cancelling headphones. According to my friends, they have become something of a personal trademark; which makes sense considering the fact they might as well be permanently sewn to my head. At the moment I am using these JBL Live noise-cancelling ones. I recommend them to everyone, and would be pretty bloody stoked to get a new pair for Christmas.

Alternatively, vinyl is a gift-giving staple for me. Friends, secret Santa, an uncle you don’t really know that well – everyone appreciates a tangible connection to music. Even if you don’t have a record player, they display beautifully, and getting one given to you is a nice catalyst to start a collection. This year, I have already nabbed The Presets’ Apocolypso, Angie Mcmahon’s Salt and J Dilla’s Donuts. If you’re on the receiving end, you never read this. 

Jess Brohier, photographer

I’m really obsessed with Polaroids at the moment, I love the way instant photos have a loose, candid feeling. It’s also amazing to see what you’re shooting in real-time. Shooting Polaroid is my favourite addition to an editorial shoot, job or a night out with friends. I already have a Fujifilm Instax which is a great alternative, but I feel Polaroids have a better image quality for professional shoots and I like the colour of Polaroid film more. Hint – someone buy me a Polaroid!

Hannah Furst, content creator

I host two podcasts, including my own podcast Single Minded, and since lockdown started, I’ve been recording remotely with this Rode microphone. I really recommend this to first-time podcasters as it’s really easy to set up and use! But what I’d really like for myself this Christmas is a vlog kit to help me create content while travelling next year – the Joby Gorrilapod Mobile Vlog Kit is definitely on my list. 

Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s managing editor

Since getting really, really into running last year, I’ve been eyeing off a smartwatch to track my progress. I’ve simultaneously been planning on buying a vintage gold mesh watch, so this version of the Apple Watch seems like a perfect blend of the two. It will layer well with my existing gold jewellery and feel ‘fashion’ enough for my taste (I’ve never quite understood the appeal of the rubber wristband). It’s an investment piece, but one I’d gladly wear daily. 

Sabrina, stylist

Being a stylist, often I’ll have the earliest call time on set. Preparation and alertness is crucial in the morning, as it sets the tone for how smooth the remainder of the day will run, especially for huge eCommerce photoshoots. Moreover, I like to be my most approachable and energetic self when arriving, as being a freelancer means working with new teams almost all of the time (first impressions and good positive energy is everything in this industry!). 

I’m fiercely loyal to my barista, and am a late-night coffee-instead-of-wine kind of girl. Hence, a machine that is absolutely luxurious, such as the Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine would only suffice. Not to mention, Bluetooth functionality literally means I can ‘make’ my coffee as I turn off my alarm – totally essential!

Kate Streader, freelance writer

As someone who is constantly listening to music, something in that realm is a safe bet when buying for me come Christmas time. I’ve been meaning to get myself a portable speaker for ages and would be very pleased if an Ultimate Ears BoomThree Portable Bluetooth Speaker in Unicorn found its way into my stocking.

It packs a punch for a small, portable speaker and it’s cute enough to have on display. Vinyl is always a winner in my eyes, too. I’ve been listening to Rico Nasty’s latest album, Nightmare Vacation, religiously since it came out, so to be gifted a vinyl copy would make me very happy.

Looking for a last-minute gift? JB Hi-Fi has got you covered, start browsing here.