What the FJ team is gifting their loved ones this holiday season

Gift ideas for your best friend, mum, siblings, partner and more.

Summer has officially arrived (not that you can tell in Melbourne) and with that marks the countdown to the festive season. Council Christmas trees are up, fairy lights are on and it’s now socially acceptable to play only Mariah Carey in the office.

It also means the window for present shopping is getting narrower by the minute. If you’re anything like me, this comes with a flood of dopamine. There’s something so satisfying about personally choosing the gifts for your loved ones and crossing the names off your list – it’s retail therapy, minus the guilt.

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

However, I know not everyone approaches this time of the year with the same gusto. The holidays can be financially stressful and not everyone gets the time (or endorphins) from scrolling, planning and hitting the mall like I do.

So to make things a little easier, myself and the Fashion Journal team put our heads together to share what we’re gifting our loved ones this holiday season. Whether it’s artwork, jewellery or ceramics you’re looking for, there’s inspiration at every price point.

Tanchen beaded cupholder

Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

For: Her best friend

A beaded coffee cup holder is so unnecessary, which is precisely why I love it so much. I found it at Somebuddy Loves You in Collingwood and I feel like it’s the kind of thing you’d never buy for yourself, but would get so much joy from. It’s going to make my best friend’s morning takeaway coffee so much chicer.

Get it here.

Birkenstock Arizona big buckle sandals

Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Senior Editor

For: Her sister

I’m becoming an aunty for the first time this month, so to thank my sister for delivering the greatest gift of all (a bebe), I’m giving her her first pair of Birkys. She has been complaining non-stop about having no appropriate footwear for summer (with pregnancy comes foot swellage), so I figure a pair of comfortable, adjustable sandals will answer her prayers. The Arizona double-strap style in black patent leather feels more elevated than a typical slide, too.

Get it here.

Simétrie Pisces wallet

Picked by: Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Coordinator

For: Her mum

For my mum, anything made by quality local brands is always a hit. This holiday season, I’ve been eyeing the Pisces wallet from Simétrie, a simple, elegant silhouette in a beautiful powder-blue shade, handcrafted in Australian leather at the Melbourne atelier.

Get it here.

Moira x Mel Gentle Wave ring

Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Senior Editor

For: Her best friend

I’ve recently discovered Tokyo-based jewellery brand, Moira x Mel and fallen in love with its romantic, nature-inspired designs. I know my friend will be thrilled one of these handmade silver rings and lucky for me, the brand is having a pop-up in Melbourne this weekend so I can choose the exact design in person.

Get it here.

Old Palm Liquor voucher

Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

For: Her mum

I know my mum is big on experiences over things, so a restaurant voucher is perfect and Old Palm Liquor is up there with the best. The interior is so beautiful and thought out, and the menu is delicious. There’s nothing better than a dozen oysters and some share plates in the summer holidays.

Get it here.

Pot Pot ceramic candle holder

Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Senior Editor

For: Her boyfriend

Keeping with our tradition of only exchanging gifts ‘for the house’, I finally have an excuse to buy one of these whimsical candle holders by Pot Pot, made by local ceramic artist (and my talented friend), Ashleigh Gilluley.

Get it here.

Goldi Taster Trio

Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

For: Her boyfriend

We were sent a small pack of Goldi olive oil to the office recently and I managed to snag a bottle of the ‘Punchy’ version. Unsurprisingly, it was delicious and has completely transformed the most boring of salads. Now I’ve got a taste for it, I want to try the whole batch (there’s chilli, lemon, garlic…). Selfishly, I figure if I gift to this to my partner who also loves to cook, I’ll be able to benefit!

Get it here.

Leisa Warrington Spiky Bowl

Picked by: Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Coordinator

For: Her best friend

My best friend is one of those ultra-chic girlies who can find Marketplace furniture that looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of Architectural Digest. To add to her gorgeous home, I’ve been thinking of getting her a handblown glass spiky bowl in the shade Lapis by glass artist, Leisa Warrington.

Get it here.

Tokyo Headspa voucher

Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Senior Editor

For: Her mum

I was lucky enough to get to road-test the new Tokyo Headspa in Armadale when it opened a few months ago. The traditional Japanese head spa was unlike any other massage or self-care treatment I’ve tried (and I try a lot), possibly the most blissful 70 minutes I’ve experienced in my life. My mum is visiting Melbourne later this month, so I’ll book her in for some next-level pampering.

Get it here.

Alfred’s Apartment Original Frame sunglasses

Picked by: Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Coordinator

For: Her brother

My brother is incredibly difficult to buy for, one of those ‘I don’t need anything, nothing interests me’ kind of guys. But when he spotted Alfred Apartment’s new collection, his interest finally piqued. So I’m running to add to cart a pair of the brand’s Original Frame sunglasses in Cherry.

Get it here.

This gift guide includes a mix of paid placements and independently selected items. For more gift ideas, try this.