What the FJ team is gifting loved ones this holiday season
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLA TAVERNER
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
Gifts galore.
Some people are just really hard to buy for. According to my parents and some of my friends, I’m one of those people. I’m always surprised people think this about me because I’m a pretty materialistic person (I’m working on it) who loves clothes, beauty products and the like. I don’t hesitate to discuss these things with the people in my life, either.
But perhaps because I’m very specific about what I do and don’t like, it places me firmly in the ‘hard to buy for’ camp. Personally, I relish finding the perfect gift for someone (particularly so when they’re seemingly impossible to buy for). I just love gift-giving in general – for better or for worse, it’s one of my love languages.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
But a lot of people really can’t stand it. It’s an activity that causes far too much stress, particularly during the holidays when every man and his dog is looking for a present. So to help you out, our editorial team has shared what they’re getting their loved ones this holiday season.
Black Finch Jewellery Neptunes Pearl Hoops Small*
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
I’m a big advocate for treating and gifting yourself around the holidays (and year-round for that matter), and this year I’ve chosen to gift myself these hoops from Black Finch Jewellery. They’re a step up from my everyday gold hoops and feature a natural baroque pearl in a drop setting. They’re an accessory that will add that additional touch to my summer outfits.
Get it here.
Who Gives A Crap Forest Friendly Tissues
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Recommended by: Maggie, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Features Editor
“Tissues?” I hear you ask. But after spying these funky tissue paper boxes in the home of Melbourne cook and creative Jessica Nguyen, I’ve come to the conclusion that all tissues deserve to be housed in pretty paper. Reminiscent of Dusen Dusen’s kitchenware designs, I’ll be gifting these (100 per cent bamboo) Who Gives A Crap tissues to my sister.
Get it here.
Tanchen Studio 0/0 Bag in Coral and Fuchsia from Saloon Store
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Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
When it comes to that hard-to-buy-for friend, my usual gift is a bottle of sparkling pet nat with some kind of impressive, artistic label. This year, I’m taking it to the next level with this Tanchen Studio 0/0 Bag from Saloon Store. Hand-knotted in Shanghai, this playful coral carrier is ideal for park drinks, BYO dinners and days at the beach (it’s designed to fit all bottles, not just the alcoholic kind).
Get it here.
Westhill Silver Diamond Signet Ring*
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
For my brother this year, after years of giving him cash or gift cards (shameful, but saying he’s impossible to buy for is an understatement) I’ve decided to splurge and get him something a little more sentimental. After working in the industry for years, my favourite thing to gift is jewellery, and I think he would cherish Westhill’s Silver Diamond Signet Ring.
It’s created from responsibly sourced local materials and contains a lab-grown diamond and the jeweller offers personalisation through engraving on the face of the ring or on the inside of the band for an extra special touch. Westhill also offers free resizing so I know it can stay with him forever.
Get it here.
Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp Falling Perfume Oil
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
I’ve been a fan of Australian label Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp for some time now, so when I heard it was releasing a perfume oil, I was intrigued. Named Falling, it’s a fix-flexible scent “designed to settle differently on each wearer; from skater boy to corporate baddie (and anyone in between)”. While I love buying Christmas gifts for my loved ones, as a long-term single person I’ve decided this year I’m also going to buy something cute for myself, and this scent fits the bill.
With notes of violet leaf, dill weed, tonka bean, native Australian buddawood and vanilla absolute, it’s made from natural and sustainably sourced premium oils, meaning you can bypass the headaches and allergic reactions synthetic fragrances can sometimes cause. Plus, the packaging is super cute – it comes packaged in a pair of vintage deadstock pantyhose, and the bottle is refillable once it runs out.
Get it here.
Ultra Violette Bod Brigade
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Recommended by: Maggie, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Features Editor
I’m of the belief that every household can benefit from more SPF. I love the 500ml bottle of Ultra Violette’s Bod Brigade, I’ve got it sitting in my bathroom and the bright blue colouring pops on the shelf. It’s a body sunscreen with SPF50+ and also has a lovely coconut scent. Upon application (which is a delightful experience), I’m transported back to memories of summers spent at the beach. I’ll be getting this for my friends!
Get it here.
Kit Re:Set Hand Wash from Mecca
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Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
If I’m honest, gifting my mum hand wash feels like a little bit of a cop-out (it’s like buying socks and jocks for Dad) but I promise this Kit version is different. The punchy packaging will look great on any bathroom counter, and the formula is packed with botanical extracts and skin-loving ingredients. It’s safe for sensitive hands and at $55, you get a generous amount of product. When she’s done with it, she can refill it and keep the bright red bottle.
Get it here.
Arizona EVA Beach Purple Fog*
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
We all know how tough it can be buying for the person who has it all. This year, I have my cousin for our annual family Kris Kringle, and though I’d typically steer clear of a risky footwear purchase, I know these purple Birkenstocks will be right up her alley. Featuring the iconic two-strap design, the sandal is made from super lightweight EVA, making them waterproof and most importantly very comfy. As a mum of two always on the go, I just know these are a gift she’ll really appreciate.
Get them here.
Kowtow Bag 01
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
My mum, like most mums, is difficult to buy for. She always insists she has everything she needs, and she abhors overconsumption and all the waste that comes along with Christmas. With this in mind, this year I’ll be getting her something cute but very practical: Kowtow’s Bag 01. Made from surplus material from previous Kowtow collections (in this instance a blue and white check from the label’s 2021 range) it has a handy pocket, is roomy and has wide straps – the ideal bag for running errands.
Get it here.
Temple of the Sun Spire Earrings*
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
I’ve been a big fan of Byron Bay jewellery label Temple of the Sun for a few years now and recently introduced them to my cousin. I know she’s been searching for some gold earrings to wear to her best friend’s wedding in January, and think these 18k gold vermeil shell earrings would be the perfect outfit addition.
Get it here.
Maison Margiela Winter Stroll Limited Edition Candle
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Recommended by: Ella, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
I know it might seem a little self-indulgent, but each year I like to buy myself a little something to celebrate the year that was. Whether it was more challenging than most, or I achieved some personal goals, it’s important to take time to reflect and pause. This year, I have my eye on this limited edition Margiela candle in Winter Stroll. With notes of patchouli and pine needles, I can see this one being a holiday favourite.
Get it here.
The Soldered Experience from Sarah and Sebastian
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
My mum, like most, is incredibly difficult to gift for – she almost exclusively requests heartfelt or handmade gifts. She’s admired my Sarah and Sebastian pieces for years, so this year I’ve decided to gift her with a Soldered appointment (which you can read more about here). While the bracelet itself is completely customisable to her and it’s technically handmade, the experience will be a chance for us to spend time together and something for us to share.
Get it here.
Par Moi Arc Bag
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Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
Like most girlies on the internet, I’m quite partial to bows at the moment. I’ve had my eye on Par Moi’s selection of Melbourne-made, bow-adorned bags for a while now, and I know my sister would love this silk taffeta version. She’s a Hello Kitty fanatic, and this bag is giving a contemporary version of Miss Kitty. It’s the perfect size too!
Get it here.
T2 Sparkle and Sip Tea Bag Gift Pack*
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Recommended by: Georgi, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
My aunt is constantly on the go, and so her favourite way to wind down is by lighting a candle at the end of a long day, with a cup of tea in tow. I’ve decided to gift her T2’s Sparkle and Sip Tea Bag Gift Pack. Inspired by T2’s iconic best-selling flavours – Melbourne Breakfast, French Earl Grey and Green Rose – the tea house has partnered with Melbourne candle makers Grace & James to create three tea-inspired candles, and gift them along with mini cubes of the teas behind them.
Get it here.
Nonna’s Grocer Large Organic Lemon
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Recommended by: Maggie, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Features Editor
Nonna’s Grocer creates hyper-realistic candles that take the form of items found at the grocer – an eternal fruit bowl of sorts. I’ll be getting one of these kitschy candles for my friend who is in her interior decorator era. Each candle is handmade in Sydney and there are various fruits on offer, from starfruit to avocado. The only problem is figuring out whether to burn them or not.
Get it here.
Gentle Habits Glass Vessel Incense Holder in Iridescent
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Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Editor
My housemate loves her incense but is in need of a cute stand to place it in when she burns it. This iridescent glass incense holder from Sydney label Gentle Habits will look great on her mantelpiece and they’re super affordable, too.
Get it here.
*Products marked with an asterisk are produced in partnership with each listed retailer. For more gift ideas for hard-to-buy-for people, try this.
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