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A few ideas for supporting small Australian makers this gifting season

IMAGES VIA @RITTLEKING AND @BLAZEDWAX/INSTAGRAM

WORDS BY JASMINE WALLIS AND IZZY WIGHT

Shop local. 

This year has been a lot. We don’t need to get into all of it right now but the holiday season is (thankfully) fast approaching which means summer, family, food and gifts.

Many small businesses have gone through tough times recently. If you’re wanting to purchase a unique gift for the special people in your life, you should see if any independent or local businesses can help you out.


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


From statement earrings to fun homewares, here are just a handful of independent picks for gift giving this year. 

Hello Sisi

 

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Sienna Ludbey is the multidiscipline Melbourne creative behind the adorable accessories label, Hello Sisi. Featuring cartoon characters like Snoopy, Miffy and Hello Kitty, Sienna’s made-to-order bags are the stuff of your inner child’s dreams. With sizes ranging from mini purses to full-size totes, there’s something for every cutie in your life.

hellosisi.bigcartel.com

Soli Studio

 

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Tbh, earrings are my favourite gift to give because they can say so much about a person. Soli Studio knows this as well and has the sweetest range of earrings to gift a close friend or family member. From petite clamshells to dainty flowers, the Melbourne-based brand makes unique and sweet jewellery basics that work all year ’round. 

soli-studio.com

Bread Beauty Supply


Created by Maeva Heim, Bread sells natural hair essentials for curly and afro-textured hair. Featuring hair masks, oils, cute scrunchies and gift packs, this award-winning Australian brand makes for a thoughtful gift for any beauty buff or to share the love with a bit of self-care pampering. 

breadbeautysupply.com

Suku Home

 

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Australian-Indonesian designer Christine Lafain is the creative behind dreamy loungewear label Suku Home. There’s something special about her soft-and-sustainable fabrics, contrasting colourways and thoughtful selection of homewares. Spanning across clothing, bed linen and sleepwear, Suku is guaranteed to tick off a present or two. Gift a sunkissed button-down to your fun friend or buy matching day pyjamas for you and your SO. Heaven!

sukuhome.com

Rachael Sarra

 

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Does every mum say they don’t need anything for Christmas, or just mine? Although they tend to be notoriously hard to buy for, a nice piece of art is something most mums appreciate. Brisbane-based artist Rachel Sarra uses her art as a storytelling tool to share her Aboriginal culture. With bright and playful colours, framing an art print could make a thoughtful gift for parents and friends alike. You better get in quickly because Rachel’s work tends to sell out in the blink of an eye.

rachaelsarra.com

Rittle King

 

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Inspired by the art of Picasso and David Hockey, Rittle King founder Ellie King makes whimsical ceramics that smile back at you. Her hand-painted, hand-built porcelain creations are all carefully crafted in her Melbourne studio. The distinctive illustrations are perfectly goofy – in a very contemporary, stylish way. Buy a mug for your funny-cool friend.

rittleking.com

Bispha


Handmade in Brunswick, Melbourne, Bispha Studios makes unique candles celebrating the beauty and nuances of the human body. They’re vegan, non-toxic and perfect for your homebody friend to make their space cosy and warm. With two styles available, the Comfy Bod and Mama Candle, Bispha Studio candles are art as much as they are homewares.

bisphastudios.com 

Toko!

 

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The go-to place for sustainable living, Toko! has a huge range of eco-friendly gifts for the environment-conscious person in your life. With an eco starter pack of reusable bags and makeup wipes, these make a very useful gift and will help someone you love to get set for a sustainable new year. 

toco.eco

Baan Store

 

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Baan was founded in 2021 by Melbourne-based, Thailand-born photographer, Fern Arisara. Wanting to give a space for emerging Thai artists and designers to thrive, she opened the bright and beautiful Baan marketplace. Launching less than a month ago, the curated collection is small but mighty – thanks to labels Fallen Angels, Kodangs and Laugh Worldwide. Choose from a selection of unique gifts and share the Southeast Asia design magic.

baanstore.com.au

Haus of Dizzy

 

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Earrings are one of my favourite gifts, both to give and receive. There’s something so aesthetically satisfying about framing a beautiful face with a little bit of colourful, wearable art. Haus of Dizzy founder and proud Wurundjeri woman Kristy Dickinson is all about jewellery with attitude –  think earrings that complement and make subtle social commentary. After realising the distinct lack of representation in the jewellery industry, she launched the debut Indigenous Pride collection in 2015. She’s been handmaking the inclusive and punchy designs in her Naarm-based studio ever since.

hausofdizzy.com

Char Studio

 

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A multi-disciplinary art and design studio, Char Studio makes beautiful bespoke and sustainable pieces – like sun hats, cushion covers and day bags. Each design is one-of-a-kind, making it a special and personal gift for a friend, parent or grandparent. Designed and made in Melbourne from organic cotton, you can choose which colour and style of embroidery you’d like by reaching out to founder, Charlene Caday.

char.studio 

Bush Magic Metal

Bush Magic Metal is the brainchild of proud Mununjali and Butchulla woman, Lydia Baker. A talented silversmith living on Bundjalung country, her designs are inspired by the beauty of the Australian bush. Combining Aboriginal art influences, traditional silversmithing construction and stunning Australian opals, Lydia’s pieces make a thoughtful and very special gift.

bushmagicmetal.com

Blazed Wax

 

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Friends Ruby and Emma are the makers behind the colourful candle company Blazed Wax. Handpoured in their Brunswick studio, the playful designs are everything your space needs – even if you didn’t realise it (that’s the best kind of gift). The sorbet-and-sherbert-coloured dinner candles are a beautiful addition to any table setting, living room or nightstand. If you’re feeling extra generous, wrap up a handmade ceramic double candle holder to go with (or keep it for yourself).

blazedwax.com

The Daily Rabbit


Perfect for the home-obsessed family member or friend, The Daily Rabbit is a homewares brand that uses 3D printing as its go-to material. Designer Lyn Wallis makes unique and brightly-coloured flower vases, that are a beautiful statement piece for any windowsill or dining table. Some favourites include the lavender Ribbon Vase and the translucent yellow Waffle Vase. 

thedailyrabbit.com

Cush Coma

 

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Cush Coma pillows are art and homewares combined and make for a unique gift for your sibling, friend or partner. Described as “bizarro goods”, the cushions are made from recycled materials and you can choose from martians, flowers and chain designs for a Christmas gift that’s as unique as your favourite person. 

cushcoma.com

For more unique gift ideas, head here.

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