Gift ideas for people who need to touch grass

For your chronically-online loved ones.

When it comes to holiday gifting, I find it helpful to ask myself niche questions about who I’m buying for. What are they always complaining about? What kind of year have they had? What was that bracelet they once complimented you on? Consult your memory bank and take notes.

From there, you might find something that changes their life. The best Kris Kringle gift I ever received was a Kmart digital luggage scale from a colleague who was with me the time I got stung at the Jetstar lounge. Every time I travel, I think of this person.

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

If you were to pull my name out of the hat this year, I’d appreciate anything that encourages me to pry my retinas away from a screen. I’ve been locked in – to TikTok, to multiple Instagram accounts, to Love Island Australia, to feeding the never-ending cycle of digital content (just kidding I love my job).

But it sickens me to think of the last time I read a book under a tree, or saw the ocean, or didn’t know who Zoë Kravitz was dating. Perhaps there’s a loved one in your life who’s also suffering from screen-induced hysteria? If that’s the case, here are a dozen thoughtful gifts that’ll surely cure them.

Fieldbar Drinks Box in Bazaruto Blue

Some people need to be bribed to head outdoors. Elevate a park picnic with a cooler box that’s big enough to fit a bottle of champagne, because why the hell not.

Get it here.

The Compact Australian Bird Guide

Gift them a new hyperfixation: bird watching! A lot better for the mind than doom-scrolling.

Get it here.

An Unyoked voucher

For those who really need to go off-grid, prescribe them a mini getaway out in nature and out of reception. With hundreds of unique cabins to choose from, Unyoked offers gift cards ranging from $100 for a booking contribution, to weekend stay vouchers upwards of $500.

Get it here.

Merry People Lochie Sandals

You can’t go far in flimsy thongs! Get them a sturdy (yet stylish) sandal with proper straps, durable enough for a seaside adventure. Not only are Merry People’s Lochie sandals super comfortable, they’re also waterproof, making them perfect for the upcoming summer beach trips.

Get them here.

A surf lesson

First, make them rewatch Blue Crush with you for motivation. Then get out there and surf those beginner-friendly waves.

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made by Fressko Venti tumbler

Naturally, they’re gonna get thirsty from all the outdoor activities. Gift them a cute Fressko tumbler in their favourite colour for hydration on-the-go.

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Ellie’s Table cookbook

Stop them from looking up recipes on their phone and inevitably getting distracted. A physical cook book is the gift that keeps on giving (and also benefits you, hopefully with fresh focaccia). Melbourne-based chef Ellie Bouhadana’s debut book is packed with recipes that are perfect for summer, inspired by her mixed Jewish background and travels from Morocco to the Mediterranean.

Get it here.

Cooke Swim Holiday Towel

A beach towel so cute they’ll immediately pull their phone out to ‘gram it (don’t let them).

Get it here.

Bunnings voucher + packet of seeds

Often the best part of starting a new hobby like gardening is buying ‘the gear’ that goes with it – so with a voucher you won’t be taking that joy away from them! A packet of seeds (basil feels summery) adds a niche touch.

Get it here.

Szade x Briwock sunglasses + Zyrtec tablets

So they claim they’re allergic to the outdoors? Until the antihistamines kick in, they can hide their itchy eyes behind some rockstar Y2K sunnies.

Get it here.

JBL Grip Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Tech that will get them messaging the group chat for an impromptu poolside hang, byo beats.

Get it here.

Nagnata Rydell Shorts

Did they love Challengers? Some cute, retro-inspired sportswear will inspire them to step foot on a tennis court.

Get it here.

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