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Local is lovely: gift ideas for Christmas 2022
Shop locally on James Street and beyond this year and support the Brisbane retailers who make our suburbs special. Here are some ideas and recommendations.
If you’re planning to do your Christmas shopping online, you may have left it too late for things to reach your mailbox on time.
The good news is there are plenty of inner Brisbane stores with beautiful gift selections (and you won’t have to pay express shipping fees).
Here are some of our recommendations for local retailers and some ‘out of the box’ gift ideas.
James Street Shopping
James Street is one of Brisbane’s premier shopping destinations. Make a day of it and shop for the whole family.
Fashion
Think brands such as Calexico, Camargue, Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Zimmermann. In addition to clothing, you can shop on James Street for shoes and bespoke jewellery — the ideal treat for someone special.
Outdoor and exercise lovers will appreciate a gift from Kathmandu, Nimble or Lululemon, while the man in your life may love a gift from Project, Calexico Man or Richard & Richards.
You will find a list of James Street retailers here: https://www.jamesst.com.au/fashion/.
Home & Gift
From designer rugs to Dinosaur Designs and fine prints, there are plenty of ways to spoil your loved one this Christmas.
We love the Museum of Small Things, located on the ground floor of the Calile Hotel. Here, you’ll find an elegantly curated selection of beautiful objects sourced from around Australia.
If you want to choose something special, head to Australian owned homewares retailer Wheel&Barrow for tableware, glassware, cookware and bakeware. For cosmetics and toiletries, we love Aesop, Mecca Cosmetica and the Parisian-inspired Libertine Parfumerie.
For Children
Treat your little ones with the almost endless options across linen, rugs, beach supplies, decor and toys at Pottery Barn Kids. This brand’s Brisbane store is located at 19 Wandoo Street.
Bed Bath N’ Table always has divine gifts for babies, toddlers and children as well.
Experiences
Instead of a box or a parcel, give an experience. This saves you from worrying about sizes or excess packaging.
Stay at the Calile Hotel
Have a staycation and pamper yourself and a loved one with a night away at this popular destination. The ‘Friends of Calile’ program allows guests to maximise their stay, indulging in a range of benefits incorporating dining, wellness, and retail therapy. Friends receive a key to the community, unlocking these special benefits including 10% off at over 70 James Street stores.
Another idea is to plan a Twilight Climb of the Story Bridge. This is a two-hour adventure, giving you stunning 360-degree views of the city and its surrounds.
There is a movie for everyone at the Moonlight Cinemas the week after Christmas. Visit the website at https://www.moonlight.com.au/brisbane/program/ to grab your ticket.
A restaurant voucher is always appreciated as well. Some of my top picks in New Farm and Teneriffe include:
Big and little gift ideas
If you have a Secret Santa gift exchange coming up, here are some practical ideas to suit the season. These should be easy to find locally:
- Quality sunscreen and a beach towel
- A six-pack from a local brewery
- A calendar with some iconic Australian beaches
- A meaningful decoration for the Christmas tree
- Handmade choccies from New Farm Confectionery
And for a BIG idea for someone really special… why not give something Santa could never fit in his sack… a whole house!
We are the elves in this situation (and we can make something magical happen).
Shop ‘our collection’ today by visiting our website… these one of a kind ‘gifts’ offer a lifetime of value and certainly can’t be found anywhere else.
Happy giving!
I hope you enjoy the read,
Matt Lancashire