So, if the obnoxious carols playing in (it feels like) every shop ever haven’t tipped you off, it’s nearly Christmas. For travellers, this may mean excitement to experience the holiday season in a new culture. For others, though, it can mark the onset of a deep depression about how they never should have left their families, and fears (irrational ones, perhaps) that they have probably been replaced by a cute, but cunning, cat wearing a santa hat.
Whichever of these groups you fall into, here are some gift ideas that will not only remind your family that you exist, but ones that are just Aussie-centric enough to make them jealous of your awesome trip.
For Her
For Him
- Wild hibiscus flowers in syrup - These flowers look and taste beautiful in the bottom of a glass of champagne, are hand-picked in Sydney and come with a little booklet of cocktail ideas. You can find them at the counter of many bottleshops, including Dan Murphys.
- Bonds Underwear - I have a friend living in the US who shouts herself a new set of comfy and (luckily) long-lasting undies every Christmas when she comes home to visit her family. Brightly patterned and lace-free enough to buy, even for your little sister!
- Anything Aesop - If you're feeling generous, and are sure it won't sit at the back of the bathroom cupboard until next Christmas, Aesop's range of skin creams, hair care and the unfortunately named 'post-poo drop' bathroom deodoriser use Aussie ingredients that are sure to delight.
- Opals. They might be both predictable and pricey, but who cares? They're so pretty.
Opals being awesome - image from wikimedia user Hannes Grobe.
- A beach cricket set - and probably a lengthy set of instructions of how to use it.
- A Gilbert rugby ball - The favourite gift of budding Wallabies all over Australia is sure to inspire kids elsewhere too, right?
- Aussie surfwear - We take our beach-time very seriously, which translates into an unnecessarily large range of good-quality and good-lookin' board shorts and t-shirts. Billabong, Quiksilver and Mambo produce the best, most Australian, designs for men.
- A kangaroo leather wallet - or ostrich, emu or croc if you're feeling brave.
- An oilskin stubby holder - like this one from National Geographic stores. Keeps your VB cold wherever you are.
- Ugg Boots or Thongs - iconic footwear that may be considered uncouth or just plain ugly by more 'cultured' countries, but whose comfort and convenience is guaranteed to win over even the most self-conscious wearer. And I mean guaranteed.
Some of the spiffier Ugg designs - image from picasa UGG-V
- Aussie lollies (aka candy) - Minties, Fantales, Milo, and especially Tim-Tams are the most popular requests whenever I travel.
- Gourmet treats - Choc-covered macadamia nuts and locally-made honey are good standbys for the fussy gift-getter.
- Novelty food - 'Pavlova magic' instant meringue eggs, vegemite (unfortunately one that too often belongs on this list), and even dried kangaroo penis are a few that come to mind. A good choice for the 'it's the thought that counts' type of family member.
