The Best Christmas Gift Ideas For 2024

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

There is an art to gift-giving. You need to know what makes a person tick – and for real impact, what meaning or memories they will attach to the gift long after the festive season ends. The Australian Traveller team have curated a list of gifts that are sure to inspire your gift-giving this Christmas and are guaranteed to be used with fondness by your loved ones throughout the year ahead.

Australian Traveller and International Traveller Bundle Subscription

Perfect for: Jet-setters, armchair travellers and anyone dreaming of their next great escape

Give the gift of wanderlust with a one-year Australian Traveller and International Traveller bundle subscription . Perfect for travel enthusiasts, this subscription delivers inspiration for local and global adventures straight to their doorstep. Packed with expert tips, hidden gems and breathtaking photography, each issue fuels the desire to explore.

Price: $54.95

Dyson Big+Quiet purifier

Perfect for: Design-conscious homebodies

Dyson Big+Quiet formaldehyde air purifier in a kitchen and living room — Ensure a healthier environment without compromising style.

Say goodbye to airborne irritants with Dyson’s Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde , a sleek, high-performance air purifier designed for large, open spaces. Engineered for whisper-quiet operation, it effectively tackles pollutants, allergens and even formaldehyde, making it an ideal addition to homes where air quality matters most. Its cutting-edge sensors and advanced filtration technology ensure a healthier environment without compromising style.

Price: $1499

Sonos Ace headphones

Perfect for: The listener

Featured in Time’s best inventions of 2024, Sonos Ace headphones deliver a refined listening experience like no other. With features such as advanced noise cancelling and surround sound, crystal-clear 30-hour call-time, smart sensing, seamless Bluetooth switching, and rapid charging – the revolutionary headphones provide an immediate immersion into your favourite music or podcasts. The advanced technology in the headphones even tracks subtle movements to consistently adjust the balance for the optimal listening experience. Ideal for your frequent flyer friend this holiday season, the Sonos Ace is a game-changing gift that combines luxury, convenience, and top-tier performance.

Price: $699

Kitsch XL Heatless curling set

Perfect for: The put-together one

Damaging your precious locks with heat is so last year. Give your tired hair a rest from harmful heat and instead invest in an XL Heatless curling set from Kitsch . Heatless curls create the same effortlessly flawless look that hours of styling with heat achieves, minus the damage and the time commitment. This long-lasting heat-less alternative frees up so much of your schedule for more important things, like enjoying a hot coffee in the morning rather than battling with hot tools. With endless ways to style and experiment, finding the perfect curl for you becomes a fun and exciting journey! For someone who’s always looking flawless, even at first light, heatless curls are the ultimate gift this holiday season.

Price: $30.80

BAINA essential bathroom set

Perfect for: The indulgent

BAINA Fuyu Chalk bath towel set — These bath linens are the ultimate way to treat your loved ones. (Image: Hannah Scott Stevenson)

There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a fluffy, brand-new towel after a long, indulgent, hot shower. Australian brand BAINA offers a stunning range of luxe colours and sets to suit any bathroom, from vibrant oranges and fresh sage to our favourite, the rich burgundy. Made from organic cotton terrycloth, these bath linens are the ultimate way to treat a friend who appreciates the finer things in life. Beautifully crafted and designed, sustainable and soft, BAINA essential bathroom sets bring everyday indulgence to the next level.

Price: $368

St Agni flip flops

Perfect for: the trendsetter

Has anyone else heard about flip-flops coming back into fashion? This year’s Copenhagen Fashion Week declared that flip flops are being brought out of the beach bag and becoming a must-have fashion staple. Seen on runway models, street style stars, and even bikers, Copenhagen Fashion Week has given flip-flops a fresh perspective, proving that they’re no longer just a beach staple – they’re here to stay. Global brands are jumping on board re-vamping the classic Havaiana to fit into any stylish wardrobe. Australian brand St Agni offers the perfect luxe leather flip flop sandal in chocolate, black and white, for the daring trendsetter in the friend group.

Price: $339

Shevoke Bobbi Tort sunglasses

Perfect for: The observer

sunglasses from Bobbi Tort — Nothing says summer quite like a new pair of sunglasses.

For summer, sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Why not spoil your fashion-forward friend with a stylish pair from fresh Australian brand Shevoke ? Celebrating a decade this year, Shevoke are a fusion of vintage and contemporary. Influenced by iconic 90s and 00s style, their range of sunglasses is sleek and sophisticated. In fact, they’ve even been spotted on the likes of Kendall and Kylie Jenner! This holiday season, treat your fashionable friend to a pair of handmade, eco-friendly sunnies that not only look great but are also a nod to sustainability. It’s the ultimate accessory for summer style.

Price: $220

July In Transit suitcase

Perfect for: the stylish packing guru

July In Transit luggages — Well-made, thoughtfully designed cases get even better with age.

Whether you’re a first-time flier or a seasoned traveller, Australian brand July has refined the art of travel with stunning suitcase designs full of clever functional features. The limited edition In Transit collection is available in two colours; bone white and steel blue, and with the option to personalise, you can add a special touch for someone who loves their luggage to stand out.

Price: From $375

Oroton x Frank Green

Perfect for: the thirsty one

Oroton and Frank Green collaboration — Time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a stylish bottle.

Frank Green has collaborated with Australian luxury brand Oroton to create a limited-edition collection of Frank Green reusable bottles and cups with timeless Oroton colours bound in sleek premium pebbled leather. This collection offers a sophisticated and stylish solution for reducing waste whilst simultaneously staying on trend. These bottles and reusable cups are a versatile and eco-friendly gift, perfect for anyone looking to make a positive impact, one sip at a time.

Price: $119

Endota intense new age facial

Perfect for: the overworked

luxurious facial at Endota spa — Endota is the ultimate wellness haven. (Image: Kimia Kazemi/Unsplash)

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation or treat your loved one to an all-inclusive ‘intense new age spa treatment’ – the perfect way to unwind. The luxurious facial combines an anti-ageing clinical peel, hydro-microdermabrasion, light therapy and a signature serum sheet mask, for a rejuvenating spa experience. Whether you are celebrating the close of another busy year, or welcoming fresh possibilities of the new one, this thoughtful gift epitomises relaxation and renewal.

Price: $280 (75 mins)

ghd flight+ travel hair dryer festive gift set

Perfect for: the traveller with fabulous hair

ghd flight+ hairdryer gift set — Get beautiful blow dries while taking up less space in the suitcase.

Small but mighty, the ghd flight+ hairdryer is 25 per cent smaller and 49 per cent lighter than a full-sized dryer, making it perfect for powerful, yet travel-friendly, blow dries. Featuring a foldable design, dual voltage functionality and advanced ionic technology to leave hair looking sleek and shiny, whilst noticeably reducing frizz and flyaways. For Christmas, get it in a gift set with a mini travel brush in a stylish case to set the traveller in your life up for effortless hair styling wherever they go.

Price: $160

ALPHA-H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum

Perfect for: the sunseeker

sunscreen from Alpha H — This sunscreen offers unparalleled protection in an ultra-smooth formula.

With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any morning routine. Gold Coast-based brand ALPHA-H has the perfect solution for a simple, year-round skincare regime. Unlike typical sunscreens that can sting or feel tacky, this serum offers a smooth, primer-like texture that can be worn alone or under makeup.

Packed with Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera, this broad-spectrum sunscreen not only protects but also nourishes the skin, leaving it luminous and smooth all day long. It’s also rich in anti-ageing properties, helping to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines. ALPHA-H’s Dawn to Dusk serum sunscreen is a fantastic gift for a friend who takes skincare seriously, combining luxury, practicality, and lasting skincare benefits.

Price: $64.95

Trtl travel pillow

Perfect for: the dreamer

Say goodbye to crick necks with the Trtl travel pillow ! This innovative, scarf-like travel pillow from Australian brand Trtl has recently gained popularity thanks to its ergonomic and space-saving design. With a structured neck brace surrounded in fleece fabric, the travel pillow makes awkward travel sleep much more comfortable, offering firm neck support without the annoying head-bobbing or painful stiffness. It’s the perfect gift for the person who values their beauty sleep – or anyone who’s ever suffered through an uncomfortable flight. Help them rest easy on their next jet-setting adventure with the Trtl travel pillow this Christmas!

Price: $79.99

Charlotte Tilbury supermodel kit

Perfect for: The beauty queen

Luxe beauty, makeup and skincare brand Charlotte Tilbury has been captivating users for over a decade. With a glowing, timeless style that complements all ages, the brand makes everybody feel like a million dollars – because who wouldn’t want to feel like a supermodel? This seven-piece set epitomises flawless beauty and offers a curated selection of high-quality products that are the ultimate finishing touches to any makeup look. The supermodel kit is perfect for the makeup novice and the seasoned professional alike, providing the extra luxe and glowing boost of confidence you need to set up your day for success.

Price: $340

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm

Perfect for: The collector

A beautiful watch is the ultimate gift for a winning wardrobe. Swiss-made brand Tissot has been trusted and relied on for over 170 years, creating timeless timepieces. Whilst there are countless crafted watches to choose from, the PRX Powermatic 80 stands out as a decidedly classic option. This automatic watch features a skeleton back, allowing you to admire the intricate mechanical movements within. Its detailed face comes in an array of colours – our favourite being the elegant ice blue. Available in both a 35 and 40mm size the PRX offers versatility to suit any wrist size. Whether for a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, this Tissot watch is a gift that will always impress.

Price: $1150

Never Never Distilling Co. Panettone Negroni

Perfect for: The cocktail lover

The Negroni is already the best cocktail, but for Christmas, Never Never Distilling Co. have taken it up a notch. Conjuring all of the aromas of Nonna’s kitchen, rich spice flavours combine with sweet candied fruit to create a complex and delicious twist on the iconic Negroni. The result is a decadent, ready-to-pour cocktail that celebrates the famous Italian sweet bread. Serve the Panettone Negroni chilled, straight from the freezer and poured over a large block of ice. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge. And the cocktail lover in your life is all done.

Price: $70

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish

Perfect for: The drink connoisseur

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky — Give a bottle from the Glen Moray Explorers Range collection.

Crafted to showcase the quality and diverse flavours of Glen Moray’s Speyside single malts, give a bottle from the Glen Moray Explorers Range collection to the drink connoisseur in your life. Each expression within this range highlights unique cask finishes and ageing techniques, designed to appeal to whisky enthusiasts with a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore new, distinct taste profiles. From sherry and port casks to sweeter wine finishes, the Explorers Range offers a journey through a variety of flavours, inviting drinkers to experience the nuanced, innovative side of Glen Moray’s traditional distilling expertise.

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish , in particular, is a rich, layered single malt whisky known for its elegant interplay of flavours, highlighted by a burnished gold hue that hints at the depth of its character.

Price: $65.99

Le Creuset cast iron round casserole dish

Perfect for: the cooking connoisseur

When you think of Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is food – obviously. While the highlight of any Christmas lunch is undoubtedly the spread of delicious meats, vegetables, seafood and holiday drinks, let’s be honest; most of our memories are made in the moments of edible bliss rather than the tireless hours spent in the kitchen beforehand. Le Creuset is tried and true, established in 1925 France and its cast-iron round casserole pot is iconic in the world of cooking, coming in a wide variety of gorgeous colours to match any kitchen and its appliances (our favourite is the perfect blue; Chambray). Gift your under-appreciated saint of a friend the ultimate aid for cooking, especially one-pot wonders!

Price: $360-$1300

Rhode fall lip case

Perfect for: the gloss addict

Practicality meets style with Hailey Bieber’s latest must-have accessory! Well-known brand Rhode has created the perfect solution for multitasking women: easy access to both your phone and lip product at the same time. The limited edition fall lip case comes in four sophisticated colours, with the espresso shade being our favourite. It’s sleek, functional, and stylish – everything you need in an everyday accessory. For an extra optional treat, you can also purchase a matching Rhode peptide lip treatment, though the case is compatible with most other lip glosses. This would make the perfect gift for someone who appreciates practicality with a side of style – ideal for anyone who wants to keep their essentials close at hand.

Price: $38

Aesop Screen 3 gift set

Perfect for: the hygiene freak

Quintessentially Australian, Aesop is the epitome of understated luxury skincare, forever en vogue. For the friend who’s always reaching for the handwash or the one who meticulously curates their scents, Aesop’s Screen 3 gift set is the ideal gesture to show them how much you care. This beautifully presented set includes the iconic Resurrection Hand Wash, Eleos Aromatique Softening Hand Balm, and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser – three essential products that elevate any home or travel skincare routine. A gift that’s equally about self-care as it is about luxury, Aesop is always a winning choice.

Price: $110

From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly.

Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability.

Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve — The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote

Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents — Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof. No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course. On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views. Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.

A taste of Spain in Central Victoria

Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more.

The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking

Silver Spoon winery — The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do. The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter. The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.

Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

Heathcote’s other hidden gems

Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff. “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.

Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.

Envy gins — Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road!

Staying there

Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway.

Eating there

French dishes at Chauncy — Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.

Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through.

Playing there

Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.

At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.

A thoughtful Christmas gift guide for your loved ones this year