A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

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. We 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.

For the reader who’s always en route

Got a friend who’s always jetting off to a beautiful destination with a book in hand? Or someone who scours through the aisles of newsagencies and bookstores for the latest glossies to inspire her carefree lifestyle? Here are handy ideas and incredible gifts that will surely delight travelling bibliophiles as they embrace the joy of turning the page.

Australian Traveller and International Traveller bundle subscription

Australian Traveller and International Traveller Christmas bundle subscription — All Australian Traveller and International Traveller print subscriptions include digital subscriptions for free.

For the best reads to inspire next journeys, a subscription to Australian Traveller and International Traveller grants anyone access to expert-approved travel experiences out there, around Australia and beyond. Each subscription comes with digital access to the latest issue, too, giving discerning readers instant travel inspo at their fingertips.

Price: $54.95

Kindle

Even committed fans of the paperback can use a break once in a while and take in the joys of packing light. The Kindle, which comes in a delicious matcha green colourway, saves anyone from a holiday schlep, with its waterproof feature coming in handy for reading days by the pool or bathtub.

Price: $168

SONY WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones

Sony noise-cancelling headphones — Hit play on your next airport playlist with trusty headphones. (Image: Supplied)

Only a select few items can make a world of difference to anyone’s holiday – and wireless headphones that can drown out noise and let you be in your own literary world are no doubt an invaluable purchase. SONY’s WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones epitomise quiet luxury, and serve a rich and expansive soundscape so anyone can enjoy reading in peace.

Price: $578

Business card holder

One thing that should never go out of style? Business cards. Not only do they prove useful for old-school networking, but they’re also incredible in showing off somebody’s taste, from font and colours to the texture of paper stock. This cardholder tray from Studio Henry Wilson houses valuables in a sleek, hand-finished display guaranteed to impress business prospects.

Price: $190

For the sun seeker

With December signalling not just the start of the festive season but also summer, there’s never been a better time to treat your favourite sun-seeker. Luckily, there are options aplenty for stylish and practical pieces to enjoy perfect days by the sea.

Miss Amara beach mat

Isandro beach mat — A cute towel sets the scene for relaxing by the sea. (Image: Supplied)

If you’re quite unsure about someone’s preferences but still want a foolproof gift, then look no further than a chic and practical beach mat. Anybody who loves to lounge in the outdoors all day would appreciate the earthy-toned Miss Amara’s beach and picnic rugs collection, featuring mats that are equal parts aesthetic and durable with their water-resistant fabric.

Price: From $109

Bondi Born swimsuit

With Australia’s close proximity to water, it just makes sense to invest in swimwear pieces that last past the season’s end. Perfectly capturing its namesake’s laid-back vibe, a Sculpteur® fabric suit from local luxury swimwear brand Bondi Born comes in signature cool-girl-nonchalance: think timeless cuts crafted with advanced technology that’ll make figures look effortlessly snatched and sculpted.

Price: $300

Christopher Esber thongs

Move over, loafers and sneakers. It’s time for the slip-and-go this season, and these minimalist tonal thongs from Christopher Esber can be someone’s newest chic and dependable footwear obsession.

Price: $300

Velvet Canyon sunglasses

La Touriste sunglasses — Summer calls for a functional and fab accessory. (Image: Supplied)

Aside from sporting statement-making swimmies and comfortable sandals, one staple that immediately springs to mind is a trusty pair of classic sunglasses, which come in handy for the beach and beyond. Inspired by the romanticism of the 60s, La Touriste by Velvet Canyon keeps peepers stylishly shaded, equipped with a UV400 grade functionally made for the Aussie sun rays.

Price: $329

Beso Beach Beso De Mar perfume

One spritz evoking the serene and salty air of Formentera, the Beso De Mar fragrance is the perfect present for the summer-loving fraghead in your life. The recipe? Cardamom, lavender, lemon, with a touch of woodiness that is pure bliss.

Price: $330

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

UE MINIROLL speaker

miniroll speakers — Portable speakers are the perfect grab-and-go option for audiophiles on the go. (Image: Supplied)

Who says portability and quality can’t go hand-in-hand? The UE MINIROLL is tiny but makes up for its size; its battery life lasts 12 hours, and it’s waterproof, dust-proof and drop-proof. Plus, it comes with a hookable strap that is perfect for keeping the tunes going while hitting the road, lake, or just about anywhere.

Price: $99.95

For the person whose bar cart is their pride and joy

If the way to a heart is through the stomach, then alcoholic beverages are surely part of the equation. Below, delectable cocktails and wines that are meant to be shared with a giftee who’s a certified bon vivant.

Coravin Hermitage Red Timeless Six + wine preservation system

Coravin Hermitage Red Timeless Six + aerator — Never waste another drop of wine. (Image: Kera Wong Photography)

Looking for the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? Coravin has officially become an essential accessory in every oenophile’s arsenal. The wine preservation system allows you to pour a glass of wine without removing the cork, helping savour opened bottles for years to come. To celebrate the holidays, Coravin has released a limited edition ‘Hermitage Red’ colour that’s both timeless and festive. The Hermitage Red Timeless Six+ package includes the Timeless Six+ System, three Coravin Pure Argon Capsules, six Coravin Screw Caps, a Premium Timeless Aerator, a carry case, and a wine bottle sleeve. Cheers to that!

Price: $699.95

Corey Ashford martini glasses

Another elegant gift idea for the thoughtful hostess, the martini glasses from Melbourne-based designer Corey Ashford are something you wanna earmark (even for yourself). Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and unique, given how they’re produced using a mouth-blown technique, but they’re also durable and dishwasher safe.

Price: $220

Pommery Champagne

Pommery's 2025 World Collection — Pommery’s 2025 World Collection draws inspiration from Mexico’s radiant spirit. (Image: Supplied)

This pretty bottle adorned with vivid floral motifs and symbolic patterns comes by way of lauded Champagne house Pommery’s 2025 World Collection. The limited-edition champers are an ode to Mexico’s creative and festive spirit, the perfect drinks to pop in this year’s special holiday moments.

Price: $125

FIELDBAR drinks box

fieldbar cooler box — Who says cooler boxes can’t look chic? (Image: Supplied)

With the hot, scorching days creeping in, anybody would surely appreciate a stylish cooling box to keep beverages chilled and ready to quench their thirst. The FIELDBAR Drinks Box in Lobster Red is equal parts stylish and functional, the perfect carry-on for upcoming adventures under the sun.

Price: $299

Handpicked Taste the Symphony gift box

Oenophiles are notoriously hard to impress, but rest assured, even seasoned ones will be willing to give Handpicked’s new gift pack a go, created in collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The pack features the latest vintage releases from Tasmania, coupled with a QR code linking to a symphony, making a case for how music enhances somebody’s perception of flavour.

Price: $150

Never Never panetonne negroni

Panettone Negroni — The festive cocktail smells like Nonna’s kitchen on Christmas. (Image: Supplied)

For somebody who loves hosting a festive gathering, a seasonal cocktail is a guaranteed hit. Inspired by the flavours of the traditional Italian sweet bread and crafted using Triple Juniper Gin, bitter citrus aperitif, and sweet vermouth, Panetonne Negroni will make any celebration memorable.

Price: $75

El Toro pocket cocktails

Pocket Paloma — This cheeky drink is made for pockets and purses. (Image: Supplied)

On hot summer days, there’s no better spirit that pleases the taste buds than good ol’ tequila. Packed as small bottles serving big vibes, look no further than El Toro’s pocket cocktails for some of the easiest and sneakiest Palomas you can give to friends.

Price: $15 each

W.J. Sanders wine stopper

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Wine Stopper — The intricately designed stopper embellishes wine bottles with Australian charm. (Image: Supplied)

It’s easy to get a regular wine stopper, but an eccentric, Australian-inspired cockatoo one? Surely one way to attract a hostess who loves joie de vivre. Buy the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Wine Stopper and achieve just that.

Price: $1980

Smokehead Islay single malt scotch

Smokehead High Voltage Islay Single Malt Whisky — This whisky is ideal for people who love their Christmas drink with drama. (Image: Supplied)

With a plethora of whisky brands to choose from, it’s a bit difficult to start. But if the lucky recipient wants their dram bold, smoky and with a bit of drama, then the Islay Single Malt Whisky is as good as it gets.

Price: $123.99

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Studio by Miraval Rosé

Remaining a perennial favourite of pink drinkers, Studio by Miraval Rosé is a great buy for anybody who loves grilled dishes, seafood and salads during the holidays.

Price: $28.99

Edinburgh strawberry & pink pepper gin

Edinburgh pink gin — The drink for lovers of sugar and spice. (Image: Supplied)

Make a special addition to any gin lover’s collection with Edinburgh Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin, crafted with locally sourced Scottish strawberries that truly capture the essence of summer.

Price: $74.99

For the glow-getters

Shopping for somebody who doesn’t skip her skincare routine despite long hours on the plane? Luckily, there’s no shortage of indulgent yet fuss-free self-care gifts for the beauty-obsessed.

Nanoleaf LED light therapy face mask

LED light therapy mask — LED light therapy suits jetsetting individuals who love salon-like experiences. (Image: Supplied)

Give the gift of beauty rest with Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask, which offers a host of healing benefits – from addressing fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone and more to boosting glow. It’s perfect for beauty fanatics looking for skincare indulgence on long-haul flights, and works just as well for a quick hotel refresh.

Price: $212.49

Ayurscience energetic mask

Ayurscience mask — A detoxifying mask is always a good idea. (Image: Supplied)

For someone who dreads the horror of long-haul flights and changing weather on the skin, a detoxifying clay mask is a must. The Ayurscience Purifying Mask soothes any irritation and comes with targeted botanicals to reset the skin and calm any flare-ups.

Price: $59.95

Vintage mirror by Gaetano Pesce

Perhaps it’s quite a splurge and something that can’t be brought on travels, but we can’t resist adding this whimsical face-themed mirror housed in an unassuming vintage shop in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay neighbourhood to this list. It’s the ultimate mood booster and makes for that satisfying selfie pre-trip.

Price: $2200

For the savvy traveller

For travellers who are notoriously practical, it’s all about striking the right balance: give them something memorable but ensure it’s not adding any chaos inside their luggage! Below are some smart items worth giving to that globetrotter on your list.

Samsonite C-Lite suitcase

With its shock-absorbing design and double wheels for smooth manoeuvring, the Samsonite C-Lite suitcase earns a spot in a traveller’s list of allies. Plus, the fact that it comes in a chic chilli red colourway saves you time from spotting it at the airport and gives some serious endorphins in the style department, too.

Price: $450

Icebreaker merino thermal leggings

oasis women's leggings — Good for staying chic and warm. (Image: Supplied)

Jeans and shorts trends may come and go, but a good pair of leggings is tried and tested to last for seasons and beyond. For your bestie who loves to travel to cold-weather destinations, thermal leggings from Icebreaker are a no-brainer for powering through a multitude of activities and adventures.

Price: $139.99

Icebreaker merino blend short-sleeve t-shirt

Merino scoop tee — A soft and versatile tee is a necessity for outdoor adventures. (Image: Supplied)

And for those heading for a summer trip overseas or staying in town for coastal adventures, this scoop t-shirt passed the wear test, made from a breathable and lightweight fabric designed to help keep anybody cool.

Price: $119.99

Fjällräven Skule 28 bag

Perfect for chiller hikes and short weekend trips, this lightweight bag from Swedish brand Fjällräve is a testament to their signature nature-focused style. Durable and timeless, it’s a worthy addition to any explorer’s reliable bag collection.

Price: $179.95

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate, I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art. Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)