12 Victorian small business Christmas gift ideas (2024)
Victoria’s Christmas vibe is one-of-a-kind. Sure, Mariah Carey is on repeat here, but it’s also about festive cricket, summer tastes and checking the weather for our social plans.
Whichever direction you turn, Victoria is serving up something unforgettable, and it’s all thanks to the businesses, entrepreneurs, creators and producers, ready to launch the festive season with you.
We’re fa-la-la-loving local finds all year long, and to help you tick off that list, here are 12 gift ideas (plus a bonus) to make this Christmas extra special!
1 out of 12 | Ochre Dough
Grab the tinsel and hold onto your Santa hats, because the holiday season is coming, and we’re here to help you get ready. Set aside the kids’ tech and embrace some hands-on fun this Christmas.
Get creative with Ochre Dough's playdough, proudly crafted by Mikaela Egan, a Muthi Muthi/Gunditjmara woman. Originally inspired by a desire to connect with Country and culture, Ochre Dough has grown into a vibrant collection. Each playdough mix is infused with bush tucker natural food ingredients for a full sensory experience.
Add extra magic to playtime with Ochre Dough’s stamps for a Christmas gift that offers hours of hands-on fun and skill-building for little ones and the young at heart alike.
2 out of 12 | Bouncee
We all have that friend who reacts to lukewarm drinks like they’re auditioning for a TV drama - with a dramatic gasp, and a yell of ‘betrayal!’ They deserve better this Christmas, and so do you.
Show you care with Bouncee’s genius lightweight collapsible creation that’s redefining the classic Aussie cooler as we know it.
Thinking outside the box (literally), Bouncee’s team of engineers have created the ultimate portable storage solution, that folds to half its size, saving you space.
Made in Victoria, these coolers will impress your mates with an eco-friendly design that’s built for durability and endless packing options. Whether you’re stashing groceries, cold drinks or even warm items, Bouncee is the perfect gift for any occasion!
3 out of 12 | Pocket Salt
This Christmas, we’re all about adding a little zing to our gift guide, and we’ve found the perfect pocket-sized pal to spice up the season. With a mission to provide flavour fireworks for those on the go, this Tecoma-based small business is a must-add to your holiday gift list.
Using their background in the food industry, the duo behind Pocket Salt craft small-batch, artisanal flavoured salts in adorable pocket-sized tins, perfect for adventurous food lovers looking to add a little extra zest into their lives.
This BYO ‘seasoning solution’ will be the talk of festive family gatherings, barbies in the park, or dining out, thanks to its functional use and collectible design.
Festive feasting is here, with Pocket Salt ready to spice up every dish with the gift that keeps on giving — because who knew flavour could be this much fun?
4 out of 12 | Lousy Ink
Is there a creative spirit in your circle? Spark their inspiration with this gift idea, designed to make a positive impact on the planet and their palette.
Since launching their business in 2017, artists Mike Eleven and Oli Ruskidd have been producing an eco-friendly model of ink production that rescues ‘waste ink’ from landfills.
Create vivid art with the CMYKIT, a do-it-yourself colour ink kit made from 100% recycled printer cartridge ink. This little stroke of genius includes a handy manual to help your giftee create and customise their own shades using the included droppers.
By choosing a gift from Lousy Ink, you’re also supporting the creative community in Victoria. Colour us impressed! Alongside sustainability, Lousy Ink aims to help artists shine through their hosted exhibitions and one-off events.
5 out of 12 | Rosehaven Farms
Sometimes, the best adventures are right at our doorstep! Victoria has plenty to explore this Christmas break, so pack your bags and snacks, hit the road, and unwrap the next gift guide idea along the way.
Rosehaven Farms, located in the town of Laharum on the northwest edge of the Grampians, is a haven for those seeking wide open spaces. This family-owned working farm is home to alpacas, miniature donkeys and dorper sheep, with local, handmade products available for sale.
Surprise the family with a certificate to the private Ultimate Farm Experience for a fun day out. They’ll get a hands-on tour where they can meet the local animals and soak in the beautiful countryside together. Make it a pasture-perfect day by adding the picnic option! Morning or afternoon, it’s the perfect addition to your family's farm adventure.
6 out of 12 | shuh.
Reimagined and here to stay! Bum bags— also known as moon bags, hip packs, or waist bags—have made a major comeback since their glory days in the ’80s and ’90s. This Christmas, give a piece that’s both iconic and locally crafted—Aussie-made style that supports artisans right at home.
Whether exploring the city, jetting off, or getting social, a bum bag adds instant flair to any giftee’s wardrobe. Designed with Shuh Lee’s signature colour and vision, each bag is a wearable work of art, complete with an adjustable strap to suit your taste.
Kuala Lumpur-born Shuh channels her passion for fashion into a line of functional and stylish accessories under her own name (shuh.). Her work, which blends various mediums, continuously evolves, seamlessly combining eye-catching design with practicality.
Offering comfort and convenience, this is the trending gift for the fashionista in your life, offering hands-free style to suit both casual and formal outfits.
7 out of 12 | HoMie
Gone are the days when socks were just a last-minute gift! Cosy toes are always in season, and this Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise is here to prove it.
Chances are, nearly everyone on your Christmas list could use an extra pair of socks, and HoMie’s funky monogram collection is bound to be a hit.
These wardrobe staples are created from a soft, durable blend that’s as comfy as it is stylish. From teal and pink to forest green and classic black, these one-size-fits-most socks have a colour for every personality and every outfit.
Make every step count with a gift that truly gives back with 100% of the profits made from your purchase going towards supporting young people affected by homelessness.
8 out of 12 | Native Seed Box
A gift that celebrates the dedication of garden enthusiasts deserves a spot on our gift guide, and we be-leaf our choice will be perfect for the green thumbs in your life.
Fresh from snagging the title of Sustainable Product of the Year, at the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Native Seed Box proves that small businesses can make a big impact.
Give the gift of effortless gardening with these award-winning throw-and-grow seed bomb collections. Made in Wonthaggi, each eco-friendly seed solution will turn any space into a native plant paradise.
Dig in this Christmas with a pick that’s sure to impress, whether it’s a display of wildflowers, eucalyptus for koalas, or a collection of edible bushtucker.
9 out of 12 | Windella Farm
With summer heating up, your skin will need extra attention. From beach days to holiday escapes, keep it fresh and bright with these easy-to-pack gift ideas. Sarah Mostyn runs Windella Farm, a boutique goat dairy, with her husband Shayne, and their farm CEO, the family pup. Together, they’ve found the perfect recipe to bring nature's goodness to your skincare routine.
This season, introduce your favourite explorers to their new best friends: the Rewind Face Oil for a refreshing boost and the Beauty Sleep Serum to brighten and repair while you snooze.
The Cohuna-based small business uses on-farm botanicals and goat's milk to create a range of products to suit all skin types. The workshop reuses or recycles packaging wherever possible, reflecting their eco-friendly approach. Give the gift of farm-to-face essentials for an on-the-go glow!
10 out of 12 | Fazeek
For those who can’t resist a chic homeware find, here’s a gift that’s sure to make their heart races faster than a perfectly folded napkin!
Superior quality and craftsmanship are top priorities for Fazeek’s owner, multi-disciplined designer Jackie Fazekas. Since its launch in 2017, the brand has produced stylish and dazzling designs that cater to all your homeware needs, combining elegance with practicality.
Choose these blue rippled wave glasses for the friend who loves to combine elegance with fun in their entertaining or solo dining. Fazeek glass pieces are hand-blown and made from high-quality borosilicate glass and will look just as good serving water as they will cocktails.
11 out of 12 | Natural Distilling Co
The holidays are the perfect excuse to try something new, and we think a unique twist on your favourite spirit is a flavour worth savouring this season. From prepping for a festive holiday party or relaxing with a cocktail at home, quality vodka is a key ingredient. We’re ‘Livin’ La Vida Vodka’ with our next gift idea from craft spirit company Natural Distilling Co.
With a focus on supporting grassroots communities, this Gippsland-based distillery grows, distils, and employs locally. Pop a bottle of Myrcene Hemp Vodka under the tree, infused with locally grown earthy botanicals and top-tier hemp — and bonus, it’s gluten-free! Deck those glasses with a distinctive spirit this Christmas, whether mixed with a premium mixer or served straight up with a citrus garnish.
12 out of 12 | HeyLaidy
‘Tis the season for nostalgia, and let’s face it — some things are just too good to ever go out of style, especially when they’re as chic and functional as HeyLaidy’s vintage-inspired straps.
Working from her Mornington Peninsula studio, Laidy Byrne creates accessories that blend retro charm with contemporary design. These exclusive pieces make the perfect choice for friends and family who appreciate one-of-a-kind gifts.
Crafted from eco-friendly hemp webbing, jacquard ribbon, and full-grain vegetable-tanned leather ends, the limited-edition guitar, camera, and bag straps are handmade through a slow fashion process, that prioritises quality over quantity.
HeyLaidy’s made-to-order straps will surely strike the right retro chord with those who live for timeless style.
Bonus gift | FUDGE by Rich
This holiday season, we’ve got something that’s rich, melts in your mouth, and strikes the perfect balance of flavour and creaminess. Would Christmas be the same without a treat that hits the sweet spot?
Located in the Yarra Valley, local producer Nicole (of Fudge by Rich) creates her fudge in small batches, sourcing her ingredients from fellow growers and makers whenever possible. For the fudge fanatic, we recommend ordering a few of these decadent delights with tempting flavours like cookies and cream, caramel and macadamia, or classics like vanilla bean.
If you prefer organic and free-from options, Nicole’s RAW range is here to satisfy those cravings, featuring delish combos like chocolate and orange or coconut. Who needs a reason when fudge is involved? This holiday season why not embrace the sweet life.
That’s a wrap! The 2024 Christmas gift guide highlights just a few local gems to kick off your festive season. Remember, buying local means supporting the heartbeat of Victoria—our fantastic small businesses.
The countdown’s done, but the shopping’s just begun! 'Yule' find plenty more gift ideas in our previous guides, perfect for everyone on your Christmas shopping list: