At The Lifestyle Collective, we believe that the best gifts are those that tell a story, support our local communities, and tread lightly on the Earth. From handcrafted treasures to homemade delights, our guide offers inspiration for gifts that are not only beautiful and personal but also kinder to our environment.
This is a great option for anyone on a tight budget. Nothing says I love you like some fresh baked treats. Easy ideas that you can make in bulk are cookies, rocky road and preserves. You can always find some cheap jars and containers and recycled ribbon from the op shop too, to package your gifts! If you want to really level up, make some treats using seasonal and local ingredients. Some great inspiration can be found at The Antidote Kitchen by Emma Nagel, who you may remember from her beautiful Wauchope cafe by the same name.
Instead of gifting a physical item, why not gift an experience to remember? At the end of the day, our favourite memories are always those days when we had fun with our friends and family. Search your local area for upcoming craft workshops and events or cool things to do. Another special idea is to gift a stay somewhere along the coast. Some of our favourites are The Med Crescent Head, Jordans in Port Macquarie, or maybe a little holiday house in Hat Head! The ripple effect is by holidaying in one of these beautiful small towns you also further support local businesses, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Opt for the beauty of handcrafted homewares this holiday season. Each piece, from a delicately thrown ceramic to intricately woven textiles, is not just a gift, but a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. These treasures bring the elegance and charm of artisan skill into any home. We’re currently obsessed with Just Add Salt, beautiful crafted, functional ceramics to brighten up your home.
This year, we say no to fast fashion. Did you know that currently, global emissions from textile companies are at more than 1.2 billion tons annually? Not to mention each year, half a million tons of microfibers make it into the world’s waterways. The good news is there are some beautiful Australian makers and designers that offer an alternative, utilising responsibly sourced fabrics, materials and methods of production. It’s worth checking out local boutiques in your area for such brands. Two locals that we love are Atlantic Blue and Notch Leather Goods.
This holiday season, let's redefine gift-giving with a focus on sustainability and support for our local communities. Whether it's through a batch of lovingly baked goods, the gift of a memorable experience, the elegance of handcrafted homewares, or the conscious choice of sustainable fashion, each decision we make can have a profound impact. Happy holidays from all of us at The Lifestyle Collective!