Christmas in Australia is a vibe. Sunshine, salty hair, cricket in the backyard, and long warm days with the people we love. But it can also be … a lot. Too much plastic, too much packaging, and way too many “gifts” that don’t last longer than the prawns on Boxing Day.

This year, we’re slowing down. We’re choosing gifts that are useful, beautiful, locally made, and genuinely kinder to the planet. No panic-buying at 3pm on Christmas Eve. No landfill presents. Just thoughtful, feel-good gifting.

Here’s how to gift with purpose this Christmas, and support some brilliant small Aussie brands while you’re at it.

1. Celebrate Slow, Thoughtful Gifting

Pause the December chaos. Slow gifting is all about intention - what you give, why you give it, and how it adds to someone’s everyday life. Look for gifts that actually last, products made with care and purpose and things that are actually useful, not just cute for five minutes

Slow gifting reduces waste and makes every present feel more meaningful. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted daily essential, a refillable product, or something handmade with heart, it brings the joy back into Christmas.

2. Choose Gifts That Reduce Waste

The best sustainable gifts are the ones that get used again and again and, better yet, are made with recycled materials .

This year, try gifts that aren’t just eco-friendly, they make someone’s life easier. What about reusable coffee cups or stainless steel water bottles, beeswax wraps & produce bags or refillable bathroom essentials. (And of course there is always our Solmates Refillable Roll-On Applicators )

We love: Good Citizens Sunglasses - made in Sydney, every frame is made from a discarded plastic bottle.

3. Support First Nations Creatives

Shopping with First Nations-owned businesses is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate culture, creativity and country and there are some wonderful gifts to choose from. Think: vibrant art prints, hand-painted ceramics, skincare, jewellery crafted with traditional techniques, and textiles featuring original artworks.

Wherever you’re browsing, choose with care. Seek out verified First Nations-owned brands (not just “Indigenous-inspired” designs), look for clear artist attribution and fair payment, and make sure your purchase supports the communities whose stories you’re gifting.

We love: Bush Medijina - (forever obsessed, forever recommending)  100% indigenous-owned, 100% women-led making modern skincare with traditional knowledge and native botanicals.

4. Gift for the Great Australian Summer

Let’s be real — Christmas flows straight into peak summer mode. The best gifts? The ones that match our outdoorsy Aussie lifestyle. Think beach towels or bags made from recycled materials, eco picnicware or camping, road trip or adventure-ready essentials. Useful, well-designed outdoor gear = less waste + more fun in the sun.

 We love: WAW Handplanes - their BadFish handplanes made in Australia out of reclaimed ocean plastic.

5. Wrap Gifts Sustainably (and Creatively)

Australians use over 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper each Christmas… and most of it goes straight to landfill.

The most sustainable wrapping is usually what you already have at home. Use last year’s paper, kids’ artwork, brown paper bags, fabric offcuts or tea towels tied furoshiki-style, and skip the plastic tape where you can.

Add a little handwritten note about why you chose a reusable or refillable gift. It turns a present into a story and might inspire one more eco-swap next year.

6. Gentle Tips for Greener Giving

Not everyone is as excited about sustainability swaps as you (yet!), so keep the vibe joyful, not preachy. Focus on how convenient, fun and beautiful your gifts are, with the eco-benefits as the cherry on top.

You can also set a “buy better” theme for family Kris Kringle, choose local makers, or suggest experiences instead of more “stuff” – think surf lessons, national park passes or a picnic together once the silly season dust has settled.

Keep It Simple, Intentional & Joyful

Sustainable gifting isn’t about perfection. It’s about gifts that feel right — thoughtful, intentional, aligned with your values. Whether it’s a handmade treasure, a practical piece of summer gear, or a gift that cuts down on single-use plastic, you can make this Christmas festive, meaningful, and genuinely planet-friendly.