Where to find handmade gifts in Brisbane
By Family Clean, November 22, 2019 4:19 pm
Skip the shopping centres and enjoy the thrill of finding unique Christmas gifts! There are so many creative people in Brisbane making and sourcing handmade gifts, but they’re not always easy to find … so we did your homework for you!
Here are locals to support and the shops and Christmas markets where you can meet them face-to-face! Let’s make Christmas shopping fun again, and feel good about supporting people in the community.
It’s a wonderful feeling to shop from a small business at Christmas, because the owners actually do a happy dance when you buy from them. This small tweak to your shopping habits helps local people just like you… and that really is the spirit of Christmas!
So we sent our Mother Ducks out on a mission to find local makers and handmade gifts. They’ve been scouting markets and local shops, and here is what they found!
Blushing Confetti
Good for: Diaries, eco gifts, lunch bags
Find fun designs printed onto useful items like reusable shopping bags, lunch bags and stationery! If you know someone who cares for the environment but also loves a colourful pattern, Blushing Confetti has lots of creative wares to choose from. (And we love that they donate $1 to the charity of your choice at checkout!)
Ivy & Bird
Good for: Jewellery and candles
This studio in Woollongabba is a delight to visit. It’s a beauty bar and a small boutique in one, and owner Maria makes her own soy wax candles and sources a number of handmade jewellery pieces. Plus you can get your nails and brows done while you’re there – handy!
Chaboo
Good for: Aboriginal art and homewares
You’ve probably seen work from Chaboo around Brisbane before. They create a lot of art for murals and public spaces, but they also have prints and painted serving plates and bowls that make for really unique gifts. Check their Instagram to see which markets they’re heading to next.
Wrapless
Good for: Reusable gift wrapping
Still haven’t mastered the art of perfect sticky taping and ribbon tying? Gift wrap contributes to a lot of waste at Christmas (and frustration for those who don’t enjoy wrapping gifts). Luckily this new business popped up this year, with handmade reusable fabric gift bags that you can either regift or use for library bags, travelling or anything else you need a fabric bag for. Owner Ara is often at The Market Folk markets at Coorparoo.
Department of Home and Gifts
Good for: When you have no idea what to buy
This little haven of gorgeous wares is right downstairs from our HQ in New Farm, and we have to regularly resist the temptation to buy all of the things! Owner Violetta sources so many handmade items that are great gifts. There are curios for home and kids – and the hampers come with natural fibre woven baskets to keep! Their Celebration of Queensland pantry hamper is curated from family micro-businesses in SEQ & Sunshine Coast currently feeling the effects of climate change – championing a lower carbon footprint & artisan gift for foodies.
Dunkle Authentic
Good for: Makeup
Yes it’s true, you can buy foundation from a local maker! Dunkle Authentic is an ethical makeup and skincare brand, and founder Molly pours the makeup in her studio. Her lipsticks and face oil make lovely gifts, especially for those who are eco-minded. Dunkle Authentic is stocked in a number of great independent shops around Brisbane and Molly often hosts pop-ups too.
More Than Ever
Good for: Linen and cushions
One of the best things about the bed linens from More Than Ever is that you can buy everything individually, which is so much fun for mixing and matching! Their range includes cot sheets, bed sheets and cushions (for those who believe there is no such thing as too many cushions on the bed). Twin sisters design them all here in Brisbane!
Claire Ritchie
Good for: Homewares, clothing and art prints
Claire Ritchie creates the kind of art that you can’t help but smile at. Her colourful works are applied to wall hangings, clothing, tea towels and cushions – all of which are designed and made by Claire in her Brisbane home studio.
Lorraine and Blair
Good for: Summer robes, clutches and scarfs
Clever creative Cassie Howes designs and sews colourful creations that you won’t find anywhere else. The business is a family effort – her kids even help with the swing tags! We think her new summer robes are perfect to throw on for Christmas morning. You will often find her at markets around Brisbane.
Where to find Christmas markets in Brisbane
You will find plenty more makers like these at markets, and\ there are so many happening over Christmas! Check Families Magazine for a guide that is updated daily as we get closer to December.