As the holiday season approaches, so too does the impending pressure to buy perfect gifts.
What constitutes a perfect gift, you ask?
As a general rule (good) presents should be age appropriate, neither too extravagant nor too modest; they should be thoughtful, meaningful, ethically and environmentally friendly, and locally sourced. Oh, and they should arrive on time!
This year, community sentiment is focused on buying local. Small businesses, particularly in Melbourne and regional Victoria, are counting on the Christmas trade to survive what has been a tumultuous year.
Yet while local businesses have been impacted by extensive lockdowns, big business has boomed as buyers turned to online shopping. More than 1 million new households shopped online between March and September.
Giants such as Amazon, who reported their biggest ever profit in pandemic conditions, were supported by a pre-existing set up to maximise online sales. Local businesses struggled to pivot as quickly. As a result, they need our support now more than ever.
As restrictions currently apply to customer density limits, some establishments may still be suffering from reduced foot traffic. If you can, shop in person. As both gift-givers and receivers, we may be in difficult financial situations ourselves. So giving your dollars wisely to local, small businesses is one way to gift thoughtfully this holiday season.
If you’re looking for online options or general inspiration, then I’ve done some of the work for you!
Books
Lots of your favourite independent bookstores can help you find the perfect gift for a loved one. Readings is a long-time community favourite. Here’s a list of Melbourne independents. You can organise click and collect, home delivery or postal services from most providers. We love options!
The latest print edition of Antithesis was just released – Antithesis: Mental is a timely collection that explores the diversity of psychological experience and emotional nuances of the human condition. It features creative pieces, scholarly articles and artwork from over 40. It’s available for purchase here, and would make a perfect post-lockdown holiday gift!
Amplify Bookstore is a great option if you’re looking for variety. Recently launched by two Masters of Publishing and Communications students at University of Melbourne, Amplify specialises in books written by BIPOC authors. They offer individual titles, collections and perfect gift bundle options. Get a mystery box of exciting books from different areas of the world, or tell them what you like and they’ll curate one for you.
Etsy
You’re likely familiar with Etsy, but here’s a recap! Etsy helps small businesses sell their wares to a wide audience, and allows you to easily shop for ethical gift options. From handmade jewellery, accessories, clothing, quirky customisable options like mugs and pins, to vintage items and house décor, Etsy has a gift to suit everyone.
Candles
You can’t go wrong with candles! There’s a scent, size, shape and colour for every mood. You can even buy themed ones that correspond with scents from literary worlds, from places like Nook and Burrow. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of candles available on Etsy too.
Crafts
Making a gift instead of buying it can go one of two ways. Either it’s a gorgeous, unique and thoughtful gift, or it looks a little like you didn’t want to fork out for a ‘real’ gift. Fortunately, arts and crafts has been slowly rehabilitating its image, and hobbies like cross-stitching have become cool again! So, if you’re artistic and creative, making a gift is a great option. If (like me) you’re not really gifted in the art department, perhaps choose craft options you can do together: choose a starter kit for a hobby you’d like to try and get knitting, painting, or even sculpting!
Experiences
It’s been a tough year, and many of us have been apart for a good chunk of it. This holiday season is the perfect time to forgo the Christmas shop and prioritise making memories instead.
As the weather warms up, why not opt for BYO picnics in the park, family barbecues at the beach, or dinner with friends at a local restaurant?
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to find the perfect gift for every special person in your life, but this year, take a moment to appreciate the little things.
Lori Franklin is currently studying a Master of Publishing and Communications at the University of Melbourne. She is enthusiastic about feminism, coffee and cats.