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Gifts

February

Before you buy duty-free at an airport again, read this

Retailers know that travellers can’t resist an impulsive purchase at a luxury retail precinct when flying. But can you find it cheaper elsewhere?

Elegant glassware and aphrodisiac chocolates for Valentine’s Day

Romantic buys to give to your loved one, or yourself, this February 14.

December 2024

Books,  The Season, Helen Garner. Juice, Tim Winton. We Solve Murders, Richard Osman. Tonight, Nagi/RecipeTin Eats. THe Chairman’s Loung, Joe Aston. Orbital, Samantha Harvey. Big Jim Begins, Dav Pilkey. In Too Deep, Lee Child

Australian authors dominate Christmas book sales

Tim Winton, Helen Garner, Joe Aston and Nagi Maehashi – or RecipeTin Eats, as her website is called – are leading sales and helping independent bookshops stay strong.

two pages from Great Women Sculptors, Phaidon I

Books to treasure or give this holiday season

Elevate your mood and mind with our selection of new coffee table editions, ranging from spectacular photography to quirky knowledge.

Luxury items for the fashionista (who doesn’t mind to pay)

Who doesn’t want to look good, smell good, feel good? Help them do it – from a $500 fragrance to a $2000 silk robe.

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Erik Thomson will play Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at Melbourne Comedy Theatre

Crowded House to A Christmas Carol: shows to see in December

Nutcrackers and Messiahs abound this month, but a fitting way to cap this cost-of-living year might be a night with Ebeneezer Scrooge. Or there’s always Neil Finn.

It takes a village to fill a Santa sack. These experts are here to help

From under $50 to name your price, this selection of gifts is sure to provide the inspiration you’re looking for.

A gift guide for foodies, from cookbooks to culinary rarities

A $300 pepper mill, a jar of animal fat and Gordon Ramsay’s favourite non-stick pan. Here are some must-have kitchen accessories.

8 glittery gifts for your partner

From signature jewellery that cries “look at me!” to subtle looks and personalised pieces, we’ve got you covered.

Handmade hits the premium end of the gift market

These five artisans are busy working on timeless pieces that celebrate the art of making – and that you won’t see in shops everywhere.

Becker Minty Linear tumblers.

Stuck for ideas? Two top Australian designers share their wish lists

You’re bound to be inspired once you read what designer Blainey North and architect William Smart have chosen.

Venison ham.

The perfect Christmas ham, no pork required

From tableware to a twist on the traditional ham, and an over-the-top James Bond Bollinger, here’s what’s catching our eye.

7 great gift ideas for drive enthusiasts

Our motoring writer’s line-up this year ranges from top-of-the range machines to fun merch.

Max Allen picks the best wine books to give

One Thousand Vines will change the way the reader thinks about – and enjoys – wine. Plus, three vintages to sip along the way.

Google TV Streamer.

This beige box will transform your TV

If sky-high mortgage repayments have you thinking you might skip Christmas this year, think again.

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Max Allen’s guide to stocking a bar trolley

This selection of nine ingredients – all from Australian makers – will have your cocktail cabinet ready for Christmas action.

Debbi Fields and Wade Shealy celebrate Christmas on their Nashville Tennessee farm.

This is how we celebrate Christmas

From rural NSW to Nashville, Tennessee and a luxury game lodge in South Africa, there’s a thread that runs through festivities everywhere.

November 2024

Kristy Bannister

Small retailers give a ‘hard no’ to Black Friday and the big sales

Dr Dough Donuts boss Kristy Bannister says discount blitzes like Black Friday do more harm than good for smaller retailers by creating “unsustainable” expectations.

February 2024

Melbourne florist Kellee Pham is hoping for a boost in sales on Valentine’s Day.

Why you won’t be getting a fancy St Valentine’s bouquet this year

Australians are expected to spend $20 million less on flowers on the day of romance this year, but florist Kellee Pham hopes consumer confidence bounces back.

December 2023

The books flying off the shelves right now

Richard Flanagan’s “best thing yet”, a graphic novel for teenagers, Trent Dalton’s latest novel and ‘dragons and young love’ are flying off bookshop shelves.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/gifts-hne