Want to buy a good gift? Start by thinking about where you live

Despite spiralling cost-of-living pressures, Australians are predicted to spend about $60 more on Christmas gifts this year, compared to 2023.

Data published by the Australian Retailers Association last month revealed shoppers are forecast to collectively drop $11.8 billion on presents in 2024, with an average spend of $707 each.

The biggest gift-buying segment of the market, Australians aged 35-49, are expected to spend about $965 each.

Shoppers are expected to spend between $700 and $1000 each on Christmas gifts this year.Credit: Courtney Kruk

Perhaps the most damaging statistic, for someone like me who is constantly striving to be more organised and do better than last year, is that majority of shoppers (53 per cent) have already purchased gifts as of mid-October. Who are these people.

I’m not that organised, but I’m not driving full speed towards a panicked midnight shop on Christmas Eve either – though I’ve been there many times before.

It also looks like I might avoid sending myself into a less-than-festive amount of debt this year too.

It’s the “what to buy” that I’m struggling with.

Christmas magnifies the juggle between wanting to purchase thoughtful gifts, and the judgemental glare of my moral compass. I detest rampant consumerism. I detest myself more when I (frequently) buy into it.

The radical end of anti-consumerism would be to be rifle around a few bargain bins. Or, as I did on the weekend, drop by Cash Convertors for the first time in about 10 years. You can easily get a bit of rust on the back wheels past a four-year-old, but it’s not a popular choice when shopping for a parent or significant other.

There are other ways.

This year I’m striving to tame those two wolves by buying – as much as possible – from local, independent businesses. Here are a few on my list.

I discovered Relove Oxley last year on a hunt for secondhand furniture and they’ve since become a favourite for pre-loved and vintage goods. If you’ve got a Pokémon-obsessed child (or adult) to buy for, they are worth a visit.

Empire Revival in Paddington is great if you’re buying for someone who appreciates a one-of-a-kind gift. The 1000-square-metre retail space has a mix of antique, vintage, contemporary and artisan goods covering everything from clothing and homewares, to jewellery and art.

On the other side of town, Camp Hill Antique Centre has a similar offering with about 70 dealers under the one roof.

Books are, in my opinion, the best gift to give and receive. If you’re buying for someone with intimidating literary tastes, head to Archive Fine Books on Charlotte Street. Hamish and Dawn Alcorn are harbouring a hell of a collection in there, with rare, secondhand and vintage books covering every topic imaginable.

If you’re shopping for someone obsessed with the city, the Library Shop at the State Library of Queensland has a range of Brisbane-focused titles, posters and art pieces, including The Cane Toad Times. QAGOMA’s store next door for art aficionados too.

If you’re on a budget, Bent Books on Boundary Street – a store I’ve never left empty-handed – is a great second hand bookstore. Or if you’re buying new, Avid Reader and its children-focused sister store Where The Wild Things Are further down the road.

There’s also Bright and Early Books in Ascot, Books@Stones in Stones Corner and Mary Ryan’s book store in New Farm.

A small taste of what to expect inside Archive Fine Books. Credit: Markus Ravik

Open House West End on Vulture Street has an extensive range of locally made wares and products by First Nations Creatives, and Kazuyo’s Collection closeby has a wonderful range of Japanese-inspired handmade pieces, including clothes and ceramics.

If you’re in West End and shopping for a vinyl lover, you’re already heading to Jet Black Cat Music. Sadly, the record store will close on December 28 after 14 years, but you’ll still be able to buy online and see owner Shan Logan touring gigs.

There’s also Rocking Horse Records in Queen Street Mall and Sonic Sherpa in Stones Corner, both offering records plus a huge selection of CDs and DVDs.

If you’re after a standout, handmade piece of clothing or jewellery from an emerging local designer, drop by Kathryn Walsh’s Practice Studio on Montague Road.

If your shopping for a record-lover this Christmas, visit Jet Black Cat Music, Rocking Horse Records or Sonic Sherpa. Credit: Markus Ravik

Why don’t we gift plants more often? If you want to help me popularise this underrated gift, go visit your local nursery this Christmas. For budget-friendly indoor plants, The Grow Centre in Woolloongabba will always have my business.

And on the point of exploring unconventional solutions to consumerism, nothing spreads Christmas cheer like the gift of an experience: tickets to a gig, festival or theatre show; or a local experience like the Story Bridge Climb or a kayak tour of the Brisbane River.

Who did I miss? Mention your favourite local business in the comments.