The Daily Telegraph Ultimate 2018 Christmas Gift Guide
Today is the busiest day of the whole year for retailers. With shopping centres across Sydney bursting to capacity, and tempers flaring over car spaces — keep your sanity. CHECK OUT OVER 50 STRESS-FREE SOLUTIONS
The countdown is on with days to go until Christmas Day. To make your life easier, the Daily Telegraph brings you the ultimate guide to the best gifts of the holiday season.
We have put them through their paces to make choosing gifts stress-free, from homely creature comforts to affordable stocking stuffers, you’ll find the perfect gift for your loved ones.
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TECH AND GADGETS
From gifts that will simplify your loved ones lives, to super cool toys, we have road tested them all so you can easily pick the best present for the tech-obsessed.
Instant gratification
$49
Print your favourite photos from a smartphone with the KiiPix. No batteries or wires are required and the compact size allows you to take it anywhere from beachside road trips to music festivals, Christmas BBQ’s or overseas adventures. Buy now
Kick, push
$299
For the eternal teenager in your life, the new Razor X Cruiser is an electric skateboard uses an innovative, geared, rear-wheeldrive motor and lithium-ion battery to deliver electrifying skate action at speeds up to 16km/h for up to 40 minutes of continuous knarly use. Buy now
Bass in your face
$399
Thanks to extra bass and live sound mode, the Sony SRS-XB501G lets you feel as well as hear your music. The in-built Google Assistant lets you play your favourite tunes without lifting a finger. Sony’s wireless speaker is also water resistant so no worries about taking it pool side. Buy now
Charge me up
$129.95
A practical gift that will get used every day. The mophie charge stream powerstation lets you wirelessly charge your Qi-enabled smartphone anywhere with a push of a button, or charge any smartphone using the USB. Buy now
Wired for sound
$499.95
It took a decade and a half of research to produce the technology in the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II headphones. They’re engineered with world-class noise cancellation and direct access to Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant for simple voice control on the go. Buy now
What’s SUP?
$499 ($299 for Anaconda members)
Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the fastest growing watersport for good reason, it’s awesome fun and it’s good for the whole family. Easily compactable and a great entry-level inflatable SUP board, the Aqua Marina Pure Air is perfect for those completely new to it. Buy now
FOOD & DRINK
These must-have goodies will surprise and delight the foodie in your life — from delectable holiday morsels to entertaining fun and keeping old traditions alive.
Smacks of Summer
$80
Taking inspiration from Aussie summers and our native pantry, the award-winning Coastal Citrus Gin from Manly Spirits is all about the beautiful coast with its rock pools and sea spray. Savour lemon myrtle and exotic Meyer lemon that gives a punchy citrus hit. Buy now
Elegant oils for every occasion
$21
The boutique range from Grampians Olive Co will have the most fussy gastronome in delight. The award-winning selection is loving produced by Australian’s largest family-owned, single estate, certified organic olive grove. Buy now
Traditions worth keeping
$119
Do you remember squealing with joy after discovering a coin in your Christmas pudding? The heirloom quality Christmas pudding coins from family-run jewellery design business Simone Walsh will bring back memories and start a new traditions with your loved ones. Buy now
Taste the legend
$74
It’s not uncommon for people to line up to sample Godiva chocolates. Why? It’s the obsession with small details, the mouth-watering luxury that will have you savouring every second of the experience. The Advent Calendar gives 25 days of assorted sweet creaminess and spice. Buy now
Smooth and tangy
$11
The award-winning range of hot sauces from Fancy Hank’s are made from Australian ingredients and match perfectly with summer BBQs. The Cayenne and Watermelon is a perfect starting jump point into the range or up the ante to the final boss Habanero and Carrot. Buy now
A tasty way to say happy holidays
$39.99
Working with the finest ingredients, The Mason Baker has just launched their Christmas pudding jar-cakes, in collaboration with Maggie Beer’s Brandy Butter Sauce. These can be posted anywhere in Australia … and they’re utterly delicious. Buy now
A growing trend in drinking: No-alcohol
$25
Apparently the number of adults drinking booze is at its lowest level since 2005 and more sugar-free non-alcoholic beverages are on offer. We love the Sarsparilla from Natural Remedy Tonics because it’s the perfect pick me up loaded with Sarsparilla Root to boost immunity and Panax Korean Ginseng for mental function and stamina. Buy now
Give the gift of good health
$279.99
I’m not sure how I lived without one of these before. The NutriBullet Balance is quiet, takes up little space on the kitchen bench and blends the perfect smoothie every time with its robust 1200 watt power base. Even better the smart nutrition sensor calculates nutritional data as you build recipes. Buy now
HOME & DESIGN
Some of life’s simplest pleasures are found when we make our house a home. Creature comforts that make us feel good.
Just when you thought you couldn’t love your bed more
$250
Designed to lull you into a restful night sleep, the Bed Threads 100 per cent flax linen bedding set will tempt you to stay in the sack all day. Crafted from luxurious French linen, this luxurious bedding will adjust to your body’s temperature leaving you cool and calm in summer. Buy now
How great thou art
$39.99
Choosing art has never been so easy. Wall Art Prints are Australia’s leading art print gallery offering over 20,000 canvas prints, stretched and ready to hang. They have gift vouchers if you can’t choose between surrealism or impressionism and they offer free delivery Australia-wide. Buy now
Life in the fast lane
$79.95
The stylish art-deco inspired kettle by Russell Hobbs is designed for the person in a hurry. The rapid boil function allows you to make your cuppa in less than a minute. The sleek kettle is lightweight and it’s an easy way to update a dull bench top. There’s a matching toaster to complete the look. Buy now
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
$99.95
The Happy O glass elevates the joy of sipping vino. Thirty years ago, Claus Riedel revolutionised the wine glass, with the realisation that the shape of a wine glass has a profound effect on the way you experience the wine inside. The aroma, the balance, the taste, every aspect of your wine is enhanced when the right glass is used. Cheers to that. Buy now
Throw them some shade
$39.95
Retreating to the cool shade on a hot summer’s day is a necessity and this easy to assemble tent is perfect for the beach or the grass. Lightweight, simple to pack and carry and large enough for the family to retreat to. Buy now
Doing good has never been so easy
$59.95
With the mounting threat of plastic and single use waste, the JOCO Flask was designed to fight plastic waste. Engineered twist-lock plug lid instils confidence to stash and stow while providing quick and easy access hydration. Buy now
Love is in the air
$399
Unless you’re Colonel Sanders, submerging your food in hot fat is outdated. Philips have invented the AirFryer that lets you fry with air with 90 per cent less fat. This is a gamechanger for every kitchen, it cooks just about everything — crispy chips from frozen, grills vegetables, bakes cakes and sears steaks — all in a matter of minutes. Buy now
STYLE AND BEAUTY
Something extra special for your beauties to take care of themselves and to feel fabulous well beyond Christmas.
Give a little glow
$110
These are my favourite beauty products because of their efficacy and sheer pleasure when I apply them — the aroma sends me right back to my grandmother’s rose garden. Australian icon Jurlique have released The Iconic Set that will transform skin to look glowing, fresh and radiant. Buy now
Christmas cracker
$69.95
These are almost too cute to open! Glasshouse Fragrances’ new decadent body lotions are beautifully packaged inside six festive Bon Bons. They include best-selling fragrances — Cyprus Saffron and Sea Salt, Tahiti Tiare Flower and Kyoto Camellia and Lotus. These are great value if you want to split them up and give as individual gifts. Buy now
Next level facial treatment
$299
Anyone want to look ten years younger? This professional device from Trophy Skin is like having a skin specialist at home, and it’s good for girls and guys. Using a hi-tech combo of diamond exfoliation and gentle suction, the Microderm buffs away dead skin and promotes cell turnover, all in a few minutes. Buy now
Meaningful and stylish
$34.95
With a personalised message on the front and back, these hand-poured soy candles come in the yummiest scents — we love the Day Spa Dreaming. These are perfect token gifts to teachers, grandparents or your best mate. Buy now
Blossoming love
$82
We love this cherry blossom pendant necklace in sterling silver and gold with a pink sapphire from Simone Walsh. Cherry blossoms represent renewal and the beautiful, but fleeting nature of life. Perfect for a creative, independent-minded woman who has a unique sense of style. Buy now
Transform into a goddess
$649
There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in 100 per cent sumptuous silk and Australian designer Camilla Franks delivers on style and quality. These garments are investment pieces that make you feel graceful and elegant as soon as you slip them over your head. Buy now
Back to the gypsy that I was
$26
This little bottle of heaven combines the oils of Neroli, Prickly pear, Meadowfoam, Camellia, Apricot seed and Bergamot and smells as good as it looks. This dry oil is the ultimate in skin health to boost skin tone and texture and it’s free from any synthetic nasties. Buy now
KIDS
Whether your little ones are into make believe or making it happen, there’s something for all growing imaginations.
The world’s coolest (award-winning) coding kit
$69.95
Fresh from his nomination in the global Young Inventor of the Year, 15-year old Aussie Michael Nixon has created The Amazing Annoyatron for kids to build over 20 gadgets and gizmos. A little bit like Lego, you can build and rebuild projects and get inspired to invent, create and share with other what you’ve learnt. Buy now
Experience the magic of the festive season
$69.99
The Elf on the Shelf is the story of how Santa’s Scout Elves help him manage his nice list. Scout Elves watch during the day and report to Santa every night. Upon returning the elf hides and waits for children to find them. These completely sold out last year, so be quick. Buy now
It’s in the bag
$64.95
The Glitz Weekend Bag from Smiggle has to be the dreamiest weekender bag ever. Perfect for sleepovers, sporting activities and travel. It comes with carry handles, a long detachable strap and inner zipped pocket. Buy now
When your best friend is a Unicorn
$79.95
Myla the Magical Unicorn plays 5 singalong songs and when you put the microphone close to her mouth, she sings; when you remove it, it’s your turn to sing along to the melody.
Press the charm on Myla’s magic necklace to learn more about her. Buy now
Wheely awesome fun
$49
Two players can battle it out on the Hot wheels Roto Revolution where crashing is the aim of the game. Hours of fun if you can survive the rotating loops. Buy now
A pocket full of dreams
$8.99
Australia’s most loved toy of the 90s, the original Polly Pocket, is relaunching this December, 30 years after the original launch. Polly’s upgrades include new accessories, pocket worlds and even a mini limousine fit for a mini queen. Buy now
Teach them a lesson
$28
Cheetah the Cheater is an enchanting rhyming story about animals who play games together, but get fed up when it’s always the same one who keeps winning. The Aussie author spent years researching before publication and his unwavering quest to create a quality kids book shines through. Buy now
Cool as a cucumber
$27.99
Thermos® FUNtainer® food jars can keep food hot for up to 5 hours and cold for up to 7 hours, and drinks cold for up to 12 hours in the drink bottles. This provides a simple solution to keep kids’ food and drink at an ideal temperature at the beach, on a road trip, or family day out. Buy now
STOCKING STUFFERS
Small but thoughtful gifts can be elusive, especially when you’re in a hurry. Spend your time relaxing rather than running around the shops at the last minute. Who needs crowds anyway?
Puppy love
$45
Involve fur babies in Christmas celebrations by giving them a holiday surprise box that includes quality durable toys, Aussie-made healthy treats, dress-up accessories. All this with free delivery to your door. Buy now
Gingle bells
$79
The Wild Hibiscus Flower Co have cleverly infused Australian gin with a range of botanicals including finger lime, Butterfly Pea flowers, Wattleseed and Pepperberry for a taste sensation. It comes with a cocktail guide in every box — the F-Bomb is our fave. Buy now
Lessen the load
$6.80
Unlike most other tonic waters which contain almost as much sugar as a can of Coke, Nexba is 100 per cent sugar free and artificial free. Nexba tonics have less that nine calories per bottle, compared to most other tonic water that have around 90 calories per bottle. Buy now
Cool bananas
$29.95
Give the gift of comfy undies that are super-breathable to keep you from overheating. Bonds Active Max Trunks are made of stretchy lightweight mesh fabric with light reflective waistband that looks seriously cool. Buy now
Always look on the bright side of life
$19.99
These dynamic duo solar wave lanterns from Smart Living deliver a soft glow and cosy ambience to any outdoor setting. Robust enough to take on rugged road trips and chic enough for a city garden party. Buy now
Play and learn
$3.60
Small but mighty, Yowie are a failsafe treat to pop inside a Christmas stocking. Great for big and little kids alike, Yowie are super tasty 100 per cent premium milk chocolates with a surprise toy inside that helps protect our wildlife friends. Where to buy
Say ba-bye to limited phone signals
$32.95
If you know a family who like to hit the road where reception might be iffy, Uniden UH45 Walkie Talkies will be invaluable. The compact radios feature Kid-Zone blocking out any unwanted conversations and have up to 3km range. Bonus they’re super fun to play with. Where to buy
Give a gift with purpose
$39
The Starlight Children’s Foundation has plenty of options to help brighten the lives of sick Aussie kids. By purchasing this gift, you’ll be giving one sick child an escape from hospital to find joy in the Starlight Express room this Christmas. Buy now
Chilled out
$27.50
Aussie summer’s can be scorching so anything to ease overheating is a must. You can use the Chilly Towel while travelling, at the gym, anywhere you need to cool down fast. The unique hyper-evaporative fibres stay chilled for hours. Buy now
It’s all Greek to me
$12
Not many people would say no to gold roasted almond shortbread. Made from an authentic Greek recipe with real butter, roasted almonds and coated in icing sugar, it’s almost a mandatory festive treat. Buy now
Turn the beet around
$24.95
Self-tanning products are typically derived from chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin, but Tan Tootie is completely toxic free. DHA, the active tanning ingredient used in this original range, is 100 per cent made from sugar beets. This naturally derived ingredient works to create a bronze colour to compliment skin tones. Buy now
I’ve got the power
$69.95
Because everyone can do with a power bank, especially a smart one. The Trek Outdoor Power Bank automatically determines the power requirement for your device and optimises the output to suit. Its handy carabiner connector also guarantees your absent-minded loved one won’t leave yet another power bank behind. Buy now
HARD TO PLEASE
We all know who this person is. We bring you some options they didn't even know they needed in their life.
Learn to relax
$31.32
If you know someone who needs a refreshing slap to help them lead a more contended, grounded life, then the Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson might be the perfect gift. Sometimes sh*t is f*cked up and we have to live with it. Buy now
Born to be wild
$499
From the founder of 2XU, Saint has created the world’s strongest denim jeans — they’re 200 times stronger than regular denim. Anyone coming off their motorcycle is highly protected from impact abrasion — you can slide along the road for up to 5.9 seconds without tearing them. Buy now
You’re not really drinking if you’re learning
$99.95
The tonic tasting set from the Cocktail Co allows your loved one to play G & T matchmaker. Each set comes with a fullsized bottle of festive award-winning gin, five mixers and tasting cards. Perfect for festive seasons gatherings. Buy now
Goodie bag
$169
A functional, rugged duffel bag is a necessity and Thule make the best — how many bags offer a five year warranty? An oversized opening, removable backpack straps, durable and waterproof fabric make this the ultimate adventure buddy. Buy now
If you’ve taken it all year, time to give it back
$29.99
Whether it is a work colleague, your brother or your neighbour, there’s always that special person in your life that deserves this smiley, giant inflatable poo. It’s big enough to lay back in the pool or at the beach, or just to lounge around in the sun. Buy now
Yes, take it personally
$44.95
The personalised journals from Australian designers Corban and Blair are made from recycled leather and make a subtle style statement. Temple & Webster will emboss with two initials in either rose gold, silver or gold on the front cover. Buy now
Daily commute enhancement
$399
Yep, these Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones might just be smarter than your average headphones with a phone assistant, hands-free answering, double-tap track changing, but we rate the super soft, pressure-relieving earpads that evening distribute pressure and stability. You almost forget you have them on. Buy now
Nurses to be charged for comments about killing Israeli patients
Detectives have asked an Israeli influencer for an unedited version of a viral video in which two Sydney nurses boast about wanting to kill Israeli patients at Bankstown Hospital, so detectives can determine what charges will be laid against the pair.
Court battle looms over cathedral’s ‘enormous’ expansion plans
A church versus state planning row is heading to court after the City of Sydney refused plans for a $39m expansion of the city’s largest cathedral.