Aussie Christmas gifts that will truly change a life
Australians are being urged to embrace a new Christmas gift trend that could truly change someone’s life.
Have you ever looked around the house on Christmas Day, at all the ripped up wrapping paper and empty boxes strewn across the floor, and just wanted to scream?
For many Aussies, the very idea of acquiring more and more stuff at this time of year is enough to make them want to abandon the holiday altogether.
Let’s get real. Not everyone wants yet another coffee mug, pair of bed socks or scented candle.
Well, this year, many are opting for presents that they can feel good about rather than guilty, and choosing gifts that contribute to a worthy cause rather than to their stockpile of future landfill.
Melbourne business owner Jane Marx knows all about this and told news.com.au she has noticed a growing trend in people wanting to give gifts that really mean something and have a feel-good impact.
The 39-year-old is the head of social enterprise, The Beautiful Bunch, a popular florist that empowers newly arrived female asylum seekers by offering them their first job in Australia, and prides itself on stunning arrangements including Christmas wreaths.
Ms Marx implored Aussies to think outside the box this festive season for gifts that have a positive impact, both on our fellow humans and the environment.
“For many of us, Christmas is a time to reflect on what really matters in life,” she said.
“Running a social enterprise, I am able to see first-hand the difference that just a few people caring can make to someone’s future.
“When customers buy from us, that has a direct and immediate benefit on the young women in our program.
“Whilst I know that at this time of year things can feel pretty overwhelming, I think it’s important to remember that as a consumer, you have huge power to purchase from businesses working to create positive change and to shape the kind of world you want to live in.”
She said many of the women employed by The Beautiful Bunch have not had a job previously, and many are the first woman in their family to work outside the home.
“We run an eight-month paid training program that focuses on floristry fundamentals, business administration and digital and financial literacy,” she said.
“The program supports participants to build the skills, self-confidence, and social networks they need to find meaningful employment and to thrive in Australia.”
Ms Marx is now looking at expanding the organisation into flower farming, with her “rooftop roses” initiative – aiming to grow environmentally friendly roses here in Australia (almost all roses are currently imported) with the help of the Westpac Scholars program.
In a similar vein, another Australian business that customers can feel good about shopping with this Christmas is Mettle Co, founded by Westpac Scholar Bronwyn Bate.
Similar to The Beautiful Bunch, Mettle Co supports women from all walks of life who are experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.
Mettle’s premium gift boxes feature artisanal food, self-care, and homeware products - 80 per cent manufactured by Mettle themselves and the rest sourced from other social enterprises around Australia.
For both business owners, what started as side hustle and simple idea has branched into incredible social enterprises that are making positive changes in the lives of everyday people.
According to market research conducted by Westpac in October 2025, the most dominant reason for starting or intending to start a side hustle is to ease current financial pressures (77 per cent).
However, the second biggest reason is for personal fulfilment (31 per cent), which is a huge factor in starting a social enterprise like The Beautiful Bunch or Mettle Co.
While many may be thinking about starting a business, the research revealed the more common barriers to getting ideas off the ground.
Time scarcity (33 per cent) and juggling life responsibilities (28 per cent) were the two key barriers for most, especially for the under 50s and respondents in metro locations. While over a quarter (also 28 per cent) blamed a lack of knowledge or not knowing where to start.
Westpac Foundation and Westpac Scholars chief executive Amy Lyden told news.com.au backing Australian businesses with a social mission while Christmas shopping was a “win-win”.
“You’re giving a premium gift, supporting the local economy, and helping create pathways to employment and independence for vulnerable Australians,” Ms Lyden said.
“Your Christmas shopping choices can change someone’s life - that is not an exaggeration.
“The Back Australia campaign reminds us that where we spend our money matters.
“When Australians choose to support social enterprises this Christmas, they’re not just backing Australian business – they’re backing Australian communities and creating opportunities for people who need them most.”
This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M.Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP
