At a glance…
- It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for gift-giving!
- The festive season is upon us, so our Digital Editor (and middle of five children) has scoured the internet for her favourite gift ideas for family and friends.
As the song goes, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year…” but it’s also the most stressful when it comes to gift-giving. I’m the middle of five children, and each of my siblings has a partner, and a couple have children of their own. That’s a lot of people to find a gift for, even before adding in my own partner’s family (also a family of seven) and our friends. And then there’s our co-workers! The list can feel never-ending.
Finding the perfect gift can feel like a daunting task — especially when you’re shopping for a mix of personalities and preferences. Sometimes buying a gift for a loved one can be a daunting task. Like staring at a blank page of paper when you have a deadline.
Whether it’s for the foodie in your life, the style maven, the hard-to-buy-for teenager, or the family member who insists they “don’t need anything,” we’ve got you covered. This gift guide brings together thoughtful, unique ideas to delight everyone on your list.
From homegrown treasures to indulgent splurges and affordable surprises, these picks are sure to spread joy this holiday season. Happy gifting!
2026’s top gifts:
- Haigh’s Chocolates Christmas Collection (here’s why)
- Donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation (here’s why)
Great Christmas gifts for 2026
01
Haigh’s Chocolates
Various at Haighs Chocolates
Best for: Everyone!
Who doesn’t love chocolate at Christmas time? Or really, any time of the year? As is tradition, the Australian institution of chocolate, better known as Haigh’s, has released their Christmas range. There is literally so much to choose from; you could potentially get everyone on your list covered in a single shop.
There’s the milk fig chocs with sweet fig puree soft centres in a lovely gold box that would win over any aunt or mum. For the little ones, there are plush Gingerbread men toys with milk baubles. And for those who love a complex treat, there’s the dark Grand Marnier truffle with a spice-infused truffle centre, yum!
Plus, there’s all the classics and the Advent calendar to choose from.
02
Donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation
Donate on hollows.org
Best for: The giver
Give a gift that truly changes lives. Donating to The Fred Hollows Foundation in someone’s name helps restore sight for people who would otherwise be needlessly blind. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the season of giving and share the joy of sight with those who need it most.
For nearly a decade, 69-year-old Yolngu man, Uncle Jimmy, had struggled with “smoky eye,” a colloquial term for cataracts, which had gradually diminished his vision and zest for life.
“Words are a big part of my life, and not being able to read the paper, books, or even watch TV was a real problem for me.”
Frustrated with his vision and battling depression, Uncle Jimmy decided he wanted his life back, so he walked into a local optometrist in his shopping centre seeking help. He was quickly referred to the Darwin Deadly Vision Centre, a partner of The Fred Hollows Foundation, for a comprehensive eye health check.
“I explain to people all the time what happens in the surgery, both before and after. I like to explain everything and make people feel at ease and have a laugh. (…) so, I try and be a messenger and speak about my experience, so they get the real story.”
03
The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine subscription
from $84.99 at MagShop
Best for: The reader!
Okay, you had to expect this on our list! What could be a better gift than The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine subscription? Plus, there is a special Christmas offer this year. Anyone who subscribes or renews via Magshop before 31 January will go into the draw to win a share of $50,000! Five winners will receive $10,000 each.
It’s literally a gift that keeps on giving, as each month you will receive a magazine in the post!
04
Initial Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet
$99.00 $279.00 at Bevilles
Best for: The sparkle-queen
Who doesn’t love a dash of sparkle with their festive fashion? If you have a loved one who adores a fine jewellery piece, make it even more special with this personalised tennis bracelet from Bevilles.
Featuring cubic zirconia in 18Kt fine gold-plated silver, it’s a thoughtful gift with a little extra meaning attached.
Key features:
- Cubic zirconia gems
- 18kt gold-plated sterling silver
- Free shipping over $80
Best for: the woman on the move
We all get bad hair days, but they will be fewer and farther between with this hairstyling product from Shark. It’s an ideal Christmas gift for your loved one who runs from work to events and everything in between.
Give them the gift of easier hair styling with this nifty product that is a styler and a hair dryer in one system.
Key features:
- Hair dryer and styler in one
- Suitable for all hair types
- Curl-defining diffuser
- Two brush attachments
- Storage and travel case
06
Our Place Perfect Pot
From $219 at Our Place
Best for: the chef
Every family and friend group has at least one chef. Give them the gift of something functional and pretty at the same time with this stunning eight-in-one aptly named Perfect Pot from Our Place.
Sizes: Mini (21.6cm), Standard (26.7cm) | Colours: Spice, Sage, Blue Salt, Char, Steam | Materials: Cast aluminium with non-toxic ceramic coating.
Key features:
- Comes with a beechwood spoon designed to notch two ways
- Self-basting, steam-release lid
- Aluminium interior for fast, even heat
- Eight cooking functions
- Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
07
Hoop Earrings in 9kt Bonded Gold
$59.00 $139.00 at Bevilles
Best for: subtle style
You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of hoops. These 10mm earrings from Bevilles are an effortless everyday staple and a thoughtful Christmas gift they’ll wear on repeat. Just make sure the person you’re planning to gift these to likes gold and has their ears pierced (as someone in their thirties without pierced ears, I often receive them as gifts!). However, Bevilles do offer 90-day exchanges, so no harm done if they don’t and want to get them switched out for something else!
Key features:
- Measuring up to 2mm by 10mm
- Versatile for everyday wear or for events.
- 9kt bonded gold
- Free shipping over $80
08
Toniebox 2
from $225.95 at Tonies
Best for: your music-loving niece/nephew/grandchild
Toniebox 2 is the screen-free audio player designed for little hands, built to grow with your child. Kids pop on a Tonie for stories, songs and Tonieplay games, with bedtime features built in.
“Honestly, this little box has changed our life and family dynamic,” says Jules Robinson to The Weekly. She is an ambassador for the brand. “It stimulates [my son] Ollie in all the right ways and with this, when story time finishes, there’s not that dramatic ‘switch off’ moment you get with screens. The Toniebox has stopped those terrible tantrums. And it’s so aligned with my mission – a product putting good into the world.”
09
Jansz Tasmania Special Release Premium Cuvée in Gift Box NV
from $34.00 at Jansz Tasmania
Best for: the wine-lover
Nothing says a celebration like sparkling wine, and you can make it even more special with this seasonal release gift box from Jansz Tasmania.
A collaboration with Tasmanian photographer Jess Bonde and the iconic Tassie winery, this is the perfect gift for the person who adores a sparkling wine or loves Tassie!
“Most occasions could use some sparkle”, Jansz Tasmania winemaker Teresa Heuzenroder told me in an interview recently about why we should pour Aussie sparkling over its French counterpart. If you’re curious about the best pairings, serving temperatures and whether the glass shape actually matters when it comes to sparkling wine, give it a read here.
And if you want to see the fruits of the collaboration, watch the video of Jess Bonde travelling through Tasmania’s stunning and unspoiled landscape here.
10
Merit Mini Great Skin Trio
from $65.00 at Merit
Best for: the traveller who loves skincare
Is there someone in your friend group or family who is constantly heading off on weekend getaways or business trips? Help level-up their skincare with this gorgeous mini travel skincare set from Merit. This Holiday Limited Edition set contains their popular Great Skin Double Cleanse and Instant Glow Serum and their upcoming Great Skin Rich Moisturiser. Easy to slip into their carry-on and makes for a great base for Merit’s make-up range.
Key features:
- Three-step routine for hydrated and healthy-looking skin.
- Includes travel sizes of Great Skin Double Cleanse, Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, and Great Skin Rich Moisturiser.
- Vegan and sustainability-focused brand
- Suitable for all skin types and skin ages.
Also available at:
11
The Australian Women’s Weekly: The Christmas Collection
from $24 at Kmart
Best for: the foodie in your life
If you want the perfect collection of recipes that are ideal for Christmas, then we don’t like to brag, but we’ve got you sorted! This massive collection is bursting with our favourite Christmas recipes, from traditional cakes to classic turkeys, from fresh seafood to celebratory drinks and even gift ideas.
We won’t judge you if you gift this to yourself!
Key features:
- Packed with Christmas recipes
- Gifting ideas
- Test Kitchen Tested by the incredible The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Food team
12
At My Nonna’s Table by Laura Sharrad
$45 at MagShop
Best for: the budding MasterChef!
MasterChef Australia winner Laura Sharrad joined The Australian Women’s Weekly as a food contributor in 2026, and now she has a cookbook! Featuring a collection of family recipes and stories inspired by her own family and friends she’s met along her incredible journey from teenager to triumphant winner of the iconic series.
If you have a loved one who adores MasterChef Australia, or loves home cooking and, more specifically, making Italian food, this could be the perfect gift for them.
Also available at:
13
Personalised Christmas cards
at Moonpig
Best for: a personalised and memorable gift
We all love a classic Christmas card; make yours extra special this year and personalise it to whoever you’re sending it to! Upload any image, including family photographs, images of a recent holiday or whatever else takes your fancy.
14
Loom Peachy Tea Set
from $89 at T2
Best for: The tea lover
Do you have a loved one who thrives only after a cup of tea? Or perhaps that’s their preferred way to relax in the evenings. Show how much you care by gifting them not only a mug, but a teapot! This cute teapot and mug set is a charming addition to anyone’s home. But what’s the perfect mug without the perfect tea?
T2 have a great advent calendar (this year it’s a collaboration with artist Kentaro Yoshida), of course, but if you’d like to give a specific tea, might I suggest their Christmas Breakfast Tea? It is black tea infused with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s Christmas in a cup and perfect for a festive start to the day.
15
Jo Malone London Christmas Kist Advent Calendar
From $895.00 at David Jones
Best for: The person who loves a good scent
Candles, colognes, lotions, and more await in this luxurious advent calendar from Jo Malone London. Every day of the month of December your giftee will be pleasantly surprised with a delightful new scent, and it could come in any form. Plus, at the end of the month, you have a cute trunk that can be used for regifting or storage. Suitable for anyone who loves a great fragrance, as Jo Malone scents are unisex.
Find more advent calendar ideas here.
Available at:
- $895 at Jo Malone London
15
Hommey Quilt Cover
from $209.00 at Hommey
Best for: the person who deserves a sleep-in
Is there someone in your life who you believe really deserves a sleep-in? But not only that, they deserve a sleep-in in a bed dressed in the perfect summer sheets? I love a good bed sheet. Natural fibres are an absolute must (even more so in the heat of summer). These Hommey sheets are 100 per cent cotton and have the edge over others as they are reversible! Sick of the wine red colour? Flip to chamomile, all while maintaining a festive feel in the bedroom.
16
Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boot
from $159.95 at Merry People
Best for: the person who loves a fun, versatile shoe
This may seem like a rogue choice, but I assure you it is not. I adore my Merry People Bobbi Boots. The last time I was home in Ireland for Christmas, I received compliments (and orders) from people of all walks of life (see what I did there?). You’d think in a country like Ireland where it rains pretty much non-stop we would have figured out gumboots, but alas, the perfect all-weather shoe in this editor’s opinion are the Australian brand Merry People.
Available in a range of colours, these boots are perfect for going from the office to the garden and everywhere in-between. Plus, we all know how torrential the rain can be in Australia, so having a good-quality boot, even in summer, should be on everyone’s wish list this Christmas.
Shopping for gifts now? Check out our verified edit of discount codes and deals for David Jones, Our Place and more.
Some of these items also appeared in the annual Christmas Gift Guide in the December 2026 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
