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. Our 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!
2024’s top gifts:
- Thomas & Friends Talking Bulstrode and Which-Way Bridge, $109, Big W (here’s why)
- Donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation (here’s why)
- Shark Flexstyle Air Styling & Drying System, $355, David Jones (here’s why)
Great Christmas gifts for 2025
01
Thomas & Friends Talking Bulstrode and Which-Way Bridge
from $109 at Big W
Best for: Grandkids
Thomas the Tank Engine is an enduring treasure. And now kids can bring the island of Sodor to life at home with this Thomas & Friends playset from Fisher-Price.
It brings the characters to life with just a push of a button to hear classic phrases and train sounds, activate the manual drawbridge, and send Percy racing down the track. It’ll keep your kids’ entertainment chugging along this festive season!
Key features:
- Interactive train set with over 90 railway sounds, character phrases, music and a sing-along song
- 244cm of track!
- Compatible with any Thomas & Friends tracks (except wooden versions)
- Helps foster fine motor skills and imaginative play
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
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
from $355 at David Jones
Best for: the woman on the move
We all get bad hair days, but they will be fewer and farther in 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
04
Ninja® CREAMi® Swirl
from $549.99 at Ninja Kitchen
Best for: The gadget-lover
What’s summertime without a luscious, cooling dessert? With the Ninja Creami Swirl, you can create your own Christmas-flavoured desserts with the touch of a button. How about gingerbread and caramel? Or peppermint swirl? Get creative in the kitchen with your very own soft serve in minutes.
Key features:
- Make soft serves and scoops
- Advanced Creamify Technology
- 13 One-Touch Programs
05
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
06
Karen Walker Love Letter Crop Papinelle PJ set
from $129.95 at David Jones
Best for: relaxing in style
If you have a loved one who you feel should make time to relax this festive season, the best gift would be this super-stylish cotton-silk blend PJ set from Karen Walker.
Sizes: XS–XL | Colours: Skyway Blue | Materials: 70% Cotton 30% Silk
Key features:
- Breathable cotton-silk blend set
- Karen Walker floral print
- Ribbion trim details
- 3/4 length leg that’s perfect for Australian summers
07
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.
Key features:
- Personalised messages and images to friends and family
- Easy-to-use design
- Digital versions available
- Plenty of designs on offer
08
Sand Society Sand Free Beach Towel
from $41.97 at The Iconic
Best for: stylish, sand-free beach days
If you’re shopping for someone who spends every spare moment by the ocean, a Sand Society beach towel is the gift they’ll reach for all summer long. Made from ultra-soft microfibre that repels sand with ease, it’s lightweight, fast-drying and folds down small enough to slip into any beach tote. Perfect for travellers, swimmers or anyone who loves a fuss-free day by the water, this chic towel brings both practicality and a touch of coastal style.
Key features:
- Sand-resistant microfibre
- Fast-drying and ultra-absorbent
- Lightweight and compact (ideal for travel)
- Generous sizing for comfort
- Available in a range of stylish prints and colours
09
Northcote Pottery
from $15.98 at Bunnings
Best for: the green thumb
Do you have a plant mum in your friend group? A daughter who loves to propagate pothos? A grandchild who’s dabbling in gardening worlds? A plant-lover loves to be gifted two things: gloves (they will inevitably get lost or ripped) and cute pots like this one from Northcote Pottery.
Sizes: 16cm | Colours: Mint, White | Materials: Ceramic
Key features:
- Cute whimsical design
- Designed for indoor use
- Made from high-quality ceramic that’s easy to clean
- Glossy finish
- Versatile colours that suit many interior designs
10
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
