The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of finding thoughtful gifts for loved ones (and perhaps treating yourself too). Every year, I like to put together a wish list to help inspire your gifting. I am really focusing on buying less and choosing well, so here are some of my top picks, mostly from local artisans, for this season:
01. Naked Sunday Mineral Sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen that's lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with skin-loving ingredients. I'd love the jumbo size given I use it every day. (I only buy the mineral ones now as the ingredients in the chemical options concern me).
02. Bright Young Thing Pet Nat
A favourite natural wine, organically grown in the Adelaide Hills. It's light, and sparkly and pairs beautifully with summer dishes.
I nearly always turn to an Ottolenghi recipe when I have guests to impress. They're usually very approachable, hassle-free but delicious and flavourful. I'd love his new book, Comfort, to add to my collection.
04. Beach hat
I'm really trying to avoid the sun these days, especially on my face. This classic woven broad brim hat from Arms Of Eve is stylish and practical.
I love Dinosaur Designs for their timeless designs - all handmade in Sydney too. I have my eye on their silver wishbone bangle, a stunning addition to any jewellery collection.
06. Wyalba Perfume
Wyalba is a Bondi Wash sister brand where we create natural perfumes, inspired by wild Australian landscapes. Our artisan perfumer, Samuel Gravan hand blends each bottle in our Paddington boutique. Wildflower is my absolute favourite - floral and vibrant - and I'm running low, so I'd love to gift myself a new bottle.
I have bought so many various glasses from the zafferono range - they make a great gift, but I haven't yet treated myself. This colourful set of tumblers brings so much personality to the table. I am also a fan of op shop or vintage crystal glasses – I have quite a collection but could always use more.
08. NATIVO Gin
I am a little biased but I really love this new drink that we created with Autonomy Distillers in Melbourne. It's our take on a 'salt and pepper' gin that's fresh, green and fruity and filled with Australian botanical herbs and spices.
09. Pool voucher
An experience gift is always a winner. As the ocean temperature warms up here, I try to swim at Bondi Icebergs a couple of times a week. You can buy a 20 pack for just $170 - pretty good value for one of the most breathtaking swimming spots in the world.
10. Honey
We're selling this honey in our retail stores as part of our curated gift selection this year. I'd love to try the tasting pack which includes a set of 6 varieties harvested from various parts of Western Australia.
11. Native tree
Finger lime is one of my favourite native ingredients - it adds a sweet, zesty kick to cocktails or as a garnish on seafood or salads. I'd love to have my own finger lime plant to harvest at home. Native to northern NSW and southern Queensland, a small tree thrives in a pot or in the ground.
I've had a pair of flare leggings for years but they probably need an upgrade. I love Nimble's sustainable activewear designs - these pants are the perfect comfy pants for running errands.
13. Brown Mascara
I'd love to try this brown mascara from Eye of Horus for a more natural, everyday look. It is also made from 98% natural ingredients, much gentler to use around the eyes.
12. Silk pants
These luxurious 100% silk pants from Silk Laundry are high on my wish list for their elegance and ease. They're timeless and I can see them becoming a wardrobe staple.
A favourite from our little sister brand, Wash Wild - Natural Toilet Drops. Surprisingly many people purchase the drops as a gift, which I love. They're practical, a little bit silly and work wonders. I can't live without them now.
