Eight unique gift ideas at December’s Handmade Market

Posted on 20 November, 2018

Stuck for Christmas shopping ideas?

Look no further than the Handmade Christmas Market, held on the weekend of 7-9 December at EPIC. With more than 200 designers, food and drink, music, and a special twilight market on the Friday night, you can get all your Christmas shopping done in the one hit while supporting designers from your very own backyard and farther afield (not to mention we can pretty much guarantee no-one will receive the same gift twice!).

“We have 30 new stallholders, including award winning small businesses at our beautifully-curated market,” says founder and Creative Director of Handmade Canberra, Julie Nichols. “Personalised Christmas gifts and ornaments, cool children’s wear, new food vendors, contemporary jewellery, handcrafted homewares and slow fashion to name a few.”

“You can feel great about every purchase knowing you are supporting a small business and Australian made—you can buy unique gifts with a clear conscience and make your Christmas shopping part of changing our culture to a more sustainable one, and less about contributing to mass-produced items.”

As for the vibe of the December markets, Julie says that it will be all things festive to get everyone in the mood for the impending holiday season.

“Friday night is our Annual Twilight Fair opening from 5-9 pm,” she says. “Where else can you stop in for a drink after work, refuel with a bite and then go on to buy unique handmade gifts with 270 Australian small businesses?”

Across the weekend, the Coorong Pavilion will be entirely dedicated to food and beverages, including a bar. So beyond Christmas shopping, Handmade is the perfect excuse to catch up with friends over a sip or two of locally-produced beers, wines and spirits.

As for Julie’s tips for smart shopping, she says it’s all about being organised.

“If there is something you really want from a particular stallholder, pre-ordering is a wise move—you can check out our post on Handmade stallholders who take custom orders,” she says.

“Also, it may just be a little less frantic after lunchtime, so come back again on Sunday afternoon for those items you regretted leaving behind on Saturday— and you just might be able to sign up to our newsletter for access to our VIP shopping hour…”

Need any more encouragement? Parking is free, so you can linger as long as you like!

To help start your list the right way, we’ve lined up eight unique gift ideas that you’ll find at the Handmade Christmas markets, that will please everyone from your teenage nephew to your grandma.

JULIAN SUITOR

Handmade_Julian Suitor

Julian Suitor’s handmade wood and metalwork pieces are tools for life, whether they’re kept in the kitchen, the toolbox or the garden shed. You’ll find him at Handmade sitting on his anvil. No, really.

HENRY & TUNKS

Handmade_Henry and Tunks

Bring the lushness of summer into your home with a planter (or five), with handmade and glazed pieces from Henry & Tunks. Designed with longevity and simplicity in mind, their range of mugs and planters in a variety of materials and glazes make the perfect Christmas gift.

NUTIE

Our readers went bananas when Nutie first came to Canberra, so it’s no surprise that they’re a hot favourite amongst Handmade Markets’ plentiful food offerings. Featuring decadent donuts and desserts with gluten, dairy-free and vegan options available, there’s a sweet treat for everyone.

RUSTIC LUXE

Specialising in handmade, one-off bags and statement furniture pieces using luxurious fabrics like cowhide and buttery soft leather, Rustic Luxe have the perfect addition to any country chic home or wardrobe.

All hides are sourced as a by-product of the meat industry and Rustic Luxe operates within high ethical standards when it comes to the humane treatment of livestock.

THE SOAPSTRESS

Pink clay has been getting a lot of hype recently, and The Soapstress’ range of pure face masks is the perfect way to try it out. Featuring products for a wide range of skin types, including for mature skin.

JACCOB MCKAY

Planning something special? Want to keep your trinkets or special mementos safe? Jacob McKay is a photographer and craftsman from Melbourne whose woodwork is inspired by his surrounds in the lush Dandenong Ranges. In addition to jewellery, gorgeous cheese knives and sculptural works, he also creates bespoke keepsake boxes.

SHABANA JACOBSON JEWELLERY

Need something to put in said jewellery box? One of Shabana Jacobson’s intricately-rendered silver rings, earrings and necklaces is the perfect statement piece for any Christmas outfit, or the ideal gift for anyone who appreciates beautiful one-off pieces.

FARN  

Winner of the 2018 Frankie Good Stuff Award for Fashion, FARN Fashion is a debut collection from designer Amanda Farncomb. Featuring clean-cut jumpsuits, tops, dresses and pants made from beautiful linens, Amanda’s designs are inspired by the Australian landscape.

the essentials

What: Handmade Christmas Market 2018
When: Friday 7 December from 5 pm – 9 pm and Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Coorong Pavilion, Conference Centre and Budawang Pavilion
More information: handmadecanberra.com.au

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