Whether you'd love to send a little piece of the capital to friends and family interstate, are after some last-minute gift ideas or, like me, are truly obsessed with Canberra, we've compiled the ultimate list of gifts featuring the ACT. You're welcome.
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1. Famous in Canberra T-shirt
For the Canberran in your life who's kind of a big deal. Love everything about this - the pixelated Telstra Tower and font, the fact someone might actually consider "backing off" because you're from the capital and the fact that if you order today it arrives on Christmas eve! Winning! The T-shirt can be found here.
2. Canberra playing cards
There's nothing like an afternoon game of euchre after Christmas lunch, and this deck has you covered. Made by iconic Canberra artist Trevor Dickinson - who doesn't have a set of the bus shelter magnets? - the backs of the cards feature 54 different drawings of the ACT (and Queanbeyan), including the National Library of Australia and my personal favourite, the old Sunrise Motel across the border. You'll find the playing cards here.
3. Arthur Circle earrings
Struggling to find a beautiful present for that hard-to-buy for woman from Manuka, Forrest or Griffith? How about these stunning Arthur Circle earrings, made from scratch-finished sterling silver. Originally designed by artist Tania von Behrens for a model to wear during Fashfest, the earrings are guaranteed "to make a statement and embody a relationship to place". Buy the earrings from Etsy here.
4. Acting EL1 T-shirt
Aaah, the T-shirt you wear in Canberra when you've finally "made it". Perfect as a secret santa gift for a public servant colleague, friend or cousin, the T-shirt is the genius of Mat Colley of Canberra creative agency Foundry. You all went nuts for the shirt when we published this story in October, and Mat confirms orders received by close of business Friday December 15 will make Christmas delivery. Buy the T-shirt here.
5. Ultimate Canberra notebook
Write down your goals, hopes and dreams for 2018 in this ultra Canberra notebook. Starring our gorgeous Skywhale, famous tower and iconic bus shelters, it's a great conversation starter at coffee with a new client or a great way to take your Canberra pride with you on interstate business trips. It's available on redbubble here.
6. Cockington Green tea towel
Normally I'm against giving people tea towels for Christmas, but I'll make an exception for this little ripper from the 1980s. The vintage tea towel "has never been used" (luckily) according to the seller and features many of the tourist attraction's tiny villages, including Selworthy Cottage and Rose Cottage. The elaborate writing in the middle reads: "A display of miniature buildings and gardens of Great Britain". You'll need to hurry, it's the only one of its kind. Find it on Etsy here.
7. Santa's coming!
Emma Nash's classic tale of Santa arriving in the nation's capital (not without a few challenges on his way here on Christmas Eve) is a beautiful story with stunning illustrations that Canberra kids will love. There's even a Santa is coming to the Goulburn Valley option for those with small relatives out in the regions! You'll find the book here.
8. The Zilpah Tart Lush dress
Wear Floriade all year round - literally - with the Lush dress from Canberra label Zilpah Tart. Designer Yumi Morrissey says: "The Lush dress features the tulips print which was created using a photo of tulips from Floriade. I wanted to use Floriade for this collection as it's an iconic Canberra event and it's also a celebration of the beginning of spring after a cold Canberra winter. The colour and vibrancy is a source of new life and energy." You can get the Lush dress in-store at Cardif Collective in Kingston or online here.
9. High Court tote bag
So random. But maybe ideal for the Queen's Counsel or legal eagle in your life? Buy it here.
10. Rainbow Canberra T-shirt
In early November, the ACT led the nation in voting to legalise same-sex marriage, with 74 per cent of Canberrans voting 'yes'. The rainbow Canberra T-shirt - a staple in Chief Minister Andrew Barr's wardrobe for months before the vote - has become the symbol of triumph. You'll find the shirts in stock at the Canberra Region Visitors Centre.
11. Matchbox miniatures of Canberra buildings
I'm obsessed with all things teeny tiny and these matchbox versions of famous Canberra buildings make me squeal with joy. Designer Suitcase Dollhouse in Queanbeyan makes matchbox-sized versions of some of the capital's most beautiful buildings, including Albert Hall, Ian Potter House, the West Block and Royal Australian Military College Duntroon. They even have tiny people inside! [Insert love heart eyes emoji]
Find them here.
