Buy from the bush. Buy local. Buy from small businesses. Buy from someone you know. Buy from someone who makes their own products.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Use these as your guidelines this Christmas and you'll be helping out those in need, from our farmers, to artists, to people working hard to make a living.
Here are some great ideas for the foodie in your life. Or yourself. Merry Christmas everyone.
1. Flower power
![Abby French tea towels. Abby French tea towels.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607hv1879brqkf68y.jpeg/r0_121_552_432_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Screen printed by hand by Abby French in her workshop out near Braidwood, these tea towels feature her original "flowerfield" design in four vibrant colours. They feature some of the beautiful flowers she sees when walking near her home. The fabric is a crisp, fine, organic cotton and hemp blend, lightweight but extremely strong, which softens a little with each wash until it's beautifully absorbent. $24 each. bursariaworkshop.com
2. Family recipe
![Burtons Lane curry pastes. Burtons Lane curry pastes.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607ddefaxn7seveg0.jpg/r0_1155_2848_2947_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Lovingly hand-crafted by Renee and Brad Sinclair and their family on the family farm in Millthorpe, NSW, Burtons Lane Curry Paste uses local produce (when available) to make these pastes using a recipe handed down from Renee's great grandparents who grew up in India. There's a curry paste, a tomato kussaundi and a Brinjal pickle in 300g ($15) or 1kg ($40) jars. burtonslane.com.au
3. Hamper heaven
!["The Full Stocking Christmas Hamper". "The Full Stocking Christmas Hamper".](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607hxn6j517u02wi67.jpg/r0_280_5472_3369_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Christmas dinner sorted. Pialligo's "The Full Stocking Christmas Hamper" lets you experience a selection of their award-winning produce. Featuring: Christmas pudding, brandy butter, boneless 6kg ham, ham glaze, 200g bacon, 400g sausages, bacon jam, bacon salt, orange salt, barbecue sauce, 200g smoked salmon, cranberry sauce and Pialligo Estate sparkling wine. $380. Available to order until December 16. pialligofarm.com.au
4. Zero waste
![Reusable produce bags made from recycled polyester. Reusable produce bags made from recycled polyester.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/MUwv8t3Wj4u7LSUBpSbqhh/doc78607foe5isbo4n5fov_rotated_270.jpg/r0_955_3024_2817_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
If you want to cut down on single-use plastic consumption have a look at this pack of goodies. It includes six reusable produce bags made from recycled polyester and two organic cotton string bags which can carry up to 10kg. Josh & Sue is a family-owned business based in Daylesford, Victoria, which also stocks a great range of gourmet produce. Say No to Plastic starter pack. $39.95. joshandsue.com.au
5. Canberra icon
![Spoil yourself with something from Brian Tunks. Spoil yourself with something from Brian Tunks.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607d6grx310jpfl68y.jpg/r0_0_1000_995_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't buy myself something from Brian Tunks every year. This year I'm coveting one of his eponymous cut glass vases. From $205 for a medium vase, also available in large. Only trouble is which fabulous colour to choose. Turquoise, aegean or blood orange? There are also bowls in the same range, from $89. bisonhome.com
6. Something for everyone
![Get yourself some Prezzies. Get yourself some Prezzies.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607fvh8lg78vmfozx.jpg/r41_414_943_1289_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Prezzies in Coonabarabran has been supplying the town nestled into the Warrumbungles for 31 years. Rhonda Jewiss stocks everything from food, homewares, cards, hand creams, hats, shoes and bags. Here we have caramelised capsicum and tomato relish from Cowra; vanilla figs, dried apple and fig chutney and balsamic vinegar from New England Larder and bread boards from Byron Bay among other things. Find them on Facebook.
7. This little piggy
![Ham from Bundarra. Picture: Tim Grey Ham from Bundarra. Picture: Tim Grey](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc6se6h7lpwnpqvoui1wc.jpg/r0_282_5511_3393_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Lauren and Lachlan Mathers have been farming pigs on their 100 acres at Barham, near Echuca , since 2010 with a focus on ethical practices and sustainability. Happy pigs makes for incredible meat which you can sample via their Swine Club, a home delivery service full of surprises, including pork and charcuterie options. There's a tree planted for every order too. bundarraberkshiresshop.com
8. Serve in style
![Give Margot a visit in Yass. Give Margot a visit in Yass.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607g0rjqtbac4w873.jpg/r0_1485_3024_3352_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Head out to visit Margot in Yass and who knows what you might find. There's a great range online but she hides some things away like these hand-embossed aluminium trays from a small family business in India. Ice buckets are also available in this range, all made with skills passed down through generations. Priced from $80, you can also get little legs to sit them on. merchantcampbell.com.au
9. Marvellous muesli
![Take a punt on Robyn Nadin's muesli. Take a punt on Robyn Nadin's muesli.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607ffdpsi12xfl8i67.jpeg/r0_140_640_500_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Robyn Nadin, a mother of five from Warren, NSW, decided to create her own muesli when she couldn't find one that suited her in the shops. Now she's taking a punt that you might like it too. The muesli includes no added sugar, stevia, honey, real dried fruit (not the candied type), nuts, wholegrain oats, fibre and seeds. And it's packaged in beautiful, recyclable cylinders. $10 for large cylinder and $6 for small. festinalentefoods.com
10. Hooked
![There's an animal for every occasion. There's an animal for every occasion.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607fk4adx168ijtor.jpg/r0_0_3305_3305_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Thinking I could find plenty of uses in the kitchen for these handy little hooks from Wildlife Garden available through Hall and Wares, run by a dear friend of mine Kate. The sturdy metal hooks are decorated with a hand-carved and individually painted animal head. There's an animal for every occasion. From owls to ducks and a great selection of Australian favourites as well. $40. hallandwares.com
11. Jug head
![Get yourself a jug from Walgett. Get yourself a jug from Walgett.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607deu66aw48qdozx.jpg/r117_32_2266_1909_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
For all those people out yonder ... Yonder Traders is run by two women in Walgett, NSW, mixing life on the farm with a sense of adventure. There's an online store coming soon but in the meantime check them out on Facebook. How good would these enamel jugs from Falcon look on the Christmas table. Jugs $65, with matching tumblers $14 each. @yonder.traders
12. Apron strings
![Aprons are back in style. Aprons are back in style.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607hmsw5ln0vleor.jpg/r0_87_367_468_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Rachael Flynn lives on a cattle and sheep farm about 25km north-west of Mudgee NSW, with her husband Mick and young sons. Originally a visual arts teacher, she started painting a few farm pics back in the 90s, and had some images reproduced onto greeting cards for the local markets, and now there's a whole cast of characters and products, from rainfall charts to stubby holders. We love her aprons. $35. redtractor.com.au
13. Wild and free
![Get inspired to cook more. Get inspired to cook more.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607d4zukj1i91kfor.jpg/r0_66_900_833_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Sarah Glover loves to cook, whether it's on the edge of a windswept cliff, in a clearing in the forest, or on a sandy stretch of beach. Although she's made a career as a chef in Australia and New York City, her heart lives outdoors. Wild: Adventure Cookbook shares her recipes and secrets to inspire others to cook and eat outside. Check out her website for recipes too. $32.99. sarahglover.com.au
14. Washing up
![The perfect washing up companion. The perfect washing up companion.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607froplum5a0568y.jpg/r0_376_4032_2643_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Ryder is a Canberra-based textile designer who has gained national and international recognition for her work. Originally trained in science, she retrained and started her own design studio focusing on designing and hand-printing fabrics for home-wares, fashion and interiors. How cool are these 100 per cent linen morse code tea towels. $33. Available from craftact.org.au
15. Vegan delights
![Give the plant-based diet a try. Give the plant-based diet a try.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607fuzioy1c0up5eg0.jpg/r0_43_819_946_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
In Incredible Plant-Based Desserts, Instagram star @rainbownourishments Anthea Cheng shares her trade-secret recipes for fun and showstopping vegan sweet treats that are seriously luscious, mouthwatering, and beautiful. A chef, food photographer, food stylist, and recipe developer based in Canberra, this is her first book. $39.99. rainbownourishments.com
16. Spooning
![Practical and just a little fancy. Practical and just a little fancy.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607d36orrrrm4fi67.jpg/r0_156_733_1025_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Jackson has designed her big spoons to use in two ways. Use the flatter side of the spoons facing inwards when serving from a flat open dish and use the curved side facing inwards to catch those sneaky tomatoes at the bottom of a deep salad bowl. Practical and just a little fancy. Made from stainless steel. $165. Available from craftact.org.au
17. Board games
![Get chopping. Get chopping.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607d9btyr161lbv873.jpg/r0_518_1000_1376_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Born and raised in Canberra, Brown is an emerging local designer/maker of furniture and objects. He takes a simple piece of Tasmanian oak, or Blackwood, and turns it into something beautiful but ever so useful. Each piece is unique, celebrating the material. From $120. Available from craftact.org.au
18. Stoneware
![At your service. At your service.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607e0gbpy1909iqhq4.jpg/r0_307_6000_3694_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Richilde Flavell is a Canberra-based ceramic artist. Her contemporary ceramic tableware business, Girl Nomad Ceramics, complements her exhibition work, and this serving platter will complement any table. Dishwasher, microwave and oven safe, and beautiful to hold. $154. Available from craftact.org.au
19. Art of glass
![Practical and colourful. Practical and colourful.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607gczmhv1kvedchq4.jpg/r0_32_600_556_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Schwartz is an American glass artist who graduated from the ANU School of Art in 2017. His work explores how the materiality of glass can be used to provoke wonderment in the complexity and ingenuity of the amalgamation of elements in even the simplest of forms. Fill these pitchers and cups with cocktails all summer long. Cups $50. Pitchers $165. Available from craftact.org.au
20. Blinky Bill
![Australia's most-loved koala. Australia's most-loved koala.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc78607d61vp27nizafov.jpg/r0_0_2500_2500_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Based in Rowville, Victoria, Ecology is uniquely Australian homewares company. And who could be more unique than Blinky Bill. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the release of The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill, Ecology launched a capsule collection honouring Australia's best-loved koala. There are plates, mugs, tea towels and we love the practicality of these 240ml travel mugs. $19.95 ecologyhomewares.com.au