AHN Aussie Christmas Gift Guide

It’s that time of year. Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You is on high rotation, houses and supermarkets are being adorned with decorations, and people are gearing up for some much-needed time off.

If you’re an international student celebrating Christmas in Australia or a homestay host with an extra guest in your home for the holidays, we’ve got some top Aussie gifts and fun festive ideas to bring some cheer to your Xmas.

1. Can you believe the great Aussie icon – VEGEMITE – has been around for 101 years?! Grab someone their very own personalised jar of Vegemite, a pair of ‘Tastes Like Australia” thongs, or a Mitey Party Shirt.

VEGEMITE Personalised Jar from $11.95AUD

2. Did someone say matching Christmas outfits?! If your go-to inspiration is to coordinate with your family, friends or furry companion then you really should check out the colourful Christmas collections from Kmart, Target and Big W. Sunshine Coast based Island Style Clothing also has a quirky Xmas range with everything from shirts to bucket hats and dog bandanas.

Christmas Pool Party Festive Shirts Island Style Clothing from $45.00AUD

3. Your Christmas shopping can help support regional communities throughout Australia. Take a look at the local businesses on #buyfromthebush and Spend With Us to see .

4. You’ve got to be sun smart in Australia and this quirky rash vest provides UPF50+ protection and is made from 100% recycled plastic. Ugly Xmas Rashie also donates 10% of all profits to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Kookaburra Rashie Ugly Xmas Rashie from $63.95AUD

5. Showcasing Ashgrove to Zillmere, Ashfield to Zetland and all the awesome places in between, localised Type Map prints are a unique memento of good times spent living in Australia.

Type Map Burbia from $14.95AUD

6. Crafted from Australian timber, these Aussie animal Christmas decorations are a lightweight souvenir and a plastic-free addition to any Christmas tree.

Buttonworks Box of Decorations – Aussie Animals from $32.00AUD

7. If you’re celebrating with a sausage sizzle this Christmas then these gifts are right up your alley. Know a festival goer? Get them a Bunnings Poncho! AFL fans might appreciate a Bunnings Aussie Rules Football. Looking for something a little more practical? Pick up a Bunnings Umbrella. And for the ultimate novelty you can’t go past a classic Bunnings straw hat.

Bunnings Merchandise Bunnings Australia from $2.50AUD

8. AHN homestay hosts are amazing ambassadors for Australia so some of the 500 unmissable experiences collated by Lonely Planet might not be new to you. There’s a lot of land to cover though so this easy-to-read travel guide should come in handy for the travel bugs out there. Discover iconic sights, memorable activities, renowned eateries, natural attractions, wildlife encounters and more.

Lonely Planet Ultimate Australia Travel List Travel Universe from $24.80AUD

9. A thoughtful pressie for home cooks or wannabe chefs, this delicious spice pack contains wattle seed, pepper leaf, pepper berry, artesian salt and lemon myrtle harvested from the Australian outback, alpine rainforests and subtropical coastal regions. There’s also a little recipe book inside for inspo!

Five Spice Pack Australian Food Services from $16.00AUD

10. Spiders and snakes are normally top the list of Australia’s scariest creatures but that often changes for people once they’ve been swooped by a magpie. You don’t have to fear these Maggies though; they’ll stay comfortably at ground level.

Magpie Socks WilsonPayne $35.50AUD

11. A great way for international students and Aussies to test their knowledge of famous Australian people, places, sports, slang, animals and more.

Diesel & Dutch – Australiana Trivia Box Victoria’s Basement from $14.99AUD

12. Now is the time to enjoy some classic snacks and there are plenty to share this year, from Darrell Lea Hampers to sweet and savoury gift boxes and Christmas-themed bundles. You could even have a go at this Allen’s Party Mix Smash Cake recipe to really get into the silly season.

Stocking up on iconic Australian foods at the supermarket and/or gifting a DIY Christmas hamper makes things a bit more budget friendly. Tim Tams, Furry Friends, Caramello Koalas, Arnott’s Shapes, Burger Rings, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, local honey and macadamia nuts are on our list!