Scout’s 2023 Christmas Gift Guide
Not a hunk of coal in sight here
Saltist
Summer is here, the smell of fresh pine is in the air, the streets are alight with festive decorations, champagne is being poured and, most importantly, Santa is readying his sleigh. But what to get for those who have serendipitously fallen on your nice list this year? Whether you’re shopping for mum, dad, your S.O., your bestie, a colleague, or the person who seemingly has everything, thankfully, there are enough local businesses and talented creatives to tick everyone off your gifting list.
So, without further ado, keep reading to discover Scout’s Christmas gift guide for 2023.
Scout’s Christmas Gift Guide 2023
Pago & Co
If you’re practically at the point of throwing your gift ideas list out the window in frustration, stop. Here to save the day is Pago & Co, an expansive warehouse in Caringbah dedicated solely to premium homewares, gourmet items and beauty products. Whether you’d like to build a custom gift box, opt for a pre-made selection, or simply browse the shelves for something special, their range is designed to take the guesswork out of gifting - even the gift wrapping is taken care of (complimentary, of course). Their dedicated Christmas range spans 12 options, including sweet-inspired The Night Before Christmas, self-care-driven Relax Rudolph, and the just-a-bit-fancy Home For The Holidays, to name a few. Delivery is nationwide and a spend online of over $150 will qualify for free shipping.
DNA Distillery
This is not one for the little elves among us, but is guaranteed to be a hit amongst those of legal drinking age. Perfect for table setting, gifting and, of course, drinking, DNA Distillery’s award-winning rakija is about to become a new Christmas tradition. Founded by two Shire-based cousins, DNA’s rakija is based upon a timeworn recipe passed down through generations and is made simply by distilling bold and full-bodied Australian shiraz. If you’re looking for a gift (or wanting to test it for yourself), Dedo’s Sample Pack is the ideal way to say zdravje (hello) to a whole new drinking experience. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but this could even blow gin’s popularity out of the water - you heard it here first.
Who Is Elijah
Cult-status Eau de Parfum brand Who Is Elijah has made it onto the shelves and into the vanities of many - and while the name implies mystery, what remains certain is the craftsmanship and quality behind these ultra-luxe scents. Built on an ethos of zero cruelty and the belief that scent should remain genderless, each perfume is hand-filled in Sydney and housed in an incredibly chic, simplistic bottle. Every spritz is heavenly, but scent can be personal, so if your gift-receiver doesn’t already have a signature scent, opt for the Discovery Set.
Saltist
We all thought it impossible, but the ritual of pouring and enjoying tequila just levelled up. Crafted with 100% Himalayan Salt sourced sustainably from the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan, Saltist pink or black salt glasses make the perfect pairing with tequila and a fresh wedge of lime. Pop them in the freezer before you sip and simply wipe and store between uses - though we wouldn’t be surprised if their gorgeous figures found permanent pride of place on your coffee table or bookshelf. The sets come in gift packs of two, four, or the ultimate, with a bottle of Tequila Tromba Blanco.
We Are Mindful
Rooted in the belief that from the clothes we wear to the items we fill our homes with, every decision we make should be a conscious one, We Are Mindful is the perfect place to search for the perfect gift. Lined from wall-to-wall with Kathryn’s curated picks from brands such as SSAINT Fragrance, Frank Green, Maison Balzac, Gentle Habits and Avand Studio, the store is a treasure trove of gorgeous gifting options for the sustainably and ethically-minded.
Phospho Candle Co
Candles are a well-worn gift for good reason, but one from Shire-based Phospho Candle Co is a cut above. The unique Phospho experience allows you to not only pick a scent, but also choose your candle vessel. And their Christmas range? It’s to die for - and full of quintessentially festive fragrances like fresh pine, spicy gingerbread and even candy cane. Each candle is hand-poured and made with a wood wick, so you’ll get a longer, cleaner burn and a soft crackling sound reminiscent of a log fire.
Fred’s Hampers
Fred’s is for the gourmet guy or gal in your life. Yup, this one’s for the foodies out there. The crew behind this well-loved Cronulla delicatessen have carefully crafted four Christmas gifting hampers that each come in two sizes and target different tastes: BBQ Lover, For Entertainers, Chilli Lover and, for a blend of the greatest hits, Fred’s Favourites. While of course the inclusions vary, you can expect to find an array of hard-to-find artisan creations: think Fancy Hank’s BBQ sauce, Tony’s Chocoloney, Azteca Original Margarita Mix and Killer Condiments Crispy Chilli Oil.
Rimba Sweat
The holidays are all about winding down, kicking back and maybe indulging just a little, and this Mediterranean-style wellness studio is the perfect place to do so. Cronulla-based Rimba Sweat is home to five private infrared saunas that, ICYMI, deliver countless benefits, including toxin expulsion, increased circulation, an immunity boost, muscle repair, and, above all, a good dose of relaxation. Following a sauna session, guests are treated to an essential oil-infused face towel before a rinse-off. So, if there’s someone on your list that you’re looking to really treat, a Rimba Sweat experience is it.
Riverfolk
We can’t guarantee that you’ll leave Riverfolk without a little something extra for yourself, but we can guarantee you’ll find an amazing gift for your favourite person. From wellness products and picnic rugs to kids’ and babies’ toys and even vinyl records, there’s a huge selection of treasures to trawl through. You can build your own gift box, or, to make things simple, the team have also put together a range of gift boxes with thoughtfully chosen items ideal for Christmas gifting.
Engadine Music
For the musically talented - or those aspiring to be - a present from Engadine Music is sure to be a (greatest) hit. Since 1980, the family behind this local store have worked hard to offer musicians and teachers with top quality products, always imparting their expert advice. For the budding musician, there’s a plethora of keyboards and digital pianos, (very cute) mini guitars and ukuleles in an array of colours, and even junior drum sets for the true rockstars.
White Horse Coffee
Coffee is the lifeblood of every adult, and any brew connoisseur will appreciate the value of a freshly-roasted bean. Wander down to Brick Pit Espresso and pick up the latest creation by White Horse, a locally-founded business that began with two mates and a single espresso bar in Sutherland’s Flora Street. The best part about shopping for this gift is that you can stay for a caffeine hit and a delicious breakfast - it’s all part of the experience, after all.
Beauty & Balance
For beauty and wellness junkies, there’s no better treat than a trip to holistic and therapeutic Beauty & Balance. Located in a quiet, beautifully designed studio, Beauty & Balance offers its customers a chance to unwind, heal and enjoy the simplicity of sensory moments. Their specially-developed Christmas menu includes facials, massages, infrared sauna sessions and aromatherapy in an array of experiences that would set anyone up in good stead to tackle the post-holiday slump. It’s a luxury, sure, but a well-deserved one for anyone who has made it through yet another year - and is about to enter another one!
Just A Bunch
Whoever said flowers were reserved for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day haven’t met Just A Bunch. With contemporary florals that are simple, fresh and oh-so-pretty, Just A Bunch are known for working with the freshest seasonal blooms handpicked daily from the markets. For December, think barbie pink roses, vibrant, sculptural dahlias and fluffy hydies - all guaranteed day-brighteners.
LOF Golf
Golf is a serious sport that requires serious gear, and locally-owned LoFG (Left Of Field Golf) are here to deliver. Breaking away from the stuffy and traditional choices that have dominated for decades, LoFG is inspired by the modern silhouettes of surfing and skating; meaning less uncomfortable formalities for the player and more confidence on the field - and hole-in-ones too, obviously.
Essenze Chocolate
It’s a chocolate wonderland at Essenze Chocolate over the festive season. From a delectable Chiffon Tree Smash Cake to hand-painted bars and even a Chocolate Mug (yes, a mug made from chocolate), the exquisite creations by this ultra-talented team have to be seen - and tasted - to be believed. Hot tip: these are ideal as stocking stuffers, pressies for colleagues or the perfect Secret Santa gift.
