Editor’s guide to gifting

Every month, our BHG Editor Megan Osborne adds all of her favourite finds in one list for you to peruse and feel inspired by.

I love giving presents, and I get a real thrill from finding that perfect gift for someone. If you’re feeling stuck, try my gifting suggestions for anyone, from friends and family to work’s Secret Santa. No socks in sight.

For friends

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

Editor’s guide to gifting

If your mates are anything like mine, then most of what you do when you’re together is eat. No one takes a joke like your friends, so give them these cheeky plates next time you’re catching up for a bite.

For yourself

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

haighs assorted christmas box

A lot of people use Christmas to get themselves things they’ve been needing for a while. But I prefer to give myself a treat, so it feels more special and indulgent. My pick? Haigh’s, of course!

For partners

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

clay co diy pottery kit

I’m telling you now, the best gift for your partner isn’t socks. I’d always suggest an activity as a gift. A ticket to a concert, a skills class or an adventure together. How about a pottery kit you could do together at home?

For work pals

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

daily mug typo

It’s easy to find a mug with just the right quirky message for a colleague! That shared joke will bring a smile to your workmate’s face every time they grab a cuppa.

For parents

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

david jones cheese hamper

When I give a cheese hamper at this time of year, I make sure it arrives early. I like to think that it’s partly kicking off the celebrations early, and partly taking some small extra stress out of festive shopping, or spoiling someone who may not be inclined to spoil themselves.

For kids

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

knitty critter spotlight

When I spy a little craft kit, my inner child squeals. My heart always leads me to something fun and artsy when I’m buying for friends’ kids. These fruit and veg crochet kits are just the cutest beginner projects.

December: picks for vintage charm

My home is filled with pieces that make me genuinely happy – a friend once called it “eclectic bohemian”. There’s colour, plants and a mix of styles from Art Nouveau and Art Deco through to French farmhouse. But here are a few things still on my wishlist!

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

gold lions head door knocker

Tell your guests your home has character before they’ve even walked in the door.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

deep dish plate with stone fruit painted around the edge and yellow in the middle

Villeroy & Boch has a history dating back to a small (now French) village in Lorraine in 1748. These very cute, very French-inspired plates bring an ultimate rustic vegie patch charm.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

pendant light in brassy glass colour

Available in three colours and two sizes, this Holophane glass style was popular in the early 1900s. The texture in the glass diffuses light to create a gentle glow.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

green coloured glass set with glass bees in the tops

These glasses add a touch of elegance to your table setting. Or you can collect the whole Bee set, including tumblers short and tall.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

rough pedestal planter made from metal

A pedestal planter is a great way to bring height to your garden and focus to some lovely flowers. This classic style has just enough ornamentation to look vintage without outshining your plants.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

stripy fabric upholstered couch from harvey norman with blue and white stripes

Bring back coastal chic with this elevated nod to the ’90s. This sofa also comes with a matching solid blue armchair to complete the look.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

gold candlestick holder with curved handle

Dine in classic style with this gorgeous gold candlestick holder. Its simple design means it pretty much goes with any style of decor.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

vintage throw in kantha style with embroidered flowers

A Kantha throw is a hand-stitched textile from India or Bangladesh. These vintage options are delicately embroidered and have that never-mass-market feel.

November: scents in nature

From woodsy to floral, nature lends its magic to the fragrances we love. My favourites awaken memories of fresh spring days and luscious summer evenings.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

Rose, patchouli and amber scents provide a sweet and grounding presence in this new candle from Natio that burns for up to 50 hours. It also comes in a diffuser.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

epzen calm clense hydrating body wash

This is an everyday classic. The rosehip oil in it is nourishing, but it’s the scents of lavender, patchouli and geranium that I love.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

carriere freres cypress reed diffuser

I tend to gravitate towards orange blossom, rose or jasmine, but I was stopped in my tracks by this cypress diffuser. It evokes a feeling of being in a Mediterranean forest. I love it in my lounge room!

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

trudon elae eau de parfum

Want the softness of white florals, such as jasmine and tuberose, but with an edge of spicy sandalwood? You’ll fall in love with Trudon’s Elae. A beautiful summer evening scent.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

IKOU tranquility aromatherapy bath soak

Soak away your troubles with this bath soak, complete with pure rose oil, rose geranium, palmarosa and rose petals.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

love alkemy incense sticks

I’m not usually an incense person, but on a recent visit to Bondi markets I followed my nose to a stall with this intoxicating scent. I’m happy to say I stocked up on these handmade rose and sandalwood incense sticks with notes of bergamot and cloves.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

salus patchouli and rose body oil

This oil is one of my staples! With rosehip, evening primrose and jojoba, it smells good enough to eat.

October: gifts for Father’s Day

Celebrate Dad, Grandad, or a dad-to-be with these fun, indulgent and celebratory gift ideas. You can find great deals for your gift hunt with our exclusive discounts and deals.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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Tell Dad you’re nuts about him with this chocolate box from specialty chocolatier Koko Black.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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A classic look with a personalised touch will make Dad feel looked after. Even more so if you fill it with money!

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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A great option for those who love an American-style barbecue, this gas smoker is a fabulous appliance for Dad to get creative with weekend cooking.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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Find both prints and original artworks that would suit Dad or Grandad perfectly. The works are by local artists, with many styles and sizes available, and print prices starting from $90.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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Get Dad a thoughtful custom mug with his name on it – or any message you want!

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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A classic you can’t go past, this elegant Casio watch looks a lot more expensive than it is.

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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Is a dad really a dad if he doesn’t have a favourite seat? Upgrade him this Father’s Day with this comfy, enveloping lounge chair – available in 58 colours!

For parents, For kids, December: picks for vintage charm, November: scents in nature, October: gifts for Father’s Day

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Does Dad or Grandpa love a good negroni, martini or whisky sour? Gift him this classy cocktail set to make his experience a little bit fancy.