30th Birthday Gift Ideas for the Millennial Who Thinks the ’90s Were 10 Years Ago

The best present ideas for 30th birthdays in 2025

L–R: Ilio Nema, Soft Edge Studio, Parcta, Studio Eter, Le Creuset, Cushla Whiting, Gentle Habits, Readings and Skydiver Records·Photo: Images Supplied

Thirty is the new 20 – or so they say. Mark the milestone with Le Creuset or Soft Edge Studio’s very grown-up dinnerware. Plus, browse ultra-luxe beauty buys, Italian leather luggage tags, and more.

Words by Simone Richardson · Updated on 24 Jul 2025 · Published on 02 Jul 2025

Some birthdays call for a little more fanfare. If someone you love is celebrating their 30th soon, make sure you go the extra mile to make them feel special. That doesn’t mean you have to spend big – sometimes the best presents are the smallest tokens that simply show how well you know a friend or family member.

The sweet spot for thoughtful gifting is finding something that you think they would already own but don’t. Leaning into hobbies or remembering what they lingered looking at the last time you went shopping is another safe bet.

18 gift ideas to shop

Ilio Nema Icarus Chambira tote

$545

Ilio Nema crafts pieces for life. With asymmetrical stripes and shell details, this handwoven tote makes a statement piece to pair with jeans or a pared-back accessory for summer. The Aussie label works with Peruvian artisans to hand-dye native palm before crocheting it by hand.

Buy at Ilio Nema

Soft Edge Studio Everything bowl

$170

After a hiatus of almost two years, the minimalist homewares brand has made a return with its curvaceous collection of plates and bowls. Handmade in Japan, these porcelain pieces come in colourful glazed finishes: espresso, marshmallow and cornflower blue. You could add a coordinating (or mismatched) rolled rim plate to make it an extra special set. The designs are currently out of stock via the studio’s website, but you can shop them online at Bassike.

Buy at Bassike

Fold Up movement mat

$129

Designed for “movement lovers”, Fold Up’s signature mat is a lightweight yet extra-thick yoga mat that folds up into a compact 1.2-kilogram square – making it more comfortable during workouts, as well as when carrying to and from the studio. The brand also sells a coordinating backpack , which fits the mat, a laptop and daily essentials. The yogi in your life will love this one.

Buy at Fold Up

Gentle Habits perfume oil

$50

Treat them to a new signature scent from Aussie wellness label Gentle Habits. The Bells Beach fragrance is woody with notes of smoky eucalyptus. But if that’s not their steeze, the brand also offers a range of other aromas named after local places, including Noosa, Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Margaret River, Yamba and Tasmania. Plus, several invite a state of mindfulness – Immersion, Grounded and Connect – which we all need a little help achieving sometimes. Each 10-mil oil features a roll-on application, and bottles have been designed to refill.

Buy at Gentle Habits

Le Creuset round casserole pot

$500

If they pronounce microwave like Nigella Lawson , it might be time for their first Le Creuset. The classic pots start at 2.4 litres and go up in size to 6.7 litres, ideal for slow-cooking casseroles, stews and roasts. The iconic French label offers a range of colourful cast iron and non-stick cookware to kit out their kitchen.

Buy at Le Creuset Buy at Myer

Non 9 blackberry and plum

$30

There’s no denying that hangovers hit harder after the big three-zero. Whether your mate is sober curious or has already cut back on the booze, Non’s newest zero-alc pour is a thoughtful addition to any home bar. The ruby red tipple is made in Melbourne and has all the flavour without the headache.

Buy at Non

Dyson Ontrac headphones

$499

Gift them crisp audio for years to come with Dyson’s noise-cancelling headphones. The brand has long made the science behind its tools a selling point – and it’s put to use here with powerful sound (between 6–21 kilohertz) and up to 55 hours of playback. Choose from four slick colourways and customise the ear cushions and outer caps for a bespoke design.

Buy at Dyson

Tronque vitamin C body oil

$120

This one’s made for winter skin. The Kiwi label’s formula features a line-up of face-worthy ingredients – namely vitamin C, known for its powerful benefits. It’s designed to be slathered on after hot showers to help boost skin’s natural glow.

Buy at Tronque

ASO Go On mini CD

$10

CDs are retro now – which, naturally, means they’re cool again. If your gift recipient is the nostalgic type (or just really into the Aussie duo’s trip-hop album ), this release could be a hit. It’s a single, just like the old days – so, it makes a nice gesture on its own or a thoughtful add-on for someone closer. It’s currently sold out on Bandcamp, but still available at Melbourne’s Skydiver Records.

Buy at Skydiver

Studio Eter beeswax candle

$27

If in doubt: candles. Melbourne label Studio Eter crafts theirs from beeswax sourced from its own hives – and a few other local beekeepers. The Lovers style features two candles entwined, while Protection showcases a trio of hands to symbolise strength. There are more classic pillar options, too.

Buy at Studio Eter

Parcta Egress Sconce

$189

If mood lighting is their vibe (and they’re maxed out on lamps), Parcta’s design provides a chic alternative to wall lighting. Made from recyclable aluminium and hand-finished in Sydney, it’s a geometric art piece that emanates a soft glow.

Buy at Parcta

The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin

$49.99

Despite what people may think, we’re all creative. Written by esteemed music producer Rick Rubin, this read provides guidance on how to channel your ideas, observations and musings into something tangible. It’s an uplifting and stimulating read for someone stepping into a new chapter in their life.

Buy at Readings

Cushla Whiting Contours ear cuff

$1200

Ear cuffs might be trending, but this one has staying power. The Melbourne designer puts her architectural stamp on this elegant nine-carat gold design, inspired by the contour lines on maps. There are variants made from nine- and 18-carat white gold for those who don’t play with yellow, as well as diamond-encrusted options for something extra special.

Buy at Cushla Whiting

Kinnon Hale and Earle Duo

$165

Personalised gifts are the kind people keep. The Melbourne label’s Italian leather travel set – a passport cover and luggage tag – comes in 13 colourways and includes complimentary monogramming.

Buy at Kinnon

Ruggable x The Local Project rug

$179

Ruggable’s latest collab features three influential local designers – including Brahman Perera, whose Golden Marigold design draws on Sri Lankan heritage and expressive linework from artists like Matisse. The bonus? It’s machine-washable, like all Ruggable rugs.

Buy at Ruggable

Italian, New Classics and Melbourne cookbook set

$123.90

For that one friend who likes to one-up everyone with their culinary knowledge, this trio of Italian , New Classics and Melbourne cookbooks helps to provide the extra flex. With more than 80 recipes in each, including dishes from Melbourne’s most beloved restaurants, cafes and bars, plus Australia’s best Italian food, there’s a standout dish for every occasion.

Buy at Broadsheet Shop

Nonna’s Grocer candle

$45

It’s no secret we’re fans of Nonna’s Grocer’s signature fruit-and-veg-shaped candles at Broadsheet. From eggs and avos to a Kowtow collaboration with tomatoes , they’re the ultimate token gift.

Buy at Nonna’s Grocer Buy at Kowtow

Libby Haines print

$60

Bare walls are boring. But committing to art can be a big deal. Melbourne artist Libby Haines offers prints of some of her best-loved original pieces that bring a dose of dopamine to kitchens, living spaces and bedroom walls. The stylised tablescapes and still life settings depict all the best things in life – from Negronis and natural wines to shellfish, cakes and seasonal florals.

Buy at Libby Haines

Additional reporting by Alice Jeffery

This article was first published on October 17, 2023 and has since been updated.

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About the author

Simone is Broadsheet's shopping editor.