There’s an art to good gifting. But sometimes it’s the people closest to us that we most struggle to pick the perfect present for. One approach is to buy something you love that they will appreciate too. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re hanging out with them, noting anything they linger on but wouldn’t indulge in for themselves. From beauty routines to jewellery collections and kitchen tools that will level up their home cooking, these are our top picks for her.
Nonna’s Grocer hair comb
Lucy Folk socks
Home Made cookbook
This one is for the home cook who wants to recreate their favourite restaurant dishes. The collection of 80 recipes spotlights some of Melbourne’s best cooks, chefs and restaurants, including smoky baba ganoush by Joseph Abboud (Rumi), theatrical roast salmon from Shane Delia (Maha), weeknight prawn pasta courtesy of Andrew McConnell (Trader House Restaurants) and an epic lasagne by Joey Kellock (1800 Lasagne).$49.95/shop.broadsheet.com
Libby Haines print
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. From $55/libbyhaines.com
Flavedo & Albedo make-up
Local brand Flavedo & Albedo’s buttery highlighter and cream-to-powder eyeshadow are the ultimate make-up bag additions for low-key glam. The label is committed to reducing the beauty industry’s impact and has worked to remove plastic from its packaging and supply chain, using aluminium, glass and sustainable timber for its products instead. $70/flavedoandalbedo.com
Bala wrist weights
Bala’s aesthetically pleasing weighted bangles are the perfect power-up for at-home exercise. If the gift receiver has her Pilates routine down to a fine art or is committed to getting 10,000 steps in each day, the pastel pink, blue and green colourways make for a great workout buddy. $79/shopbala.com.au
Ikkari handwash
Ikkari’s handwash is scented with green mandarin, with a hint of orange blossom oil. The brand’s signature green-glass packaging makes a chic addition to kitchen counters and bathroom sinks. This one is for the friend who always comments on nice soap in restaurant bathrooms. $79/ikkari.com.au
Cardigang crochet kit
For the person in your life who’s always looking for a new hobby, Cardigang’s crochet kits offer a hands-on present. Whether she’s a total beginner or has her half double stitch down pat, the brand caters to all skill levels. We think this knot bag is the perfect project for the giftee to be proud of. From $80/cardigang.com.au
Maison Balzac carafe
A gentle reminder to drink more water, Maison Balzac’s quintessential carafe is a chic addition to desks, nightstands and dinner tables. We love the iconic amber hue. You could also add a set of summer goblets to round out a colourful glassware collection. $89/maisonbalzac.com
Who Is Elijah perfume
Treat her to a new signature scent from Australian perfumery Who Is Elijah. The Collective set includes six travel-friendly vials of the brand’s most-beloved perfumes: Nomad, Morning After, Haze, Her, Muse and Nightcap. The 10-mil size is the perfect tester to make sure they find the right fragrance fit. If you know which notes they prefer, you could try one of the brand’s latest launches, Wall Street and Rebel Rose, which have been designed to layer together. $120/adorebeauty.com.au
Kat the Label pyjama set
We all have that favourite sleeping T-shirt that should probably become a dusting rag at this point of its life. Nudge them in the right direction with a new pair of PJs from Kat the Label. Echoing the Melbourne brand’s signature lace-trimmed lingerie, this delicate sleep set comes in a sweet lilac colour for summer. $120/katthelabel.com
Emma Lewisham The Essentials set
Emma Lewisham’s eponymous skincare line has amassed a loyal following since launching in 2019. Known for its signature purple packaging and efficacious products, the New Zealand brand offers this set of minis as the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to take their skincare routine up a notch. $145/emmalewisham.com.au
Hommey robe
Hommey’s plush robes are always a good gift idea. From frosty winter mornings to post-swim coverups, the cotton towelling designs are endlessly practical. We love the bold striped colourways but there are classic shades to choose from too. $149/gethommey.com
Maison de Sabre phone pouch
Are they forever dropping their phone? Maison de Sabre’s ombré leather pouch is a hands-free hero. It has an adjustable strap that can be worn crossbody or slung over a shoulder. You can also add a personalised touch in the brand’s signature gold or silver lettering. $159/maisondesabre.com
Sarah & Sebastian petite letter bracelet
Jewellery is a great way to commemorate a special occasion – and Sarah & Sebastian’s petite letter bracelet offers an extra thoughtful touch. Choose a letter to symbolise their initials in yellow or white 10-carat gold. From $260/sarahandsebastian.com
July carry-on suitcase
Frequent flyers will love July’s signature carry-on suitcase. It comes equipped with an ejectable battery, with USB and USB-C docks, which holds enough power to charge phones and laptops on the go. You have the option to personalise the case with their initials or a picture of their pet. $325/july.com/au
Foreo Luna Mini cleansing device
Foreo’s tools are for the skincare fanatic. The Luna Mini works to remove make-up and dirt, specifically targeting oily T-zones, which can be prone to acne. It’s lightweight and perfect for travelling – whether they’re heading on an overseas adventure or throwing it into their bag for a post-workout or pre-work cleansing routine. $329/foreo.com
Roomie bedding bundle
Roomie’s colourful sheets suit night owls and morning people alike. Made from organic cotton, these super-soft sets feature helpful details like tags on fitted sheets that read “I’m the short side” and “I’m the long side” (almost as good as having a second set of hands to help you make the bed). Duvet covers are complete with inner corner ties, to avoid the dreaded quilt sag-to-the-bottom saga. The receiver of this bedding bundle will think about how much you love them every time they tuck themselves in. from $480/weareroomie.com
Dyson Supersonic hair dryer
Gift them good hair days for years to come with Dyson’s cult Supersonic hair dryer. The brand has made the science behind its tools a selling point. And while all hair is different, intelligent heat control and faster drying times help to protect dry, damaged or coloured hair. This dryer is lightweight and less noisy than traditional models, and the rave reviews speak for themselves – and there's a new "colour-pop" iteration to lust after. $649/dyson.com.au
Kitchenaid stand mixer
A kitchen icon, Kitchenaid’s stand mixer is a must-have for bakers. Picking the right colour might be the hardest decision you’ll make – is the gift receiver a classic cream person or into one of the 15 other colours? Fingers crossed they repay you with freshly baked bread and cakes for years to come. currently $679/kitchenaid.com.au
We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.