Christmas Gifts for Design Lovers (and Where To Find Them)

On the ground floor of Sydney’s The Galeries is an explosion of colour you can’t miss. It looks like an oversized flower garden, but Happy Giant Flower Holiday is actually Sydney-based artist Micke Lindebergh’s take on a Christmas tree – one that feels perfectly suited to the southern hemisphere’s warm weather version of the day. 

It’s a joyful way to start gift shopping and a great reminder that The Galeries is a place where design shines. Here’s a guide to what you’ll find on each level.

Lower ground

Gorman Mediterranean lunch bag

“Lunchtime, but make it fun” sums up Gorman’s range of insulated lunch bags, a perfect gift for anyone you know who plans to make lunch prep a new year’s resolution. We love the uplifting hues of this Mediterranean design ($45) but there are others in Gorman-exclusive prints.

Mooii Creative Play unicorn sculpture

Mooii might be best known for cute merchandise and ornate accessories, but we couldn’t resist this bold and beautiful unicorn sculpture ($39.95) that comes flat-packed for your colour-led friend to enjoy assembling.

Senpais.jp vinyl stickers

If you’re not comfortable buying clothing for someone else, art-led label Senpais.jp also has its manga-style designs on vinyl stickers, flight tags and lanyards ($10 each) – great stocking stuffers for the Japanophile in your life.

Ground floor

A.P.C. Ninon tote

You know what they say: gold goes with almost everything. A.P.C.’s gold Ninon tote ($340) is for when your stylish friend can’t fit everything in their designer handbag – or for those who take a shine to metallic hues.

Incu homewares

Incu spans the lower ground floor and ground floor with its men’s, women’s and accessories collections. Leave the garments to your giftee and look for designer-led treasures like these cheeky Maison Balzac Pomponette coupes ($140 for two), this delightful Provider Store Inaba candle ($89) in a handmade ceramic organic vessel, or this jaunty Baina Roman pool towel ($130).

July Wayfarer shoulder bag

Known for its sleek and colourful luggage, July also offers a range of smaller bags, like this Wayfarer shoulder bag ($225) made of Japanese denim, or the smart-looking book tote ($375) in the same material, which will come in handy when you get to level two. 

Mejuri linked bracelet

A stunning handcrafted 14-carat yellow gold linked bracelet ($498) with a pair of eye-catching interlinked rings is for a special someone who keeps it classy but likes to be a little bit different in small ways.

T Totaler handmade teaware

T Totaler is beloved for its matcha mixes, but its teaware selection is just as appealing. Browse matcha bowls and teacups, or choose the Tea for One gift set ($80), which includes an apothecary jar of the brand’s Australian Breakfast tea, a test tube of the Unwind herbal blend, a strainer and a ceramic cup handmade in Japan.

Level one

Muji scented ceramic stones

The Japanese brand is famous for its pared-back aesthetic. If you have a person in your life of the same mindset, consider this simple, personalised gift: a porcelain fragrance plate ($7.95), a bag of unglazed ceramic stones ($10.95) and an essential oil fragrance ($29.95) to match their personality. 

Level two

Kinokuniya design books

The sprawling bookshop has a significant art and design section that you can lose hours in. If you’re short on time, however, here are a few suggestions. For the creative, reference books like Hokusai’s Method ($69.99) or The Artist’s Palette ($69.99) are informative and useful. If your recipient has a favourite artist, check whether a monograph exists – recent standouts include The Art of Kaylene Whiskey ($90) and Yayoi Kusama ($59.95). Coffee table books also make excellent gifts, from interior-focused titles like Elements of Timeless Style ($69.99) and A Visual Feast ($64.99) to photography collections such as Ying Ang – Fruiting Bodies ($70) or the energetic Liam Wong: TO:KY:OO ($54.98).

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with The Galeries. This festive season, The Galeries has a limited-edition Micke Lindebergh print giveaway for shoppers. See thegaleries.com for details.