Top 12 Melbourne gift ideas

Melbourne’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit is evident in all seasons of the city, but in the lead up to Christmas – with designer collaborations and limited editions released – there are plenty of hand-crafted, Melbourne made gift ideas that will sit very nicely under the Christmas tree.

Indoor Green: Living with Plants at Mr KitlyIndoor Green: Living with Plants by Mr Kitly’s owner Bree Claffey, is the ideal gift for indoor plant enthusiasts. Available exclusively at the Brunswick shop, Mr Kitly, the hard cover coffee table book features images of plant-filled interiors shot by Melbourne photographer Lauren Bamford. My Kitly also stocks locally made self-watering plant pots and steel plant stands alongside a range of Japanese ceramics that are hard to find elsewhere. 381 Sydney Road, Brunswick, +61 3 9078 7357

Hand painted pots by Pop & Scott x búlTwo of Melbourne’s favourite designers have joined forces this season to create a limited edition line of hand painted pots. Merging the aesthetic of both Pop & Scott and Bul, the collaboration includes a set of six designs, available in two sizes. The range can be purchased at all of búl’s Melbourne stores.

Socks by Otto & SpikeSocks and jocks are the backup Chrissie pressie for dads the world over, so why not bring some vibrancy to what can easily be an uninspired gift? Otto and Spike’s Melbourne made socks are soft and snug, and available in a range of fun colours. The 40 year old brand has its own store in Brunwick, just a short tram ride from the city centre, and their products are readily available at a smattering of retailers across the city. 324 Victoria Street, Brunswick, +61 3 9387 3885

A day in Melbourne colour-in book at Melbourne CentralMelbourne historian and story teller Dale Campesi has teamed up with photographer Brady Michaels to create A Day in Melbourne, a colour-in book for everyone from curious kids to culturally-minded travellers. Available in hard-back, the book features approximately 20 line drawings of iconic Melbourne scenes, from the city skyline to street life, busy laneways and beautiful buildings. Each snapshot of the city is accompanied by short vignettes that tell a story of each scene depicted. Available at book stores across the city and at The Gents Colour-in Melbourne Workshop, shop OK3 on the ground floor at Melbourne Central from 12-24 December 2015.

Tablewear by Tracey MuirheadTracey Muirhead has created tablewear for Melbourne’s famed restaurant The Press Club and South Melbourne’s newcomer, Lume. As such, her creations make coveted Christmas gifts. Each piece is hand formed in stone-wear or porcelain. They are available alongside a stable of other high end ceramic pieces at Potier in Albert Park, just outside the city. 29 Mills Street, Albert Park, +61 3 9645 7158

Glass blown vases by Norm BorgProducing work under the label Tallon Glass, Norm Borg’s glass blown pieces are bold, colourful creations. Made at his studio in Gippsland’s Nungurner, his vases, bottles and bowls are hard not to like. Available in a range of shapes and colours, at Veronica George Gallery in Armadale, Kirra Gallery in Federation Square, Glass Plus Gallery in South Melbourne and several regional Victorian locations.

Blankets by UimiMelbourne based knitwear specialist, Uimi has a selection of summer and winter blankets available that make cosy Christmas presents for friends and family in either hemisphere. Made in Australia from 100% organic/Egyptian cotton (for summer) and 100% Australian merino wool (for winter), Uimi blankets are available in a range of vibrant patterns and colours. With stockists all over Melbourne and indeed Victoria, there is no shortage of places to find them.

Bags and satchels by A’ESQUEFounded in Melbourne in 2012, A’ESQUE is creates high end leather goods for men and women. With two Melbourne stores, on Collins Street in the city centre, and on Chapel Street in South Yarra, just a  short cab ride The brand was established in 2012 by Amanda Briskin-Rettig, with a clear vision to express modernity by subtle aesthetics. It occupies a clear, clean space in the market, with a quality that is proved simply by the excellence of the product and the design. 109 Collins Street, +61 3 9639 7070 and 555B Chapel Street, +61 3 9827 6686

Handcrafted wooden pieces by Helen and Shane Walsh at CraftWorking side by side with wood for several decades, Helen and Shane Walsh have complimentary practices. Shane works with reclaimed and recycled timbers, forming them into functional pieces. His boxes are finely finished, with perfectly fitted drawers. Helen favours reclaimed and recycled timbers for their diversity of colours and textures. Her handcrafted vessels and spoons are simple and strong in their forms, and are designed for daily use. 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, +61 3 9650 7775

Anything at the Melbourne Made Gift Market (19 December, 10.30am–4pm)For one day only, more than 70 of Melbourne’s most coveted artists, makers and designers come gather at the Melbourne Made Gift Market, a one-day event to be held at the Melbourne Town Hall the week before Christmas. Everything here will be locally made and ethical produced by independent designers, including Green Candle Co., and O Design, Hoopla Designs, Fizzy Pop Designs, tianceramics, Twice Drunk, Avargadi and many others. Across the road, City Square will be transformed into Christmas Square to get shoppers in the festive spirit. Melbourne Town Hall – Main Hall, Melbourne