Upscale, vintage, handmade, festive, jokey: when it comes to Christmas presents it’s not one-size-fits-all, so you’re guaranteed to find something for even the pickiest of your loved ones. But, of course, it all starts with knowing where to look. Well, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: we’ve got some great suggestions for amazing spots to do all your holiday (or regular) shopping! You can even skip the queues and grab a super flexible Fever gift cards.
1. Roam a shopping malls
It may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes the simplest answer is best and with big shopping malls you get a lot of choice, so you won’t have to fear not finding what you’re looking for. Luckily, Brisbane has many huge malls to choose from, all of them with some of your favourite Australian and international brands, and some with special Christmas-themed decorations and events!
Queen Street Mall, the pedestrianised shopping hub that connects the city’s centre, includes four department centres, with high-end names featuring prominently for big spenders. The whole mall goes all out for Christmas, with decorations, a show and roaming acts all over the area, and even a workshop to make your own tiny door! The display at the historical Brisbane Arcade is also well worth a visit, with more than 1,000 meters of sparkling gold lights, around 12,000 individually attached baubles, bows, wreaths, garlands and, of course, their adorable mascot, Rosie the Reindeer.
Find gourmet gifts, accessories and décor at West Village, and take advantage of their beautiful outdoor spaces to bask in the festive summer weather. Join the waitlist and try to catch Opera Queensland’s shining stars for an evening of beloved Christmas songs in a magical outdoor setting.
You may have to drive a bit farther out, but there’s very little you won’t find at Westfield Chermside. Toys, apparel, books, tech, wellness… you name it, they’ve got it! They also have everyone’s favourite couple, Santa and Mrs Claus for an extra dose of magic for the little ones! Listen to Mrs Clause tell a classic Christmas story or get a photo taken with Santa for a lasting memory.
2. Peruse a department store
This is admittedly a bit of a Russian nesting doll shopping situation, since most department stores are inside shopping malls. However, they are worth mentioning because they’re almost like a self-contained mall: from homeware and travel gear to beauty products, you’ll be spoiled for choice all under the same roof.
Myer has a whole section dedicated to advent calendars and hampers, making gifting easy! David Jones, in QueensPlaza, also has a wide range of luxury fashion and home goods and, during the silly season you’ll have the chance to take a photo with Santa and even catch their famous Toy Soldier Troupe, Belles, and Roving Carolers around the shop!
3. Enjoy a Christmas market
Christmas markets are now in full swing now, and they’re the perfect place to get inspo for your loved ones or your own wish list! Shop handcrafted goodies and all the glorious eats and treats you can think of for unique and memorable gifts. A lot of them are free entry or have very affordable tickets if you want to make a day of it. Plus, it’s not everywhere that you can have a boozy drink while you shop, and many markets include a pop-up bar!
SEE MORE: Christmas Markets In Brisbane Where You Can Get Festive
4. Catch a pop-up shop
Inside certain shopping centres you’ll find shops that seem to appear as if by the magic of Christmas, so you can get your pressies as sneakily as coming Santa down the chimney.
In Brisbane Quarter, for example, Xmas & Co Christmas have (literally) set up shop to spread festive cheer with their Christmas wonderland pop-up shop, selling all things merry and bright until December 24.
If that’s not sweet enough for you, Smash A Cake, the amazing cake-piñata hybrid (aka a delicious chocolate shell filled with surprise goodies) will be in Westfield Chermside until December 22, so you can grab one of their mini cakes and gift a loved one the cathartic experience of smashing it with a mallet.
5. Peruse an op shop
This is the season of giving, so why not head to an op shop that donates to a good cause? St Veronica’s Thrift Shop, for example, helps refugees and impoverished communities, with particular emphasis on children, and has a large selection of everything you could want — festive and regular.
Or you can even DIY a gift for the ultra-personalised approach. A shop like Do-Op not only offers clothes and furniture but a dedicated crafts space, where they regularly host workshops for both seasoned and beginner upcyclers. They will be holding a free Christmas pom pom headband workshop on December 20, and you can get a spot here!