The best budget Christmas gifts in Australia: 55 brilliant ideas under $55

Finding a good gift is never easy, and when budgets are tight it gets even harder. So our editors have done the work for you.
We’ve spent the year seeking out delicious, delightful, thoughtful and – critically – affordable presents. There are ideas here that work for family, friends and obligatory recipients like your kids’ educators or office secret Santas. Our suggestions are mostly from Australian companies, with a focus on socially conscious and environmentally-aware businesses.
We’ve listed items at their recommended retail price – which means during sale periods some prices may be lower at the checkout. Because we’ve prioritised smaller businesses, some products may sell out quickly. If that’s the case, browse their store to see if there’s something else that might work, or reach out to the vendor directly. They’ll be thrilled to hear from you.
How to use this gift guide
What do you want? You can sift gifts by category, by selecting presents that are decorative, like homewares and objects d’art; edible, for things to snack on or sip; wearable for items that can make an outfit; practical for things guaranteed to get used; crafty for handmade items, and gifts for hand-making; or silly for gag gifts that won’t make you gag. Who is it for? You can sort by personality traits, which should be obvious even with passing acquaintances, by selecting for someone who’s fun, classy, grumpy, geeky, outdoorsy, sporty, handy or the hardest shop of all: boring.
If you’re on the hunt for kids’ gift ideas, watch this space. We’ll be running a guide just for little ones next week.

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