Two legs
Gift shopping for kids is the best because you get to look at cute and often miniature versions of things made for adults – so much inspo! If you’re not so keen on forking out for an iPhone, there are some tech-savvy options that are still sure to satisfy – might we suggest the Kidizoom Smartwatch, the Immerse Plus VR headset, or even a touch of your own childhood with an OG Tamagotchi. Little ones with a creative streak will get a real kick out of the 3Doodler 3D printing pen, these awesome monster crayons (bonus points as sales raise money for Act for Kids) or perhaps the Woofer guitar for budding musicians. This watermelon-themed ping-pong set from Sunnylife will keep them occupied and active, while the super-sweet Fingerling baby monkeys are a great option for nurturing little souls. If you’re buying for a tyke who is yet to learn the alphabet, do the universe a favour and grab a copy From AB to Jay Z – thank us later.
One of the best things about kids is the ability to dress them in way cooler stuff than you were forced to wear as a child – you can’t go wrong with Sabo Skirt’s Mini collection, Seed Heritage’s child selection or H&M’s whopping range of pint-sized threads. For more novelty-style wearables that will have everyone passing out from a cute overload, gift your little one with a reindeer or unicorn rider costume from faithful Kmart. You can also go a little more practical with this rad watermelon towel, shark blanket or personalised mermaid sleeping bag (all of which we are actually pretty jealous of, to be honest). Doll houses just got cool again – this stylish wooden abode from Winne Dot is a dreamy addition to any bedroom. Keep your dollars local with a rad kid’s cap from newly launched label The Play Collective – the collection is pretty damn slick (and way cute), with a bunch of cool designs to keep the little one’s noggins on trend. You can ignite a little bit of the gangsta within and get some cool threads like the black kindness tank from Urban Bambino. Practically everything from Children of the Tribe is a sure-fire winner, but we’re loving the macrame swing, etched with the text ‘come swing with me’ … and we’re secretly hoping it comes in adult sizes. Check out local label Have A Nice Day (HAND), which makes toys for children from sustainably sourced plywood – perfect for adding some genuine handmade goodness to the toy collection. Add some style to your bambino’s bedroom with a magical canopy tent from Brisbane-based Jack & Willow. If you’re keen to ditch the mis-matched colours and Peppa Pig prints, you’ll love the luxe leather mini mods from HomeDay.
Four legs
You should treat your pets like royalty all year long, but having an excuse to splash some extra cash on them is always fun. For a more aesthetically pleasing approach to dog toys, you can’t go past this Waggo playful pineapple chomper, this AFP squeaky flamingo or even this army-themed hedgehog. If your dog sucks at posing for crucial Instagram photos, pick up this Pooch Selfie device – it’s cheap and totally genius. For those whose pet really is their BFF, a custom friendship necklace with one half for you and the other for your beloved is a sweet and personal present. Tired of gaudy leads and collars? Level up your luxe with some goods from Nice Digs – the latest velvet collection is positively dreamy. Your four-legged friends can now have a cute place to rest with this pet teepee, which is easy to wash (crucial with little stinkers, bless ‘em) and looks awesome to boot. If the thought of cleaning out kitty litter for another year makes you want to gag, do yourself a massive favour and pick up one of these self-cleaning litter trays – less for your purring mate and more for you, but ‘tis the season. The Bones Society will have your pup looking dapper from head to toe – the Kick Arse Bandanas in floral print are a treat, or add some style to the morning walk with The Captain Lead.