How I do my Christmas shopping in my late 40s is very different to how I did it in my 30s. No more shoulder-to-shoulder shopping, wrestling for bargains. Now I either don a sunhat and trawl the local market scene or I grab a glass of something, ah, relaxing and settle in and let my fingers do the walking.
Here’s my fave five gifts for nature lovers.
Indigenous Sup Tour
Tickets for a 2-hour stand up paddle boarding tour with a difference. The tour is led by local Yuin woman with Dharawal kinship Dr Jodi Edwards and an accredited SUP Shellharbour instructor. You will stop along the way to hear Jodi tell the local cultural stories in both the Dharawal language and in English. All of your equipment, including your board and paddle, are supplied and the tours are suitable for beginners. Get tickets here.
Your home town, but quirky
Got a fave haunt in the Illawarra? Love the ocean pools of Coalcliff and the Norfolk pines of Coledale? Local designer and potter extraordinaire Therese Petre (Peach) has launched a fab range of tees, limited edition prints and calendars. Her range covers the northern suburbs, southern suburbs will launch shortly. Arty, quirky and nostalgic. Just like home. Shop here.
A bouquet of Australian birds
Kayla Reay is a life-long bird fanatic who lives in the Illawarra. She works with polychromos pencils to create joyful 'Bird Bouquets' that celebrate the uniqueness and vibrancy of Australia's birdlife and flora. You can find something for all flora and fauna lovers here – from tea towels to totes to print and calendars. Shop here.
Whale hello there
Ashley Sykes’ whale prints offer a bird's-eye view of the humpback highway. Ashley’s drone images were taken throughout the Illawarra, including high above Shellharbour, Kiama and Wollongong, and show these gentle giants at their most awe-inspiring. Perfect for any whale tragic. Shop here.
Best walks guide
There’s a reason Best Walks of the Illawarra by Gillian and John Souter has made Collins Booksellers in Thirroul's bestseller list for the past four years: it’s perfect for everyone. If you’re after a short ramble or a challenging hike, you can find it in this full-colour guide. Find it here.
