Small business gift guide: 12 entrepreneurs share their recommendations

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, but amid the rush towards December 25, and the seemingly never-ending stream of marketing emails, it can be hard to find the perfect gift.

So who better to know about high-quality, innovative and sustainable Australian businesses to buy from than their fellow business owners?

We asked a bunch of entrepreneurs to share their best small business gift recommendations this holiday season.

The result? A small business holiday gift guide featuring 21 products and businesses, recommended by 12 Australian entrepreneurs.

Enjoy!

Athan Didaskalou, co-founder of July

“Nice Digs make great dog gear. Everyone is obsessed with their pets, so a new collar and matching leash is a pretty fail-safe gift for any dog owner in my opinion. 

“Anything from Bodega Deli — the hot sauces and rubs are delicious and perfect for a workplace Kris Kringle or stocking stuffers. Ultra Violette sunscreen is always a winner, as is Welly, which are smoothie packets containing fruit and vegetables. They taste like a milkshake but are full of vitamins and fibre – a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies. 

“I really love Merry People gumboots; if you have a family member who’s a teacher these are especially good for yard duties. And Saba Organics hand wash duo is a great gift for anyone who’s moving into a new home, or again, that dreaded work KK.”

Stephanie Say, chief executive officer of HoMie

“I’d encourage gift-givers to consider buying from social enterprises this holiday season to turn your dollars into real social impact. Our friends over at The Social Studio have some incredible pieces on offer, exclusively stocking products by bla(c)k, Indigenous and culturally diverse creatives, as well as their own upcycled label. 100% of their profits go towards supporting their education programs for refugee and migrant creatives. You can jump online or head to their store at Collingwood Yards in Melbourne.

“Clothing the Gaps is another incredible social enterprise and Australian-owned clothing label, producing merch with a message that sparks conversation. They make clothes that influence social change, using their brand platform to campaign, educate and elevate Aboriginal peoples’ voices and causes. CTG has tons of gifting ideas on its website; or you can wander into their flagship store on Sydney Road in Brunswick, Melbourne. Our pick: the ‘Always was, always will be’ tee — it’s ally friendly, sends an important message, and is perfect for summer!” 

Daniel Kitay, co-founder of Funday Sweets

“A standout Australian small business that has our hearts is Bobby.

“What sets Bobby apart for us goes beyond their refreshingly low-sugar soft drinks. As a business deeply committed to advocating for reduced sugar intake, Bobby has become our go-to. It’s mastered the art of crafting beverages that not only tantalises the taste buds but also align seamlessly with our mission of promoting healthier alternatives. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a mindful choice, a commitment to a healthier lifestyle without compromising on the joy of indulgence. 

“What’s equally commendable is Bobby’s dedication to sustainability. In an era where environmental responsibility matters more than ever, Bobby stands out by using eco-friendly packaging and actively supporting local initiatives. This additional layer of commitment to the community and the planet reinforces our belief that supporting businesses like Bobby’s is a step towards a more conscientious and sustainable future. This Christmas, consider raising a glass with us to Bobby, a small business that’s not just redefining refreshment but also contributing to a tastier and healthier future.

“So, here’s to Bobby – a small business that not only delivers a delightful drinking experience but also embodies values we proudly stand behind this festive season.”

Danielle Pelly, founder and director, Ena Pelly

“This Christmas one of my favourite brands for gifting is Gentle Habits. Their ethos is centred around creating mindful rituals to help you switch off after a busy day or when you’re feeling the mental load. We are a very small team who work incredibly hard to deliver our campaigns each month so this sentiment of needing a way to unwind each day really resonates with us and is such a thoughtful gift for friends and family. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0FYikGh7Zp/

“The business originally began in our neighbourhood, on the surf Coast of Victoria where all their scents are blended. It’s a really supportive community down here that’s produced some amazing Aussie brands and we love the opportunity to support like-minded local business owners when we can. 

“Gentle Habits is inspired by the positive outcomes that their products encourage. This year they have a beautiful range of gifting pieces with the intention to remind us to smile, breathe, ground and connect back to the Australian bush and beaches. In a world of such chaos and uncertainty right now, I couldn’t think of a better gift this Christmas.” 

Sally Branson Dalwood, director of Sally Branson Consulting and co-founder of The Suite Set

“Where do I start? Mine aren’t traditional gifts but ones that I wish for everyone. 

“This seems ridiculous but for my fellow small business parents, I’ve been actually gifting them with a bottle of I’m Nutrients vitamins for kids. For many of us, we’ve got tired, end-of-school kids and we need them to keep well until the holidays and in the holidays so we can work.

“But I suppose pushing vitamins on kids isn’t for everyone, so if I had a bigger budget for corporate gifts I would gift all my clients a session with Fiona Killackey from My Daily Business. She’s such a good operator. Or a one-on-one Zoom with Dr Aileen Alegado from Mindset Psychology. 

“If it’s a stocking filler, I’d be making sure all my lovely PR cohort and my media friends could get a little gift of glow from Holme Beauty, a great, and growing, Victorian brand. Because we are all burning the candle getting all the things done, and a bit of glow hasn’t hurt anyone!” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0TW7ckLgm9/

Jeremy Lay, founder of ECHT

“Charlie and Bear isn’t just a baby clothing business; it’s like discovering a treasure trove of love and coziness for your little ones. As the festive season unfolds, there’s something magical about dressing your baby in Charlie and Bear’s handmade creations. From adorable onesies featuring whimsical holiday patterns to the softest, most huggable blankets, every piece feels like it’s been crafted with a sprinkle of holiday joy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0AL3J-yoh2/

“What makes buying from Charlie and Bear this Christmas extra special is the personal touch they bring to every creation. These aren’t just clothes; they’re tiny tales of childhood wonder and delight.”

Amanda Niu, co-founder and co-CEO of Eva

“I’d love to recommend The Dirt Company which does fantastic eco-friendly laundry detergent. Their dispenser bottles are refillable, which means that you don’t have to worry about chucking out tons of plastic bottles each time. And when you’ve used up the refill packs, you can send them right back and they’ll reuse them again. It’s such a great idea!

“I’ve been a big fan of them for a while because they just make it so easy for us to reduce our environmental impact. Plus, their bundles are cute and make a really thoughtful gift for anyone!”

Odette Barry, founder of Odette & Co and co-founder of Launchpad Australia

“Re-connect — the ultimate card game to deepen conversations and connections.

“Started by Nim De Swardt after many years investigating intergenerational connection and storytelling, the deck is the perfect antidote to the loneliness epidemic at hand. Perfect to gift to a family member, friend, colleague or staff member who you want to explore deeper conversations with.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzW8hJvSM6c/?img_index=1

“Every person that I’ve gifted one to has reported incredible shifts in their relationships. I’m obsessed! My deck comes with me everywhere I go!”

Aidan Clarke, Founder of SA1NT Layers

“Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, most of us adults like a delicious dram around this time of year!

“I love the offering that Ballarat-based Itinerant Spirits have curated. From their smooth Wayfarer Whiskey to their aromatic Gallivanter Gin, and their latest precise and pure Vansetter Vodka, you can’t go wrong with this rural Victorian offering. Amazing old blue stone distillery if you make it to Ballarat — or order online for R18s.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0dH_0kLMHw/

Jacinta Hardie-Grant, Managing Direct of Handsel

“Rowena Martinich is a Victorian surf coast-based artist who creates incredible artwork focused on vast, dynamic, and abstract designs and her artwork is seen across public spaces to high-end designed homes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvrYslSJGNo/

“She has an amazing range of prints that are perfect at injecting colour, character and fun into any home and would make a seriously good gift. Or, if you really wanted to splurge, a custom artwork is a pretty impressive gift that will last forever. (I have dreams of doing an amazing Handsel card collaboration in the future!).”

Luke McLeod, founder of Soul Alive

“I will be buying my wife and possibly a couple of the women in my family silk shirts from The Fable. They are a Sydney-based fashion label that specialises in creating silk shirts. My wife is obsessed with the one she has, so I will get them in a few more colours for her. They also use ethically accredited factories which is a win in my books.”

Ben Lucas from Flow Athletic