gift guide : simply practical

There’s a lot to be said for practical gifts that tick all the right boxes: simple and purposeful items that are made to last. This guide was a joy to collate…and if I’m being completely honest, it’s basically my wish list. There’s items light enough to send in the mail (without attracting exorbitant postage fees), there’s gifts for teachers, gardeners, homemakers and cooks, a special cup for a passionate tea drinker and the perfect beach towel for an ocean swimmer. If you’re after for a thoughtful gift that is both beautiful and practical, look no further…

1. Local artist Lauren Merrick has a unique, whimsical style and her 2016 wall calendar features a gorgeous collection of nature-inspired paintings / 2. I haven’t quit sugar but I absolutely love this book…Simplicious is brimming with hints, tips, recipes and ideas to make the most of your food – every last smidgen! Frugavore has a similar message / 3. I flick through The Little Vegie Patch Co every time I’m at the bookshop and have asked for it for Christmas…I appreciate its conversational tone and magazine-style layout. If you’re after a similar book for a city-dweller without a garden, The Edible Balcony comes highly recommended / 4. The perfect gift for the creative gardener who loves the document / 5. Just call me the basket lady…but in all honesty, a bolga basket has so very many uses / 6. I wrote about Futah towels here and basically I’m a convert – lightweight, absorbent, vibrant – a summer essential / 7. Bee Eco Wraps – wraps your food in beeswax and stop buying the plastic alternative. Genius! / 8. A nifty herb drying rack – practical, country style / 9. a good quality knife is an absolute necessity in every kitchen / 10. A pretty packet of seeds (that comes with an envelope) that will attract “good” bugs to your garden / 11. a naturopathic range of skincare made in Australia from the very best ingredients / 12. don’t save this for special occasions, everyday tea drinking should always include a beautiful cup / 13. wee willie winkie for romantic candlelit evenings (and beeswax candles, too) / 14. keep those mozzies at bay with this terracotta coil holder / 15. for the cook who loves a curry night, this Indian copper/stainless steel pot makes for an authentic cooking experience / 16. my very favourite range of block soaps, I always buy dindi for gifts. Made from the freshest, natural ingredients they smell absolutely amazing and are soft and nourishing to your skin.