The best Christmas gifts under $100

$100 goes a long way at these local boutiques. Find on-trend homewares, gifts for the foodie and Melbourne-made accessories for someone special.

Cyrnos petite candle, $69  

All the way from Paris to Melbourne’s Royal Arcade, a candle from Trudon is steeped in 380 years of history. Browse for perfumes, candles and beautiful gifts at this stunning newly opened boutique. While the giant candles can go for as much as $800, the petite travel-sized jars make a lovely small gesture at $65. Fill your home with the sweet scent of Mediterranean citrus.

July packing cubes, from $55

A must-have for type A travellers, a set of packing cubes will keep their luggage perfectly organised. Visit July in QV Melbourne to pick up a set. Available in a four or eight pack, they come in eight stylish colours. Machine washable and stain-proof, each size is designed to fit all your bits and bobs. 

Birthstone pendant, $79

For a gift that feels tailor-made for them, consider a birthstone necklace from By Charlotte. This iconic Aussie jeweller just opened a new store in Emporium. Browse the range of 18 karat gold vermeil pieces. The pendants come with your loved one’s birthstone and the signature lotus logo. By Charlotte also stocks a gorgeous range of jewellery boxes to keep their trinkets safe.

Beauty advent calendar, $75

Every day can feel like Christmas when you gift a stacked advent calendar in December. If you’re looking for value, snap up Mecca Max’s 12 day calendar. Each door holds a colourful treat for beauty lovers. No spoilers here, but expect travel-sized versions of everyone’s favourite products in fun, sparkly shades for the party season. Visit Mecca Bourke Street’s mezzanine level for more gift ideas. 

MoMA lily pad coasters, $59.95

While we're on the cocktail hour theme, add some colourful new coasters into the mix. They come in a set of six different colours and are designed to be stacked into tiny sculptures. Functional and beautiful, create new hues and shapes as you overlap them. This cute set is available at Make Designed Objects.

Moka Express Italia coffee maker, $100 

Give the gift of freshly brewed Melbourne coffee every morning. Lygon Street’s Coffee Machine Technologies has everything you need for a barista-quality setup. The stovetop Moka Express Italia comes in an Italian-inspired red and green colour palette and can brew three cups in a jiffy. Head around the corner to Market Lane to pick up some locally roasted beans. 

Iconic Melbourne tram print, $50 to $100

Gift a little slice of city life with an iconic Melbourne art print. The retro design of the City Circle Tram poster design is sure to spark nostalgia. Created by family-owned business Historic Prints, these artworks are created, printed and framed in Melbourne. Find it in multiple sizes at the Melbourne Visitor Hub and Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre.

Saya Hat, $99

You simply cannot beat a good wide-brimmed hat. This one from Melbourne label Alpha 60 comes in three colourways and features an adjustable neck strap. Its wire edging means you can bend it into many styles. As they say – no hat, no play.

Curry starter spice kit, $75

If your bestie is a budding chef, here's the gift for them. Available from the spice merchants at Gewürzhaus, the curry kit comes with six best-selling blends. And if that wasn't enough to seal the deal, there's a custom recipe to cook along with each spice mix. This selection of classic curries is a sure-fire (no pun intended) way to upgrade your next shared meal. Secretly selfish gift alert!

Ugg Slippers, $79

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. An adage that's never been more accurate than when it comes to gifting. So gift a classic pair of Ugg slippers this Christmas. While styles come and go with the trend cycle, we suggest sticking to a classic slip-on for maximum longevity. But don't be surprised if you pick up a pair for yourself!

Salt and pepper grinder, $89.95

This refillable salt and pepper grinder is made for a kitchen where beige is banned. Designed by Areaware, this groovy little character is painted on smooth beech wood. Fill it with salt or pepper to brighten up their tablescape. If it’s looking a little lonely, grab two! It's available at Monsterthreads.

David Shrigley really good glasses, $59.95

Looking to gift something really good? Say hello to these David Shrigley glass cups, each with an upbeat slogan. With leftover money in your gifting budget, might we suggest matching the really good tea towel or notebook? Browse the NGV Design Store for more gifts to treat the art lover in your life.

Grinch lantern, $79.95

Nothing rings in the silly season like a trip to Ambiance Gifts. Located on the edges of Queen Victoria Market, this is a one-stop shop for all things Christmas. While Santa-adorned baubles and snowman snow globes are a given, buck the trend and go for the Grinch lantern. A tongue in cheek spin on the festive spirit!