The best Christmas gifts under $100

Cyrnos small candle, $75  

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 $75. 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. 

Cute local ceramics, from $59

Local artist Shuh just opened Melbourne's most colourful little gift shop in the Campbell Arcade. The cheerful ceramics will bring a smile to anyone's face on Christmas Day. We love the Lottie hanging planter with its hand-stitched arms. Plus the bani mug, sure to spark a little joy in their morning routine.

Mystery city tours, from $65

Whether they're new to the city or just looking for an excuse to eat out more often. A mystery tour is the perfect way to discover new spots in Melbourne. The Mystery Sidedoor experience is an off-menu journey through five tasting plates at an undisclosed venue. If they're a bit of a cocktail buff, go for the Mystery Rooftop Bar Hop. They'll get to sip their way through three secret spots.

Italian lucky charm bracelet, $65

Shopping for someone who needs a little extra luck? Send the good vibes their way with a charm bracelet from Bella Luck Charms in Carlton. Cornicello pendants are the store specialty, said to ward off evil and bring good fortune. And to work they must be given as a gift. The perla evil eye bracelet comes with a trio of Italian symbols to ensure a good year ahead.

Cold brew carafe, $70

Give the gift of freshly brewed Melbourne coffee every morning. Perfect for the person who's always on the go and your friend who drinks iced coffee 365 days of the year. The Kinto capsule carafe from Milligram is the easiest way to whip up a cold brew. Head around the corner to Quists to pick up some locally roasted beans. Then all they have to do is wait as it infuses overnight.

Chocolate advent calendar, $84.90

Every day can feel like Christmas when you gift a stacked advent calendar in December. None feel more decadent than Koko Black's countdown box. Each door holds a tasty praline treat for chocolate lovers. No spoilers here, but expect bite-sized milk, dark and white chocolate treasures, in flavours like cinnamon and spiced eggnog.

Beauty gift sets, from $80

There's a luxe beauty set at Mecca for everyone on your list this Christmas. Pick up Anastasia Beverley Hills' holiday edit for a hit of sparkly party-season makeup. Skincare buffs will adore a trio of Drunk Elephant bestsellers. And your giftee doesn't need to be a Troye Sivan fan to appreciate a mini perfume set of every Tsu Lange Yor fragrance. Visit Mecca Bourke Street’s mezzanine for more gift ideas. 

Curry starter spice kit, $65

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 four 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 way to upgrade your next shared meal. Secretly selfish gift alert!

Locally designed hats, from $50

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. Big Bite Studios have designed the most nostalgic Aussie hat ever. Grab this slogan bucket hat from Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop in three colours. As they say – no hat, no play.

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.

Pink candy gingerbread lantern, $89.95

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 a gingerbread lantern. This sugary sweet decor is a tongue in cheek spin on the festive spirit!