Spark some joy with these thoughtful homeware purchases. From flowers, scents and stationery to professional bar accessories.

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop bundle boxes, from $20

Can't quite decide on the perfect gift for that someone special? Why not grab a bundle of thoughtful and practical gifts at Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop? We're talking, candles with beautiful Australiana scents, chocolates, funky socks, hand crafted mugs and more.

Iconic Marimekko poppy mug, $38

To brighten up the day, start with the essentials. Like a brand-new coffee cup. For the latest contemporary homewares, see the range at Make Designed Objects. The Unikko mug features Marimekko’s signature red poppies, and can be safely used in the oven, microwave, freezer or dishwasher.

A shop display of Marimekko red poppy mugs and a teapot.
Marimekko

Mr. Kitly self-watering pot, from $9.95

The Mr. Kitly self-watering pot from Wilkins and Kent is both stylish and practical. Fill the bottom tray with water to give your plants a long lasting drink. It's the perfect solution for when you're away on summer holidays. They come in all sorts of colours and sizes and get this – they’re made in Melbourne!

Natural pillow perfume, from $36

Gift a peaceful night’s sleep with pillow perfume from Essensorie. Its notes of lavender, cedarwood and zingy pink grapefruit inspire snoozy sighs of delight. While many commercial scents are full of chemical nasties, this handmade spray is 100 per cent natural. Good for them, good for the planet, and the amber glass bottle can be refilled too.

Shelves holding a display of beauty products in a stylish boutique.
Essensorie

Professional cocktail kit, from $90

Summer can only mean one thing, cocktails! Raise the gifting bar with a professional cocktail kit from 1806, one of Melbourne’s classiest bars. The martini kit includes a shaker, fine strainers, fancy spiral bar spoon, Japanese-style jigger and recipe cards. Cheers!

Chic and trendy lamps, from $199

For an instant lift in any room, add some atmospheric lighting. Dwell specialises in trending styles that will last the test of time. This moon-like lamp by Misewell is a monochrome statement piece your loved one can keep forever. Other chic designs include the Louis Filosa Cantilever lamp, which offers a perfect sphere of warm glowy light alongside a compact design.

A white orb lamp on a black base.
The Misewell lamp - image via Dwell website.

Il Paprio's Italian stationery, from $139

Grab one of Il Papiro’s gorgeous journals for that someone special to write out their goals, thoughts and more. Handmade in Florence, just looking at an exquisite peacock marble journal lifts the mood. From the cover’s traditional marbling technique, to the high-quality ivory pages between, each one is unique.

Quirky and cute plant pots, from $14.95

Know someone that needs to level up their indoor plant game? Gift them these very cute planter pots from Spoilt Gift & Homewares. They can plant vibrant seasonal flowers, bookshelf-style cacti, or magnificent monsteras in these quirky and trendy planter pots. Check out the extensive range for a great gift for any plant lover.

Three quirky planter pots in the shape of bird heads.
Spoilt Gift & Homewares - image via Spoilt Gift & Homewares website.

Luxurious glass candles, from $69.95

Gift your loved one with instant serenity. We recommend a luxe scented candle from Make Designed Objects. Try this glass votive by Skandinavisk, which will fill a mid-sized room with fragrance for 50 hours. With Norwegian fjords and fruitylicious orchards it's the ideal candle.

Craft Victoria's fluted cup, from $77

Everyone knows a person can never have too many mugs, so they might just be the perfect gift. Check out Craft Victoria, which offers unique creations from around the state. There’s nothing boring about Melbourne-based potter Terunobu Hirata’s fluted cup. Inspired by Japanese Oribe-style pottery, this glazed stoneware is a work of art.

A shelf filled with craft and crockery items.
Craft up your coffee break

Bouquet of roses, from $81

Fresh flowers are a sure-fire way to brighten someone's day. Spoil that someone you love with a beautiful bunch of living colour from Her Majesty's Florist. The Designer's Choice is a stunning bouquet of bliss, including 12 premium roses. Pair perfectly with a little something extra, like chocolates, a bottle of bubbly or a soft teddy bear.

Folia's indoor plants, from $14.50

If you're stumped on what to get your friends, you can never go wrong with a potted buddy. Folia House offers interesting and beautiful options, including an entire range of low-light, beginner friendly plants. Perfect for apartment living, these elegant plants are have a hardy edge.

A woman inside a plant store.
Folia House

Iconic Melbourne art, from $250

Pick up awesome artwork from Outre Gallery this festive season and be named the coolest gift giver. Like the strokes of genius by American artist Shag, renowned for colourful retro party scenes. But the limited-edition Shag print we love best is his take on an Australian icon. He’s pumped up the fun in John Brack’s 1955 painting, Collins St, 5pm.

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