Melbourne's best homewares gifts

Pottery fridge magnets, $18

Make your fridge 100% cuter with a whimsical set of magnets. The garden day magnets are a series of hand-crafted and painted characters. Collect them all, from the duck to the flower and the signature Shuh girl. Find them at this colourful hidden boutique in Campbell Arcade.

Art prints and posters, from $19.95

Sure, you probably can't afford an original by your favourite artist. But a poster? You can pick one up with change from a twenty at the NGV Design Store! Browse the stunning range of iconic art prints and limited edition posters. Think The Great Wave, Albert Namatjira's Ghost Gums and local works that will put a smile on your face every time you walk past.

Ceramic olive oil bottle, $24.95

No need to stash these cute bottles away in the pantry. Gewürzhaus has the sweetest range of ceramic containers for olive oil. They're perfect for those who prefer buying in bulk, simply top them up to save money and reduce waste. Designs include a stylish replica oil can or a farmhouse-inspired jug.

Playful tableware, from $25

If you know your way around a tablescape and never shy away from colour, chances are you're already a Maison Balzac fan. Incu stocks some of the most fun pieces. Pick up the celery shaped taper candles for a quirky centrepiece. Or perhaps a Mediterranean-inspired fish platter.

Vietnamese coffee candle, $28

Does your friend down Vietnamese iced coffee like it's water? Fill their whole house with aromas of freshly roasted coffee, condensed milk and caramel. Young at Heart Studio's soy wax blends are available at Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop. Other unique flavours include tiger balm, peach soju and yuzu iced tea.

Iconic Marimekko poppy mug, $37.95

To brighten up the day, start with the essentials. Like a brand-new coffee cup. For the latest design-focused 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.

Koala tea towel, $38 

Add a little Aussie charm to the kitchen with a Christmas tea towel featuring designs by local artist Emily May. We’re in love with the koala one with its whimsical design and nostalgic details. Look out for these excellent stocking stuffers at the Visitor Hub, Visitor Booth and Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre.

Ceramic baking dish, $49

When the baking dish looks just as good as the food, you know you're onto a winner. This colourful piece of cookware from Kip & Co is designed to go straight from oven to table. We're picturing a baked vodka pasta as the showstopper at a dinner party. And the little baubles aren't just for looks, they make perfect handles for carrying delicious creations. Find it at David Jones.

Craft Victoria's handmade mugs, from $62

Everyone knows you can never have too many mugs, so tell your pal to make space on their shelf. Check out Craft Victoria, which offers unique creations from around the state. There’s nothing boring about Yuro Cuchor's 'cut' range. With angular details, this glazed stoneware is a work of art.

Il Papiro's Italian journal, from $45

Grab one of Il Papiro’s gorgeous journals to write out your goals, thoughts and more. Handmade in Florence, just looking at an exquisite marbled cover range lifts the mood. From the cover’s traditional marbling technique, to the high-quality ivory pages between, each one is unique.

Bath mat, $79.95

Shower time is infinitely more fun with a cheeky bath mat. Start your day in a good mood with Sage and Clare's 'nudie rudie' mat. The cotton terry towelling is tufted for an ultra plush feel under your feet. It's non-slip and absorbent for a mess-free morning. Get it at alongside more playful homewares at Monsterthreads.

Colourful resin leaf bowls, from $150

No one does colour like Aussie label Dinosaur Designs. Each resin bowl is entirely one of a kind, with the vivid hues forming dreamy designs. We love the organic curved leaf shape and the array of uses. Display it on a shelf, use it as a showstopping salad bowl or simply fill it with trinkets. The leaf bowls are available in two sizes and more than 30 colours.

Chic and trendy lamps, from $195

For an instant lift in any room, add some atmospheric lighting. Dwell specialises in trending styles that will last the test of time. The Nendo orb light shades have the look of a paper lantern, minus the fragility. Made in minimalist linen they'll last a lifetime. Looking for something more whimsical? Grab the Iris table lamp. It's built from corn-based biodegradable materials in a unique wavy shape.

Akari lamps, from $735

Add a soft and stylish glow to your home with an iconic Akari paper lamp. These functional sculptures are handmade in a family-run workshop in Japan. Head to Saloon Store in Curtin House to find four different styles made with delicate washi paper and bamboo.