15 little luxuries under $50

Lunch at Melbourne's top restaurants, from $18

We've found an affordable hack to visit some of Melbourne's bougiest restaurants on a budget. Visit at lunchtime to score cheap dining deals and a seriously good feed. At Shane Delia's chic Middle Eastern cocktail bar Jayda you can score a loaded winter bowl for just $18. Or if you're craving something more hearty, Society, Chin Chin and more top restaurants are slinging dream burger and fries combos for just $22.

Express manicure, $45

Duck out on your lunch break for a thirty-minute pick-me-up that will leave you smiling all week long. A basic manicure at Orchid Day Spa will only set you back $45, but you'll feel like a million bucks. The staff will file, soak and polish your nails while you relax in this tranquil city oasis. Need a bit more pampering? Blow out the budget a little with a 45 minute spa manicure for $55.

Luxe Italian stationery, $45

Rediscover the art of letter writing at Il Papiro, bringing a touch of Florence to Melbourne. The tiny store specialises in exquisite stationery, and the deckled edge note card and envelope set is timeless. The 10 sheets of ivory note paper are handmade in Italy and accompanied by matching envelopes. Understated and elegant, they're a blank canvas for your creative musings.

Scarf knitting kit, $41.80

One of the best ways to wind down is with a screen-free grandma hobby. Visit Morris and Sons to pick up a knitting, crochet or embroidery kit. It'll keep your hands busy and your mind clear. Pop on some music and knit your way through the iconic Petite Knit Sophie scarf. It's a quick, easy knit and you'll end up with a stylish skinny scarf to cosy up in this winter.

Belgian chocolate mousse, $26.50

Trade that exxy dinner out for a special dessert. Decadent and befitting of Melbourne's most luxe new restaurant, Maison Bâtard's mousse au chocolat is a masterpiece. Soar up to the Parisian-inspired terrace to try this much-loved dessert. It comes with a big dollop of crème Chantilly and a shower of Belgian chocolate shards.

Dessert lattes, from $9

A coffee that comes with a little sweet treat on top? Genius. Level up your coffee run with a 'bloomtini' from Bloomwood. It comes with three teeny tiny croissants on a skewer, to dunk into your frothy iced latte or strawberry matcha. It’s playful and a little ridiculous in the best way. Or try Industry Beans' indulgent tiramisu cream cold brew. With a thick layer of cream and dusting of chocolate, you won't need dessert!

Gua sha lesson, $40

The new Mecca on Bourke Street is a must-visit for beauty buffs. Explore three levels of bespoke pampering spaces designed to help you bliss out. Looking to add a relaxing ritual to your nighttime routine? Visit the apothecary and book a gua sha lesson. You'll learn step-by-step how to de-puff and make your skin glow. The price is redeemable on products, so you can pick up a gua sha tool or a luxe face oil for your new ritual.

Baker's cookbook, $49.99

Bake your way through 200 pages of sweet treats in Raymond Tan's new cookbook, You're Welcome! Roll up your sleeves to whip up DIY Pocky sticks, miso peanut cookies, mooncakes and more. Find it alongside other mouth-watering titles at Readings. Not a pro in the kitchen? Skip the measuring and head straight to Raymond's bakery Raya for ready-to-eat snacks.

Mystery posy, $35

It's true – you can buy yourself flowers! Show a little self-love with a sweet posy from Pollon Flowers. The kiss bunch comes with an arrangement of one type of flower, chosen by the florist. So it's always an exciting surprise. Head in store to find a tonne more affordable bouquets. In fact, a visit to Melbourne's most Instagrammable florist is a treat in itself. Then choose a handmade glass vase ($39) from Anaca Studio to show them off.

Nourishing hand cream, $42

Don't forget your post-mani care. Essensorie's hand cream is richly nourishing but doesn't leave you feeling greasy. Its notes of lavender, cedarwood and zingy pink grapefruit will inspire sighs of delight every time you open the tube. While many commercial beauty products are full of chemical nasties, this hand cream is 100% natural. Good for your mitts, good for the planet.

Perfume discovery set, $49

A bottle of perfume from Santa Maria Novella might break the bank. But a discovery kit from the 800-year-old beauty apothecary is a luxe bargain. This dreamy set comes with eight vials of the brand's most popular scents. Try a new one each day, perhaps rosa gardenia then tobacco toscano. Spritz it on your skin in the morning for a moment of bliss. Once you're found your forever favourite, you can invest in the full size bottle.

Premium dessert tea, from $18.50

Gewürzhaus' warming dessert teas are like a hug in a mug. Have a moment to yourself with the naturally sweet and caffeine-free apple pie tea. Dried fruit and spices like apple and cinnamon instantly conjure childhood memories. Infuse for five minutes, then enjoy. If the troubles of your day are creeping into your night-time routine, try the calming sleepy slumber tea. This caffeine-free rooibos tea will have you nodding off in no time.

Campfire hot chocolate at home, $32

A melting-hot cup of Mörk cocoa is the essence of comfort. Take a canister of original 70 per cent dark hot chocolate and brew a cup at home. Add a pack of vanilla-bean marshmallows toasted to perfection. The result of your DIY campfire hot chocolate will be sheer bliss.

Japanese incense sticks, $29.99

One sniff of this sweet-smelling incense will whisk you away on a holiday. Studio Milligram's incense sticks are designed and made in Melbourne. Light up your favourite scent stick and let the smoky aroma fill your home. While this incense is Japanese by name, the scents are all inspired by native Australian botanicals. Find them at Milligram and breathe in the smell of eucalyptus forests and salty coastal strolls.

Iconic Marimekko poppy mug, $37.95

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.