10 ideas for Christmas shopping in the Macedon Ranges

Are you stressing out? Christmas is just weeks away and it is hard to squeeze in the time to shop with all the end of year functions, concerts and catch ups. Never fear, there are lots of places to buy the perfect gift locally! Here are 10 ideas for Christmas shopping in the Macedon Ranges that are obviously close to home but also support our local businesses.

1. Book stores: If there is a bookworm in your life, consider purchasing from and supporting a local bookstore rather than heading to the big chains. Head to Aesop’s Attic or Squishy Minnie in Kyneton, New Leaves bookstore in Woodend, The Red Door Books of Lancefield, and Paradise Bookstore in Daylesford. There is nothing like a dedicated bookstore and the customer service is second to none.

2. Artists and art suppliers: We live in an area with more artists per capita than any other region in Victoria. What could be a more thoughtful present than a gorgeous painting, sculpture or vase? Head to Art On Piper and The Old Auction House in Kyneton, The Gallery in Mount Macedon, Clark Will Short Stays Properties or look up your favourite artists and get in contact with them directly via their websites. For your framing needs visit Framed By Stephanie in Riddells Creek.

3. Nurseries: For the green thumbs in your life, why not purchase something for their garden? Fruit trees, vegetables, flowers and plants are the gift that keep on giving, and no wrapping is required! Head to Riddells Creek Nursery, Macedon Nursery and Garden Supplies and Woodend Nursery.

4. Eateries, wineries, cideries: Surprise your wine connoisseur or foodie friend with a voucher to their fave restaurant or buy a bottle of wine, pack of beer or cider. Kuzu Izakaya, Baringo Food and Wine Co are two of our favourites but there are so many to choose from! We suggest that you get your craft beer from Holgates in Woodend; cider from the Daylesford Cider Company; and wine from the Mount Macedon Winery and Mount Towrong Vineyard in Macedon. You may also like to check out Rock and Ranges Brewery Cooperative.

5. Personalised gifts: For an extra special gift, get something made to order. Whether a T-shirt, mug, door mat, cheeseboard or pillow, use a local business and get it delivered more quickly. Head to Country Chic HD, Magnum Signs, Aimee’s Visual Arts, or Snapshot Photos.

6. For the kids: Things like Barbie dolls and Lego will always be popular for kidlets but avoid the big stores if you can and support our beautiful local toy stores and toy makers. Head to Karismatic Kids in Woodend; Play Peg Designs for gorgeous wooden toys; Squishy Minnie in Kyneton for books; the Old Auction House for baby clothing and kids’ crafts; Myths and Legends for fairy wares and costumes; Midtown Lotto in Gisborne for educational toys.

7. Gift shops: There are so many beautiful gift stores in our shire. We love Gisborne Cottage Flowers, Village Homewares, The Tree House, Hanging Rock Cafe, Mount Macedon Trading Post and Ric’s Convenience Store. You might also consider buying something from your local opshop, especially if the recipient is very eco-conscious.

8. Speciality stores: Whatever you are after, it doesn’t take long to do an internet search and find your nearest store. We love Cool Clutch in Gisborne for handbags, Mort and Pestle in Woodend for foodie items, and the Gisborne Golf Club for golf equipment and attire. For your furry friend head to For Paws and More Pet Supplies in Gisborne. For vintage and collectibles we suggest Brick Lane in Daylesford. Check out beauty products at Nude Nourishment in Kyneton and Mount Macedon Beauty Body.

9. Hand crafted goods: Don’t forget there are plenty of markets each weekend in the Macedon Ranges for you to shop at as well. Coming up before Christmas is the Woodend Farmers’ Market, Kyneton Twilight Christmas Festival, Riddells Creek Farmers’ Market, Kyneton Farmers’ Market and Malmsbury Farmers’ Market. The Old Auction House store is also like a market but you don’t have to wait until the weekend to go; they are open seven days!

10. Clothing: Clothing is always a hard one unless you know the person well and their sizing for that matter! If you are game, purchase clothing, or you could grab a voucher. We love the beautiful garments from Camilla on Piper, Style 25, Jumbuck Sheepskin and Leather Australia and Cuttings Lifestyle in Woodend. If you are after active wear, visit Pilates + in Gisborne.

Don’t forget you can also support your friends and family with online businesses such as Intimo, Rodan and Fields, Tupperware, Arbonne, Thermomix and more.

We hope we have given you a few more gift ideas and where to source them locally.

Author’s note: We are not paid to suggest these stores; they are places which the author knows and frequents. If you have any suggestions or additions to these lists you are more than welcome to get in touch and we can add them under the appropriate heading. We love to support local businesses and welcome any (polite) feedback.