Macedon Ranges Mumma

Christmas is just around the corner 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! Don’t stress about whether something will arrive in the mail in time, or deal with crowded and hectic shopping centres – here are 10 ideas for Christmas shopping in the Macedon Ranges that are obviously close to home but also support our local businesses.

1. Books: 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, 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. Artwork: 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, or look up your favourite artists and get in contact with them directly via their websites. For your framing needs visit Maddisons of Gisborne.

3. Plants and gardening goods: 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. Food and drink vouchers: 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. Flying Pigeon, Kuzu Izakaya, Baringo Food and Wine Co, Macedon Ranges Wholefoods, and 3 Little Pigs are a few 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 Laser Blanks Australia and Magnum Signs. Or, what about a beautiful photo of the family, kids or pet in a beautiful frame? We know a heap of amazing local photographers: Wild Little Swallows, Leigh Ball Photography, Maple Gallery Photography, Aurora Joy Photography and Lisa Saddington Photography, just to name a few.

6. Kids gifts: 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 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; Sticky Fingers in Gisborne for kids’ clothing and toys; and Gisborne Cottage Flowers for a mix of all of the above.

7. Miscellaneous gifts: There are so many beautiful gift stores in our shire. We love Gisborne Cottage Flowers, Gisborne Village Homewares, 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. Specialised gifts: Whatever you are after, it doesn’t take long to do an internet search and find your nearest store. We love 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 stunning one of a kind tables from Oakfield Designs, crystals and readings by The Spiritual Closet. For a great gift for locals, consider a Macedon Ranges themed calendar or artwork of a local town print or teatowel by artists Elise Gow.

9. Experiences: Purchase an experience or classes for someone for a sustainable, practical gift. Some ideas include: exercise classes like Yogaflow with Jo, Ranges Personal Training or Bodyfit Pilates, Qoya classes, tennis or pickleball lesson via Spark Tennis; wellness experiences like Gisborne Health Essentials facials, aqua aerobics lessons with Macedon Ranges Aqua Aerobics, infrared sauna sessions like those at Ritual Sauna; kids classes like Gisborne Dance Academy, Jets Gymnastics or Creative Writing with Kat; a family photography session like those by Wild Little Swallows Photography, Maple Gallery Photography, Lisa Saddington Photography and Aurora Joy Photography; life coaching and management/life organisation like those from Stress Free Super Mum, Midlife Rebel and The Lifestyle Managers.

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 Intimo via Sarah Phegan – Matching the Beauty Within, Jumbuck Sheepskin and Leather Australia and Cuttings Lifestyle in Woodend. If you are after active wear, visit Pilates + in Gisborne. Kyneton Shoes and Accessories have just had crocs come in in time for Christmas in addition to all their other amazing footwear.

There are also plenty of markets each weekend in the Macedon Ranges for you to shop at as well. Check out our Instagram and Facebook What’s On posts for which markets are on when in the lead up to Christmas.

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

Author’s note: We collaborate with many of these businesses through our Shop Local Initiative and Advertising. 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 feedback.