Our first Holiday Gift Guide
Featuring Small Victorian Businesses we know, stand by & love
I love a good holiday gift guide as much as the next person, so I’ve decided to make one featuring businesses I adore in our local food, yoga & wine community. Of course, none of these are sponsored endorsements- they’re just products I’ve bought myself & truly back. Plus, they’re made by good people with good values.
For the Yogi:
“Have Passport, Will Travel'“ Holiday Gift Pack from Kin North ($110)- The perfect grab-and-go kit when you hit the road this holiday season. Leave all the coffee paraphernalia at home & rest easy knowing you don't need to drink your parent's terrible coffee on Christmas morning. Also, you can steal 15 minutes of peace & calm whenever you need by lighting one of their luxury incense sticks. This pack includes SOW organic instant coffee, Kin North’s signature Home Incense, Mini incense holder, but they have lots of other great offerings.
Yoga Studio Gift Card (studios offer different denominations or class packs)- Melbourne is blessed with countless incredible yoga studios. After having to shut their doors for much of 2020 & 2021, a studio gift card will be much appreciated by it’s recipient & the studio. You often can buy gift cards on the studio’s website or over the phone.
1:1 Private class with a favourite teacher (~ $90-$140/hr)- Similar to the above, teachers were hit hard by studio closures. If the person you’re buying for has a favourite teacher, reach out to them about private sessions! We recommend getting in touch directly through instagram, or through their studio.
Membership to CorePlus Connected ($19.99/month or $99/year) - CorePlus Connected is high quality, affordable, un-intimidating on-demand platform that has hundreds of yoga, meditation, & pilates classes with authentic, human Melbourne based teachers. Classes vary in intensity & length (10 - 55 minutes) so there’s something for everyone no matter how you’re feeling that day. I even have a few classes on there!
For the Foodie:
Free to Feed Cooking Class ($99- $143) - Free to Feed is a social enterprise based creating empowering employment opportunities for people seeking asylum & refugees through the creation of shared food experiences. A Free to Feed Cooking Experience is different from an average cooking class. Designed to aid in the exchange of powerful memories, form life long connections, shape conversations and celebrate the ambition of newly arrived people. We cannot suggest this one more.
“Food For Everyone” print ($65-$90)- A art piece for foodies that gives back. Food For Everyone has collaborated with some of Australia’s best talent in the food industry today to create four delicious new poster designs, each one reflective of their distinct approach to food and unique recipes. Each poster sold contributes 90 meals on average to different food banks around Australia. They also have towels, plates, etc.
For the Wine Lover:
Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 1 2019 ($120)- Yarra Yering made history at this year’s 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards as the first producer to walk away with two major awards. Their 2019 Dry Red Wine No.1 was named Wine of the Year while they also took out the much-coveted Winery of the Year. It’s a pricey bottle, but for good reason- any wine lover would really appreciate this special treat.
A Glass Of (~$45/box)- A Glass Of sells wine by the glass using foil pouches or 'mini goons' because they're better for preserving the quality of wine and they're more sustainable than glass or plastic bottles. In a box, you receive 5 Australian independent wines that have been curated by a top sommelier. They’re releasing their second batch of curated wines early December- so stay tuned!
Gift Card or night out at Neighbourhood Wine Bar (Fitzroy North) - My all time favourite wine bar in Melbourne. The decor, the natural light, the wine, the bread- it’s heavenly. I’m always a fan of experiences as gifts, if you & who you are buying for is too- this is perfect.
For the Traveller:
TWOOBS (~$109- $149) - Started by Mat & Table guest & fellow yoga teacher, Jess Dadon & sister, Stef, TWOOBS creates shoes that are better for your feet, better for all beings, & better for the planet. I have walked miles upon miles in TWOOBS & couldn’t stand by them more. Once you buy one pair, you’re converted for life. They’re not only fashionable but their the comfiest shoes i’ve ever worn.
Little Company At-Home Facial ($159) - During the holidays I find that having moments to yourself is crucial for your own preservation. Especially, if you’re traveling away from home, treating yourself or a loved one to a facial from Little Company may be the act of self love you need to get yourself through.
Jasmine Alexa Paint the Sky Shirt ($149)- Melbournian, Jasmine Gescheit, makes timeless active-leisurewear for the modern woman through her brand Jasmine Alexa. She wants you to feel your best from the inside out. That’s why her brand focuses on the mental health & wellbeing benefits of mindful movement inspired by dressing with ease & confidence through all elements of life. I have multiple pieces from Jasmine Alexa and they’re so comfy but fabulous quality. I feel like I’m ‘dressed nicely’ even though I’m in leisure wear! What more could you want? The Paint The Sky Shirt is next on my wishlist.
Stocking Stuffers
Cuvee Chocolate ($11.90 per bar, or $30 for box of 3)- This chocolate is crafted for wine lovers. In 2014, Maître Patissier, Chocolatier and Wine Connoisseur Deniz Karaca and his wife Kylie founded Cuvee Chocolate from their kitchen base, right at the fringe of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. My favourite is the Bianco & you can buy online or at any stockist listed on their website. It’s a chocolate bar that you know was made in a small-batch & with love.
Natch Essentials Lip Serum ($16) -Natch makes gender neutral premium, natural & affordable personal care essentials that support skin health and well being with a positive environmental impact. I love all the Natch Essentials products, but the lip serum rates above any chapstick or balm i’ve ever used. It’s moisturizing, feels great on & a tube lasts ages. The team behind this product includes beloved Melbourne yoga teacher, Carmelle Russell.
Inner States Yin Space Mist ($38)- Inner States, created by Melbourne Yoga Teacher, Lucy, celebrates self-inquiry and connection. Born from a love of good design, everyday ritual and celebrating living your best life in a non-fuss kinda way. I personally have & love the yin space mist. I spray it on my bed on each night before I snuggle in! Makes me feel like I’m at the spa and immediately calms me down for bedtime.
Melbourne Mustard Company ($14 per jar)- The best mustard we’ve ever had comes from Jon at Melbourne Mustard Company. No emulsifiers, flavourings or other nasties are used during their cold processing technique that helps keep that sinus-searing punch in every jar. Treating yourself or someone you love to a nice jar of condiment is not something you do everyday, so it just feels extra special!
