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Christmas gifts with a Surf Coast twist 2016!

Gift ideas created and designed by Surf Coast locals

Round yoga mat Yogi Peace ClubSpiced chai Australian bush chai Marna Chaienamel plates my beach kitchenLauren Barton resin artworkBike Matters beach cruiser Torquay Bike shopEarth bottles eco drink bottle and coffee cupGypsy & Co leather bags and walletsarizona-living-plants-jan-jucSociety of wanderers linen doonaModom SurfWanted Supply CoPete Cromer Artist

 

It’s no secret that the Surf Coast is bursting with creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit. With so many incredible local businesses in Torquay, it’s not hard to fill the base of your Christmas tree with gifts designed and created by a local. Whether it’s a small gift for your child’s teacher, or a more elaborate gift for a family member, there are plenty of options to choose from that are designed or created right here in Torquay!

With a little inspiration, you can avoid losing your car in the shopping centres this Christmas, and enjoy this special time of year, whilst supporting and spruiking the talented creators of the Surf Coast region. Here are some our favourite gift ideas created and designed by Torquay locals.

 

  1. Round yoga mat by Yogi Peace Club. In three stunning colour options, this is the yoga mat that everyone is talking about! Perfect for yoga or meditation, and a favourite with bloggers, surfers and yoga teachers. Now enjoying international success, Yogi Peace Club was founded by Jan Juc local Emma Barr. Sold online at yogipeaceclub.com and also stocked locally at Torquay stores such as Patagonia Torquay, Surf Coast Wholefoods and The Happy Runner Torquay.
  2. Marna Chai is a boutique Australian bush spiced chai tea brand, bursting with individual flavour. Spices for the chai are carefully roasted in the Jan Juc based kitchen, and combined to create a chai like none other you’ve tasted before. With bush spices, fresh ginger and honey from the happiest bees around, this beautifully packaged chai tea is sold locally at Peaches Torquay and at Surf Coast Wholefoods. The perfect gift for a teacher, friend or family member at around $16 a jar. Buy online at marnachai.com
  3. Last Christmas we were gifted a set of My Beach Kitchen enamel salad plates and a serving platter. These have been used daily in our house, and are functional as well as gorgeous. The plates are the perfect size for dinners, and the high sides make them very functional for the whole family. The platters which are perfect for presenting dips, cheeses, fruit and desserts. The brain child of Jan Juc mum Kelly Lowdon, these are sold at Swell Cafe in Jan Juc, and online at mybeachkitchen.com.au
  4. Artist, designer and educator Lauren Barton creates stunning works that are bound to liven up any interior. Combining colour, metallics and texture, Lauren’s artworks are all unique. Inspired by her love of travel, and coastal living, lauren creates an eye-catching range of works in a variety of formats. Lauren’s work is sold at selected galleries and online at laurenbarton.com
  5. Bike Matters founder Scott Nicolas was 2015 24 hour Mountain Bike Single Speed World and Australian Champion. Scott is very passionate about creating a retail environment that gets the Torquay community excited about riding their bikes. You may have seen Shaun riding a Bike Matters bike for the 26 Pride Street, Torquay video which went viral. With a range of bikes spanning the needs of children through to experienced competitive riders, Bike Matters is a destination for people who like to explore the world on two wheels. Come down and check out what they have at 6B Baines Crescent, Torquay, or visit their web page at bikematters.com.au
  6. With a combined passion for the environment and in a bid to reduce plastic waste, two friends, one from Torquay and one from Byron Bay, created a brand that aims to halt the use of plastic drink bottles. Earth Bottles are high quality, double insulated drink bottles and coffee cups which also look stunning. The flagship timber look range is a stand-out, however the pop colours are also extremely popular. Available at numerous Torquay locations including Peaches Torquay, Surf Coast Wholefoods, Mejavos Deli and online at earthbottles.com.au
  7. Lush leathers, stunning silver jewellery and unique homewares at Gypsy & Co make beautiful Christmas gifts. This Torquay based lifestyle brand is a collection of unique pieces designed and sourced from around the globe by brand founder Sam. The collection is diverse, with lots of colour and texture on offer. Gypsy & Co is situated at 23 Pearl Street Torquay or online at gypsyandco.com.au
  8. Inspired by a career in textiles and fashion, founder of Jan Juc based plant nursery Arizona Living, Libby has an eye for unique plants. Libby has created a small and carefully curated plant nursery offering high quality cactus, succulents and indoor plants to Jan Juc & the Surf Coast. Check out her facebook page at facebook.com/arizona.living.nursery or website at http://www.markitfedsquare.com.au/arizonaliving.com.au
  9. High on our Christmas list this year (thanks Santa for the delivery pre Christmas) is beautiful pale grey pure linen doona cover and pillow set from Society of wonderers. This Jan Juc based homewares company offers divine bed linen, heavenly Icelandic sheepskins in a wide array of colours, wall art, and homewares. This stunning collection is available Australia wide at selected stockists, or online at societyofwanderers.com
  10. For all the surfers out there, if you’re looking for technical surf gear that’s innovative and also looks good, look no further than Modom for quality surf accessories. Check out their accessories at modomsurf.com
  11. Looking for the perfect present for a grommet? Jan Juc couple James and Sophie may have the perfect option! Their range of money boxes and wall hangings are sold around the country at surf shops and gift stores and online at wantedsupplyco.com.au
  12. A couple of years ago, we came across the artwork of Torquay illustrator and artist Pete Cromer at a fundraiser silent auction at the RACV Torquay Resort. Taken by his Australian bird prints, we later looked for his work online and purchased a print for our daughters bedroom wall. The level of detail, texture and character in the fine art print of Pete’s original artwork continues to delight, and after seeing his work again at the Federation Square Christmas market, we were reminded of his incredible talent and loved seeing his new creations. We highly recommend a visit to Pete’s web page at petecromer.com

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!

Images via instagram. Photo credits: Yogi Peace Club, Marna Chai, My Beach Kitchen, Lauren Barton Art, Bike Matters, Earth Bottles, Gypsy & Co, Arizona Nursery, Society of Wanderers, Modom Surf, Wanted Supply Co., Pete Cromer.

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Christmas gifts with a Surf Coast twist 2016!