A holiday gift guide, but make it mindful
A Cheek-approved guide to the cool brands you can spend your dollars with this festive season without compromising on your values.
The festive season is here, bringing those who celebrate Christmas all of the joys and stresses that come with picking out a gift for the people you love (or tolerate).
This year, the Cheek team has tried to take the guesswork off your plate by sinking way too many hours into putting together a gift guide that has something for just about any person in your life. AND we’ve done our research to make sure that every brand we include is values aligned - whether they are a social enterprise, leading the way on sustainability, female-founded, Indigenous-owned, POC-owned, or purpose-driven. We’ve also included a few extra options for those who want to opt for something a little less traditional.
Please note this gift guide is completely editorial - i.e. no one is paying to be featured! However, a couple of the featured brands have provided an affiliate link or code that will earn Cheek a small commission on any purchases made - these are clearly marked and we appreciate your support should you choose to use them <3
Happy browsing!
Banish
Banish is a social enterprise created by sustainability advocate Lottie Dalziel to equip Australians with the knowledge, tools and resources to make more sustainable choices. The team’s Banish Recycling and Diversion (BRAD) program tackles hard-to-recycle items (like plastic bottle tops) that would otherwise end up in landfill and turns them into something new!
Banish Coasters ($38) and Laptop Stand ($89.95)
Maison Balzac
You might already know Maison Balzac as a go-to for slow homewares that double as art pieces - if not, consider this your introduction. Founded in 2012 by Sydney (Gadigal) creative Elise Pioch Balzac, the brand works with artisans in Australia, China, France and Japan to bring its products to life. The very utilitarian carafe & glass set is a particular favourite in the homes (and on the desks) of the Cheek team, but there are many more beautiful, delicate pieces to be perused as well!
J’ai Soif Carafe & Glass ($99) and The Olive Bottle ($139)
If you make your purchase through this link, Cheek will make a small commission!
Nardurna
The first of several artists we are featuring in this list is Gudanji, Wakaja and Kalkadoon woman Rhyia Dank. She began Nardurna after turning to painting during the pandemic. The name means woman in her language, a nod to the Gudanji story of three women who came from the ocean and travelled a long way to create their places in the hills and fresh water Country they call home. Rhyia’s work is available to buy in both prints and originals, as well as other merch on her store.
Memories Art Print (from $110) and Close Up Art Print (from $110)
Wall Picnic
Our second artist, Phoebe Stone, began Wall Picnic as a means of creating more affordable, but equally beautiful art. A former interior designer, her work captures delicious produce and tablescapes, which are available to buy as ‘hand drawn prints’, drawn to order using oil pastels on A4 paper, as well as poster-quality prints.
‘Dirty or Dry?’, ‘Table Grapes’, and ‘Market Bag and Oranges’: available as hand drawn ($200) and poster quality prints ($75)
See Saw Wines
See Saw is a beautiful family-owned winery located in the regional NSW town of Orange. Not only do they make the most delicious vino, but their range is Certified Organic and produced using sustainable and low-impact practices. Their Incubator Range is the perfect pick for natty wine lovers, offering a pet nat, funky white blends and yummy reds for chilling.
The Incubator Range: The Party, Samm, Gee Gee, Marge, and Gamay ($35 each)
Palestinian Hands
Palestinian Hands was founded by Palestinian architect Nesma Khalil when she arrived in Australia last year, after fleeing Gaza City with her husband and two daughters. The business was born from a family “دُقّة – Dukkah” recipe she learned from her father, a surgeon who also loved farming and cooking. Nesma also makes and sells traditional bread, red chilli sauce, and olive oil, and recently began offering catering services featuring Palestinian food.
Large Dukkah Jar ($19.99) and Christmas Box (from $25)
Two Good Co
Two Good Co was born out of a ‘buy 1, give 1’ model that raised funds to deliver high-quality meals, gift-packs and self-care essentials to domestic violence shelters and people in need. The social enterprise partners with chefs and artisans to create luxury gift packs, and reinvests 50 per cent of its profits in its social mission. The team also operates a social employment program to give paid employment opportunities to the women in the shelters they serve, and supports them to re-enter the workforce after living in crisis.
Pepe Saya x Two Good Nostalgia Ceramics Set ($100) and Messina Make-At-Home Gingerbread Cookie Pie ($40)
Worthy Cause
For those who appreciate a good sweet treat, Worthy Cause is a social enterprise in Melbourne (Naarm) that returns 100% of the proceeds from their artisanal cookies to funding their structured employment program. The program offers individuals who are facing hardship a stable income, skills training and confidence-building within a supportive and inclusive environment. You can buy Worthy cause cookies individually or in a pack, with flavours including Red Velvet, Triple Choc, Nutella, Birthday, and more. OR, you can bake them yourself with the team’s DIY mix.
Build Your Own 6-Pack ($45) and Bake It Yourself (BIY) mix ($15)
Cheek Subscription
What better Christmas gift than the gift of Cheek!! Whether for yourself, a friend, or a family member, every Substack subscription helps support Cheek’s independent voice and helps us to grow our team. Plus, we think the content is pretty great too. For the festive season, we are offering 20% off our individual annual subscriptions and 25% off when you buy in a group of 2 or more.
Get 20% off a 12-month Cheek subscription or buy 2 for $105
Cheek Merch
Did you miss out on Cheek Live? Or maybe you went but forgot to go to the merch stand? If so, you are in LUCK, as we have some remaining stock of our bottle green Everything Is F*cked tote and our gorg choccy brown cap (see ‘slut for progress’ over the pony tail). The perfect gift for a fellow Cheek follower, or perhaps, an unsuspecting older relative.
Everything Is F*cked Tank Tote ($35) and Cheek Live Dad Cap ($45)
Independent bookstores
Books make the perfect gifts, in our opinion - and even better when they’re bought from your local bookstore! Below are some of our favourite new releases from the last couple of months!
Discipline by Randa Abdel Fattah; Conspiracy Nation by Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson; Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
Libro.fm
For the audiobook lover that wants to go Bezos-free, Libro.fm is a great purpose-driven alternative that gives back to independent book stores. The company is 100% employee owned and B-Corp Certified, but most importantly, it shares the profits from your audiobook purchases with a local, physical bookstore of your choice.
Libro.fm offers audiobook credits for gifting, starting from $42 for a two-credit bundle, or monthly memberships (including 1 credit per month) start from $18.99.
Made590
This funky Marrickville store stocks all of the craft supplies your heart could possibly desire - and thankfully, they’re all available online too. We’ve included just a few of our favourite bits below. Besides the scrapbooking goodies, this female-founded business locally produces a range of clothes, collaborating with local artists to produce fun and sustainable garments that are size-inclusive. They’re a small team worth supporting!!
Martina’s Tiny Book of Scrapbooking Papers - Edition 4: Plaid & Stars ($21), Shellflower x Made590 Tote Black ($55), and Assorted Stickers ($6 each)
Normal
Normal is an Australian-owned sexual wellness brand that exists to give everyone the information, confidence & tools for a lifetime of fulfilling sex. From making the sex-ed you missed in school, to making beautiful modern toys you won’t want to hide - Normal is here to help. The range will be 30% off for Black Friday sales this Friday (28/11), but you can fill in THIS survey now to access the sale early.
Cheek ($150) and Plum ($180) vibes
If you want to purchase any non-Cheek branded toys from the Normal website, use the code CHEEK for 20% off - and we will earn a small commission! The CHEEK code cannot be used in conjunction with other sales.
Tower 28
One of only two international brands that we’ve chosen to include in our gift guide, Tower28 has the kind of ethos that puts most other global beauty brands to shame. Founder Amy Liu wanted to create accessible and fun products that were suited to sensitive skin (especially those with chronic eczema). Their range is as good as everyone says it is (the SOS Daily Rescue spray is a holy grail), and the brand is cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainably minded. Plus, they’re fully independent from the big beauty conglomerates!
SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray 120ml ($48), SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream 100ml ($62), and BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush - Power Hour ($35)
Chou Chou Intimates
If you long for lingerie that is both sexy and comfy, then BOY, do we have good news. Founded in Sydney (Gadigal) by Tina Grasso, Chou Chou Intimates designs intimates and sleepwear that will have you living out your Sabrina Carpenter dreams. The small business gets bonus points for its support and fundraising for social causes, as well as punching above its weight on supply chain and sustainability practices.
Primrose Short Sleeve Shirt & Shorts Set ($150) and Georgia Bralette & Thong Set ($89)
Lush
Lush is a brand that has been creating fresh, cruelty-free cosmetics for twenty-five years. Not only are their products divine (and will make you smell delicious), but they’ve long been held up as an example in the sector for their commitment to sustainability and ethics and loud support for social causes. This was most recently exemplified last month, when Lush Australia proved its willingness to act on its values when it closed down its online and bricks-and-mortar storefronts nationally for a day of solidarity with Gaza. They’re also currently slinging a tasty-looking Watermelon soap to raise funds for medical services in Gaza.
Watermelon soap ($12) and Starbright gift pack ($47)
Mettle Gifts
Mettle Gifts is a non-profit social enterprise that employs, trains and financially empowers people experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence. Orders made through their national gift service are manufactured, fulfilled and dispatched by women referred to the program by partner crisis shelters for paid employment. The funds raised from sales are also reinvested in study scholarships, training and childcare subsidies that help ease their transition from homelessness into the workforce. They also happen to offer a delightful range of hampers that make the perfect, easy Xmas gift to send to friends or family who you won’t get to see in person.
A Hamper to Share ($88) and Feel Good Festive ($85)
Homie
Based in Melbourne (Naarm), Homie is a streetwear label and social enterprise that directs 100 per cent of profits towards programs supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship. Their designs are very cool and mostly unisex, making them a fun (and feel-good) gift for any well-dressed person in your life.
Stripe Rugby Knit - Blue ($129) and Everyone Tee - Chocolate ($65)
Clothing the Gaps
A certified Aboriginal business, social enterprise, and B-Corp, Clothing the Gaps was created to influence social change through fashion. Founded by health promotion professionals Laura Thompson and Sarah Sheridan, the brand uses its platform and products to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Honour Country Boxy Pink Tee ($65) and No Room for Racism Pin ($15)
Charity Donation
The ultimate gift with purpose, of course, is a direct donation to a charity on behalf of someone you love. Donations, small or large, make for a great extra or ‘stocking stuffer’ gift for your friends and loved ones - or even just as your own act of kindness. It is, after all, the season of giving! There are SO many worthy causes that you can put your money towards, but some of our favourites include Save the Children, Pay the Rent, Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF.
House of Darwin
House of Darwin animates the stories of the Northern Territory’s flora, fauna, people, past and future on apparel that is beautifully made and effortlessly cool. It also happens to be a social enterprise that is Indigenous-owned and founded (by Larrakia man Shaun Edwards), empowering communities through sports, education and social initiatives. The House of Darwin Foundation’s ‘Hoop Dreams’ program is at the core of that mission, refurbishing basketball courts in remote Aboriginal communities with murals that are intended to promote positive health outcomes and overall wellbeing.
Fresh Produce Mangoes T-shirt ($79.95) and Logo Cap in Camo ($59.95)
Mountain & Moon
There is a lot to love about Mountain & Moon besides their beautiful jewellery. Perth (Boorloo) women Ashton Cameron and Audrey Allen launched the brand in 2014 with the desire to create a timeless jewellery line that gives back to the female artisans who bring their designs to life in India. They do this through an ongoing partnership with Saheli Women, a women’s empowerment and community development nonprofit based in Jodhpur, through which they reinvest a percentage of sales.
Portia Earrings ($180) and Isabella Necklace - Silver ($100)
Haus of Dizzy
Haus of Dizzy is THE go-to for fun and funky earrings that make a (political) statement. It’s headed by proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson, with each piece designed, laser-cut and assembled in the brand’s Fitzroy studio. Haus of Dizzy offers just about any design you could imagine, but here are some of our favourites!
‘First Nations Pride’ Glitter Heart Keyring ($39), ‘Dizzy Bits’ Shoe Charms - 5 Pack ($35) and ‘I Love/Hate Xmas’ Earrings ($39)
Cloudicos
Cloudicos was founded by Australian-Chinese makeup artist and visual artist, Amy Xu, to merge ‘the dreamy elegance of Asian beauty with bold Western flair’. The brand’s products are all vegan, cruelty-free and made with care - some handmade in Australia and others by trusted partners in China. If you’re based in Sydney (Gadigal), you will be able to pick up Cloudicos goodies in store at Acid Aura when it opens in Newtown in December, otherwise they’re available online!
Pocket Summer Glitter Eye Palette ($89) and Hyaluronic Love Lip Stain ($29)
Tjanpi
Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a social enterprise belonging to the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council. Based in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the organisation provides income opportunities through fibre art creation for Aboriginal women living in the cross-border regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. We’ve picked out a few kid-friendly pieces, including an award-winning dual-language children’s book that tells the story of how donkeys (Tangki) came to be in the town of Ernabella, illustrated with sculptures made by Tjanpi’s artists. For older kids (eight and up) wanting to get crafty themselves, there’s the Learn to Weave Kit, and for everyone else, Tjanpi’s t-shirt range features designs from Aboriginal artists and is available from baby to adult sizes!
Tangki Tjuta Children’s Book ($24), Learn to Weave Kit ($40), and Kids Tee - Mutuka on Royal Navy ($30)
Use-Ta
Use-Ta is a preloved clothing store that sells (and buys) second-hand maternity, baby and children’s fashion, making it more accessible (and sustainable) to dress your little ones in independent brands. It’s basically like SWOP, but for kids! The team is based in Melbourne (Naarm) and has stores in Thornbury or Brunswick, or if you’re not a local, you can shop their range online. Below are just a few examples of what they’ve currently got on offer!
Peter Alexander Jumpsuit size 000, Minti T-Shirt size 8 + Country Road Jeans size 3, and Rock Your Kid Dress size 4
Mulganai
Mulganai is the project of proud Kaanju, Kuku Ya’u, and Girramay artist, Emma Hollingsworth. Emma grew up in tropical Far North Queensland, and is now based in Meanjin (Brisbane). She creates Aboriginal art that reflects stories of culture, Country and connection, and celebrates the Land, waterways, animals, people and traditions that shape her identity. As well as selling beautiful prints and originals, Emma has turned her art into a colour book and 1000-piece puzzle that we think would make really special gifts for slightly older kids (or adults!)
A First Nations Colouring Book ($23.98) and 1000 Piece Puzzle ‘Phases’ ($39)
Kip & Co
Kip & Co is an Australian bedding and lifestyle brand that has established something of a cult following since being launched by sisters Kate Heppel and Hayley Pannekpecke and their best friend Alex McCabe in 2012. The trio still own the brand, and have grown it to impressive global success while still keeping an ethical and sustainable ethos at the forefront - including commitments to responsible sourcing, prioritising organic and recycled fibres, and working with Upparel to donate, up-cycle and re-cycle old textiles and offcuts. For those with little ones, we’ve highlighted a few fun pieces from their kids’ swimwear range!
Beach Patterns Rash Vest ($39), Melon Printed Kids Terry Poncho ($69), and Kip&Co x Mambo Funshine Coast Long Sleeve Bathers ($55)
Native Plants
Plants make for great gifts, but when they’re Australian natives they’re even better. Acacia and bottle brush are both beautiful picks for those looking to bring some colour into their home or garden! If you count yourself as a green thumb, you might be able to try your luck growing these from seeds or cuttings, but otherwise you can pick up a juvenile plant from your local nursery.
Thrifted Homewares
If you’re looking for vintage homewares - or just keen to find a bargain - your local op shop is a great place to find high-quality pre-loved glassware, crockery and home decor for a steal. Not all op shops are made equal, so it does require patience and persistence, but if you know what you’re looking for it is very much possible to find pieces that would set you back a pretty penny in an antique store. Below are some examples we found on Salvo’s online store, but you are almost guaranteed to find better prices if you shop in person!
Amber Sherbet Glasses, Hand Blown Glass Vase, and 1980s Pot Perfect
Homemade Treats
The perfect DIY gift you can make at scale for friends, family, or colleagues! Sweets always go down well at Christmas time, but if you’re not into baking, pickles and preserves are another easy and affordable option. Package these up with hand-made labels to make them extra special. Below are a few trusted (and easy) recipes we’ve worked with before!
Dill Pickles recipe by Love & Lemons, Miso Caramel recipe by Chopstick Chronicles, and Amaretti Biscuits recipe by Vincenzo’s Plate
Many hours went into curating this gift guide, and you have just read it for free! If you’re able, we would love if you would consider becoming a paid subscriber so Cheek can continue creating high-touch content like this (and pay other writers for their expertise as well!)
This is wonderful and very helpful!
SO obviously super thoughtful. Fantastic round up! Also going to visit that store in Marickville because wow how did I not know about it sooner??? 🤍🤍🤍