Top 10 Christmas gifts under $50 from Aussie makers

Here's a different approach to your Christmas shopping this year: use the hashtags #shoplocal, #shopsmall and #shopAustralian on Instagram; it’s one way to discover unique items made by Aussie businesses. You don’t have to browse too far to find small businesses creating products far more special and interesting than what’s available through big online stores.

By shopping Australian, you’ll also support fellow Aussies in their mission to continue creating these unique products for shoppers here, and beyond. This edit is just a taste to get you started.

1. Happy Hands, Happy Heart natural playdough

For the little ones in your life, Happy Hands, Happy Heart create playful, colourful, pretty-scented playdough made from natural ingredients. Even if the dough happens to get eaten (I mean, we’ve all done that at some stage), it’s perfectly safe.

Victorian Mum-of-three, Emma, does all the making, and comes up with the most creative scents and colour combos, all year round. Right now, Red the Reindeer Plum Pudding Scented playdough ($15) is a hit.

2. Bon Maxie jewellery storage

Evolving as a hobby venture, Bon Maxie was born (like so many businesses are) around the time that Brissie-based Clare went on maternity leave to have her son Max.

Since 2015, she has grown the range to include travel accessories, earring boards and incredible jewellery storage concepts, with most products falling well under $50. Bon Maxie make the ideal gifts for the neat freaks in your life. As a bonus, sign up to the Bon Maxie email list and get 10% of your first order.

3. Personalised clutches by Little Poppy Design

Brisbane paediatric nurse and mother of three, Hannah De Maria started Little Poppy Design when a friend of hers had a baby with a medical condition, creating a trendy clutch to store the baby’s medication.

The colourful creation was easy to spot in a mum’s handbag and therefore, Little Poppy Design began. Hannah hand-makes every clutch and recently added a personalised name offering.

4. Mindfulness planner from My Mindful Year

Do you know someone needing a bit of TLC? I think we all do. Country Victorian and experienced businesswoman, Kara Vaina struggled through an emotional breakdown a couple of years ago and realised that mindfulness and writing down her thoughts played a major role in her recovery.

Noticing there was nothing on the market for men, women, travellers and entrepreneurs to achieve goals, be inspired and assist with a healthy life, Kara created My Mindful Year. More recently, Kara introduced a tween journal which has been given the nod by many teens, country wide.

5. Designer portable play mats by Jilly Jumbles

Described as the handbag sanity saver, this gem of a product is so clever for families (both the adults and the kids benefit). The kids can take their Jilly Jumbles (with all their treasures and Lego inside) for a long-haul flight or to a restaurant, where the attention span to sit still can sometimes waiver. Founder Jules has used her experience as an interior designer to create the most striking designs.

6. Tea blends & accessories by Teatology

This gorgeous brand aims to combine tea and coffee ware with minimal design and ultimate function. As an avid tea drinker, the Arlo Travel Tumbler appeals to me most due to its versatility. Remove the tea-infuser and it converts to a tumbler for any kind of hot or cold beverage. Melbourne-based, Caz Moriaty has been busy developing Teatology’s own nine traditional tea blends ($16.95 each). And all the tea is sourced from organic, fair trade farmers. Tea and scones, anyone?

Shop Teatology now.

7. Everyday storage essentials by Kollab

Kollab believes that everyday essentials don’t have to be boring. The concept was born out of St Andrews beach, Victoria and focuses on making totes, cooler bags ($29.95 each), beach bags, lunch boxes ($19.95 each), water bottles and now reusable coffee cups which are super colourful yet functional. Kollab loves supporting Australian designers as well which is why I can’t get enough of their new summer collection.

8. Home décor at Hansel Gretel Australia

Hansel Gretel Australia have thoughtful gifts for all homewares’ lovers, from clocks and canisters, to marble cheese platters, prints and cushions. You may even pick up a pressie or two for yourself because the price points are that good. Being an online only business allows them to be super competitive compared to larger homewares brands, with lots of pieces falling under $100. Mahalla ring holders start from only $15 each.

9. Statement earrings by Wahboo Designs

Townsville resident, Tamra Wilson started Wahboo Designs to make women feel fabulous, confident and comfortable. Her earrings are not for the faint-hearted and will immediately transform a plain outfit into a striking one. Dangle earrings start from just $25 a pair. For those in your life who love fun fashion, check out Wahboo.

10. Key organiser from Have You Met Charlie?

What do you get the man who has it all? An Orbitkey key organiser ($45) from Have You Met Charlie? Spare keys will now have a home (the organiser can store up to seven keys), and the classy, leather strap comes in nine colour waves.