Buy from the bush: 14 Christmas gift ideas from regional Australia

What: Leather baby shoes
Where: Clermont, QLD

“Wattle & Hide’s leather baby shoes are handmade using 100% soft genuine leather purchased from reputable Australian wholesalers. Our popular Classic design appeared 25 years ago for my own children. They feature elastic around the heel, a roomy opening to easily slip them on and buttons or lace to prevent them from being kicked off. Buy from the Bush has exposed us to customers far and wide, and brought hope to our family and community. We buy locally where possible to support other small businesses in our community. Since this initiative, our smiles are larger than ever and we have briefly forgotten about this hardship.” - Brenda Pumfrey

What: Skirts
Where: Molong, NSW

"The Buy from the Bush initiative could not have come at a better time for Greenwood Designs. Yes, sales have been amazing, but more important for me are the connections and uplifting conversations I have been having with customers in the city. It makes my heart so happy to read our city sisters’ notes in their orders, and even happier receiving repeat orders. We have so much to offer in the bush and this initiative has given us the voice and platform to be heard. These pleated skirts are the perfect addition to your festive wardrobe. Super easy to wear for a casual everyday look or dressed up with earrings and heels for a night out.” – Kate Greenwood

What: Pearl jewellery
Where: MacKay, QLD

“Before my son was born, I had a very busy career as a mining engineer in the bush. Once I became a mother, I no longer wanted to live on camp. West of the Waves brings together my two great loves of outback and ocean, and offers a beautiful range of gold, silver and rose gold jewellery, and linen clothing. Thanks to Buy from the Bush, rural businesses now have a platform to connect with a wider audience. It also gives city folk a practical way to support remote businesses and communities.” – Sarah Hayles

What: Resin art gift box
Where: Orange, NSW

“The impact of Buy from the Bush has been astounding for Lil' Bluebird resin art. The increased traffic on social media and the exposure we’ve received just by using the hashtag is unreal. There’s also an overwhelming sense of support and camaraderie, not only from our friends in the cities, but also amongst small businesses supporting each other in the bush. This affordable resin art gift box includes a resin art small cheese board, a hand glazed ceramic pinch dish and a wooden cheese knife. It’s a unique gift, with no two being the same, and is available in two colours.” – Joleen Quinn

What: Watercolour art
Where: Glamorgan Vale, QLD

“Buy from the Bush isn’t just huge support for country folk but is also changing mindsets. Instead of choosing the cheapest, most convenient way to shop, this initiative has helped people put our fellow Aussies first and shop in a way that directly benefits those who are doing it tough. My Willa Wombat print brings Fig Hill Farm's special Christmas message of joy in a sweet, cheeky way with a bit of Aussie character. Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate and I know as Australians, we love to deck the halls with some bush Christmas charm!” – Helen Boughen

What: Beeswax wraps
Where: Tarcutta, NSW

“Bumble Bee Wraps have created an interest in the preservation of bees. We include quirky points on our flyers to attract children’s interest in bees and emphasise the importance of minimising the use of plastic in our environment. Our wraps are your compostable and breathable solution to reduce plastic pollution and food waste for a more sustainable life. As a small operation, I never needed a website but quickly made the decision to launch one after Buy from the Bush increased my public profile and production tenfold! The proprietor of our local licensed Post Office is a stockist and is very busy but excited over the increased volume of Bumble Bee Wrap packages!” - Deb McElroy

What: Cotton print handkerchiefs
Where: Dirranbandi, QLD

“I moved from Brisbane to live on my partner’s family sheep station in Dirranbandi in 2010. I wanted to bring more convenience to the bush because no one wants to make a 2-hour return trip to the nearest town to pick up a gift, a set of sheets or a new work shirt. So I opened The Linen Cupboard. I’m still standing after 8 years and I’m not going to let this drought get the better of me. Our gorgeous 100% Tana Lawn Cotton Liberty print handkerchiefs are much-loved in the bush and make the perfect Christmas stocking filler. Buy from the Bush customers are helping more than just one business. An order means my local Post Office benefits and I make sure my income is spent on other local businesses.” – Karena Wilson

What: Enamelware
Where: Tenterfield, NSW

“I started Little Echidna Home because I wanted to raise my children in Tenterfield - a small rural town with a great community heart but limited employment opportunities. I’ve always loved enamelware and this set of enamel tumblers is a fantastic product that supports sustainable living. Enamel is the perfect alternative to plastic and I have made it more appealing with beautiful designs so it can be used at home and not just when camping. The Buy from the Bush initiative has done so much for my business and for me. Apart from the fantastic sales, it has also connected me with other rural businesses throughout Australia that want to help, support and promote each other.” – Glenda Burke

What: The Florence Dress
Where: Nyngan, NSW

“Our signature linen Florence Dress was the first piece we released over 2 years ago. It has just gone into its third round of production and has been shipped all over the globe. When you purchase from Kennedy The Label, your $9.95 postage goes directly to our town’s Post Office. In the first 10 days after being featured on Buy from the Bush, we spent almost $1500 on postage bags - that’s a big boost to yet another small business in our community! This initiative is giving people a sense of hope.” – Annabelle Kennedy

What: Smock top
Where: Dungog, NSW

“Billie & Grace is a journey of creating ethical and sustainable handmade clothing for children and women. Our girls’ smock tops were created as a chic top with a nod to our past and for the little ones in our lives who can wear it all year round. The Buy from the Bush initiative has given hope, celebration and much-needed cash flow into communities that are in deep need of help during this drought. It has spread awareness and we welcome the newfound support from our city friends.” - Andrea McInnes

What: Handmade, recycled seeded paper
Where: Binya, NSW

“I am the 16-year-old maker and artist of WattleCo, a business of handmade recycled paper and fine line artworks inspired by Australian nature. The Paper for the Pollinators recycled paper hearts are infused with a mixture of pollinator-loving seeds that can be planted to help save the bees and our precious little pollinators. Once you’ve finished using the paper, pop it on a bed of damp soil, water it constantly and keep it moist. In about a week, a few little sprouts will show up and soon you’ll have some flowering blooms. For a regional maker like myself, Buy from the Bush is exceptionally important in driving the kind of customer support and sales that happen in larger cities. It makes me so grateful for each and every wonderful person who has supported me along the way.” – Hannah Ellis

What: Polymer clay jewellery
Where: Longreach, QLD

“Tinney's Treasure Trove started as a hobby to keep my weekends busy and to tap into my creative side. Then people started asking where my earrings were from. This particular pair of earrings pack a punch of colour and fun, and is very popular for that reason. There is quite a process to create the freckles but seeing them brighten people’s day makes it all worthwhile. The effect of the drought is taking its toll not only on the people of our communities but also businesses, which is why Buy from the Bush is such a great initiative. It’s giving people a way to support small rural businesses in times of great need.” – Kaitlin Tinney

What: The Swag Bag
Where: Kalbar, QLD

I started Elegance & Grace to support local creators and makers, and offer our country community a place to shop for homewares and gifts. The Swag Bag is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly bag that’s designed to help your fruits and vegetables stay fresher for longer. Simply wet it, wring it out and pop in your produce before putting it into the fridge. The Buy from the Bush campaign has increased tourism in our little town. The money rotates through our community and feeds our economy whilst we experience the harshness of this drought. That means the world to us.” – Sarah Bottle

Please get in touch with Elegance & Grace via Instagram for more information or to place an order.

What: Aromatherapy diffuser necklaces
Where: Kalbar, QLD

“I opened JADE Beauty Skinstitute in the Elegance & Grace store to offer our local community a retreat to help improve their overall health. Together, the two businesses have created a wonderful space for locals to shop and chit-chat. Our beautiful aromatherapy diffuser necklaces are stylish and also great for those on the move - simply add your favourite oil and you're good to go. Every business in our little town is benefiting from the Buy from the Bush campaign, from the local café and pub to the butcher and supermarket. Our community is small but supportive. That’s something special.” – Jade-Maree Cook