7 unique Australian gifts for overseas friends

It’s official, holiday season is upon us. Now that travel is no longer on hold, most of us are likely either planning our next getaway or eagerly awaiting a visit from international friends.

So, how do you choose a gift for someone living aboard or visiting from overseas? Well, you start by browsing the Australia Post Online Shop, which boasts unique Australian gifts from local artists and home-grown brands like Darrell Lea and Australian Geographic. Take a look at some of our favourite gift ideas for every type of friend who’s a little bit Aussie-obsessed.

For the friend who has a sweet tooth

Have you got family based overseas? Or perhaps, now that travel is possible, you have friends visiting Australia who love the unbeatable taste of Aussie confectionery. No matter the occasion, a Darrell Lea Confectionery Bag makes for the perfect pressie for the sweet tooths in your life.

Quintessentially Australian and famed for its soft-eating liquorice, Darrell Lea has been making its delicious confectionery since 1927. With products like ‘Chocolate Chewy Liquorice Balls’ and ‘Rocklea Road Caramel Milk Chocolate’, no wonder it’s a fan favourite.

For the friend who is a collector

True collectors can often be tricky to buy for but if you’re really looking to impress your collector friend, buy them something that’s unique and personal to show you care. The new A-Z $1 Australian coin collection as part of The Great Aussie Coin Hunt is the perfect gift for collectors who live abroad—not only does it appeal to their hobby, but the coins celebrate all the Aussie icons that make our country famous around the world.

Complete the gift with the official Collector’s Folder or Floating Frame, so they can proudly show off their collection to other friends abroad.

For the friend with kids

What better way to introduce young readers to our wonderful Aussie wildlife than with a beautifully illustrated story book? Join Numby the Numbat as he embarks on a grand adventure to find a new home. Or Neville the Devil, who must learn to thrive in his bush environment. Or Mr and Mrs Possum, who were sent running from logging and destruction in the remarkable tale of The Lost Leadbeater's Possum.

Celebrated author, Tim Faulkner, was awarded Australian Geographic Conservationist of the Year in 2015 and uses his vast knowledge and love of the Aussie bush to showcase our native creatures in his children’s books. Order your copies now from the Australia Post Shop and gift them to your littlest overseas animal lovers.

For the friend who likes to lounge in style

Light in weight, affordable and easy to send, a pair of comfy socks is always a great gift idea for friends and family abroad. Not only do these Australian Geographic Aussie Animal Socks feature our lovable icons but the non-slip soles offer grip on wood and tiled floors. Fun? Tick. Practical? Tick. They’re also one size fits most, so stock up now for all your international buddies.

For the friend who lives somewhere cold

If you can’t be there in person to offer your international friends and family a big, warm hug, send the next best thing: this cute and cuddly Australian Geographic Mini Heatable Koala. Pocket-sized and filled with safe tourmaline beads, you can microwave (or freeze) this mini heat pack to ease aches and pains or simply keep your hands toasty. Plus, when winter hits your friends abroad, they can snuggle up with their koala and be reminded of Australia (and you!) while they stay nice and warm.  

For the friend who is into art and design

Maybe your international friend is a bit of a creative. Or perhaps they simply enjoy staying fit and healthy. Either way, these uber stylish Tanya K Drink Bottle is sure to impress. Made from stainless steel and featuring the illustrations of talented Queensland artist, Tanya Kalantary, this double walled drink bottle is a unique Australian gift that offers a modern spin on traditional Australiana.

Pick up one for you and one for a friend through the Australia Post Shop—not only will you be surprising someone special overseas, but you’ll be supporting our local Australian makers, too.

For the friend who has a good sense of humour

If you’re looking for a unique Australian gift that is guaranteed to make your friends chuckle, look no further than this adorable Australian Geographic Wombat Door Stop. Equal parts cute and quirky, this little guy will add a very Aussie touch to any home. Weighted and made from sturdy materials, it will be the ultimate conversation starter while keeping doors secure—not to mention, it makes for the perfect housewarming gift for friends overseas!