Overview
It's hard to believe it, but we've almost made it through another year. With the festive season looming, it's time to start stocking up on all the bits and bobs you'll need to bring that little bit of well-deserved magic into the end of the year. And, what better way to do so than by supporting some of the small businesses that have been doing it tough the past two years?
We've teamed up with American Express to bring you this nifty list of spots where you can shop small and make a big difference this holiday season — whether you're on the hunt for great gifts or festive foodstuffs, we've got you covered.
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Not-so-basic basics are the name of the game at Handsom — a Fitzroy gem that says it best in its own words: “We make nice clothes.” This is a great spot to buy timeless, understated pieces that will complement any wardrobe — or help you totally reinvent your post-lockdown look — thanks to its excellent range that includes accessories, wallets, bags, belts, face masks and scarves. Best of all, Handsom is committed to ethical and sustainable production and supporting small communities, so you can feel good about buying nice stuff for yourself and your pals.
This festive season, Handsom has an amazing window installation that warrants its own visit. The display was designed by Vivid Sydney’s Festival Director Gill Minervini in collaboration with American Express to bring some jolly joy to the Fitzroy shopping strip.
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Top-of-the-line design meets state-of-the-art optical health research in this contemporary eyewear retailer right in the heart of Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street. Optometrist Doctor Jayson Stone and store manager and buyer Kenny Chua have definitely proven they’ve got an eye for style when it comes to specs selection. Aesthetically pleasing frames and carefully crafted lenses to help you express your individuality make a visit to this shop a no-brainer. Treat yourself to a new pair ahead of getting stuck into your to-be-read pile this holiday season, or pick up a pair of sunnies as a gift for a loved one.
Image: Maitreya Chandorkar -
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A slice of cultural history from Melbourne’s west, the Sun Theatre was originally constructed in 1938 as a single-screen cinema with a staggering 1050 seats. After a stint in the 50s and 60s as a Greek cinema, it fell into disrepair until 1995 when it was revamped to its current glory. The single theatre is now eight separate smaller ones designed to emulate the building’s art deco history. Here, you can expect to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters, homegrown gems and acclaimed art films from across the globe. Swing by to stock up on gift cards for movie lovers — or those people in your life for who you just have no idea what to buy.
Image: Julia Sansone
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You know that glorious stretch of time between Christmas and New Year’s Day when, if you’re lucky, the only things on your agenda are sleep-ins, swims and afternoon cocktails? When you’re on the hunt for the book that’ll be your companion, visit Avenue Bookstore. The much-loved independent bookshop — with locations in Richmond, Albert Park and Elsternwick — will have a title to suit your tastes.
Not sure where to start? Take a peek at the Summer Reading Guide on Avenue Bookstore’s website, which has dozens of suggestions in every genre — from young adult fiction and travel to gardening and politics. Of course, books also make winning gifts. Here are two failsafe options: Ottolenghi’s latest cookbook, Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love, and Trent Dalton’s new release, Love Stories. If you need even more inspo, take a look at what our writers have been reading lately.
Image: Tracey Ah-kee
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If you’re planning on laying out a big seafood spread this summer, then be sure to check out The Fishmonger’s Son. At this Nicholson Street spot, you can expect to find a vast array of high-quality, fresh seafood to suit your catering needs. Here, Anthony and Laura Yontis carry on the 40-plus-year family legacy of supplying fresh, preserved and pickled fish alongside molluscs and crustaceans of many varieties. You’ll also find a range of delicious seafood deli treats sourced locally and from around the world — think tinned sardines and sharaz gin caviar.
Image: Brook James
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One glance through the floor-to-ceiling glass window at this South Melbourne homewares boutique will surely win you over. The best-selling collections are inspired by owner Tracey Ellis’ travels both abroad and locally, and they feature an eclectic range of charmingly understated pieces. Primarily known for contemporary elegance in bedwear, Aura also has myriad options to kit out every room in the house, or find that one piece to really bring the room together.
And, when it comes to gifts, this boutique has you sorted. Set your mate up for summer with a chic striped cooler tote or a luxe fringed beach umbrella; treat your mum to the pamper session she deserves with an Alive Skin Ritual Gift Set; upgrade your boyfriend’s WFH set-up with a Maison Balzac carafe and glass set; and treat your very good boy to the throne he deserves with a luxe velvet cushion.