Melbournalia: The Souvenir Store for Locals

Souvenir stores are so often the pariah of the retail world. Whether you're browsing through a shop at the airport or foraging for gifts at that stretch of tourist outlets up Swanston Street, any purchase you make seems pretty obligatory — a snowglobe with a tram in it to give to a younger sibling, or some god-awful kangaroo pendant for a friend that will never actually wear it. But more and more, people are turning away from the tacky in search of something more meaningful. Case in point: the newly established gift and souvenir outlet Melbournalia.

Featuring a diverse and masterfully selected spread of local designers' jewellery, artisan-crafted gifts, and quality homewares, this little gem of the tourist trade is so thoughtfully curated it will have the most seasoned Melbournite impressed by a novelty tea-towel or self-declaratory cushion. The store's product buyer Jenny Brown says "[We] seek products that tell stories about Melbourne with authenticity, wit and heart," and this ethos is clear through the work on offer. With a large focus on local design and manufacturing, Melbournalia houses products from over 50 Melbourne-based makers ranging from the cute greeting card artists Able and Game to the produce of local beekeepers Rooftop Honey.

After experimenting with a grand total of eight pop-up stores over the past two years, Melbournalia has now found itself the perfect home at the top of Bourke Street in the city. Nestled away among local favourites such as Pellegrini's Espresso and the Hill of Content bookshop, this new store has a much more refined palette for souvenirs than just trams and kangaroos. Once inside, you can expect products boasting cheeky jokes about Ron Robertson-Swann's maligned public sculpture, Vault, and books that don't even directly reference Melbourne such as The Sustainable Table. As much as the store is a tourist's dream come true, it also has endless appeal for a discerning local crowd — the seasoned Melbournites who know the importance of boutique stores with a focus on bikes and beanies.

Though Melbournalia opened in November, the store still very much still feels like a pop-up. Sparse and purposeful, the space operates with a minimalist design that makes each discovered object seem special and unique. On top of that, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable; more than happy to talk you through the origin of each product. All of this just proves that even if you're a local, there's always something new to stumble upon or a little more to learn.

Melbournalia can be found at 50 Bourke Street (cnr Liverpool St). They are open from 10am - 6pm, Monday - Thursday; 10am - 8pm on Friday; and 11am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.

A sparse and purposeful design (sah Melbourne).

The niche tea towel: Chickenfoot Designs take on some lesser-known Melbourne icons.

Able and Game's much-loved series of greeting cards expresses all those passing thoughts you've had on the train.