Four Melbourne Gift Services to Help You Deliver Some Cheer During Lockdown

Melbourne's been under stay-at-home orders for what feels like three years, and there's still another month of stage four lockdowns stretched out before us. And by this point, you've probably got a few mates who are feeling a little glum, bummed out by that big list of things we're currently not allowed to do.

You can't exactly swing past their house or hand out any real-life hugs, but you can spread some cheer by way of a nifty care package, hand-picked by you and dropped neatly on a doorstep. Whether you've got a mate who's partial to some chocolate indulgence, or know a friend who would use a few mood-boosting fresh blooms, show them you care with one of these local gifting services guaranteed to put smiles on dials.

NOT-BORING HAMPERS FROM GOOD DAY PEOPLE

This crew is reimagining the humble gift hamper, swapping out the standard bath soaps and boring bickies for fun, quality goodies, and finishing it all off with some bright, mood-boosting packaging in the form of funky printed cans. It's serving up a smart edit of themed gift packages you'd actually want to receive, heroing small Aussie businesses. Currently, you'll find 36 different hampers, including one for 'Gourmet Greg' — packed with Drunken Sailor relish, Maya Sunny honey, a bottle of local wine, Olsson's sea salt and some Bramble & Hedge nougat — and, for 'Perky Pam', an assembly of Bottl(ed) cocktails, Grandvewe sheep whey gin, a pack of cowhide coasters from Mr and Mrs White and Hey Tiger Fairy Wings vegan milk chocolate.

Good Day People offers standard shipping, though select suburbs can also take advantage of next-business-day express delivery for a $19.95 flat-rate fee. To order, head here.

INDOOR PLANTS AND CARE PACKAGES FROM HELLO BOTANICAL

With all this time spent at home, your mate might as well have their space looking schmick. And Hello Botanical has a premium selection of easy-care plants to help do just that. The online store is stocked with a hefty range of greenery, that can be home-delivered in custom-made planter pouches and with handy care instructions attached. While you're shopping, check out the accompanying lineup of gifts, green thumb accessories, candles and care packages — the 'Lockdown Essentials' curation is especially well-timed. Best of all, Hello Botanical's $15 same-day delivery service is available across most Melbourne suburbs, as long as you order before 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Hello Botanical's same-day delivery is available across Melbourne for orders placed before 9am Monday–Friday. It's a $15 flat rate, or free if you spend over $199. To order, head to the website.

CHOCOLATE GIFT PACKS FROM MELBOURNE COCOA

Send a friend a chocolatey smile and a sugar high, thanks to a new series of indulgent gift packs from local chocolatier Melbourne Cocoa. There are five bundles to browse and buy online, from a five-pack of the group's best-selling signature bars ($39.95), to a couples' pack featuring premium truffles, a chocolate block and some luxe drinking chocolate ($49.95). You'll even find a vegan haul, showcasing a lineup of Melbourne Cocoa's finest Victorian-made cruelty-free treats ($45). Right now, there's free shipping for all orders over $45, with deliveries running Monday to Thursday.

Melbourne Cocoa is currently delivering Monday to Thursday, with free shipping for orders over $45 and a $15 flat-rate fee otherwise. Head here to order.

CHEERY BOUQUETS FROM POSITIVE PARCELS

This new floral delivery service is encouraging Melburnians to pass along the cheery feeling that comes with treating someone (or yourself) to a gorgeous bouquet — while also supporting the local flower industry. The Positive Parcels collection of blooms includes small and large seasonal arrangements, rose- and tulip-only displays, plus potted orchids and preserved flowers that are designed to last forever. You'll also find a series of treat-yourself care packages, stuffed with non-floral goodies like bottled Taylor & Smith cocktails and Bay of Fires cheese. What's more, $5 from every purchase is donated to Headspace Australia. Positive Parcels is also positioning itself as a pass the parcel-type service, encouraging folks who receive one of their packages to spread the cheer by purchasing another gift for someone else.

Positive Parcels prices include delivery for addresses within 20km of the Melbourne CBD. Deliveries run Tuesday and Thursday, and orders must be in before 4pm the previous day. To order, head to the website.

Top image: Good Day People