If you know where to look, Melbourne is full of well-curated retail spaces that take the guesswork out of finding a genuinely good gift. Department stores might do the job, but low-key gems like pantry-style bodegas, independent presses and even a Japanese ceramic dealer offer something better: the antithesis of a generic, "that'll do" present. Whether you're shopping for a friend with a niche interest or a colleague you barely know, you'll never have to default to another run-of-the-mill scented candle and emergency mug again. In a city known for its laneway gems, Concrete Playground has scoured inner-city neighbourhoods and unconventional nooks to find the best places for gift shopping in Melbourne. Need to do a quick online order instead? These are some of our favourite gifts to give to the design lovers in our lives. The Box 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy View this post on Instagram A post shared by The StandardX, Melbourne (@thestandardxmelbourne) It's been a major year for The StandardX Hotel, the youthful spinoff of The Standard Hotel chain. From opening a rooftop bar to hosting a string of legendary chef residencies, it's one of Fitzroy's buzziest bars this year. Yet the in-house bodega remains a quiet gem packed with lifestyle goods and pantry staples like Cambodian peppercorn brand Pep, organic tallow-based hand creams from Rodeo and a limited-edition Crash Baggage luggage that comes with artful dents and metallic stickers by New York City-based artist and nightlife icon Connie Girl. Florian Home 619 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North View this post on Instagram A post shared by Florian Home (@florianhome.florianhome) Defined by its relaxed European sensibility, Florian is one of Carlton North's favourite eateries. Fans of its interior should pop into Florian Home next door, where owners Dom Gattermayr and Rose Richards have turned their eye for aesthetics into a retail offshoot. Find a highly curated range of sourced and vintage kitchenware, trinkets and art — think heart-shaped bottle openers, candy-coloured dinner knives and salt and pepper shakers crafted through ancient Indian techniques — sitting alongside jars of Florian's preserves. Pinky's Store 28 Gilbert Road, Preston View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinky's (@pinkys_store_melbourne) Pinky's Store is one of Preston's most joyful retail stops. The colourful space is a love letter to all things whimsical and well-made. From a fish-shaped pitcher vase (there's a croc version as well) to a tiny book of scrapbooking papers, the shelves are stacked with objects that don't take themselves too seriously. Tucked between the design pieces, an impressive edit of Miffy, Monchhichi, Snoopy, and other cult character pieces is a no-brainer for anyone in your life who is deeply obsessed. Rodd & Gunn Flagship 280 Little Collins Street, Melbourne View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rodd & Gunn (@roddandgunn) Kiwi-born Rodd & Gunn is best known for its refined menswear, but its global flagship on Little Collins Street offers far more than clothing. Housed across four levels in a heritage building, the behemoth space isn't just for sharp dressers: there's also a dining room, an invitation-only members' bar and an underground wine cellar. Alongside timeless polos and quality leather goods, you'll find New Zealand wines — an easy and thoughtful pairing for the stylish epicurean in your life. St Kilda-based Studio Y has blended the building's elegant 1930s-inspired aesthetic with contemporary materials, creating a beautiful space where gift shopping can comfortably roll into lunch, dinner or drinks. Made In Japan 1–7 Wynyard Street, South Melbourne View this post on Instagram A post shared by Made in Japan South Melbourne (@mij_southmelb) Made in Japan has been a fixture in South Melbourne for over 30 years, quietly supplying Japanese ceramics to many of the city's favourite restaurants. Step inside and you'll find everything, from everyday plates and bowls to specialty kitchenware like donabe pots and matcha cups. Each piece, sourced directly from kilns in Japan, is built to last. Take your time browsing a rainbow of vibrant indigos, mossy greens, speckled greys and warm terracottas — there's something for every budget. There's also a second store in Mornington. Lore Perfumery 313 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lore Perfumery (@loreperfumery) Scent lovers will be familiar with this perfumery: it's been selling perfumes, candles and soaps on Brunswick Street since 2017. Find cult favourites like Juliette Has A Gun, Tokyo Milk and Blomb here — or chat to one of the resident scent experts to discover a new favourite. Discovery sets and Lore's festive advent calendar are always a safe bet. For a more personal gift, jump on this niche #PerfumeTok trend and pair a fragrance with a book – Brunswick Street Bookstore is just a few doors down. Terrain Earth 101-103 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy View this post on Instagram A post shared by TERRAIN (@terrain.earth) To answer FKA Twigs' question, the thinkers are shopping at Terrain Earth. Part bookshop, part art gallery, the ecologically-minded space has curated a selection of titles that explore the world we live in. Mounted on a cave-like wall, the aluminium shelves are stocked with showpiece art and design books, fictional novels that tackle themes of environment and culture, and thoughtful non-fiction about food, health, science and sustainability. Gewürzhaus Spice House Various locations View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gewürzhaus Spice House (@gewurzhaus) 'Never show up to someone's home empty-handed' is golden etiquette advice — it's just light on the specifics. When in doubt, stop by one of Gewürzhaus' five stores for gourmet gifts that any host would appreciate. The biggest spice merchant in Melbourne touts over 200 locally-made spice blends — from spice rack staples from around the world to those specially crafted for specific dishes like laksa and apple cake — alongside teas and artisanal kitchenware. Third Drawer Down 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen View this post on Instagram A post shared by Third Drawer Down (@thirddrawerdown) It's a shame that a trip to the museum is rarely inspired by gift shopping, because their gift shops are brimming with creative and non-generic surprises. At the Heide Museum of Modern Art, Three Drawers Down stocks functional creations from over 200 artists. Expect everyday objects turned on their heads here. A plain notebook might be boring, but a double-sided notebook designed for jotting down both good and bad ideas by daredevil performance artist Marina Abramović is a masterpiece. Saloon Store Level 4/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD View this post on Instagram A post shared by Garmentory (@garmentory) Among Curtin House's lineup of creative independent retailers, Saloon Store stands out for thrilling finds. With a considered collector's eye, owners Georgah Crane and Kirra Scotland pull clothing and accessories from hard-to-find labels like Sandy Liang and All is a gentle spring. They're matched with an equally compelling range of lifestyle pieces such as skin contact vinegar from Tax Vinegar, nourishing beauty tints and balms from New Zealand-born Maryse and Service Objects' restaurant-grade tableware. The Hub General Store 36 Cambridge Street, Collingwood View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Hub General Store (@thehubgeneralstore) Typically found in small towns, a traditional general store is a one-stop shop for everyday provisions. The Hub General Store brings that convenience to Collingwood's backstreets, but sleeker, sharper and far better-dressed. Inside, wander through a labyrinth of miscellaneous objects. The range runs deep: medicinal chest rubs, artisanal whistled and housekeeping tools sit alongside kitchen knives sporting handpicked timber handles, vintage board games and designer matchsticks. Chibi and Esmé 1/5 Wilkinson Street, Brunswick View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chibi & Esmé (@chibiandesme) Print is not dead, as printmaker Chibi & Esmé makes apparent. The concept space feels like a workshop, stocked with international zines and print media (including owner Jasmine Jafari's playful illustrated creations), craft materials, jewellery, art and apparel from local makers. From offbeat artists to original ideas, the unpretentious curation here is one for visual thinkers and creative minds. Sticky Institute 510 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne CBD View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sticky Institute (@sticky_institute) Thoughtful, creative and budget-friendly, zines are a gifting option more people should be considering. Not-for-profit Sticky Institute has been dedicated to zine culture in Melbourne since 2001. Part low-cost printer, part retail space, the Elizabeth Street location is stocked with creations from local makers. From lo-fi booklets to technicolour spreads, it's a haven for those who prefer their literature underground. Images: supplied