Overview
Knowing what gifts to get everyone for Christmas is always a challenge — especially with every family member and friend having different tastes. For the creative king or queen on your list, we've curated a bunch of stellar gifts that'll make for excellent unwrapping on Christmas morning. To celebrate the impending launch of Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2021, we've put together this list of six gifts suited to the culture vulture in your life, which are sure to satisfy them and make you less helpless (Hamilton references intended).
Hamilton Broadway Cast
'HAMILTON' GIFT VOUCHER, TICKETMASTER (FROM $10)
Don't throw away your shot to get the perfect gift for the culture-loving one in your life with a gift voucher to see Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. It's an original gift that caters to all age groups and history, theatre, music and culture buffs alike. The vouchers are super flexible, as they allow you to choose an amount to be redeemed against tickets rather than having to purchase tickets for a certain day. Plus, they're valid through till September 2021, so it's good for interstate friends who don't have their travel plans yet sorted. Vouchers start at just $10 and can be bought in multiples of $10 up to $450. And they can be bought right up until Christmas morning.
HEY LADY PUZZLE, JOURNEY OF SOMETHING ($59)
Give the gift of craft with the 1000-piece Hey Lady jigsaw puzzle by Aussie brand Journey of Something. The design is by artist Monique Aimee, who features themes of women and travel in her work. This particular piece stars the wonderful, history-making women that are Malala Yousafzai, Billie Eilish, Princess Diana, Dolly Parton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Madonna and Michelle Obama. So, it'll also be a gift of inspiration and admiration. Plus, as a bonus, it's made from recycled paper.
TOTE BAG, GOLDEN AGE CINEMA ($40)
There's no better tote bag for the culture junkie in your group than this limited-edition version from Sydney's Golden Age Cinema. It's made with linen cotton fabric, which is extremely durable so it can be used on the reg without showing signs of wear. There's a front pocket for keys, comfortable handles for their shoulder and it has detailing on the front reading 'The Good Old Days Are Now' in bold lettering. Get this trendy and useful pressie in olive green or natural for a nifty $40 (plus postage and handling).
ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES MEMBERSHIP (FROM $95)
Get a gift that keeps on giving with a membership to the Art Gallery of NSW. For an individual membership of $95 for one year or $270 for three, your mate will receive a free ticket to the exhibition of their choice — right now, that could be Streeton or the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020 — plus, a subscription to Look magazine and discounts on over 400 events over a year. They'll also reap discounts at the gallery shop, cafe and restaurant and enjoy some reciprocal benefits from other national and state galleries that have connections with the AGNSW. Not too shabby at all.
Anna Kucera
TITJIKALA BY DORIS THOMAS SILK SCARF, MCA STORE ($250)
The silk scarf, Titjikala by Doris Thomas, at the MCA Store is perfect for a loved one that's into high art or appreciates a good piece of fashion. This piece depicts Thomas' memories of Country, having been born near Alice Springs and raised in the community of Titjikala. It's part of the Town Camp Designs collection by Ewyenper Atwatye Artists, Tangentyere Artists and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. Town Camp Designs is 100 percent Aboriginal owned and run with all profits going straight back to the artists. The scarf itself is $250 and 100 percent silk, and it comes in a gift box, so you don't need to worry about the wrapping.
Daniel Boud
HIP HOP CLASSES, SYDNEY DANCE CO (FROM $24)
Know someone who likes to get their groove on? Why not book them into a hip hop class at Sydney Dance Company? The beginner classes feature a street style originating from the Bronx in New York City in the 70s — think soulful and free-flowing movements similar to what Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna sport. Alternatively, step your friend up with an intermediate class featuring more complex choreography for them to master. Single classes are just $24 or you can grab a FlexiPack of five for $100. Alternatively, you could buy tickets to one of the company's shows if that's more their style.
Hamilton is opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Wednesday, March 17, booking through to September. Gift vouchers, valued between $10–450, are valid for redemption on performances for Hamilton and can be purchased from Ticketmaster here.
Top image: Hamilton US National Tour, Joan Marcus