Okay friends, we need to talk.

There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.

If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.

Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).

Here we go….

Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.

If you’re searching for a gin on the northern GC, look no further than Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery.  These gents sure know how to hand craft a cracking drop, like their London Dry Gin.

Turning to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with an extra special Christmas spirit in the form of Pavlova Gin and this is exactly how we like our dessert. Or hit up another newbie which has also been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).

For the beer enthusiasts, you just can’t beat Burleigh Brewing Co. (the Burleigh Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is the shiz) or Lost Palms. Black Hops (and Black Hops II in Biggera Waters) never disappoint, nor does their Foreverland Grapefruit XPA. If an authentic Belgian brew or two is on someone’s wish list, it’s all about Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company.

Clothing
Like booze, we all love threads so when in doubt, look to these local legends!

PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.

Shop the comfiest and coolest loungewear for women and kiddos at Momi Babie (where everything is $20 or less right now), or head for Rhythm in Burleigh for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.

The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.

Good Intentions Co. are making a positive impact, one tee at a time, pledging 10% of their sales to incredible charities like Beyond Blue, FoodBank, and RizeUp.

For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and Kira and Kira in Miami stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture. For beautiful wall art, wallpaper and planners, Mint Art Co have endless gorgeous options. For one-of-a-kind fine art pieces, prints and super cute repositionable decals we recommend The Confetti Collective.

For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.

For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.

Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.

Other Gifts
Simple Sunday Designs is your go-to for linen beach bags and yes, this.is.a.thing! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.

Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Australian Made. Our tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift! Small-batch, ethically crafted gold and silver jewellery from Merchants of the Sun is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa.

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, settle petal because The Village Markets pop-up events always deliver amazing, well, everything. Lifestlye boutique Halo & Grace, in Mermaid Beach, is chock full of a beautifully curated mix of goodies.

And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover The Kindred Trader in Burleigh, now is your perfect opportunity. Housing an abundance of Australian and international brands their goodies aim to bring light, colour and joy to your home and life. Be warned, you may *accidentally* leave with a few goodies for yourself as well as your loved one!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Words by Bianca Trathen.

You may be thinking, no worries guys, when I make my next million I’ll invest in a boat and get back to this story (insert eye roll). But guess what, there are plenty of boatibilities throughout our fair city from BBQ boats (best) to jetskis and sailboats to super yachts. Never fear, even if you don’t own a boat (us too) you can hire one without all those exxy repair costs!

And no matter your budget, there’s a way to get out on that sparkly water and when you do, here are a few places to explore (from north to south).

Runaway Bay
If a boating day trip is on the agenda, head up to the delightful Runaway Bay where the waterways are wide and the general feeling is one of extreme chill. You can cruise around for the day or put down your anchor and venture onto the land. Runaway Bay is like a holiday for locals with its waterside cafes and restaurants, grassy relaxation areas (otherwise known as parks) and scores of people who are thrilled to be living the high vibe life.
Where: Runaway Bay (northern Gold Coast)

Gold Coast Broadwater
Land of the giant, glossy famous-people owned yachts. Don’t let that put you off though, there’s plenty of room for everyone. At the south end, Marina Mirage is home to plenty of restaurants from family-friendly to five star and there are many shops to spend all your hard-earned money in. If spending ain’t your thing, there are lots of little beaches (locals top pick is Wavebreak or The Spit) you can stop into for complete privacy and relaxation. Pack a picnic and your bikini and stay for the day.
Where: Southport / Main Beach

Capri on Via Roma
Tucked away across a soon-to-be-revamped bridge is Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise’ fancy next door neighbour. The suburb sits on the stunning Gold Coast waterways with views for days and plenty of spots for boat parking. Our recommendation is Capri on Via Roma, the beautiful shopping and dining precinct boasting five-star restaurants and even better views. Park your boat on the eastern side and pop out for brekky on the alfresco dining area then grab some fresh flowers and maybe a slab of cheese and be on your way.
Where: Isle of Capri

Tallebudgera Creek
Not only is it the perfect place for swimming, picnics and stand up paddle boarding, you can also grab a small boat and cruise up the waterways for as long as your little heart desires. There are heaps of hidden coves and tucked away beaches to pull into and if you venture far enough, it’s highly likely you won’t come across another soul. It’s the perfect way to spend a balmy summer Sunday with your friends. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Where: South of Burleigh Heads

Currumbin Creek
Park at Duringan Street and take off into the calm, clear waters of Currumbin Creek. You can hire a boat, SUP or a BBQ pontoon (which anyone can drive), fill up your esky and get exploring. The creek is about 20 kilometres in length and at a cruisy, Sunday morning pace that could easily eat up half a day of your life. Pull into any number of beaches for a pit stop, maybe eat some fresh oysters off the rocks and generally revel in the good vibes the Gold Coast has to offer.
Where: Currumbin Creek (yep)

Of course, if you’re not into captaining a boat yourself (it’s not for everyone), check out the great water activities here and let someone else do the hard work while you cruise around with a drink in hand.

Words by Kirra Smith