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.

Apparently Christmas in July came about because our European settler friends weren’t keen on celebrating in 40 degree heat and not a snowflake in sight. Us Aussies though are up for a feast t any old time so Christmas in July it is! Here’s a healthy Christmas Cake to jump start the festivities.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond meal
1 cup dried dates
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon orange zest
Pinch of salt
3 eggs
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup water
½ cup chopped prunes
½ cup chopped apricots
½ cup chopped figs
½ cup chopped brazil nuts
½ cup orange juice

INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees celsius and line a square cake tin with baking paper. To start, soak the chia seeds in the ½ cup of water and set aside. In a separate bowl soak the prunes, apricots and figs in the ½ cup of orange juice. In a food processor place the almond meal and dried dates, process until finely ground down and combined. Add the other dry ingredients including the coconut flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, orange zest and salt. Process together until combined. In a small bowl whisk the eggs, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and soaked chia seeds. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and blitz in the processor until combined. Finally add the fruit that has been soaking in the orange juice and the Brazil nuts. Mix gently to combine the nuts and fruit into the cake mixture. Scrape the mixture into the cake tin and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Remove the loaf from the oven allow to cool down.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.