Christmas holidays brings lots of planning for gifts, social events and, for many, festive cooking and baking.
To help you with your planning we’ve pulled together some ideas to prepare for the festive season, all while supporting your local businesses.
Whether you’re looking for local gift ideas, quality ingredients for a festive feast or places to dine out, your local Boroondara shops, cafes, restaurants and markets have got you covered!
Tip 1: Support a local community organisation with a donation
Another way to support local and be sustainable is gifting a donation instead of a physical gift.
The following local community organisations accept donations of non-perishable food and material aid:
Please remember to contact community organisations before dropping off food or donations to check they are still collecting items, and to see if there are any particular items they are most in need of and how to arrange to deliver your donation.
Tip 2: Choose somewhere new to dine out
Stay local and book your end of year celebrations, family gatherings and long overdue catch ups with friends in Boroondara. There are endless options for cafes, restaurants and bars where you can meet.
And don’t forget, December is a particularly popular time of year for end of year celebrations and Christmas events. Call the venue to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Not sure where to start? If you need some inspiration to search for restaurants, cafes and bars near you, visit the Boroondara Love Local Life website. And if you’re a business owner, you can add your venue via the Love Local Life add your business page.
Tip 3: Pick up fresh produce to cook up a feast
Are you in charge of cooking up a full family feast at home or have you been designated to bring the all-important roast veggie sides and pudding on Christmas Day? Don’t forget you can pick up a great selection of fresh, local produce at:
- Camberwell Fresh Food Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 am to 5 pm and Sundays 10 am to 3 pm with selected traders open. Visit the Camberwell Fresh Food Market site.
- Boroondara Farmers Market, open 8 am to 12:30 pm on the first and third (and fifth) Saturday of every month. Find out more on our Boroondara Farmers Market page
Tip 4: Reduce your festive footprint
There are many ways to celebrate sustainably during the festive season. When shopping local, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Shop for seasonal, package-free produce for your cooking ingredients.
- Make a shopping list and stick to it, whether buying gifts or festive food and drinks. This helps avoid unnecessary purchases and saves money and waste.
- When buying new products for gifts, look out for eco-friendly and sustainable brands.
Bonus: By shopping local, you’ll be keeping your ‘shopping travel miles’ to a minimum!
Tip 5: Shop local for a unique gift
With a range of shops across Boroondara’s shopping villages, you’re bound to pick up the perfect gift. Many independent food and drink sellers and retail stores sell specialty products you won’t find elsewhere. You can also consider gifting an experience like a cinema gift voucher for the movie-loving friend or perhaps a personal training gym voucher for the active family member.
Not sure where to start? If you need some inspiration to search for shops near you, visit the Boroondara Love Local Life website. And if you’re a business owner and your business isn’t listed yet, you can add your venue via the Love Local Life add your business page.
Tip 6: Find a hand-made gift at Hawthorn Makers Market
The monthly Hawthorn Makers Market is the perfect place to pick up a handmade gift and to enjoy a wander too. The market runs on the first Sunday of the month so you have 2 dates to choose from. The remaining 2023 dates are Sunday 5 November (for the early bird Christmas gift shoppers) and Sunday 3 December.
Find out more on the Hawthorn Makers Market website.
Tip 7: Gift local artworks and performing arts experiences
You can jump online to view unique and creative gifts on our Boroondara Arts online shop. Artworks available to purchase from the current exhibiting artists are listed here too.
You can also consider gifting a ticket to an upcoming performance at Hawthorn Arts Centre or Kew Court House to a music or theatre-loving friend or family member.