Building our Community
Shopping Local for Christmas
Earlier this week we clocked one month until Christmas! The super organised, who have spread their Christmas shopping across multiple pay cycles may already be done, while others may need some inspiration about where to even start. In Mount Evelyn, we are surrounded by so many incredible small businesses, so we took to the streets to ask a few of them about why shopping local this Christmas is important. We also have some gift recommendations at the end!
Q. Hi Becks! As the owner of Popirie, you sell online, at markets and wholesale to other local businesses. What is so special and unique about working with these small businesses and which ones are you currently stocked with?
A. Being part of a network of local small business owners, many of whom are women, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to foster connections and offer support to each other in our creative pursuits. My earrings and broader collection can be found at Sweet Caroline (Mount Evelyn), The Olinda Collective (Olinda), Oak & Haven (Croydon South), Brolly (Heathmont) and Rogue Bear (Upwey).
Q. Hi Jocelyn! As the owner of Sucre Sprinkles as well as a cheerleader of other small businesses, why do you think it is so important to shop small at Christmas?
A. As a small business owner, I have firsthand experience of the importance it is to shop small. Often for us, Christmas sales are what boost us for the year to come, allowing us to invest in future ideas and products. It's so special to think that the products you buy from a small business have been made by them, often with their bare hands from an idea they possibly spent months thinking about, product testing then creating. All on the hope that someone might buy it. So, this Christmas, think about who you are investing in. And remember we really do a little dance every time we receive an order.
$15 and under
Bows have been all the rage this year, you’ll spot them on everything from PJs, to wrapping paper and people are even foregoing traditional baubles on their Christmas tree, replacing them with bows. So, these earrings are a beautiful gift for the bow-loving person in your life. Whether you buy them for yourself to sprinkle on your sugar cookies or pavlova or gift them to the baking afficionado in your family, Sucre Sprinkles have nailed the sprinkles game. I can’t decide between which colour-way I love most between Handsome and Wonderland but the whole website is worth a browse. For a funky spin on a note pad, Rogue Bear have you sorted with this stunning half moon notepad.
$35 and under
If you are after something that is a bit festive, Popirie have three packs of their Christmas studs along with a variety of larger drop earrings. Everyone needs a good quality mug and Robert Gordon’s classic swatch mug is a winner for a reason – Kuranga stock them in a wide variety of colours along with an array of teas and hot chocolate mixes. For the Instrumental Teacher, Worship Band Leader or 24 year old nephew who has started his own band, this Guitar Shaped Bottle Opener from Rogue Bear is the perfect gift. While this Memory Game featuring Pete Cromer designs is in the ‘Kids’ section at Kuranga, it could equally be a great gift for the Pete Cromer enthusiast in your life.
$55 and under
Popirie have branched out from solely creating earrings and have this year introduced wall hangings – I love this Cross. Across the road from MECS, Kuranga have a few delightful items that might inspire your Christmas shopping (or go on your own wishlist!). This two pack of stackable bowls are divine and this cooler bag is either a great gift on it’s own or with some yummy cheese and biscuits packed up inside as a hamper. Oak & Haven in Croydon South is a bit further afield but well worth the visit – they’ve just had their one-year anniversary and it’s incredibly hard to pick what to recommend but I can’t go by the Frankie Gusti candles. They always smell incredible and are made locally in Lilydale. The Sweet Peach & Lychee is my favourite – the perfect summery aroma!
Grace Sketcher
Marketing Coordinator/Teaching & Learning Executive Assistant