Top 30 Gifts for Christmas gifts for friends
1Gozney Arc Lite | Compact Pizza & Outdoor Oven
A compact gas pizza oven that T3 and Tom's Guide praise for fast heat-up and restaurant-style pizza, a big-ticket Christmas gift for anyone who loves cooking ou
A$649Gozney Australia
3Moroccan Muse Teapot Matte Silver | T2 Tea AU
A 1.2L porcelain teapot with a stainless-steel infuser and a sculptural matte-silver finish, picked out by both Gourmet Traveller and Broadsheet in their 2026 M
A$89.00T2
5Ordo Hydro Sonic+ Water Flosser (Charcoal Grey)
A dentist-designed cordless water flosser that is a practical upgrade to a daily routine, rated 4.5 from 965 reviews at JB Hi-Fi.
A$99.00JB Hi-Fi
7A refillable candle set for someone who likes home fragrance and a well-styled table.
A$89Everlasting Candle Co.
11Journey Duffle Canvas Bag | Mustard
Broadsheet recommends this relaxed cotton-canvas duffle for the casual traveller, with a wide sling strap for easy carrying.
A$131Saarde
13Broadsheet's gift-guide pick for scent lovers: a calming incense of spiced amber, patchouli and elemi.
A$55Gentle Habits
15Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black & Brass)
Man of Many picks this compact, rugged Marshall speaker for its big sound; a stylish gift for music lovers who like to take it along.
A$289.00JB Hi-Fi
17Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse (Graphite)
Man of Many names it among the best tech gifts; a comfortable, precise mouse for anyone who spends their day at a computer.
A$199.00JB Hi-Fi
19A design-led pour-over set for the coffee obsessive.
A$343.00Alternative Brewing
21A classic frame that turns a favourite family photo into a keepsake.
A$119Country Road
23NEGRONI COCKTAIL 500ml — Taylor & Smith Distilling Co.
A ready-to-pour bottled Negroni from a Melbourne distillery, a classy gift for a cocktail fan.
A$85Taylor & Smith Distilling Co.
25CHOCOLATE Buttery Salted Caramels 120gm | 10 x Bon Bons
A small-batch Aussie butter-caramel box that suits almost anyone with a sweet tooth.
A$28.95Pepe Saya
27A low-cost native-ingredient salt rub with Tasmanian pepperberry, good as a stocking filler for a keen cook.
A$15.50Kakadu Plum Co
29The plant pet that tells you when it's thirsty.
$98.99Plantsio
HintDrop perk: 8% off
2Sony WH-1000XM6 Premium Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones (Black)
Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones, listed by Man of Many and rated 4.7/5 by Pickr.
A$578.00JB Hi-Fi
4Australia’s First Titanium Cutting Board – Pure, SGS Certified | Everti
An Australian-made titanium chopping board that suits keen home cooks and is a practical housewarming or Christmas pick.
A$76.00EverTi
6Literati Journal Wisteria | A5 Faux Leather | Lined, Dotted & Blank | The Quirky Cup Collective
An A5 faux-leather journal in wisteria purple that suits a note-taker or list-maker.
A$100The Quirky Cup Collective
8Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker Cloud Silver NC300
Recommended by the Australian Good Food Guide and rated 4.7 from 142 reviews at The Good Guys.
AU$228The Good Guys
10Maison Balzac x Tanora | Raffia Wrapped Gobelet
Broadsheet suggests these borosilicate glasses in handwoven raffia sleeves as a stylish thank-you for a party host.
A$95Tanora
12The Signature Series S Advanced Black - Premium Carry-On
Broadsheet's pick for the traveller: a cabin-sized polycarbonate case with German-engineered wheels and a lifetime guarantee.
A$395Aidan
14Rambler® 26 oz (769 ml) Straw Bottle
Man of Many calls it the best value fitness gift; an insulated straw bottle that keeps water cold through a workout.
A$60.00YETI
16Man of Many includes the new AirTag in its tech gift guide; a handy way to keep track of keys, luggage or a wallet for anyone forever losing things.
A$49.00JB Hi-Fi
18Birkenstock 3-step Foot Care Kit
A scrub, balm and care set for tired feet that Bounty Parents put in its Christmas gifts for mums guide.
A$51.95Birkenstock
22Cast Iron Petal Shallow Casserole
A beautiful heirloom pot for a keen home cook, as good on the table as on the stove.
A$520.00Le Creuset
24
Suede Classic Unisex Sneakers | PUMA Black-PUMA White | PUMA Shop All PUMA | PUMA
A timeless suede sneaker that works for him or her and goes with everything.
A$170PUMA Australia
26Heritage Stripe Carry-on in Basalt Navy | Premium Hard Shell Carry-On Luggage
A hard-shell carry-on with a lifetime warranty, highly rated on Antler's own page and named in Boss Hunting's Christmas guide.
A$480Antler Australia
28The Lankan Spice Gift Box | Lord & Lion Premium Spices
A boxed set of Sri Lankan spices for a mum or friend who loves cooking.
A$109Lord & Lion
30Silky latte art foam at home, a lovely little stocking filler.
A$49.99OutIn
HintDrop perk: 15% off
Sort your friends into tiers first
Not every friend needs the same gift, and pretending otherwise leads to overspending or hurt feelings. A simple three-way split works: your closest few, the wider group you see regularly, and the people you only see once or twice a year.
Closest friends get something personal. The wider group get something small and nice. The occasional friends get a card, or a treat to share when you next meet.
For the friend you know inside out
This is where the in-joke gift lives. A mug with a reference only the two of you understand, a print of somewhere you travelled together, or the exact snack they always steal from you. Specific beats expensive every time.
If you have been friends for years, you can also afford to be useful. Quality socks, a good water bottle or a decent umbrella are not glamorous, but people love them.
Small, safe and still thoughtful
For a wider circle, aim for something almost anyone would be glad of: good chocolate, a nice hand cream, a scented candle, a pack of quality tea or coffee. They are low risk and sit in a comfortable A$10 to A$20 range.
Look for something a little less ordinary than the supermarket version. A small independent brand makes it feel chosen rather than grabbed.
Gifts to share
Friends often get the most from something enjoyed together: a card game, a food hamper to open at your next evening in, or a voucher for somewhere you both like. It doubles as a plan for the new year.
A hamper or a game also works when you are not sure of their taste, because it is meant to be shared rather than judged.
Friends who live far away
Posting a gift to a friend in another city or country is easiest when it is flat, light and unbreakable. A good book, a tin of tea, a small print or a letter with a few photos all travel well and arrive looking like you made an effort.
Send it a week or two before Christmas so there is room for delays, and add a note so it feels like more than a parcel.
Agree a limit with the group
If you have a big circle who all buy for each other, suggest a cap or a Secret Santa. Most people are relieved. It stops the quiet competition and lets everyone pick something properly good instead of lots of mediocre things.
Make it easier for the next one
Ask your closest friends to start a list on HintDrop, and start your own. When Christmas arrives, you can each look at what the other has saved, and nobody has to guess.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on a friend at Christmas?
For a close friend, most people spend somewhere between A$15 and A$40. For a wider circle, A$5 to A$15 is common. What matters is that it is in line with what you think they will spend on you.
What is a good gift for a friend I do not know that well?
Something consumable and widely liked, such as good chocolate, tea, coffee or a candle. It is hard to get wrong.
Should I buy for every friend?
No. Prioritise your closest friends and send a card to the rest. A group Secret Santa is a good way to keep things fair.
What are good last minute Christmas gifts for friends?
Food and drink, books, candles and games are quick to buy and rarely miss. Starting early still gives you more choice.
What can I give a friend who has everything?
Try something that disappears, such as a nice meal, a bottle of something good, or time together booked in for the new year. Experiences and consumables suit people who already own plenty.
Buying for a group this year? Draw names with our free Secret Santa generator: private emailed matches, a budget, and wishlists so nobody has to guess.
Ready to actually find something?
Browse Christmas gifts for friends