Celebrate movers, shakers and indie makers with A Very Laneway Christmas gift guide
It might have earned a rep as the most wonderful time of the year, but the lead-up to Christmas can feel like an absolute mission – especially the shopping part. If you’ve been putting off your annual gifting pilgrimage for fear of scrambling crowds, trolley rage and spruikers, fear not! Fortitude Valley’s dreamy trio of laneways – California Lane, Bakery Lane and Winn Lane – are all loaded with local businesses that can provide a unique gifting experience. From your hard-to-buy-for mates to the most fashionable in your flock, our A Very Laneway Christmas gift guide has something for everyone.
For the fashion-conscious friend
If you’re buying for someone who always looks like a million bucks, we have some rad suggestions. There are some amazing designers based right here in Brisbane who stock their unique threads – check out Phoebe Paradise for bold (and often tongue-in-cheek) prints, Planet Hostile for cute handmade and customised pieces, Alice Nightingale for immaculately designed retro vibes, and Akira for forward-thinking Japanese pieces. Party girls are well catered for with Principessa’s range of distinctive frocks, Empire Dolls is a great spot to pick up on-trend goodies, and LJC Designs brings dreamy linen pieces that are perfect for summer.
For the friend who has everything
There’s one in every family or friendship circle – the notoriously hard-to-buy-for person. Allow us to solve your gifting woes with this list of cool picks. You can’t go wrong with greenery, so pick them up a plant or handmade kokedama from Max & Mort. Are they more musically inclined? Phase 4 Records will sort you out with a great range of vinyl and merch, while Tym Guitars has got your hardcore musos covered – as if any guitarist has ever not needed more strings. Still stuck? Flip through the amazingly curated clothes and accessories at Lil J’s Vintage for a one-off score, or pick up a piece of badass local art from The Culprit Club. If you need something small, cute and last minute, a naughty gift from Cakes & Shit will give the recipient a laugh along with a delicious treat – because nothing says Christmas cheer like a cupcake that swears at you.
For the fresh look
In the lead-up to Christmas, we can forget to take care of ourselves – if this sounds like someone on your list, why not gift them with a little TLC? The Brow Bakery can get even the most unruly caterpillars into shape and make little lashes look lush, so treat your mates to a little boost. Hearts & Heroes Style can not only get your locks looking amazing, but the studio also stocks a great range of coveted cosmetics brands like Glindawand, Harlotte, PONi and more – perfect for beauty buffs. If you know a gent who needs some pre-Christmas grooming, shout him a cut at Crown & Co Barbers – the team here will make him look (and feel) like a total legend. For ladies who have lost trust in their stylist, send them to WINNston Hair to get Monica and her team on the case – she will restore their faith and heal any past hair trauma.