2023 Very Aussie Christmas Gift Guide
Struggling for gift ideas for that hiking-mad, adventure-obsessed friend or rellie? Well, we’ve put together a list of festive gift ideas that will not only result in all the hugs and appreciation but all the products are Australian made. Aussie brands and manufacturers will want to give you a big Christmasy hug too!
Aussie Made Gifts Under $50
Looking for a thoughtful stocking filler or sensible secret santa gift? Here’s a bunch of great Aussie made stuff for under $50.
Woodslane Walking Guides Book
Woodslane have published some of the best Australian walking and hiking guidebooks on the market. What's more, many of them are authored by friends of Ottie Merino Julie Mundy and Debra Heyes!
A couple of our picks are The Grampians Peaks Trail and Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road.
On Track Meals - MREs and Snacks
Edible and drinkable gifts are always the best. If the lucky recipient tends to eat freeze dry food on the track they must give these ready to eat meals a go—perfect for those shorter trips where you want to eat yummy tasting food. Everything in the On Track Meals range is under $50 so why not buy a few or one of their Meat Lover, Vegan, or Spice Lover Packs.
Feed the Hike - Dehydrated Food and Books
Another great Aussie food option. In fact, we spoke to Michelle as part of our Aussie Made Mates blog series recently. Feed the Hike makes a range of delicious soups and dehydrated meals, and Michelle has even written a couple of books.
How to Navigate by Caro Ryan aka Lotsafreshair
Speaking of books… This is the sort of gift that shows your loved one you care. Or, shows them that you think they’re a pretty lousy navigator. How to Navigate by the insanely wise and experienced Caro Ryan is a must for any Aussie hiker’s collection.
By the way, Ottie Merino’s Chief Merino Fanatic, Paul, even gets a mention on the ‘Acknowledgement’ page. Caro is a mate of ours. :)
Want to take your navigation skills to the next level, do one of Caro's nav courses.
Humphrey Law Socks
Yes, yes, it’s a cliche. Socks (and jocks) for Christmas. But Aussie made, Ethical Clothing Australia accredited socks hit different. Available here at Ottie Merino in an ankle length or full length hiking sock.
One Planet Frisbee
Perfect for some campsite entertainment, this nifty Australian made frisbee by One Planet is made from upcycled canvas—the sort of stuff they use for their backpacks.
Guided Short Hikes
If you’re wanting to gift something truly memorable then an experience is the way to go. With Big Heart Adventures you can do some forest bathing, grab a voucher, or book something bigger. And for $40 you can do a day hike in the Dandenong Ranges, You Yangs, or Werribee Gorge.
Aussie Made Gifts Under $100
You’ve set a budget to spend just $100 on a present for your lover or friend this year. Here’s a few fantastic options.
Ottie Merino Short Sleeve Merino Tee
It would be a bit odd not including ourselves in this list, right? A premium quality, Australian made merino tee makes the perfect gift for that merino-loving pal.
Available in a range of colours and sizes in men’s and women’s fits.
One Planet Snake Gaiters
Yeah, the lucky recipient will look like a bit of a dill wearing these One Planet Snake Gaiters but gaiters are a must in snakey territory or when mud, rocks, and prickles are on the cards. These babies are made in Melbourne.
Guided Day Hikes
A guided hike in the Yarra Ranges, Cathedrals, or even Glass House Mountains in QLD with a gourmet lunch and glass of champagne to finish it off? That’s how Get Outside Australia rolls. They also do a range of overnight and glamping experiences.
Aussie Made Gifts Under $200
Ottie Merino Long Sleeve Merino Tee or Thermal Top
For the sun-smart rellie or friend, a long sleeve merino tee is the way to go if you're hiking in sunny conditions or want a bit of lightweight insulation. Alternatively, Ottie Merino's 200gsm thermal tops is great if they're after something a bit warmer—maybe they're gearing up for a trip to Tasmania or New Zealand?
Tier Gear Peregrine Hammock
Made in Tasmania, the Peregrine Hammock is ideal for the camper that likes to get up off the ground, or for general lazing. Tier Gear also makes top-quality quilts and tarps and accessories.
Aussie Made Gifts Over $200
One Planet Backpack
Known for their great harness systems, One Planet backpacks are made in Australia and are made to last. We reviewed their Zipless daypack a little while ago and this is without doubt the best daypack we've ever used. They do a heap of bigger packs too, and more 'urban' style packs.
Summit Gear Backpack
Another great Australian pack maker, Summit Gear in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains make a range of small daypacks (under $200) and bigger bushwalking packs. They're built rugged for the rugged Aussie bush.
Your loved one more of an ultralight head? Get 'em a Summit Gear Solitary 35. We test drove one in NZ earlier this year - and on many many day hikes around Sydney since - and we've loved it. We'll publish a review soon.
GME MT610G PLB
We've banged on about the importance of always carrying a PLB time and time again. What better gift to show your loved one that you care, than an Aussie made PLB. They genuinely are a must in any hikers or campers or 4WDers kit. Read more on the benefits of a PLB here.
You can buy these PLBs from Snowys, Caravan Mods and Outback Equipment.
