Lifestyle
10 gifts to buy for your best mate (who asks for nothing and knows everything)
Buying a Christmas gift for a mate is a lot of fun, especially if they’re not expecting anything. Here’s our round up of presents to treat your favourite with.
By Lana Hallowes
For the one who just ‘gets’ you and you them. We’re talking about your best mate. Christmas is all about family and the person who holds your hand on the roller coaster that is life is the family you choose.
Here are some lovely gift ideas for your sister from another mister or brother from another mother:
A tea set for 2
Is there anyone else they’d rather sip tea with than you? Make your cuppa exclusive to you both with this stunning Wild at Heart Tea for Two set. Slip in their favourite brew and the kettle will be boiling before you can ask, “Should we have some now?”.
Use your Citro Card for 4% cashback
Other options:
Tondo Tea Pot $22.45 from Bed Bath N' Table (3% cashback)
Tea-Rrific Loose Leaf Strainer $9.99 from Typo (5% cashback)
A portable chair to make them feel like a king
This is the epitome of camping/picnic/watching the fireworks/grandkids’ sports game comfort. Unlike ordinary foldable chairs, the Kings Deluxe Sofa Chair is like a snug tub chair that hugs you. It has drink/phone holders and an easy-to-carry bag. Your mate will want to take it everywhere!
Use your Citro Card for 3% cashback
Other options:
Folding Camping Portable Chair from Decathlon $146.85 (5% cashback)
Retreat Recliner Chair $111.99 from Kathmandu (7% cashback)
A creative experience you can share together
A gift where you get to spend time together making a beautiful keepsake, is a very special present. ClassBento offers thousands of classes, including pottery, knife making, glass blowing, jewellery making and more. You and your friend might enjoy this Resin Art Cheeseboard Workshop.
Various prices depending on experience
Use your Citro Card for 7% cashback
Other options
Endota spa treatments (7% cashback)
Blys mobile massage and beauty (5% cashback)
Couch-wear to get cosy and unwind in
This cute Bumble Bees Hooded Sherpa Blanket is like wearing a warm hug. It’s so comforting. Once plonked on the couch wearing this, your friend will feel like their day is well and truly done and it’s time to relaaaaaax.
Use your Citro Card for 3% cashback
Other options:
Reversible Hoodie Blanket Sheep Print $50 from Ugg Exporess (5% cashback)
Friends Oversized Hoodie $89.99 from Cotton On (2% cashback)
A lightweight towel that will save space in any bag
Super quick drying and made of soft microfibre, this clever towel won't take up space in your friend’s backpack or suitcase. Great for gym-going, camping, travelling or just chucking in the car on adventures with you.
Use your Citro Card for 5% cashback
Other options:
Crep Protect Microfibre Towels 2 Pack $30.00 JD Sports (3% cashback)
Everlast Microfibre Gym Towel 14.99 from Intersport (3% cashback)
A good book you can both read (and book club)
If you’ve got a favourite book you’ve been dying to share with your bestie, now is your chance. Our must-read book for everyone this year is John Farnham’s The Voice Inside. Other books to add to both your Christmas lists this year include Al Pacino’s Sonny Boy; Recipe Tin Eats Nagi Maehashi’s new book Tonight (she of last year’s ABIA book of the year Dinner); and Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders.
Use your Citro Card to purchase an e-Gift card for 3.1% cashback
Other options:
Juice by Tim Winton $39.99 from Dymocks (3.1% cashback)
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty $17.99 from Amazon Books (1% cashback)
A compact screwdriver for EVERYTHING
Your mate will never lose the right drill bit again with this nifty multi-tool. The Milwaukee 8-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver stores the bit heads in the handle, so it’s perfect to grab for any job. This practical gift is also very compact, so it can be stored anywhere.
Use your Citro Card for 4% cashback
Other options:
Milwaukee 11-in-1 Multi-bit Screwdriver Set $18.95 from Tools Warehouse (4% cashback)
Bunnings eGift card (0.75% cashback)
A scent to make them REALLY love being home
Home is your mate’s happy place anyway but when it smells divine, it’s even better! This sophisticated yet spicy, Sandalwood and Amber Reed Diffuser has ginger, lime and mandarin overtones with a woody base. Check out the other Ecoya fragrances to find the perfect one for your friend.
Use your Citro Card for 8% cashback
Other options:
Reed Diffuser Set $89 from Maskco (1.2% cashback)
Dr. Vranjes Firenze Ginger Lime Diffuser $130.00 from City Perfume (3% cashback)
A tinted sunscreen to wear on the daily
Sunscreen is a must for Australians but some are hard on facial skin. Introduce your friend to the hued Naked Sunday’s BeautyScreen range (13 shades to choose from). It will keep the rays at bay while it supports skin health.
Use your Citro Card for 5% cashback
Other options:
Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ Tinted Sunscreen $13.95 from Chemist Direct (3% cashback)
Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF 50+ $59 from Adore Beauty (4% cashback when you spend $100 or more)
A bubbly gift basket
Fancy a little festive catch-up together? Bring the fancy with a Moët & Gourmet Nibbles Hamper. Not only is there a bottle of Moet bubbles tucked inside, there’s also plenty of nuts, olives, dips and crackers to fuel your chatter long into the night.
Use your Citro card for 8% cashback
Other options:
Shiraz and Savoury basket $79 from Gourmet Baskets (5% cashback)
Foodies Hamper $99 from Gifts Australia (8% cashback)
Feature image: iStock/Frazao Studio Latino
More Christmas giving ideas here:
10 gifts to buy for a tween girl (who’s fussy about everything except the state of her room)
10 gifts to buy for a teenage boy (who thinks a grunt passes for thank you)
10 gifts to buy for your husband (who is easy to love but super hard to buy presents for)