Lifestyle
10 gifts to buy for your support crew (who help you out all year long)
Need to thank your postie, cleaner, physio, hairdresser, dog sitter, accountant… this year? Here’s our round-up of the best gifts under $50 so you can spread the festive cheer far and wide.
By Carolyn Tate
Do you have a postie that always leaves your parcels hidden under cover, so they’re safe until you get home? Maybe your hairdresser just ‘gets’ you, even when you wave your hand around vaguely and say something like, “oh, I don’t know, just make me fabulous.” Or perhaps your dog sitter always brings Fluffy’s favourite treats without being reminded.
We are surrounded by angels on earth every day who make our lives easier, and saying thank you at Christmas time with a small token feels like the least we can do.
But of course, we don’t want to send ourselves broke in the process.
So what can you buy that says “You’re wonderful” without also saying “Oh-oh, I’ll have to sell the car come January”?
Here are our top 10 answers to that age-old question.
Alcohol, but make it classy
Let’s face it: we live in Australia and our culture still loves the odd tipple. Why fight it, if that’s what makes someone happy? This gift pack from Brewquets is a fun taster kit for that beer drinker in your life, and you know they’ll be thinking fond thoughts when they crack a coldie over that hot Christmas summer.
5 Can Beer Gift Pack
Use your Citro card for 3% cashback
Other options:
● Aperol Spritz & Riccadonna Giftpack $48.90 from Boozebud (4% cashback)
● Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz $22.90 from Boozebud (4% cashback)
Some pampering for those who are always using their hands
Our hands can take a battering - especially if we’re using them and washing them all the time. (I’m looking at you, nurses, hairdressers, gardeners.) If you know someone whose hands could do with some love, this pack from Natio will have them feeling soft and supple in no time.
Natio Nurture X-Mas 2024 Gift Set $13.50 from Chemist Direct
Use your Citro card for 8% cashback
Other options:
Reusable coffee mug for someone always on the go
Takeaway coffee cups are not only not awesome for the environment, they can also give your coffee a waxed cardboard taste that’s hard to ignore. A personalised coffee cup is the gift that gives now, and into the future. Each time your recipient sips their morning cup of joe, they’ll think fondly of you.
Personalised The Traveller Metal Commuter Cup
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Bamboo Reusable Cup $24.95 from Beforeyouspeak coffee (8% cashback)
● Tempa Avery Travel Mug Matte Black $29.95 from Harris Scarfe (1.5% cashback)
4. The soothing sensation of a beautiful candle
If you’re after a hug in a jar - but without the potentially uncomfortable physical closeness with someone you don’t know that well - this Dusk candle ticks all your boxes. The dulce de leche fragrance promises to evoke salty sweet butter caramel with walnut praline, chocolate and vanilla swirl. Give it to someone you like before you take a big sniff and decide to keep it for yourself!
Use your Citro card for 8% cashback
● Moment Candle $19.99 from Cotton On (2% cashback)
● Fleur Blanche Mini Scented Candle $29 from Aura Home (5% cashback)
5. Chocolates and flowers all in one fun bouquet
The genius of Edible Blooms is that they’re a bunch of flowers, but they’re so much more. Choose from a range of chocolates and other treats arranged just so, and your favourite teacher, podiatrist or lawn mower will think you’re imaginative and ever so thoughtful.
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Unwind Bedtime Sample Pack $35.95 from Peak Chocolate (30% cashback)
● The Truffle Collection Gift Box $29.90 from Koko Black (Up to 5% Cashback on All Purchases)
6. A festive way to cut the cheese at Christmas
Who doesn’t love a good cheese or charcuterie board at Christmas? The summer holidays are made for grazing and entertaining, and these fun knives can be presented at any event and immediately make a plate of any old cheese look extra festive.
Use your Citro card for 3% cashback
Other options:
● Travel Cheese Set in Natural $49.99 from General Pants Co. (5% Cashback)
● Tempa Fromagerie 3-Piece Cheese Knife Set $24.95 from Harris Scarfe (1.5% cashback)
7. A 2025 diary
We may all have electronic diaries these days, but nothing can replace a good paper diary. This planner from Typo comes in a range of patterned covers, so you’re sure to find one to suit anyone. Plus you know they’ll never forget they’ve definitely scheduled in your next appointment/meeting/visit. Win!
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● 2025 Wild Places of Australia Diary $27.99 from booktopia (Up to 3% cashback on all purchases)
● 2025 Aesthetica A5 Desk Calendar $45.95 from The Iconic (3% cashback)
8. Decorative tea towels
Nobody ever buys nice tea towels for themselves (do they?), so it’s a wonderful and thoughtful gift to have some special tea towels to brighten up your kitchen in the holidays. If you really want to wow your gift recipient, you can wrap the tea towel around a nice box of cookies, chocolates, or a bottle of wine. But even on their own, these tea towels are sure to brighten up anyone’s day.
Christmas Santa Tea Towel Pack of 2
Use your Citro card for 4% cashback
Other options:
● Turner Set of 3 Terry Tea Towel $14.95 from Bed Bath N’ Table (3% cashback)
● Country Road Logo Australian Cotton Tea Towel $14.95 from The Iconic (3% cashback)
9. Fun ice cubes for the partier/hostess with the mostess
If you know a whiskey lover, these stones will help them to keep their tipple cool while they’re enjoying the long hot summer, but they won’t water down their whiskey (a huge no-no for the purists!). These stones are also perfect for adding to any drink you’d like to keep cold - and all without changing their flavour.
Granite Whiskey Ice Cube Stones
Use your Citro card for 5% cashback
Other options:
● Tempa Quinn Cube Ice Cube Trays $19 from OZSALE (3% cashback)
● Cocktail Ice Cube Ripple Charcoal $34.95 from The Iconic (3% cashback)
10. A pair of high quality socks if they’re always on their feet
If you’ve got a tradie, dog walker, or allied health worker you’re buying for, you can be sure they’re always on their feet. A bit of love goes a long way, and these Kathmandu hiking socks are designed to provide support, minimise friction, and be durable and comfortable. Who do you know that deserves comfy feet?
Kathmandu NuYarn Ergonomic Quarter Crew Hiking Socks
Use your Citro card for 3% cashback
Other options:
● 3pk Half Terry Premium Performance Quarter Socks $27.99 from Skechers (3% cashback)
● MerinoLINK Federate Socks $34.98 from Kathmandu (0.5% cashback)
Feature image: iStock/visualspace
More Christmas giving ideas here: