Gourmet Traveller’s Christmas Gift Guide 2016

Nerida Winter Rosie Hat

This raffia straw hat by Nerida Winter is perfect for the Australian summer. Ideal for lounging on the sand or a languid summer lunch, being sun-smart has never looked so chic.

$220, neridawinter.com

Montblanc Urban Spirit Duffle Bag

Do the clothes make the man, or does the man make the clothes? At Mont Blanc, it’s attention to detail which counts – namely, timeless accessories. This deluxe leather duffle bag is a classic addition to any gentleman’s wardrobe.

Approx $2100, montblanc.com

Four Pillars Australian Christmas Gin

Why go to all the trouble of eating Christmas pudding when this year you can drink it? Cameron Mackenzie, chief distiller and co-owner of Four Pillars, has turned it into a gin. “We made some Christmas puddings and distilled gin with a base of juniper, star anise, coriander and angelica over the top,” he says.

Four Pillars’ Australian Christmas Gin ($95) is now sold out online at fourpillarsgin.com.au, but is still available from the distillery in Healesville, Victoria, and from select retailers.

AERIN Tangier Vanille Eau de Parfum

Inspired by the spices that permeate the air of Morocco, Tangier Vanille combines Madagascan vanilla – one of the finest and most expensive vanillas in the world – bergamot and rose to transport the wearer to the heart of the souk.

$175 for 50ml, esteelauder.com.au/product/11989/42566/product-catalog/aerin/aerin-fragrance/tangier-vanille/eau-de-parfum

Around the World in 80 Dinners by Joanna Savill & Janne Apelgren

This Christmas, give the gift of “a gastronaut’s guide to the globe”, written by seasoned food journalists Joanna Savill and Janne Apelgren. Around the World in 80 Dinners shares their inside tips on what to eat and where in over two dozen countries.

$45, MUP, mup.com.au/items/198593

Christine Nicolaides Asteria Earrings in Gold

Brisbane-based jewellery designer Christine Nicolaides draws inspiration from the jewellery of ancient Greece and Mesopotamia, yet her pieces also embody an elegant and timeless aesthetic. These handcrafted gold-tone brass earrings will be sure set hearts a-flutter this Christmas.

$239, christie-nicolaides.myshopify.com

Bering Time Watches

Rose Gold and Grey Women’s Watch (11927-369; left)

This gorgeous grey watch – inspired by the Arctic landscape – is enriched with Swarovski crystals and rose gold accents. The charcoal dial complements the woven steel mesh band and the watch is protected against water splashes and perspiration making it a stylish day-to-day timepiece.

$265, beringtime.com.au

Rose Gold and Black Unisex Watch (14539-166; right)

This Milanese watch with its slim Danish design and rose gold case is a striking unisex timepiece. The ebony dial and woven steel mesh band will appeal to those with an elegant sense of style. The scratch-resistant timepiece befits an active lifestyle, too.

$295, beringtime.com.au

Third Drawer Down Pocket Fish Penknife

With this gold-effect penknife you’ll never find yourself stuck in a fishy situation again. The knife features a unique fish-shaped handle along with a carabiner clip, and even comes packaged in its own tiny sardine tin.

$45, thirddrawerdown.com

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Adriana Picker

These lush botanical illustrations by Sydney artist and GT contributor Adriana Picker will have your child (or inner child) whiling away the hours in a daze of colouring. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.

$19.95, adrianapicker.com or purchase online through our pop-up Christmas boutique, open until 18 December.

Gourmet Traveller x Snowgoose Christmas hamper

We’ve teamed up with the folks at Snowgoose to bring you the ultimate Christmas hamper. All killer no filler, these food hampers are brimming with hand-selected drinks and nibbles to seduce and surprise the palate.

From $195, snowgoose.com.au/products/the-gourmet-traveller-summer-hamper

Gourmet Traveller x Madras Link Pital Champagne Bucket

Keep your bubbles on ice in style with this stylish brass Champagne bucket, which is part of our second homewares collection, in partnership with Madras Link. Pop those corks.

$299.95, available at Essential Ingredient stores nationally. 

DRNKS Natural Wine Pack

The perfect solution for anyone looking for an introduction into natural wine, the “purveyors of fine grape juice” at DRNKS have put together a pack of five Australian wines and one French rosé – which is just too good to miss – for GT readers this Christmas. All the wines are clean, precise and some of the best examples of what is happening in the world right now. Jump on it.

$160 + freight,  drnks.com/products/agt-christmas-pack

Market Lane x Homecamp camping coffee kit

Don’t even think about packing instant coffee on your next camping trip. Melbourne roasters Market Lane have joined forces with camping legends Homecamp to build the ultimate kit, which includes an Aeropress, scales, enamel mug, coffee grinder and filter papers, all packed together in a stylish leather pouch.

$250, marketlane.com.au/equipment/market-lane-x-homecamp-kit

Menus by Gourmet Traveller

The most important ingredient of any meal is the company. So when it came to our first hardcover cookbook, we pulled together a collection of menus to be shared with friends. It’s a gift that will stand the test of time.

$59.99, magshop.com.au/australian-gourmet-traveller-menus

Pepe Saya 2kg butter wheel

Could there be anything more decadent (and essential to the Christmas table) than a hefty 2kg wheel of cultured, salted butter from one of Australia’s finest butter companies? Pass the sourdough.

$45, pepesaya.com.au

Mirador ‘Laylow’ Sarong

Nothing evokes the feeling of being on holidays quite like a sarong. Ethically made and designed in Australia, Mirador’s vibrant floral prints are the perfect summer staple to take you from poolside to the beach.

$180, mirador.net.au

Australian Fish & Seafood Cookbook by John Susman, Anthony Huckstep, Sarah Swan and Stephen Hodges

When Neil Perry refers to a cookbook as “the bible for seafood” you know you’re onto a good thing. The weighty cookbook is filled with unique recipes for over 60 types of fish and seafood and plenty of information about species you may not have heard of.

$79.99, Murdoch Books, booktopia.com.au/australian-fish-and-seafood-cookbook-john-susman/prod9781743362952.html

Crystal blue oyster tray by The Seasonal Circle

Add a touch of elegance to any Christmas spread with The Seasonal Circle’s blue crystal marble oyster tray. Chilling the marble in the freezer for a few minutes before serving ensures the oysters stay cool and fresh.

$325, available at theseasonal.com or online through our pop-up boutique, open until 18 December.

Far Afield by Shane Mitchell

Shane Mitchell’s Far Afield is a collection of beautifully photographed culinary tales and recipes, derived from some of the world’s most remote communities. From Icelandic shepherds to Kenyan Maasai warriors, this is certainly not your average cookbook or travelogue.

$40, Penguin Random House, booktopia.com.au/far-afield-shane-mitchell/prod9781607749202.html

LP’s Quality Meats smoked maple syrup

This smoked organic Canadian maple syrup is perfect for slathering over pancakes or bacon, adds a smoky richness to meat glazes meat and cocktails.

$30 for 500ml, lpsqualitymeats.com or purchase online through our pop-up Christmas boutique, open until 18 December.

A Spot At The Bar by Michael Madrusan and Zara Young

The team behind Melbourne cocktail bar The Everleigh have put together 300 of their favourite cocktail recipes – enough to take you from a sunset aperitif to a morning-after hair of the dog. We’ll drink to that.

$45, Hardie Grant, booktopia.com.au/a-spot-at-the-bar-michael-madrusan/prod9781743791318.html

See Michael and Zara’s favourite cocktails for summer here.

Got Loi Sriracha Sauce

Use the same sriracha hot sauce at home that Long Chim chef David Thompson uses in his restaurants. It won’t break the bank, either.

$10, purchase online through our pop-up Christmas Boutique, open until 18 December.

Sushi Socks Box, Tuna and Maki Cucumber

Just when we thought we’d become jaded by novelty Christmas gifts, along came the Sushi Socks Box. The socks are artfully arranged to resemble pieces of salmon nigiri or sushi maki, and are even adorned with ginger and wasabi. Christmas kitsch has never been so kawaii.

2 Pairs for $28.42, sushisocksbox.com

Winnow Chocolates Strawberry and White Pepper Brittle Box

Life is too short for underwhelming chocolate. Winnow’s strawberry and white pepper brittle is created with the finest organic and Fair Trade ingredients – many of which are locally sourced. The sweetness of the chocolate is offset by a subtle hint of peppery spice.

$21.95, winnowchocolates.com

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley x Lumira Candle

Lumira prides itself on accessible luxury and this creamy scented candle is no exception. Inspired by the dry spice of the Australian bush, the candle has a base of musky cardamom and clove alongside top notes of eucalyptus and anise.

$59, atelierlumira.com

Chanel Cuba Brooches

Chanel’s dazzling Cuba Brooches from its 2016/17 Cruise collection are as colourful and fun as the country they’re named for. Crafted from materials such as resin, diamantes, metal and fantasy pearls, the brooches make for a bold yet timeless statement piece.

From $440, chanel.com

Aesop The Intrepid Gent Gift Kit

Aesop’s Gift Kit collections have been created in honour of six naturalists cherished for their writing and illustrations. With a selection of Aesop products made to cleanse, buff and beautify, the kits also come packaged in reusable amenity cases designed by Norwegian artist Bendik Kaltenborn.

$95, aesop.com

Firedoor Steak Your Claim Voucher

For the impassioned carnivore in your life, give them the gift of a 200-day dry-aged steak voucher this Christmas. Lennox Hastie, owner and head chef at Sydney’s Firedoor, has described the steak as something that ‘needs to be experienced in order to truly understand it’.

$150, firedoor.com.au