With the silly season already upon us, it’s time to organise our office Secret Santa, find some last-minute stocking stuffers or donations for goodwill present drives.
And with the Indigenous business sector continuing to grow and new brands and labels coming onto our radar every week, Christmas gifts are the perfect way to show your support for our black business community.
Whether it’s a large or small company, a social enterprise or a growing corporation, there are so many ways to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and community-driven operations.
This year, we’ve done all the hard work for you and rounded up our top Secret Santa picks for under $20.
We’ve captured a diverse range of ideas including cute accessories, wearable art, skin and health products as well as a few fun and festive items.
The Koorie Circle earrings
$20
The is definitely gaining a cult following with their gorgeous handmade earrings created by Gunditjmara woman, Laura Thompson. Seen on the ears of , and even Elder , Thompson’s products range in price, if you take a deep dive into the online store, she has some beautiful circle and boomerang-shaped studs for only $20.
In particular, we love the which are super stylish and the monochrome makes it versatile for any outfit.
By buying from the Koorie Circle, you are not only supporting an Indigenous-owned and operated business, but a percentage of each sale also goes toward the Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Prevention Service, ‘Sisters Day Out’ program.
Bush Medijina Calm Balm
$14
An all-over skin balm made by the women of Groote Eylandt, this little pot of gold is the perfect summer present. The balm draws on Traditional medicine techniques and is made from Mawilyaburna (Liniment) leaves, infused with organic coconut oil, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils.
If the ‘calm balm’ isn’t exactly your style, the site also sells Sleep Balms, Lip Balms, Skin Soothe Balms and an intriguingly named, Miracle Balm, all for the same price.
By buying from , you are also supporting a social enterprise aimed at empowering Warningakalina women to share culture and preserve ancient traditions.
Haus of Dizzy Stickers
$5
You won’t find many people without a vibrant piece in their jewellery collection these days! The now Melbourne-based brand, known for their vibrant, statement styles and empowering messages, is coveted by , and alike.
Their and necklaces are around the $50 mark, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly Dizzy buy, head to the Special Offers section of their online store and you can pick up these adorable ‘Dizzy Chicks’ stickers.
A throwback to the 90s, these glossy vinyl stickers are great to pop on a diary, music case or on the back of a car. At $5 each, you can grab a few in the art character series.
We love the Essie character sticker as she wears her ‘Queen Bling Earrings’ with pride!
Lore Australia Guradji Bush Tea
$19.99
With the Christmas holidays comes lots of family visitors and countless cups of tea!
We’ve found the perfect bush brew that would make an ideal present.
Lore Australia, one of the only First Nations-owned and operated health and wellness brands has developed , which can be purchased as loose-leaf, in a nicely packaged slick, modern cylinder case.
is a traditional native plant that holds loads of antioxidants and other health properties. It is hand-harvested and naturally sun-dried to keep its sweet, nutty flavour. It can also be brewed it to make iced tea for those sweltering summer days ahead of us!
The company philosophy is centred around the three principles regarding traditional lore; being Country, Community and Spirit. It aims to bring ancient Aboriginal wellness principles into the modern world, making Guradji a great gift for those wanting to kickstart their health goals for 2020!
If you can’t decide on exactly which tea to buy this Christmas, Lore also sells smaller sampler packs on their site so you can try them all without breaking the bank.
Jarin Street Zippered Case
$20
Known for their support of emerging Indigenous artists, whose works feature on a range of super lightweight and stylish yoga mats, the brand also makes gorgeous, versatile zippered cases.
These little pouches can be used as makeup bags, purses, pencil cases or anything else you can think of! Made from durable neoprene, it can be a handy case for the beach this summer.
We particularly love the style, featuring a design by artist Liz Maloney, with the blue hues generate some dreamy beach vibes, but there are more than a few styles to choose from — ranging in warmer earthy tones to bright pop palettes.
These Jarin Street gifts are the perfect combination of being a practical present and piece of art!
Yatu Widders Hunt is a Director at Indigenous social change agency, Cox Inall Ridgeway and founder and curator of the Australian Indigenous Fashion social media community. She has worked in communications for a number of years, including for Federal Government, the Koori Mail and the NCIE. Follow Yatu
NITV/SBS received no commercial consideration for these selections and all reviews were made independently by the writer.
