12 Clever Xmas Gift Ideas from the Macedon Ranges

12 Xmas Gift Ideas from the Macedon Ranges

Starting to feel relaxed? Good. Now get out a notepad, sink into a comfy chair and start mapping out your Macedon Ranges Xmas shopping plan. You can literally get all your gifts, a fresh Xmas tree, gourmet treats for Christmas Day and kid’s Santa photos taken all in one trip!

In no particular order, here are twelve unique and clever Xmas gift ideas for family, friends, colleagues and clients. Of course this is just a snapshot of what’s on offer in the Macedon Ranges. For more ideas on where to shop visit www.visitmacedonranges.com or trust us and wing it when you arrive – there are sooooo many wonderful retail stores selling curated homewares, vintage goods, antiques, art, clothing, jewellery, plants and more.

1. A Jingly Gin Xmas

Summer and a cold G&T go hand-in-hand. But we’re not talking about your usual mainstream gin brands. The Macedon Ranges boast a number of artisan gin distilleries that produce premium, hand crafted gin in extremely good looking bottles.

Animus Distillery Gin

Animus Distillery is based on Kyneton’s historic Piper Street and sells small batch artisan gin from their cellar door as well as online.

Their gin has won awards both here and overseas; ‘Macedon Dry Gin’ happens to have six medals to its name, including Silver Medals from the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Melbourne International Spirit Awards.

Animus Distillery’s Arboretum Gin won Gold Medals at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards and American Distilling Institute Awards in 2018.

How Much?

Expect to pay between $98 – $120 for a 700ml bottle of artisan gin.

Where to Buy

Order online and get free shipping Australia wide. Or, taste their range personally at Animus Distillery Cellar Door, Cocktail Lounge and Bar and select your favourite (we’d choose that option!).

Animus Distillery Cellar Door, Cocktail Lounge & Bar: 1/89a Piper Street Kyneton. Opening times: Wed – Thurs: 4 – 9pm | Fri: 4-11pm | Sat: 12 – 11pm | Sun: 12 – 8pm

Online @ https://animusdistillery.com/shop

Big Tree Distillery Gin

Big Tree Distillery is the result of a gin-loving husband and wife team who love good gin so much they decided to make their own. This small Macedon Ranges producer distills their gin at Jack Springs Farm, where they also happen to breed tasty lamb.

Fresh rainwater collected from the farm is used in the creation of their gins. They grow some of their gin botanicals, and where possible, pick and forage some of the more interesting Australian gin botanicals as locally as possible with the help of a gin loving botantist.

Their beautiful bottles are also designed to be kept long after the gin is gone, with artwork painted by local artist Sarah Gabriel.

The Big Tree Distillery ‘Tin of Gin’ is a particularly fabulous gift to give your gin loving family members and friends. Each tin comes with three 200ml bottles of delicious Big Tree Gin. Plus, your Gin Tin is all packaged up in a beautifully illustrated limited edition 100% cotton tea towel (also illustrated by artist Sarah Gabriel).

How Much?

Expect to pay between $85 – $97 for a bottle of Gin.

The Big Tree Distillery ‘Tin of Gin’ gift is $125.

Where to Buy?

Woodend Farmers’ Market: You can pick up a bottle from the boot of their quirky ‘Ginbug’ on the 1st Saturday of each month, with the next market scheduled for Saturday 1st December.

Online: Can’t make the farmers’ markets? No problem. Just purchase a bottle online and Bob’s your uncle.

MOUNTAIN Gin

Mountain Distilling’s gin is produced on Mount Macedon and is inspired by locally foraged botanicals. They use new growth pine needles and native Mountain Pepperberry found throughout the area. This, combined with fresh Orange zest, Lemon Myrtle, Juniper and Coriander, is reminiscent of fresh Mountain air and the smell of tall pines. MOUNTAIN Gin is a clean, vibrant and aromatic spirit best enjoyed with orange peel and a light tonic or mineral water.

MOUNTAIN Gin is a clean, vibrant and aromatic spirit

Where to Buy?

Currently their gin is available for purchase at the Mount Macedon Trading Post Cafe, Banks Fine Wine (Kyneton) and Gisborne Cellarbrations.

2. A Freshly Foraged Floral Wreath…

While on the topic of locally foraged botanicals, let’s talk flowers. If gin is not your thing, how about a locally foraged Christmas wreath made with love in the Macedon Ranges? We are home to many talented florists, stylists and micro flower farms. Take a look at some of the beauties you can order for family, friends or even valued clients, or find out how you can make your own design at a Xmas Wreath Making Workshop.

The Floral Forager

The Floral Forager, Miranda White, is a sustainable flower and herb farmer and talented botanical stylist. Well known for her exquisite Xmas wreaths, these beauties make truly unique gifts for family (and yourself for that matter). The majority of flowers and foliage used in her designs are picked from her own garden; an expansive floral wonderland in the fertile farming region of Sidonia in the Macedon Ranges.

A fresh wreath (if soaked with water once or twice a week), will usually last for up to three weeks. They dry quite well too, allowing you to fill in little gaps with fresh blooms as you wish. Miranda also creates dried, handwoven wreaths (approx 120cm diameter) made to order.

Image credit: @tenyllemariephotography

How Much?

Fresh floral Xmas wreath prices are as follows (colours tailored to your preferences).

Small (35cm): $100

Medium (40cm): $140

Large (47cm): $180

Extra Large (55cm): $220

Dried wreaths: Custom quoted.

Where to Buy?

Enquire directly with Miranda via her website,  email or phone 0403 851 976.  Miranda will meet you in Kyneton at a time that suits to collect your wreath. Follow on Instagram @thefloralforager

Aga Jones

Aga Jones is a local Macedon Ranges florist with a background and training in industrial design, sustainability and environmental management. Sustainable floral design underpins her approach, guaranteeing a Xmas wreath featuring (fresh and dried) local flowers and foliage that are holistically grown and chemical free.

A Xmas Wreath by Aga Jones starts from $65.

How Much?

Aga’s Xmas wreaths start from $65.

Where to Buy?

Contact Aga directly on 0402 582 775 or agajonesflowers@gmail.com to arrange an order and delivery options in the Macedon Ranges and Melbourne.

Learn to Make Your Own Xmas Wreath!

Arne Way of Flowers in a Vase in Woodend has been creating floral arrangements for over 15 years. She has gained a loyal following and reputation for having a creative and diverse approach, knowledge and experience in all styles and manner of floral design and artistry.

If you like giving really personal, handmade gifts, why not join Arne’s Xmas wreath workshops in her Woodend studio on 16 December? Using a pre-made woven vine wreath, this class will help you decorate it with various elements, fresh flowers, found items, berries and foraged flora.

The workshop includes a light lunch and bubbly too! Click here for event details or email Arne at info@flowersinavase.com.au

PS. Can’t make the 16th December? Your spoilt for choice! Aga Jones is also offering a Xmas Wreath Making Workshop on the 15 December. Held on the grounds of Tieve Tara at Mount Macedon, the cost is $90 per person including all materials, local nibbles and wine.

3. Silver Brumby Horse Riding Gift Certificate

Silver Brumby Trails caters to the mature ride and take the utmost care to personally match horse to rider. They offer two and three hour rides through shady forests and across gentle rolling hills. A gift certificate is a wonderful treat for someone who loves to ride horses, even if a little rusty!

How Much?

Prices start from $100 for a two hour trail ride.

Where to Buy?

Call 0418 659 270, 0429 589 611 or 03 5424 8049. They may be out on a horse ride with poor reception, so if you can’t reach them by phone, send an email to amlevanne1@bigpond.com

4. Alex Muir’s Indian Cotton Pajamas and Robes

Macedon Ranges interior designer and stylist Alex Muir‘s beautiful Indian cotton pajamas and bath robes are to die for. Hand blocked in Jaipur and exclusive to Alex Muir Australia, these pajamas and bath robes are bespoke and unique, providing a touch of affordable luxury for any gal. The pajamas are available in six different colour block patterns and perfectly cool for hot summer nights (and all the inbetweens). Available in size S/M and M/L, they come with their own hand blocked carry bag to match. The bath robes are one size fits all and come in two beautiful patterns.

How Much?

Pajamas and bath robes are each $129.95.

Where to Buy?

Alex Muir Australia: 30 Piper St, Kyneton | Open Wednesday through to Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Online: If you can’t make it to Kyneton don’t stress! Simply order them online at www.alexmuir.net.au

5. A Really Beautiful Children’s Book…

People travel from far and wide to buy kids books from Squishy Minnie Bookstore in Kyneton. It is the kind of independent children’s bookstore that sends people into raptures. Their selection of books for children and young people is second to none – you will find it hard to walk out with just one! If you need advice on what to buy, Kristen and her staff are a fabulous source of information.

Once you’ve chosen beautiful kids books, wander up to Emporium on Piper on 89 Piper Street and browse their extensive range of quality children’s gifts for all ages.

Where to Buy:

Squishy Minnie Bookstore: 80 Mollison Street, Kyneton, 03 54601420  | Tue: 10am-4pm | Wed to Fri  9am to 5pm | Sat: 10am to 4pm | Sun & Mon: CLOSED

Online: https://www.squishyminnie.com.au/shop/ 

It’s easy to find the perfect kid’s Xmas gift at Squishy Minnie Bookstore.

You can also find a great selection of books for both children and adults at Aesop’s Attic Bookstore in Kyneton and New Leaves Bookstore in Woodend.

6. A Little Bit of Local Bling

How about a unique necklace made by Macedon Ranges artisans? Drop by Kyneton’s famous Rundell & Rundell ‘Lost Trades Store’ for limited edition jewellery designed with the likes of leather, copper, porcelain, wood and metal, such as Pastoria East ceramicist Emma Jimson’s porcelain and leather necklace pictured below. Lisa Rundell’s metal ring and wooden bead necklaces are also an affordable gift idea for stocking fillers and Kris Kringles.

How Much?

Porcelain shape on leather $48

Sculpted copper leaf on leather $95

Metal ring on leather: $25

Timber Beads on leather $20

Where to Buy?

Rundell & Rundell: 29 Piper St, Kyneton | Open Thursday to Sunday from 11am.

7. Some Xmas Sparkle

Everyone loves a good sparkling wine for Christmas! Our local Macedon Ranges vineyards produce superb quality, small batch sparkling wine perfect for Xmas gifts. Below is a taster of what is available from the Macedon Ranges or click here for a more comprehensive list.

Gisborne Peak Winery

Gisborne Peak Winery’s 2015 vintage Sparkling Pinot Noir is perfect for Christmas lunch or dinner.  Made from estate grown Pinot Noir, the wine has a rich strawberry palate, a big bold mouthfeel and a lingering finish.  Perfect with roasts, this is a wine to have with your main course and with really good friends.

Cellar Door: Open 7 days from 11am (closed Xmas Day and Good Friday) | 69 Short Road, Gisborne South | +61 3 5428 2228

Online: Shop their full range of wine at https://www.gisbornepeakwines.com.au/wine-store 

Special Offer: Buy 6 bottles of Sparkling Wine between 14 Nov and 24 December and receive one extra bottle for free.  To redeem: Mention ’12 Day of Christmas’  Bubbles campaign to get your extra bottle when at the cellar door, or by phone or email.

Sparkling Pinot Noir NV at Gisborne Peak Winery, perfect for a summery day.

Hanging Rock Winery

Hanging Rock Winery’s sparkling is perfect for summer. They have made it to be complex and yet still very refreshing.

Cellar Door: Open 7 days, 10-5pm. 88 Jim Road, Newham.

Online: You can purchase their wine online at https://www.hangingrock.com.au/buy-wine 

Special Offer: Use promo code ‘12 Bubbles of Xmas’ to get 15% off all wine purchases. Valid until 15th December 2018. To redeem: Mention promo code at cellar door or by phone order on (03) 5427 0542.

Midhill Vineyard

Midhill Vineyard’s Blanc de Blancs have consistently won medals and an occasional trophy at both Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibitions, including a Silver medal for their 2013 Blanc de Blancs at the Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibition in October 2018.

Cellar Door: The Midhill Cellar Door is only open by appointment, however, you will also find them at the Lancefield Farmer’s Markets on Saturday 24 November and Woodend Farmers’ Markets on Saturday 1 December. Alternatively, call (03) 5429 5565 or 0409 408 977 or email to order a delivery.

Special Offer: Purchase a dozen bottles of Midhill Sparkling Wine and get one extra bottle free. Offer expires 31 January 2019. To redeem: Mention this promotion by phone, email or at the Farmers’ Markets.

Midhill Vineyard at the local Farmers’ Markets

Hunter-Gatherer Vintners

Hunter-Gatherer Vintners Sparkling Shiraz 2013 is rated 94/100 by Patrick Eckel on winereviewer.com.au. who describes the bead as impeccably fine, evaporating ‘in the mouth as only a great method champenoise wine can’. Be a hero this Christmas and gift a bottle or two of Hunter-Gatherer Sparkling Shiraz to a client, friend or relative.

Cellar Door: Weekends 12-5pm | 362 Pipers Creek-Pastoria Rd, Pipers Creek | 0407 821 049

Online: Purchase your wine via the Hunter-Gatherer online store

8. The ‘Hard to Buy For’ and Arty Types…

If you find yourself at a loss every Christmas wondering what to buy for mum or dad, a one-of-a-kind artwork is a neat idea. Here’s a taste of what you can find in some of the Macedon Ranges galleries…

Lauriston Press

For lovers of art or people who are hard to buy for (sound familiar?), then Lauriston Press on Kyneton’s High Street is worth a look. Lauriston Press is a unique gallery showcasing works by established local and national artists. Owned and curated by artist Sarah Gabriel, the gallery showcases a high standard of artworks displayed amongst sculptures.

Where to Buy?

Lauriston Press is located on 37B Piper Street, Kyneton | 03 5422 1710 | Open 10 – 4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10 – 5pm weekends.

Stockroom

Stockroom is an exciting regional arts hub on Kyneton’s Piper Street. It boasts an impressive and unique space that includes a large, split level retail and gallery space showcasing contemporary artists, makers and designers through a range of products including jewellery, ceramics, homewares, furniture and fashion.

Below is a curated Christmas gift selection featuring artworks by:

• Adam Stone | The Garden of Eden, 2018 (sculptures) | Bronze and marble
• Greg Wood | Miniatures paintings (multiples), 2016 |Oil on masonite, framed
• Addition Studio | Marble dumbbell
  
• Addition Studio | Oil diffuser
• David Suckling | Tall Copper Vase
• Alterfact | 3D printed porcelain cups and jug

A selection of creative gifts available from Stockroom in Kyneton

Where to Buy

Stockroom is located on 98 Piper Street, Kyneton. Open Monday, Thursday & Friday 10.30 – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 6pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm

Ps. Once you’ve finished browsing art and gifts on Piper Street, head to Kyneton’s other shopping precinct along High and Mollison Streets. You can find fantastic local art and handmade gifts at The Old Auction House!

9. Something for the Garden

Gumbo on Kyneton’s Piper Street offers spicy bits for your garden. You’ll find locally made and internationally sourced garden decor for all budgets. And if you want to add a fresh potted plant with your gift, there are two garden nurseries within walking distance.

How about a charismatic ‘Rat’ from Wind in the Willows for the garden bed? A recycled spade with metal dragonfly sculpture made by a country Victoria artist? Or keep snails and rabbits away from a treasured plant with this wire cloche. It looks equally fabulous as a table decoration too!

An ornamental rusty metal windmill is the perfect gift for garden lovers.

How Much?

‘Rat’ from Wind in the Willows: $165

Locally made turtle sculpture: $75

Locally made fire pit, table, BBQ: $880 (stools $150 each)

Australian designed garden windmill: $135

Dragonfly sculpture: $70

Wire cloche: $55

Where to Buy?

Gumbo is located next door to Rundell & Rundell on 29 Piper Street, Kyneton | Open 9 – 12pm Monday | 12 – 4pm Thursday | 10 – 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Extended hours for Xmas.

PS. Pick up Your Fresh Xmas Tree Across the Street!

Once you’ve finished shopping at Gumbo, cross the street and pick up your fresh Xmas tree from Rodilesa Plant Supplies (available from the first week of December), completing the full circle of Christmas-ey supplies!

10. Handmade Gifts from Local Craft & Baking Pros

Time your Macedon Ranges Xmas shopping trip with the Kyneton Twilight Christmas Festival & Market on Saturday 15th December. There will be approximately 20 stalls featuring local artisans crafty treats, including handmade soaps, herbal teas, beeswax wraps, jewellery, colourful yarn products, bath bombs, candles, ceramics, quilts and Christmas cards. In addition to these ‘Made in the Macedon Ranges’ knick-knacks, you can also purchase gourmet baked treats, local wine and coffee.

Plus, to keep the kids amused their will be fun activities and Santa photos by professional photographer Lakshal Perera, owner of popular local kids bookstore Squishy Minnie. No more lining up for hours at a department store for a picture with Santa, hoorah!

When and Where?

The market is on from 2pm – 8pm at the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve on Mollison Street (near the intersection of Mollison and High Street).

11. For the Blokes…

No Town Outfitters on Piper Street Kyneton presents quality garments and products for the working gent, with respect to a time when quality, craftsmanship and style informed a man’s attire.

Brands include Pike Brothers, Brixton, Dickies, Edwin, Carhartt, Converse, Redwing, Topo, Leatherman, Otterwax, Layrite, Upstate Stock, Penfield, Deus Ex Machina, Haynes, Past Present and Wooten.

Whether your bloke loves his fashion or you use Christmas as the opportunity to guide his wardrobe down the right path, this on-trend men’s store has your clothing bases covered.

Edwin Jeans from $180 | Penfield Shirt $119.95 | Edwin Double Pack Tee $59.95 | Otterwax Fabric Wax $28.90 | Vintage Cameras from $29.90 | Pocket Knives from $59.95 | Redwing Boots $469.90

Where to Buy?

No Town Outfitters is located next door to Stockroom at 98 Piper Street Kyneton. Open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.

12. A Gift Box of Fresh Macedon Ranges Berries

Black Forest Farm in Macedon is the go-to for locally grown berries. A gift box of fresh blueberries, strawberries, cherries and blackberries grown in the Macedon Ranges can be purchased direct from the farm for Christmas. You can even pick your own luscious strawberries and blackberries from December if you want the ‘whole berry farm experience’. Black Forest Farm also sell 15 varieties of award-winning preserves, including their ‘adults only’ Raspberry & Vodka Jam. Yum!

How Much?

Prices for berries are based on weight and bulk discounts are available. Give Michael a call on 0450 643 480 for enquiries or to pre-order a gift box.

Where to Buy?

Black Forest Farm is located at 671 Black Forest Drive, Macedon. They are open Sunday to Friday from morning and close when it’s dark outside!

Buy a box of freshly picked berries or pick your own at Macedon’s Black Forest Farm

While You’re Up Here, Pick Up a Gourmet Treat or Two….

Design your own gourmet Macedon Ranges foodies hamper or pick up some treats for Christmas lunch. From locally grown olives and olive oil, handmade pates and rillettes, sustainably farmed poultry and beef, wine, cheese, chutneys, jams and sauces – we’ve got you covered. Find these Macedon Ranges grown and made goodies at local farmers’ markets, providores and farmers such as these listed below:

Duck Duck Goose & Larder | 17-21 Piper St, Kyneton

Monsieur Pierre | 143 Mollison St, Kyneton

Watt’s Fresh | 152 – 154 Mollison St, Kyneton

Lancefield Providore | 42 High St, Lancefield

Banks Fine Wine | 134 Mollison St, Kyneton

Woodend Wine Store | 42 Anslow St, Woodend

Sidonia Beef Xmas Box | 100% pasture raised Black Angus Beef Box direct from the farm | Order online

Where is the Macedon Ranges?

Feeling inspired to do your Xmas shopping in the Macedon Ranges? We are located approximately 50 – 60 minutes north west of Melbourne, making it an easy day trip to pick up presents for the whole family. So take the stress out of shopping in the city with a relaxed country vibe, and buy gifts that are unique and one-of-a-kind at the same time.

Enter our 12 Bubbles of Xmas Giveaway!

Don’t miss out on the chance to win 12 bottles of bubbly from local Macedon Ranges wineries along with a $100 gift certificate to The Macedon Wine Room. Total prize value is $580. Enter now!