Christmas is coming up so quickly! We really need to get our skates on and start buying gifts for the special people in our lives. Here are some gift ideas you can buy right here in Bendigo. Support local, with gifts that are inexpensive and thoughtful. It really makes a difference to our local retailers and our community when you buy here. Seriously. For every $100 spent at a local business, nearly $70 stays in the local economy.

Custom Characters

Custom made characters, letters, and more; all made from concrete and we think they look awesome. Kirsten started the character creations as a school project, and her love for creation evolved from there. You can find them here.

Panto Family Fun

The BTC are performing Sleeping Beauty The Pantomime in January 2019. For the lovers of theatre, laughter, princesses and great performances, how about a ticket to the show? Support local theatre while giving the gift of an awesome experience and a fun night out. Tickets will sell out!

Learn to roll

Pick up a gift for the action lover in your life. Buy gift vouchers to help even the biggest rookies learn to skate. Skip has women’s learn-to-skate days, with the sole focus on teaching women, girls and dudettes. Dudes are welcome too. Go and see Skip to get a voucher.

Croissant Masterclass

Learn how to make THE BEST croissants with Harvest’s Croissant Masterclass! Marsha will teach you how to make them from scratch – a perfect gift for a Bendigo foodie. Buy your voucher here.

Sort your business

Know someone who owns a small business? Local consultant Clare Fountain has just launched her book Sorted. Full of handy tips and helpful advice about creating a good work/life balance, setting budgets, marketing, growing your team and more. Order online.

Discover stuff

For families with young kids, what about a membership to the Discovery Centre? Unlimited admission, free access to Curious Kids sessions, school holiday programs and heaps more. An inexpensive gift for hours and hours of fun. Check out prices and more here.

Coffee joy

Maybe not the first place that comes to mind when considering gifts… although, we know a lot of people that would love free coffee! Pre-paid coffee cards allow you to ‘shout’ someone their morning brew. I know what’s going on my Christmas list. Get Naked Espresso sells these.

A year of dogs

For those who love dogs of all shapes and sizes, The Boardwalk Bendigo has the perfect gift: a 2019 calendar featuring local puppers is available to order online or at the café. Give that special someone an entire twelve months of gorgeous local pups.

Be cool; be seen

This jersey does not only look great; it has a heart-warming story behind its creation. Last year, the designers lost a friend and rising star in the cycling world Jason Lowndes, who was hit on a road he trained and rode on regularly. The kit was designed in his memory; to keep cyclists safe and seen. The perfect gift idea for the cyclist in your life.

Colour your cupboard

All handmade and all one of a kind. Ruby Pilven creates her ceramics using coloured clay rather than coloured glazes. Ruby wants her ceramics to inject joy into everyday life and we think they do just that. Gathered is the only stockist in Bendigo, pop into the store (79 View St) to see the range.

Loads of local books

Two Birds Blue stocks a range of books written about Eaglehawk and surrounding areas. This is the perfect gift for those who are interested in our local history, especially the older generation who may be a little tricky to buy for! The books range in theme and price, with nothing over $30. They can be purchased in store at 41 High Street, Eaglehawk.

A pouch for everything

Bob Hub zip pouch. Handmade right here in Bendigo, using the designs of local artists. They are limited edition, with lots of different styles to choose from. These are a nice size (approx. 25cm by 18cm), and make a great pouch for everyday wear, a make up bag, a travel pouch or for pretty much anything you need to store or carry! Check them out here.