The Everywoman holiday guide
Written By Divya Venkataraman
Self and skin
Merit
Simple, effective beauty with minimal complication: this is the promise of Merit, the brand that launched with a splash in Australia earlier this year. (You’ve probably already seen well-groomed women dabbing its Flush Balm onto their cheeks all over your social media feeds, or praising its dewy Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick formulation.) No doubt, Merit’s offering has landed with its audience. If you’re not sure which product to gift, make it easy for yourself with a trio of its bestselling Balm shades.
Ikkari
Founded by Aje’s Adrian Norris, Ikkari aims to be a ‘modern apothecary’ for the body and skin, with products designed for longevity and wellness. The brand was inspired by the Greek island of Ikaria, a certified ‘Blue Zone’ where people’s lifespans are higher on average than the rest of the world. While we won’t make any promises about your years left on this earth — that’s not gift guide territory — but we can vouch for the divine scent and feel of the brand’s body oils and washes scented with geranium, chamomile and rosemary.
Flamingo Estate
A rich world exists beyond the surface of Flamingo Estate’s products, one of imagination, vitality and freshness. The lifestyle brand known for its bath and body products is named for Australian founder Richard Christiansen’s garden overlooking the Californian hills, where slow, traditional farming practices are valued and the mystery and beauty of nature is the driving force. The gardener in your life will be grateful for a tube of the Skin Strength Salve, gentle and powerful at once.
Home is where the heart is
Nonna’s Grocer
Homewares have embraced the full spectrum of whimsy, and we’re not complaining. You’ve likely seen the fruits (literally) of Nonna’s Grocer’s labour on the table settings of stylish people around you: plump tomatoes with a wick stuck in, a fat lemon burning bright. Founded by Madeleine and Isabel Hoy, the brand’s produce-shaped candles are now not just visual nods to fresh, ripe fruit, but olfactory ones too — the sisters have been working on the scented element of their products, conscious to draw from organic essences of the actual fruit or vegetable, rather than artificial flavours.
Tekla
Copenhagen-born Tekla has collaborated with some of the world’s most avant-garde brands but it retains an irresistible sense of itself: simple, thoughtfully made and design-led, without compromising on quality. Find towels, linens, textiles and homewares that would meet even the standards of your most discerning aesthete friends.
Alighieri Casa
When we heard jewellery brand Alighieri was delving into the homewares space, our interests were piqued. Founder Rosh Mahtani’s knack for storytelling through object carries through its intricate tableware sets and seahorse-moulded corkscrews, just as well as it shines in its totemic jewels. For everyday objects infused with a sense of mysticism and artistry, this label is where to look.
Sutram
In Tamil and Sanskit, the word ‘sutram’ roughly translates to an overarching formula, plan or thread. It’s also the name of the bedding brand by Fourth Street home founder Rukaiya Daud and her longtime friend, Kate Fowler. Cotton is the literal thread that ties their venture together — specifically, GOTS and Fairtrade certified cotton with a 300 thread count, and sourced from a collective of small farmers across northern India. We love the punchy colours that can be layered and tesselated for a fresh take on bedding.
Wool and the Gang
Give a man a scarf, and you’ll warm him for a day; teach a man to knit and you’ll warm him for a lifetime. That’s the saying, right? Thankfully, Wool and the Gang will teach you how to knit, or crochet, or do macrame — whatever handicrafts you (or your giftee) desires — with easy-to-follow instructions and the perfect amount of materials (no wastage).
Wearable delights
Maggie Marilyn
New Zealand-born slow fashion label Maggie Marilyn is well-loved by the style set, but doesn’t carry any of the pretension that often comes with such a denomination. For a gift that embodies femininity, simplicity and a little edge, look to a piece by MM — and if you have trouble choosing a piece or sizing it, opt for a voucher. Thrilled reactions guaranteed.
Hommey
If only we could give the gift of rest. The next best thing is probably a colourful, cosy robe from Hommey, the Australian homewares label, that’s beautiful and soft enough to convince your loved one to loll on the couch and let out a long exhale — finally. Add in a Mulberry silk eye mask for extra persuasion.
Yu Mei
Labelless luxury is the game here, courtesy of the bag label founded by New Zealander Jessie Wong. Most of Yu Mei’s pieces are sustainably made with buttery deer nappa, a by-product of the venison industry (so no extra waste is created in its sourcing). From functional totes to ruched evening bags, its website (and in person stores) are a gift-giver’s haven.
Sandra Alexandra
Whimsy and expertly crafted at once, Sandra Alexandra makes curios and jewels out of gold, glass beads, freshwater pearls, and semi-precious stones. Direct from her London studio, her pieces marry playful shapes with timeless materials. The result? A little dash of joy to liven up even the simplest outfit.
Essen
Responsibility and transparency are key to the work of Essen, the slow luxury leather label that makes almost exclusively to demand. The brand’s Foundation Ballet Flat has sold out time and time again — when you’ve got something good, why change the formula? This one’s a crowdpleaser.
