Shop small and shop local this year.
Support local has become somewhat of a mantra for our magazine. Whether it be working with local cafes for our brunch feasts or getting behind our local music scene, supporting our fellow Geelong and regional community has always been at the forefront.
In 2020 our local businesses have taken a massive hit (damn you Covid 19!) so as we approach the silly season, the season of giving we’re encouraging our Forte community to consider giving the Christmas present of support to our local businesses when it comes to sorting your gift-giving needs.
To help you get started, here at 10 local Geelong businesses with the perfect gifts for under your tree:
Tourbus Entertainment
Look no further than one-stop music shop Tourbus Entertainment for all your music gifts. Stocking an abundance of vinyl, band tees, instruments and equipment, you’ll not only find the perfect gift for someone else, but you’ll more than likely find something for yourself! As the iconic Tom ‘T-Mobile’ Haverford and Donna ‘Donatella’ Meagle once wisely put it, ‘Treat Yo’self’.
You can shop in store at 65 Yarra St, Geelong or online here.
Succ It Ceramics
Want to succ up to a loved one? Succ It Ceramics have the cutest handmade ceramic range of pots on offer to cater to that succulent obsession. With punny brandings including ‘Succ It’, ‘2020 Succs’, ‘Succs Sake’, ‘Succa For You’ and ‘Whatup Succa’ etched into the pots, at $49 each, these are sure to bring some much needed cheer to the year from hell!
You can shop online here or visit them at 2/7-9 Cylinders Drive, Torquay.
Austin’s Wines
A favourite for wine lovers in the Moorabool Valley and surrounds, Austin’s Wines have created wine for sharing life’s best moments, both big and small.
If you’re shopping for someone who appreciates a glass of good wine, Austin’s are slinging gift packs of their 6Ft6 range. From a quintessential gin and wine cocktail pack, a ‘smelling pretty’ pack with wine and an Ecoya Spritz Candle, to a simple three-pack with 6Ft6 bottles of your choice and two 6Ft6 reusable outdoor glasses for that perfect summer, there’s something for everyone. Better still, if you buy any two gift packs, you can score $20 off by using the code XMAS at checkout.
If you’re shopping for a serious wino, you can up the ante with the Austin’s Cellar Door Founding Member Project. All you need to do is buy a dozen of their limited-edition wines – a 2019 Pinot Noir and a 2019 Shiraz – and the person of your choosing will become a founding member and get their name stamped on the new cellar door at their vineyard in Sutherlands Creek – literally stamped.
Guaranteed brownie points for the entirety of 2021.
You can shop the gift packs here and check out the Founding Member project here.
Wet My Plant
Keeping in the plant family, give the gift of oxygen this year by way of an indoor or outdoor plant from ‘Wet My Plant’ In Geelong West. Get a Marble Queen for the qween in your life, a Devils Ivy for that cheeky mate, or a gorgeous Aglonema Katrina for that friend that gets better with age!
Suss it out here.
All Copper Co
Hanging out for the perfect functional gift? All Copper Co design custom copper products, from jewellery hangers, clothing racks, ornamental features and furniture. All products are made to order so get in quickly to have your copper piece ready before the Christmas cut off!
Based in Geelong, simply direct message them on Instagram to order.
The Hugo Edit
Let’s not forget gifting for your fur baby. The Hugo Edit design super cute dog accessories with matching pieces their human parents. Pick up some dog bandana’s, dog jumpers, bow ties, face masks and hair accessories for not only the most adorable twinning moment with Christmas outfits sorted, but it also supports a great cause helping abandoned dogs on the streets of Bali
You can shop the range here.
Molae Co
Want to go as extravagant as giving someone a chandelier or a rainbow? Well Molae Co has you covered! With their handmade modern macrame rainbows and cactus wall hangers and tassel chandeliers, they are sure to put a huge smile on your loved one’s face!
Simply DM the Geelong bus via Instagram to order.
Raines Threads
Don’t forget the little bundles of joy! Especially the Covid babies who have had it tough in their first 12 months of life! Raines Threads is your shop for Unisex baby basics including clothes and accessories!
You can shop via the website.
BLT Jewellery
You can’t go wrong with jewellery for that special someone, and why not go for the handmade option! BLT Jewellery, as run by Bree Timmins creates the most delicate and precious pieces, from rings to necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She also has a custom order option and offers a jewellery repair service.
Browse the goods online here.
Nosh & Bevvy
Christmas is about three things – family, gift-giving and filling your face with as much food until you want to explode. Why not add fuel to that fire with a Christmas hamper supplied by Nosh & Bevvy. New to the Geelong scene, Nosh & Bevvy curate mouth-watering grazing platters and hampers full of locally sources food and beverages including cans of our favourite Blackmans Brewery Beer!
For more information, visit the website.
Natural Supply Co
Still at a loss of what to buy? Well Natural Supply Co will have a product for any person and you’ll be doing your bit for the world. Supplying products that are 100% natural, organic and zero waste. From beauty products, including skincare, makeup and hair care, to home ideas, jewellery, kids care and travel necessities – Natural Supply Co has it all!
Shop in-store Monday to Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-1pm at 5 Rutland St, Newtown or shop online here.
Happy Christmas shopping!!
