Jess Blanch’s last-minute Christmas gift guide 2020

WORDS Jess Blanch PUBLISHED Thu, 17 Dec 2020 - 1:00 pm

It doesn’t matter how last minute it is but there are a few rules I follow. Shop local (literally the best last moment tip is to buy from the people on the street you walk down every day), support industries that need it and only buy things you feel will be used regularly, loved often or kept for evermore.

Big or small, I always try to give gifts that reflect what is important to me at the time and am never afraid of buying everyone the same thing (sorry if you were one of those people who all received the metal straw that year).

Garlic from The Garlic Pantry in Narrabri

The Garlic Pantry in Narrabri (an area that is only just bouncing back from severe drought) makes gorgeous braids that are just the right practical gift for culinary friends or just as a slightly festive gift to take to a Christmas party. I love them because a) one never has enough garlic and b) they will last that little longer than the usual Christmas fruit or flowers.

You can order via facebook. Or if you are really last moment drop by the Wholefoods store, pick up some native flowers from your local florist (always open early) and attempt to make your own.

MASTER & DYNAMIC X Kevin Durant headphones

Chic headphones for the person who has everything. And who could not love a Kevin Durant colab? I’m buying these for my husband because he will coordinate well with our Borge Mogensen bookcase that is the back drop for his zoom calls.

A manicure courtesy of Jocelyn Petroni

There’s nothing quite like the gift of experience and Jocelyn Petroni’s manicures are truly special. I love the naked nail here but when gifting I will opt for the Chanel Manicure which has just launched Holiday 2020 Le Vernis including a gold polish that is summer in a bottle.

Venroy linen shorts

None of the men in your life will turn down Venory’s classic linen shorts which are fast becoming an iconic summer staple. My tip is we’ll look back and realise these shorts are to the noughties what the three stripe King Gee was to the 70s. I’ve bought them before and seen them worn to death. These guys are my neighbours so I’ll be picking some up on my next copy run or ordering online before this Thursday’s Christmas cut off.

Anything from The Art Gallery of NSW shop

Pretty much everything at the Art Gallery of NSW shop will be a last moment fix. You will not find me anywhere near a shopping centre in the lead up to Christmas while the Art Gallery, open seven days until 5pm, has a beautiful curation of gifts and you can experience Arthur Streeton while you’re there. Much more appealing than the carpark at the Westfield, no? I love to buy for children here but the book selection is on point for people of all ages.

Wine from a local favourite

Wine is always a well-received last moment gift you don’t have to travel far for. Go to your local restaurant and chances are they will still be able to sell you some of your favourites since most take-away licenses are still in place from Covid. Or pre-buy a dinner. No voucher needed, just a ‘dinner on me’ on the back of a napkin would be suffice. My locals include Lucio’s, an institution which is closing in January after 40 years so the time is now.

A trip to Tiffany & Co. - and perhaps this tape measure

I always look for an excuse to go to Tiffany & Co at Christmas time and this year I’ve been drawn by their tape measure which is the ultimate in practicality meets luxury. This is pure romance for the architect or interior designer in your life, or someone like me who often has a measure in their bag.

Chanel Calfskin Sandals

Since a young age I’ve been Elvis Fan but didn’t realise until recently that Blue Suede Shoes was a cover of a Carl Perkins song. Not that it matters…. But on the topic this pair from the Chanel Cruise collection is the right summer gift for the woman who wants to elevate surfwear like never before.