It’s that time of the year! Even without the supply chain issues and postal delays that loom ahead of this holiday season, I always try to do my shopping locally, in support of small businesses and makers. Food, decorations, gifts – I am confident that you’ll be able to find a wonderful, locally made version of whatever you need. And if it’s a bit more expensive, you know that money is going back into your local economy, and not into the bank accounts of billionaires or massive multinationals who won’t even notice it.
In the vein of staying sustainable (and saving some $$$), Day 1 is always about gifting secondhand and pre-loved items. As well as the suggestions below, I’d add that it’s definitely worth checking out garage sales or Gumtree around your area if you’re looking for something in particular – I was able to buy my mum a beautiful Royal Doulton tree ornament a few years ago, because someone just happened to be selling their collection!
Fashion and Homewares
Check out my post about Brisbane’s best op-shop hot spots if you’re on the hunt for a unique gift – beautiful vintage china or glassware, interesting jewellery and accessories, and quirky fashion (and you can often find new-with-tags clothing for a much cheaper price!) Op shops are also fantastic if you’re looking for a Secret Santa gift, or if you’re just generally trying to stick to a budget at this busy (and, let’s be real, expensive) time of the year.
167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Formerly the Paddington Antique Centre, a treasure trove of quality pre-loved goods, from fashion and jewelry to furniture and fine china. A lovely spot for a wander, even if you don’t quite find what you’re looking for.
Retro Metro
297 Given Terrace, Paddington
Chock-full of vintage and secondhand fashion, from taffeta formal dresses to boiler suits and work gear, accessories and unusual finds galore. Flick through the racks in Paddington or find them here on Etsy.
Brisbane-based suppliers of hand-picked authentic and affordable vintage streetwear and the home of Brisbane’s Biggest Clothing Garage Sale in Paddington. Lil Js is primarily run online, but pop-up markets happen regularly so keep an eye on their socials or contact them directly.
I bought a vintage Coogi jumper from Lil Js last year and have loved wearing it this winter – I am in love with the colour and quality, and service was super fast and lovely.
Maria and Maddy are based locally, and sell their secondhand finds through Instagram with all proceeds going to Destiny Rescue. I’ve found some great deals with them, and shipping and communication has always been prompt.
Vintage clothing and accessories, now part of the Open House Collective in West End (73 Boundary Street). I bought one of my favourite vintage dresses from them via Instagram back in 2015 and it is still on rotation in my wardrobe – I wore it to a wedding most recently.
161 Boundary St, West End
If you’re looking for a recycled fashion gift (or trying to clear some space in your wardrobe), the idea of SWOP was developed around sustainability, affordability, and waste reduction – you can buy, swap and/or sell pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories. Some things are still pretty expensive, but it’s in good condition and all in one place rather than having to scramble through multiple op-shops (although, I enjoy that aspect – so it depends what you’re looking for!). You can shop through their online store, or visit their West End shop space.
Secondhand Books
My favourite secondhand bookstores around Brisbane
40 Charlotte St, Brisbane City
Specialising in rare and unusual books, Archives’ claim to fame is that they have over 1 million books in their store. It’s a lovely place to be–creaky floors and the smell of musty pages–and you’re likely to find a truly unique gift. Prices for most of the books are $5-$20. Rare and unusual books are priced accordingly.
205 Boundary St, West End
A brightly-coloured gem in the heart of West End, piled high with tomes of all kind. Pricing is very reasonable and staff are super helpful. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the collection, out the back of the store and to the left!
Logical Unsanity 24 Hour Book Shed
3 Morgan Tce, Bardon
Open every day and selling books for mostly $1 and $2. If you’re needing to make room in anticipation of receiving lots of books for Christmas, they also buy books, or you can donate them to the Book Shed.
19 Dornoch Tce, West End
Run by the team behind Logical Unsanity, a general antiquarian bookstore located inside a historic Church in West End. The Book Merchant Jenkins specialises in Sexuality, LGBTIQ+, Ethnopharmacology, Dance & Performance Art, and Contemporary Figurative & Surreal Art. They are open 7 days and ship worldwide.
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