It’s that time of the year! 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/Marketplace around your area.
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. Empire Revival is a collective trading enterprise, with over 50 different merchants curating their wares. the A lovely spot for a wander, even if you don’t quite find what you’re looking for (check out the secret book nook downstairs, at the back!).
They’ve also got The Emporium at Kalbar, Scenic Rim, if that’s closer to you or you’re up for a drive, working with local, national and international artisans to curate a range of homewares, gardenware, jewellery, art, clothing and skincare.
Retro Metro
297 Given Terrace, Paddington
Flick through the racks in Paddington, chock-full of vintage and secondhand fashion, from taffeta formal dresses to boiler suits and work gear, accessories and unusual finds galore.
Brisbane-based suppliers of hand-picked authentic and affordable vintage streetwear and the home of Brisbane’s Biggest Clothing Garage Sale. You can buy from them via Depop or at one of their regular pop-up markets (there’s one coming up on 29 November at Bizzell’s Garage in Paddington).
I’ve personally purchased from them before, via Instagram, and can attest that the item was as described, and service was super fast and lovely.
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. It’s on the pricy side for secondhand, 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.
For something more affordable, they also run Local Opy just up the street, which has much lower prices (but is still full of great gear) and with all profits going to charity.
2/25 Glenelg St, South Brisbane, and via online store
A social enterprise, originating as charity fundraisers through Loop Exchange by selling excess stock. Seeing the enthusiasm for cheap op shop pricing through these events, founder Zara embarked on a mission to open a social enterprise that benefits both people and planet.
Bloom Op Shop pledges 100% of profits to local charities and mutual aid efforts, changing quarterly, and to sell or repurpose 90% of donations, compared to the reported national average of 15-25%.
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!
The Book Merchant Jenkins is a general antiquarian bookstore and auction house in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, buying and selling rare and interesting books in all genres. They specialise in niche non-fiction with a focus on Sexuality, LGBTIQ+, Ethnopharmacology, Dance, Performance, and Art. The Book Merchant Jenkins is open by appointment only, or you can buy online and they ship worldwide.
Backstreet Brisbane 