Great Gift Ideas!

Time for a Christmas shop, and why not enjoy it properly with a lunch along the way, where you can also buy gift vouchers as pressies! 

We love the locally sourced and homemade dishes at Homegrown in Palmwoods, the divine French patisseries and coffee at Le Relais Bressan in Maleny, the hearty fare and tempting cakes at The Barn on Flaxton, the sweet treats and varied lunch choices at Ikigai in Crystal Waters, and the flavoursome, seasonal menu at Kondalilla Restaurant. Check our Taste Trail pages 12-14 for details.

A GOOD BOOK - Where better to peruse than The Little Book Nook in Palmwoods. With children’s books a-plenty, and a decent selection of the latest releases for adults. Shop 5/4, 6 Little Main Street, Palmwoods, phone: 0431 750 033. 

PRESSIES FOR THE PETS - District Vets Maleny has toys and treats for all your furry family members, such as slow feeding toys, tough chew toys and soft or plush toys,  plus delicious ‘Big Dog’ raw food. 7 Myrtle St, Maleny, phone: 5499 9077. 

SOMETHING UNIQUE - Visit the Australian Red Cedar Gallery, Obi Valley Woodworks, and find a beautifully crafted gift no-one else will have, from stunning sculptures and artworks to original furniture by artist Jack Wilms (pictured). Cedar Creations, 430 Hunsley Road, Coolabine, phone: 5472 3996, or visit: cedarcreations.com.au

A FABULOUS HAIRCUT – Whether it’s for you to feel glam for the Christmas party, or a gift for a friend, Nellie’s Creative Hair Design in Maleny is the place to go! Fancy a colour that will turn heads? This team knows how to create vibrant tones and stunning highlights, along with haircuts and styles for any length. 21 Coral St, Maleny, phone: 0438 785 443.

GET FIT! – Once the Christmas dinner has settled, there’s something many of us feel we need to do … get moving and improve our fitness for the new year! Get Active Fitness (phone 0423 618 945), The Farm Gym, Maleny Vibes Pilates and the Maleny Rumble Room all offer inspirational classes and trainers to keep you motivated. Visit: thefarmgym.com.au, malenyvibespilates.com, malenyrumbleroom.com.au

PRAWNS FOR THE BARBIE - Turning up to a Christmas lunch with these will certainly be appreciated! Sunny Coast family-owned Australian Caught Prawns are ready to take your order, in 3 or 5 kilogram boxes. Snap frozen at sea, cooked or green, call Tiff or Peter on: 0447 077 906. Visit the website for more details: australiancaughtprawns.com

ETHICAL GIFT CHOICES - From organic skincare to gardening and recipe books, and from kitchenware to botanical blends, the Maple Street Co-op has plenty of exquisite gift ideas, many locally made, and all ethically sourced. Check out the December specials at 37 Maple Street, Maleny, phone: 5494 2088.

PICTURE PERFECT– Head to James Frames in Maleny to frame something special for a gift or buy some art supplies for the budding Picasso in your home. From Posca pens to oil paints to polychromos pencils, owners Gillian and Gavin have it all. And if they don’t have it, they’ll get it in for you! 38b Coral St, Maleny, phone: 5494 2100.

A FANTASTIC FACIAL - Book a pampering treatment for a friend or family member over Christmas at Emmanuelle's Beauty in Maleny. With facials, eyelash extensions, body waxing, manicures and more, you can also buy a gift voucher for the recipient to choose their own treatment. Open until December 30, then reopens January 4, contact emmanuellesbeauty.com or phone: 0410 670519.

A CHRISTMAS TIPPLE - How about some exceptional gin, made right here in the hinterland? Twelve and a Half Acres uses local botanicals and masterful distillation to create a Queensland-inspired flavour including Christmas Gin, Citrus and Spice, Lemon Myrtle, Montville Dry and more. Visit twelveandahalfacres.com.au to order.

CHILL OUT TIME - After the madness of 2023, perhaps you and your partner need a weekend escape, or you’d like to offer one to someone you know for Christmas? A gift voucher to stay at Tranquil Getaways on Obi could be the perfect choice to rest, relax and retreat in the heart of Maleny.  Visit onobimaleny.com.au or phone 0483 880408 (book direct through the website and use the promo code to save).