Great gifts for people you don't know that well
Whether you got the one name in Secret Santa you were hoping not to pull, someone in your family has a new partner you know absolutely nothing about, or there's one person in your friend group that you still can't get a read on, chances are there's someone on the gift list this year that has left you stumped for ideas. So here's some inspiration to hopefully minimise the gift-buying stress, while also ensuring your giftee isn't left wondering if you got them mixed up with someone else ...
If you know they like to read ...
Literary Journeys: Mapping Fictional Travels Across the World of Literature edited by John McMurtrie
This beautiful book, charting the travels of characters throughout literature, is sure to be a hit for any reader. Encompassing everything from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales to Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad, it's a safe bet, regardless of their reading tastes.
Book Curses by Eleanor Baker
This is another easy pick for a booklover on your Christmas list, that neatly side-steps the concern of 'have they already read this??' and provides a pleasantly maniacal giggle for anyone who's been burnt by lending a beloved book to someone less than reliable ...
... Or if they're more of a music person
Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher
Cher is an icon who needs no introduction, and thanks to her unique charisma and enduring star power, is equally famous amongst those young and old, making this tell-all memoir a great gift for any music lover. Plus, it's only 'part one' of her life story, meaning you already have a go-to gift up your sleeve for next Christmas ...
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough
Elvis never really left the cultural consciousness, but with Baz Luhrmann's biopic and now this revealing memoir from his daughter and granddaughter, Elvis is looming as large as ever. Learn more about the mythical man, his incomparable legacy and Lisa Marie's own tumultuous life and musical career.
If you think they like to cook (or even just eat) ...
The Broadsheet Melbourne Cookbook: The New Classics by Broadsheet Media
If your giftee is a foodie then there's no better gift than the latest Broadsheet Melbourne cookbook! If they're a Melbourne local then it's a great way for them to experience the city's iconic dishes without worrying about a reservation, and if they're not from Melbourne then it can double as a travel-guide, with great restaurant recommendations for their next visit.
RecipeTin Eats: Tonight by Nagi Maehashi
Alternatively, you can't go wrong with Nagi. RecipeTin Eats is an internet sensation thanks to Nagi's ability to make cooking accessible, easy and (perhaps most importantly) satisfying, and her latest cookbook is full the same pretension-free creativity.
... Or if they prefer a good drink
Halliday Wine Companion 2025 by James Halliday
This is a great gift that feels fancy but won't break the bank. Plus, it's a much less risky choice than trying to buy wine for a real wine afficiando and accidentally getting something below their standards ...
The Cocktail Cabinet: Gin by Kara Newman
If your giftee is more into cocktails than wine, try this schmick box of recipe cards with 50 classy but approachable gin-based cocktails. And if they're not a gin drinker, there's also a whiskey version that's equally giftable!
If you know they have a cat ...
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, translated by E. Madison Shimoda
This book is tailor-made for cat lovers. At a small, mysterious clinic in Kyoto, patients desperate for emotional help are given an unusual remedy – a cat to take home and look after. Hopeful, life affirming and cosy, this is a short but uplifting read; even if your giftee isn't a huge reader, this is a great pick for them, trust me!
The Interpretation of Cats by Claude Béata, translated by David Watson
For thought-provoking nonfiction, try this psychological examination of cats and their relationship with humans. This is a compassionate and insightful book that considers cat ownership in a new way and will give a fresh understanding of our feline friends.
... Or if you know they have a dog
Dog Trip Melbourne by Evi O & Andrew Grune
If their schedule revolves around getting home to walk their dog or if everywhere you go with them has to be dog-friendly, then this guidebook is sure to be a hit with them. This is a unique travel book, with 52 dog-friendly adventures, all within a few hours from Melbourne!
Three Wild Dogs and the Truth by Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak shot to international fame with the success of The Book Thief, and his latest book is a reflection on that time in his life and what came after, through the lense of the three unruly dogs he and his family adopted. Tender, insightful, messy and relatable, this is a book that non-dog people will connect with, but the dog lovers amongst us are guaranteed to love.
If you want to spend as little as possible, without being obvious about it ...
Chanel: Couture and Industry by Amy de la Haye
Let's be honest, if you don't know this person that well, you probably don't want to splash a lot of cash on them. But fortunately, thanks to Readings' famous Bargains Table, you can find something that feels deluxe and gift-able, without having to pay full price! For example, try this beautiful coffee table book about the history and fashion of Chanel – all for just $24.99!
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville
Hardbacks aren't always the most expensive option! While stock lasts you can get the incredible Kate Grenville's Restless Dolly Maunder in a beautiful hardback for just $19.99. Shortlisted for literary prizes in Australia and internationally, this is a compelling work of historical fiction that will come in well under budget.
If you truly know nothing about them ...
Coffee Bean Candle & Echidna Edna Christmas Decoration
If you're really scrapping the bottom of the metaphorical ideas barrel, go for something classic and unobjectionable by pairing a scented candle with a cute christmas ornament. I suggest the roasty, toasty Coffee Bean Candle from Waxhouse and one of these adorable felt christmas decorations, handmade in Nepal with part of every sale going to the Nepal Children's Education Fund!
