The only gift guide you’ll need this Christmas
Struggling to buy the perfect present for your loved one? Bowerbird, Adelaide’s premier market, has everything for everyone, from stylish partners to hard-to-impress parents, cool siblings, teachers, colleagues and crafty kids – even the family pet.
Bowerbird is back this November and it’s basically your one-stop shortcut to becoming that person who gives incredible Christmas gifts – even to the trickiest friend, sibling or in-law. With fresh brands you won’t find anywhere else in South Australia and makers travelling in from all over the country, it’s the perfect place to level up your festive shopping without the mall-induced meltdown.
Curator Peggy Byrne has pulled together an impressive line-up of designers, artists and upcyclers, saying, “I cannot wait to open our doors once again and share the amazing talent of our designers, makers and producers. It’s such a joy to see the colour and feel the energy in the room and to hear our makers share their passion with our visitors.
“It’s especially lovely at this time of year when we are all looking forward to spending time with our loved ones. Bowerbird is a great place to do that and to get into the Christmas spirit.”
Think art prints, gourmet treats and luxe candles under $50, or beautifully made jewellery, fashion accessories and home décor under $100 – all with that handmade, small-run magic you can’t fake. Plus, every dollar goes straight to the maker.
Come for the gifts, stay for workshops, eats, drinks and the full festive vibe. Bowerbird runs from November 21–23 at the Adelaide Showground. Prepurchase tickets online or $8 on the door; free for children under 13 and Companion Card holders.
27 best Christmas buys
Hero homewares
Fiona Howes Ceramics
Fiona Howes is a Melbourne-based ceramicist. All of her pieces are either thrown on the wheel or hand formed then decorated. Everything is durable and watertight with a focus on colour, texture and function. The range of cups, bowls and plates will make any kitchen zing.
Quentin Park Alpaca & Studio Gallery
Located in Peterborough, Quentin Park Alpacas and Studio Gallery is a working farm and an award winning agritourism experience offering beautiful, unique alpaca fibre products handmade on the farm – from home decor to accessories, jewellery and kids’ activities.
Harvey and Co Candles
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas with Sydney-based Harvey & Co’s delicious range of festive candles – think candy canes, gingerbread, spiced rum and more. Or go for the summer vibe with Sea Breeze, Beach Days and Floral Burst.
Megan Bird Illustrations
Adelaide-based illustrator Megan Bird’s love of bold, layered and unexpected designs is reflected in her work. Growing up surrounded by South Africa’s rich visual culture, her style is inspired by the natural world, creating work that’s vibrant, characterful and unapologetically expressive.
Fashion + jewellery
You might like
Urbane Noir
Where streetwear meets luxury, Urbane Noir is a Melbourne-based clothing brand offering tailored fits, elevated materials and subtle styles for the discerning fashion lover. Items offer sophistication and comfort, without sacrificing edge or individuality.
ROSEÉ
Adelaide-based slow fashion brand ROSEÉ brings the talent, beauty and rich history of Africa to Australian men, women and children. Intentional and timeless design blend with pieces crafted from fabrics made to last and that you’ll want to wear forever.
Westwillow
Warrnambool milliner Sharon Wilson started Westwillow after designing and creating an Australian native botanical print dress for herself. Since then, she has gone on to stamp her signature design on dresses, hooded windbreakers and earrings.
JASKA
If you’re in the market for a new handbag, look no further than JASKA. These hand-painted, one-of-a-kind bags are bright, colourful and full of fun. As well as clutches and laptop cases, the range includes eyewear cases, keyrings, coin purses, shoes, artwork and more.
Asuom
Cairns based artist Margaret Mousa takes inspiration from the diverse and rich natural landscape of Far North Queensland to create distinctive wearable art. Made from resin, the product range includes bangles, earrings , pendants and rings in one-of-a-kind designs.
BEA Handmade Accessories
Beads of all colours are on show with designs featuring beautiful Miyuki beads and delicate glass beads from Japan known for their precision and high quality. The creations are handcrafted blending Colombian tradition, inspiration and artistry to create timeless accessories.
Wellness/self-care
Oz Indulgence
Created in a Darwin kitchen, Oz Indulgence’s products contain the highest quality organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Infused with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re formulated to repair, soothe, nourish and enhance overall skin health.
Criminal Elements
South Australian chemist Corey Newcombe has put his skills to use in creating quality Australian small batch artisan perfume and handmade niche men’s women’s and unisex fragrances. Scents imbue audacious infusions, uncompromising luxury and styles redefined.
Snowy Mountains Eucalyptus Oil
Developed in the Australian high country, Snowy Mountains Eucalyptus Oil uses only ethically sourced raw materials, to produce hand-crafted Eucalyptus oils and infusions. Containing “nothing but the tree”, products are free from additives, solvents and harsh chemicals.
Sacred Taste
This Australian premium cacao company creates, makes and sells wild-crafted, organic drinking cacao for rituals and wellness. The cacao is ethically sourced from Indigenous Ashaninka families in Peru, and products are organic, vegan and free from refined sugar, preservatives and additives.
Kids’ gifts and toys
Nourish by Nature
Spark your child’s imagination and turn every splash into an adventure at bath time with eco-friendly crayons made with food-grade pigments that can handle the rough play of little hands. Made from beeswax, they’re also safe if they end up in little mouths.
Littl. Studio
Make your child feel like a prince or princess with these bright and beautiful handmade crowns made from felt. There’s also a range of sunhats to keep little ones safe in the summer sun. Each item is adorned with a cute and colourful hand-stitched design.
Izzy Ibis
Izzy Ibis wearable art fashion features original creations made in the Top-End of the Northern Territory, where the artist lives and works. Designs are reproduced on silk screens and screen-printed by hand on top-quality ethically sourced apparel for all ages.
Gourmet treats
Taronga Almonds
This family-run business based in the Fleurieu Peninsula is run by two-and-a-half generations of foodies who are nuts about producing and selling high-quality almonds and natural food products. The vegan-friendly range includes flavoured almonds, gluten-free baking products and mouthwatering almond butters.
Audley & Hall
Artisan chocolate maker Audley & Hall creates chocolates and desserts using only the best, high-quality ingredients sourced locally and internationally. Think couverture chocolate from Belgium combined with seasonal and unique flavours to create individual experiences.
Mitch’s Preserves
This multi-award-winning family owned business based in South West Victoria uses only the freshest ingredients to make tasty preserves including chutneys, fruit pastes, jams and jellies, marmalades, pickles, relishes, sauces, preserved lemons and more.
Route 9 Distillery/Square 1 Gin
Whet your whistle with whisky and gin produced in the Adelaide Hills. Enjoy small-batch whiskies matured in hand-selected casks and shaped by the crisp air and rolling climate of the Adelaide Hills; or, if gin is your thing, give Square 1 Gin a square go.
Pet accessories
Comfy Tails
Forget boring brown beds – check out Comfy Tail’s range of fun, original designs hand painted, screen printed or digitally printed in Melbourne. The colourful range caters to all, from the smallest kitten to Great Dane, and includes collars, leashes, harnesses, beds, personalised bandanas and more.
Earth Healing Therapies for Pets
Earth Healing Therapies for Pets specialises in Bach remedies and hemp seed oil, as well as a great aromatherapy range to suit every dog. Products include biscuits, toothpaste, allergy relief, paw wax, cleansing spray and more.
Georgie Paws
Explore sustainable, natural buffalo leather products including collars, leads, teething and play toys for puppies and dogs. Each item is carefully handmade with love and skill, especially for dog families who appreciate beauty and care for the earth.
Treat yourself
Alana Douvros Jewellery
With designs derived directly from nature, whether it be a raw uncut gemstone, a fossil or a seashell, Sydney-based Alana creates jewellery that blends natural elements with geometry. All designs are made from recycled sterling silver and 14k gold filled with all-natural gemstones.
Bahru Leather
Bahru crafts timeless, full-grain leather bags that balance refined design with everyday function. From shoulder bags to clutch, work, travel and more, each piece it supple, practical and polished – keeping you effortlessly organised, wherever life takes you.
JUDE
JUDE is the namesake fashion label of designer Jude Ng, who uses his background in fine arts and his creative upbringing in Singapore to give an original voice to his fashion work. JUDE uses quality natural fibres to create a relaxed, gender neutral sense of tailoring.
