Support our own and #buyfromthebush

The impact of the summer bushfires is still being felt around Australia, and supporting regional businesses is the number one way you can help. Take a look at this guilt-free gift guide and meet some of our favourite home-grown creatives.

Do yourself a favour and browse these #buyfromthebush businesses, the perfect excuse to grab some guilt-free goodies as well as support those who were affected by the summer bushfires.

For babies

Monkeytree Store – Snowy Mountains NSW 

Run by Sam and Tim out of the Snowy Mountains, the Monkeytree Store brings together a range of small Australian brands into one glorious boutique. Although they have products and clothes for children of all ages, their baby items are a step above; lovely little swaddles, natural-rubber pacifiers and the cutest crochet hats are just some of our favourite items available through their online store. 

Derry Downs Handmade – Rural QLD 

This sweet business was started in December by Katherine, with the aim to put her sewing skill to use and help the family buy bags of grain and milk powder for their orphaned calves. Three months later and business is booming, with Katherine’s handmade bibs, burping pads and breast pads all going down a treat with her customers. Buy them separately or put in a request for one of her beautiful gift sets for any new mamas in your life.

For kids

French Soda – Condobolin NSW

Started in 2013, this beautiful business is all about bringing a bold touch to children’s outdoor wear. Playful raincoats, go-get-’em gumboots and oh-so-cute swimwear make up the bulk of their products, all impeccably designed and built to withstand some serious adventures.

Wild Woodland Toys – Kapunda SA

Created by mum of two Amanda Keller, Wild Woodland Toys is truly a labour of love. After the birth of her second little girl in 2011, Amanda realised that she couldn’t get away from the mass-produced plastic toys that are all too easily broken and discarded. She rounded up some wooden options from her grandfather and secondhand shops, and completely fell in love – the natural next step was to start her own business. The store is focused on sustainable playthings that are imaginative and affordable, with the option to order online or visit their bricks and mortar location in Kapunda.

Robins Nest for Children – Moree NSW

Your one-stop-shop for the quirky, the pretty and the traditional, Robins Nest is a boutique children’s store for little ones of all ages and abilities. The shop was first started by two sisters who named it after their mother, with the bird’s nest logo and its six eggs representing each of Robin’s children. In 2008 it was taken over by Dibs Cush, a former preschool director and mother of three, who now carefully curates the shop’s beautiful collection of toys. Each item on sale encourages kids to use their imagination and play, rather than resort to screen time, and it’s a philosophy that has resulted in a Pandoras Box of fun and games.

For teens

Made by Maddie – Armidale NSW

Standing out and expressing who you are is a tricky business, and for lots of teens it starts in what they wear. Made by Maddie is a brand that specialises in earrings and you can guarantee that these are a level up from Lovisa. Funky and fresh, the handmade collection was the result of Maddie being strapped for cash and desperate for a pair of statement earrings – her aim is to bring a little ray of sunshine into everyone’s life, through her earrings and other great products.

Scrunchie Sister Shop – Robinvale VIC

When you support the Scrunchie Sister Shop, you’re supporting the creative endeavours of three young sisters. Often scrunchie-making to aid charities, the sisters donated a dollar of every sale in January to the bushfire relief effort and their beautiful products have gotten lots of brilliant reviews on Etsy.

For mum

Appleye Handmade – South Coast NSW

Specialising in elegance, Appleye Jewellery showcases the very best that nature has to offer. Inspired by Australian flora, Naomi creates ethical jewellery in her South Coast studio, crafting pieces by hand using her admirable silversmithing skills. Though it would be hard to pass up one of her unique designs, she also offers silversmithing workshops where you can try your hand at making your own ring.

The Islander Estate – Kangaroo Island SA

As every mum is sure to agree, the secret to getting through the week is a great bottle of wine waiting at the finish line. On 9 January, a bushfire ripped through The Islander Estate Vineyards and damaged a huge amount of their property and though their cellar door and online sales are operating as normal, your support is greatly appreciated by the team. Their French-styled wines are a real pleasure to taste and the perfect way to take the edge off a stressful week.

Castle – Regional NSW

A real celebration of all things sunny, Castle was created in 2008 by Rachel Castle. The linens, artworks, clothing and bags are all sewn, screened and printed by her, with a colour and energy to her products that certainly make a statement. If scrolling through interior inspo on Instagram is a favourite guilty please, Rachel Castle’s whimsical pieces will be very hard to scroll past.

For dad

KI Spirits – Kangaroo Island SA

Kangaroo Island Spirits was created by couple Jon and Sarah Lark, and together they have been on quite the journey to establish their bespoke spirits brand. Like many of the businesses in Kangaroo Island, they have really suffered in light of the bushfires and every ounce of support really counts. Their real specialty is gin, but they also have two delicious vodkas and a range of liqueurs on offer for papas in search of a tipple.

Angus Barret Saddlery – Orange, NSW

A dream for lovers of all things leather, the family behind small business Angus Barret Saddlery designs and crafts all their products in their Orange workshop. Angus Barret had been working in leather since 1986 and in 2000, he finally started selling his products. They now sell out of 191 Summer Street, where Angus’ constantly evolving collection of high-quality saddlery and leather goods are in high demand.

For pooch

Clover and Co Collective – Savernake NSW

Kitsch and almost too cute to handle, the Clover and Co Collective was created by Breanne from her farm in South NSW. She adopted Clover in 2019 after spotting her on a Queensland rescue page, quickly falling in love with her and driving her the 1,600 kilometres home. After finding a lot of fun in dressing her up with gorgeous accessories, she decided to start making her own, and the rest of Australia’s canine kingdom has been able to reap the benefit. The rest, as they say, is history!

Fair Dinkum Dogs – Castlemaine VIC

Fair Dinkum Dog Coast was purchased by its current owner when she was just 19, and she feels like she’s done its original owner proud with how far she’s come in the past 15 years. For a quarter of a century, the brand has been creating the very best in outerwear for dogs, specialising in oilskin and waxed cotton garments that truly stand the test of time. If your best friend is in need of a warmer winter, now’s your chance.

Pretty Earthy Pup – Southeast QLD

Ever hidden a grubby dog bed away in the fear it might ruin an impeccable interior design? Pretty Earthy Pup will eliminate that need. Founder Jacinta has created incredible Earth-friendly beds for pampered pooches (among other lifestyle products) with designs that are Instagram-worthy, perfect to give your home a little extra something. From idea to creation, each piece is not only made on home soil, but gives a notable nod to the raw and natural Australian landscapes on which it is made.

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