If you're already beginning to feel that Christmas shopping panic and are slowly inching closer towards just buying a million candles or boxes of chocolates and calling it a day, this list is for you. Let's be real: nobody really wants a printed mug or a kitschy novelty gift. Instead of wasting your money on things that will just collect dust on someone's shelf (and likely end up at their next garage sale), consider getting them a fun experience instead.
We all know that Melbourne has a vibrant arts and culture scene, so if your friend loves going to plays or has been itching to check out some upcoming exhibitions, get them a membership or a voucher to their favourite gallery or theatre. If they have a taste for the finer things, we've also rounded up some fun winery, distillery and fine dining experiences that they're sure to love. Scroll down for the full list of gifts that we reckon will actually get some use.
Cost: From $115 through the NGV website.
Give the gift of world-class art by purchasing a membership to Australia's oldest and most popular art museum. While it is free to visit the NGV's permanent collection, membership holders will receive discounted and priority entry to all NGV ticketed exhibitions, a free exhibition ticket, a subscription to NGV Magzine, access to the member's lounges, and discounts at NGV stores, dining and parking facilities.
Cost: $420 for a lunch or dinner voucher for two, through the Lake House website.
Located on the shores of Lake Daylesford, this ultra-fine diner is surrounded by gorgeous country gardens. It's an absolute must-visit for those keen on exploring regional cuisine and tasting some of the best produce and products that local suppliers have to offer. If you have a friend who loves fine dining, this gift voucher is sure to be appreciated.
Cost: Vouchers at a value of your choice, through the Oakridge website.
This award-winning winery, cellar door and restaurant located in the heart of the Yarra Valley is a must-visit for wine and food lovers. If you don't have the budget to give someone a full voucher to cover the cost of their meal, this is a good option for a present because Oakridge allows you to purchase a voucher at a value of your choice.
Cost: From $5 and up, through the MTC website.
Give the gift of a night at the theatre with a voucher from the Melbourne Theatre Company. The recipient can look forward to using the voucher for upcoming 2024 productions including Julia, A Streetcar Named Desire and My Brilliant Career. Plus, this gift helps ensure that the MTC can continue to deliver high-quality productions for generations to come.
Cost: Value of your choice, through the Minamishima website.
It’s said good sushi is all about the rice (and the rice at Minamishima is indeed perfect in temperature and form) but it’s the proteins that will leave you gasping. Give the gift of an ultimate sushi experience by purchasing a gift card to Minamishima, one of Melbourne's most luxe Japanese restaurants.
Cost: From $50, through the Urbnsurf website.
Give the gift of catching some gnarly waves with a voucher to Urbnsurf, Australia's first inland surf park. It's conveniently located within spitting distance of Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine, and the cards can be redeemed for everything from surf lessons to equipment hire. It's not always easy to find a good surf spot in Melbourne, so we reckon this is the next best thing.
Cost: From $89.95, through the iFly website.
Help your friends soar into the new year with an indoor skydiving experience at iFly. It basically provides all the thrills of skydiving without any of the terror of actually leaping out of a plane. The vouchers can be sent via email to the recipient, eliminating any postage panic over the festive season.
Cost: From $82, through the Kayak Melbourne website.
Kayak Melbourne specialises in guided kayak tours that take guests along the Yarra River between Victoria Harbour and Melbourne Park. Even if you've explored the CBD heaps of times, it's a totally different experience when you're checking out the skyline from the vantage point of the Yarra. Several voucher options are available, starting from $82.
Cost: $480 per person through the Noisy Ritual website.
Noisy Ritual, an urban winery in Brunswick East, operates on a "grape to glass" philosophy. The venue features a bar, a bottleshop and a workshop with a production line. If your mate loves a glass of vino, give them the gift of seeing behind the curtain with a winemaking membership. The membership includes access to three winemaking workshops, three barrel tasting sessions, six vintage bottles and a 20 per cent discount on Noisy Ritual wines for one year.
Cost: From $10, through the Malthouse Theatre website.
This former brewery, gifted to the arts by Carlton and United in 1986, is the home of Malthouse Theatre – Melbourne’s innovative producer of new Australian work. It's known for putting on fabulous contemporary productions that really push artistic boundaries. Support the theatre by purchasing and gifting a voucher that can be used to attend upcoming shows. You can even have the voucher emailed directly to the recipient and add a personal message.
Cost: From $30, through the Hoyts Cinema website.
Shopping for a film connoisseur, or perhaps for someone who needs date night ideas? These gift cards for Hoyts are perfect as a stocking stuffer and can be redeemed towards movie tickets, candy bar items and even merchandise. You can order them online or pick them up from your local Hoyts.
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