Sydney's Christmas markets have kicked off early with a new arrival, the Big Design Market – a go-to event for Melburnians when they're stocking up on gifts made by Australian designers and makers in the lead up to December 25. The markets are taking place at the Royal Hall of Industries this weekend and after taking a look at the stalls on Friday night we've picked out five stallholders to prioritise on your visit.
1. Leif's Australian body products
You may have come across Leif's eucalyptus and lemon myrtle body washes and hand creams in boutique stores like Koskela and the Collector Store, but they're rarely found at Sydney's markets. Leif's products celebrate the scents of Aussie flora and they're made using essential oils with antibacterial properties, made right here in Australia. A bottle of Wild Rosella and Alpine Pepper Body Wash costs $23.
2. Fictional Objects for their Aussie made linen
The Coal Coast-based company Fictional Objects regularly drive up to Sydney for the Finders Keepers Markets and down to Melbourne for the Big Design Market. This year, Sydney gets to shop for beautifully designed and incredibly soft doona covers at two major markets before Xmas. They use traditional printing techniques to create their limited run designs and patterns. They'll have 20 per cent off products at the market. Doona covers start at $160, full retail price.
3. Milk & Thistle's summer-ready stripes
Newtown-based designer Danielle Atkinson launched her clothing line ten years ago and the local label is loved for its loose-fitting tops, bottoms and dresses that have been designed and made in Australia. Milk and Thistle have a range of their very wearable and very Sydney clothes at the markets. If you can't make it this weekend, check out their King Street boutique. A full length slip dress costs $169.
4. Studio Elke's show-stopping tassel earrings and other jewels
Elke Kramer recently ran a pop-up store at the Paramount building in Surry Hills and you may have seen her colourful, tactile pieces sold at Gorman in a collaboration with the brand earlier this year. If you're looking for a personal treat – or a gift for someone you love, this is where you'll find highly coveted accessories and the perfect geometric gift packaging to go with it. You can shop the new collection and classic pieces at the markets this weekend. The Rapture Ring (below) costs $110.
Elke's jewellery is inspired by design, not trends
5. Angus and Celeste's hanging pot plants
Based in the middle of the Royal Hall of Industries, Angus and Celeste's corner stall is bright and full of life. The Victorian ceramics company has an extensive range of plant pot designs, planters and vases for sale that draws a crowd. The contemporary designs can also be found for sale at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Royal Botanic Gardens Shop. Hanging planters start from $49.
The Big Design Markets are on Saturday (10am-7pm) and Sunday (10am-5pm). Entry is $2.