Christmas Gift Guide | Giving Back

Arts & Culture

16 Dec

This Christmas, we’re shopping our hearts out and giving back to those in need.

It’s that time of the year where everyone wants to share their love with friends and family. But, where traditionally Christmas has been about gifting, 2019 brings awareness for the average consumer waking up to excessive waste. And so, this year we’re offering a list that gives back. From art with purpose to bespoke events that support refugees, there’s no need to give something without an extra bit of love and compassion.

Free to Feed

Free to Feed is a company that offers a gift for the foodies in your life, all while helping out refugees, people seeking asylum and new migrants with their *Employment Program*. This year, they have built an easy, giftable hamper full of treats like Little Bumble beeswax wrappers, ethically produced chocolate from Hey Tiger!, and their very own cookbook and selection of preserves, nuts and spices made with love by the team.
Give Back to Free to Feed

Photo: Courtesy of Free to Feed

Merchant Road

Merchant Road works directly with new migrants to Australia to build opportunities and experience in their new country. The team cover every part of the bespoke event, from styling, food, floral arrangements, and photography. It’s a perfect way to really say thank you, and I love you — by booking one of these events for your friends and family.
Give Back to Merchant Road
*Photo:* Stina Evjan of Gold and Grit Photography.

The Bread & Butter Project

The Bread & Butter Project is Australia’s first social enterprise bakery, investing 100% of their profits into helping the lives of those seeking refuge and asylum in Australia. By buying a beautiful loaf of sourdough, croissants or Danishes for your Christmas, you’ll be helping provide new migrants to receive work experience and training.
Give Back to The Bread & Butter Project
*35G Fitzroy Street, Marrickville, Sydney*
*Photo: Courtesy of The Bread & Butter Project*

Koskela

If you’re looking for a socially conscious gift, Koskela will always have you covered. The company works directly with designers and artists to provide luxury items from art, lighting, furniture, to weaved baskets and hand-painted planters. The Rosebery based store commits 10% of revenue to Indigenous-owned art centres, celebrating working with designers and artists for ten years. They are also a *Certified B Corporation* meaning everything you buy in-store will be balanced by purpose and profit.
Give Back to Koskela
*Photo: Courtesy of Koskela*

Jaimee Paul | Art for Purpose

Jaimee Paul is one artist who believes in ‘Art for Purpose’, she paints animals to highlight our relationship to them and what we can do to help protect the planet and its precious ecosystems. This Christmas, why not gift something exceptional? A painted commission of their pet. Not only will your family member or friend be over the moon to have their furry one immortalised in paint, but you’ll be supporting an artist who always gives back.
Give Back to Jaimee Paul | Art for Purpose
*Photo:* *Elin Bandmann*

Hande Renshaw

Design

123 House By Neil Cownie Architect

123 House by Neil Cownie Architect was once a petrol station. The design subtly pays homage to its origins, drawing on history and retaining the importance of the building within its Perth community.

Food

Taboon By Hisham Assaad

Chef, food stylist and photographer, Hisham Assaad, explores the rich tradition of Lebanese baking in his second cookbook Taboon—highlighting how food serves as a powerful medium for building and nurturing cultural connection.

THISMIGHTBEFUN By Saxon Quinn

Saxon Quinn’s latest solo exhibition, THISMIGHTBEFUN, at At the Above gallery, invites the viewer to unpick what is there or impart what isn’t into the work – layering hues, symbols and textures to create works that sway from the intentional to the unrestrained.