The 5 Best Places to Shop Unique Christmas Gifts in 2021

Ah, Christmas... It really is the most wonderful time of the year. That is until it comes to picking out a gift for that one person in your life who is impossible to shop for.

You know who I’m talking about. So what do you get for that one person who seems to have everything and want for nothing? Who has a million interests, but no unsatisfied obsessions?

Sometimes, it can feel like a harrowing task, looking for that elusive perfect gift for these types.

The secret here, dear scrupulous shoppers, is to get specific. There’s little hope for you in wandering the glittering aisles, hoping for some trinket to jump out and announce itself as the perfect tribute to this special someone.

Instead, you need to know your mark, cut out the distractions and shop in stores that really speak to your lucky gift recipient. And to help you along, we’ve put together a list of Sydney’s coolest stores with the most fabulous gift ideas, so you can spoil the unspoilable this Christmas.

Antique Homeware - Glass Et Cetera

Glass Et Cetera is a humble, yet immensely inviting antique store, located in the leafy shopping district of Crown Street, Surry Hills. Filled to the eaves with a masterfully curated collection of vintage tableware, ornaments, contemporary sculptures and more, Glass Et Cetera should be high on your gift list for those a little more aesthetically inclined.

Whether it’s an eye-catching construction of hand-blown glass and marble, or a conversation-starting decanter and glass set that you’re after, this glorious boutique has it all.

The best part? Finding an incredible, unique piece to suit your gift recipient is super easy. The collection is neatly arranged online into categories of type and purpose, and also by era, style or artist.

Literature - Ariel Booksellers

Ariel is probably fairly well-known to your average bookworm in and around the city of Sydney. And for good reason! Ariel can always be counted on to have the latest works from the world’s most relevant and up-and-coming authors.

The latest releases are always tastefully chosen, and — in this shopper’s experience — this is a great place to start if you’re unsure what your gift recipient has not already read and is likely to enjoy.

Ariel also has a number of coffee table art books, perfect for those who might enjoy the visual storytelling of a Slim Aarons compilation or gush over a Debbie Harry lookbook by photography legend, Mick Rock.

With a host of cheeky gift cards to top off the perfect literary present, Ariel is a one-stop-shop for your Christmas rush this year.

An Experience - Art Masterclass

When you’re shopping for someone who seems to have it all, sometimes, the best thing you can give is the gift of a great time.

And a great time is what Art Masterclass on William Street delivers in spades. This enchanting Darlinghurst studio focuses on the art of Turkish mosaic lamp making, instructing its guests in this age-old, meditative craft. At the end of the 3-hour class, each guest will take home their very own traditional Turkish mosaic lamp, complete with an ornate metal base and cover.

Whether you and your lucky recipient are accomplished artisans, or not really the crafty type, this is sure to be a memorable experience together.

For the Tastemakers - TITLE

If you’re Christmas shopping for a serious film buff, musician or fashion aficionado, you might have cause to feel a little intimidated. After all, these are the worlds of some of the most revered tastemakers in high culture.

The two stores of TITLE are your remedies to this situation. The Barangaroo site is a veritable cornucopia of art, fashion and music books, frames and paraphernalia. This sleek, handsomely appointed store is bound to have something in its stacks that will delight your discerning gift recipient and speak to their impeccable tastes.

For all things musical, the Surry Hills store has you covered, with an enormous collection of vintage, pre-loved and new vinyls, CDs and other gear on top of its impressive literary stock.

Top Shelf Drinks - The Oak Barrel

Gifting something boozy might seem like a risky move. Many of us, especially those who are more discerning drinkers, have particular tastes, especially when it comes to wine or liquor to fit a special occasion.

Oak Barrel makes this potentially arduous task a lot easier. With a huge selection in store, ranging from those well-known shelf-toppers like GlenDronach and Yamazaki to some lesser-known, but carefully curated bottles, you can be sure there’s something for traditionalists and flavour adventurers alike.

Want to give the gift of better skin this Christmas? Check out these top tips and products for men’s skincare.