Brisbane's favourite local gift shops

Kova Lifestyle is a gifts hub in the centre of bustling Fortitude Valley with a huge range. There’s all the basics, like gift cards and party decorations, but then more special-feeling gift ideas for different needs. There’s Mud Australia handmade porcelain tableware (made in Marrickville, Sydney), candles and scents from brands like Voluspa, Esteban Paris and Roam, and Australian-made jewellery by Kerry Rocks. Their ‘man cave’ sections features gadgets and grooming products for men of all ages, and speaking of which, they also have an expansive kids’ section. There’s also a smattering of fashion, meaning you’re pretty much covered in any last minute gift situation.

Located in a quaint little light-filled cottage in leafy Balmoral, Coming Up Roses is home to adorably crafty gift ideas with a vintage-retro aesthetic. A lot of the gifts are things that you won’t find elsewhere – you can find a one-off item your recipient has likely never seen before. Candles, tea cloths, napkins, cake stands, mugs, coffee table books, and bits and bobs for kids are abundant. For a quick and relatively inexpensive gift on the run, there’s also a beautiful range of flowers and cards. They also courtesy gift-wrap anything you’ve purchased in a delicious assortment of ribbons and patterned papers.

Green Tangerine was founded by Brisbane-based artist Diane Lopes 12 years ago, and since then it’s become the destination for quirky gifts. It’s home to a unique array of knick-knacks, notebooks, stationery, perfumes, candles, pottery, tea cups and other ceramics, cushions, books and jewellery, plus a little fashion. Their vases are of particular note – about $18 for a really cute Papaya ceramic vase or $16 for a Nagamaru floral vase. When curating, Diane is always interested in looking for items from local makers too, which means a lot of what she stocks isn’t found elsewhere. A lot of it is ethically made, too.

Finders Keepers is probably Brisbane’s best place to find a really fun gift card (our personal favourite is “It’s your birthday, here’s a shirtless Channing Tatum”). They also stock a really great range of fragrances and candles, plus lots of quirky homewares for that person in your life who needs an ice-cream shaped money box, like, yesterday. T-rex and unicorn salt and pepper shakers? They got you. There’s also pet accessories, if the birthday boy or girl just happens to be your dog, plus cute and inexpensive party decorations. Another favourite of ours: Scratch Maps, where your globe-trotting friends can scratch off the countries they’ve visited.

Presents of Mind is a bit of a kids’ institution, a place that almost any Brisbanite has probably dragged their mum/dad into at some point during childhood (or adulthood – we’re not judging). These are mentally stimulating gifts like puzzles, constructions kits, and science toys for little brainiacs. There’s also a heap of interactive gifts for the creative soul – balloon buddies, clay animals, decorate your own X, learn to draw X books, flower press kits, and more. As one would expect, they also have really clever and funny gift cards with beautiful illustrations. There are also adult-friendly board games.