Great Local Melbourne Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

2020 has certainly been one to remember, bringing with it unique challenges, a new pace of life and change in plans on a scale we hopefully won’t see for many decades to come. I am once again so thankful to our patients who stuck with me and checked in during multiple closures and openings of our Collingwood clinic, and for continuing in their support as we’ve finally found a sense of regular life with a full reopening in November.

In normal times, Christmas is one of my favourite parts of the year, but this time the spirit of gift-giving and celebrating with my loved ones will have more than its usual significance. When I place a gift under the tree for my supporters, friends and family, I want it to reflect how much I love them, in many cases how much I’ve missed them, and how grateful I am to have them in my life.

2020 is also a year where my love of giving gifts also coincides with the importance of Christmas shopping for small businesses, so I’m really glad to share with you the fantastic gems in and around Melbourne’s inner North that I’ve discovered throughout the years – and I hope you get inspired by the fantastic things they have on offer too.

Of course, no list of gift ideas is complete from me without some of my top medical-grade skincare and make up picks – and I have two exclusive offers on two of my favourite brands below.

Lightly | Homewares, Collingwood

Longtime Lumea friend Cindy-Lee and her utilitarian yet elegant homewares live under Lightly, a passion project that has developed into one of the most beloved local Melbourne labels. From the Vera vase to the Arc tray, Lightly is a study in quality and ethical production grounded in classic, enduring design. And just in time for your Christmas shopping, they’re offering free shipping on orders over $50 until December 20.

Everleigh Bottling Co. | Cocktail gifts, Fitzroy

Any Melburnian cocktail connoisseur worth their salt definitely knows The Everleigh, a world-renowned institution which captures the old-world elegance of classic cocktails. Their side hustle The Everleigh Bottling Co. has made it easy to experience their perfect mixes any time, anywhere with beautiful single-serve bottles ready to simply pour, garnish and serve. Try the Famous Four gift set for the cocktail-lover in your life, and maybe even the perfect coupe glasses to serve them in.

Lumas Gallery | Artwork, Richmond

A unique, luxury art gift gets no easier than at Lumas’ online store, with collections at any price range and ready to go for any giftee. There’s also a great range of the classics and limited edition prints, alongside phone cases and black and white celebrity photography – think David Bowie on stage or 50s Elizabeth Taylor on the beach. Even better, they all come with a recommended framing option too.

My Jungle Home | Indoor plants, Collingwood

Answering to the call of Melburnians everywhere with their newfound passion for indoor plants during lockdown, My Jungle Home is here to further fuel that zeal. Their wares are always available online but every now and then one of them famous pop-up shops appears in their Peel St warehouse just a couple of doors down from our clinic – hint, the next one is the weekend of the 12th and 13th of December. And believe me, it’s not one to be missed with lush, unique plants that are perfect for the budding green thumb in your life.

Zetta Florence | Gift shop, Fitzroy

The home of Melbourne’s makers, creatives and collectors for over 30 years, today Zetta Florence is a family business that has grown into a stationary and giftware shop with a distinctly whimsical, Australiana feel. The perfect accompaniment to all your gift-buying, Zetta’s cards, calendars, wrapping paper, bags and tags will certainly give that ‘wow’ factor come Christmas morning.

Habbot Studios | Footwear, Collingwood

I’m quite proud that the HQ of the famed Habbot Studios is just around the corner from my clinic, meaning I can have a quick oggle at their outrageously fantastic shoes any time I have spare time on a Friday or Saturday, when it’s open to the public. What an opulent gift a pair of these ones would be – designed here in Melbourne and made in Italy, you really won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else.

Synergie Skin skincare offer

I’ve curated a three-step routine from one of my favourite skincare brands, Synergie Skin – including the BrightEnlite brightening and pore-refining milk moisturiser, the Detox antTiox mask with purifying bentonite clay and the D-Congest serum to manage blemishes.

It’s perfect for someone (or yourself) with oily, problem skin or suffering from the congestion and humidity from wearing those masks, and would make a fabulous gift for someone on the hunt for a new medical-grade skincare routine that simply works. Purchase BrightEnlite and De-Congest and I’ll add the mask valued at $69 for free – I have limited stock so get in touch with me at [email protected] to secure yours.

Glo Foundation offer

Glo Australia’s beautiful products are my absolute makeup go-tos, for both myself and any of my clients who will listen! Natural, luxurious formulas in a fantastic range of shades have put them at the top of my list – and the two foundation products I have great offers on could just be at the top of yours of a loved one’s list as well. Glo’s lightweight and endlessly blendable pressed powder was $70 but from me it’s only $54.99; while their satin liquid foundation was $60 but now only $48.99. Get in touch with me at [email protected] – first come best dressed!

Why a Lumea Gift Voucher is a perfect gift idea 

I’m excited to launch our new gift vouchers, perfect for someone you love the gift of confidence, an opportunity to embrace their individuality in whichever form that may be, and a way to invest in themselves – particularly for those who spend so much of themselves investing in others. They’ll be available all year round from now on, but I do believe they’ll make an incredible Christmas gift; you also have the option to choose a voucher of any amount, or select from ready-made packages I’ve created based on our most popular treatments.

Found out more about my gift vouchers here.

THE VIRTUAL SKINCARE CONSULT

We believe proper self care starts with a fantastic skincare routine. This gift is aimed at both beginners into the world of medical-grade, highly effective skincare products, or those who wish to take their routine to the next level.

And they can achieve all this from the comfort of their own home, even in their pajamas if they like, as this gift is a virtual one-on-one consultation with our cosmetic doctor.

THE ENERGY INFUSION

Intravenous therapy is quickly gaining popularity across the globe and now in Australia, for its fast delivery of essential fluids, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. If your loved one needs help managing exercise exhaustion, supplementing key vitamins in their diet or they’ve simply been pouring out of an empty cup for too long, this could be the perfect gift to bring energy and overall health back into their life.

THE ANTI-AGEING  REFRESHER 

Sometimes you need a little assistance in loving the skin you’re in as you become older and wiser. Introducing our anti-ageing package, featuring a powerful combination of a minimally-invasive anti-wrinkle treatment and new skincare routine tailored to their specific skin concerns. With our philosophy of natural, simple treatments, this gift is the first step towards a beautiful, refreshed look for your loved one.

THE LIP BOOSTER

Invite your loved one to an expert lip revitalisation session, whether it’s restoring lost volume, reducing lines around the lip or rebuilding proportion. With our skilled doctor-led team renowned for their natural, subtle and beautiful results, renewed confidence is just a step away.

THE SKIN BOOSTER

The ultimate in skincare comes in the form of this decadent gift package, including skin boosters and an updated custom skincare regime. A minimally-invasive injectable treatment, skin boosters offer a gentle, long-lasting and noticeable improvement in the skin’s texture, tone and luminosity, restoring hydration from within. Paired with medical-grade skincare, it’s a partnership to last the ages.

THE MEN’S REFRESHER

Feeling refreshed and confident is not only for one half of the population, and there’s no doubt a man in your life who may (not so) secretly love such a gift. Featuring two anti-wrinkle treatments targeting some of the most popular areas for our male clients, including the forehead, frown lines, crows feet or jawline, as well as a new skincare regime targeted at his areas of concern, give him the opportunity to give back to himself.

THE VISAGE REVITALISATION

Our most luxurious gift package would certainly be a showstopper for any special occasion. An all-encompassing self-care experience featuring the power of both anti-wrinkle and filler treatments together, which often complement each other in addressing key aesthetic concerns our clients have, including lifting certain areas and balancing features, as well as reducing fine lines. Combined with a medical-grade skincare regime, this is truly the gift of confidence.

I wish you happy shopping and the happiest Christmas yet surrounded by your loved ones.

Dr Toro & The Lumea Aesthetics Team