There's no place like home for Christmas!

It’s beginning to look a lot a whole lot like Christmas! If you’re anything like us, the realisation that there’s only two weeks until the man in the red suit comes to town probably has you downing your entire advent calendar in one sitting. Never fear! Check out our list of gift ideas below and support local this festive season by filling your Christmas stockings with handmade wares and experiences not far from home.

Give the gift of walking on water
Bay Island Watersports, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

Give the gift of walking on water this Christmas with Bay Island Water Sports. The team deliver water based experiences at picturesque Raby Bay Foreshore Park in Cleveland. They offer gift certificates for a range of tours, watercraft hire and private lessons including paddleboards, kayaks, waterbikes and hobies. 

Craft beer to end the year
Bacchus Brewing Co., Capalaba (Kapallaba)

Don’t know what to buy Dad for Christmas this year? Creating over three brand new beers every week, there’s always something new to try at Bacchus Brewing Co. The micro-brewery has plenty of packaged beer, gift certificates, merchandise, or why not fill a growler to share over Christmas lunch?    

Cultural tour with a difference
Yura Banji Scooters, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Treat your friend to a guided cultural tour or hire an electric scooter with Yura Banji Scooters. Book an Aboriginal cultural tour with a difference, learn about the ancient traditions of the Quandamooka People and hear stories of the island’s unique fauna and flora. Alternatively, hire one of their scooters for an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to explore Minjerribah.

Image credit: Meg Forbes

Ready to throw down this Christmas?
13 Axes, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

After the year we’ve had, gift a mate a unique experience with 13 Axes! Rid some of those 2020 frustrations in a fun and safe environment with axe throwing games for adults of all ages. Tucked away in the backstreets of Cleveland, 13 Axes is the new kid on the block and Australia’s newest axe throwing venue.

Go glamping under the stars
Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mount Cotton (Jungalpin/Tungipin)

If camping isn’t for your other half but they still appreciate fresh air and a night spent under the stars, we suggest you book a glamping staycation at Sanctuary by Sirromet. The luxurious tented pavilions can be found scattered on the grounds of Sirromet, Queensland’s largest winery tucked away in the hinterland of Redlands Coast. Sirromet also offers a range of bookable winery experiences from tours and tastings to picnic hampers, even a game of Supa Golf on their 9-hole course with wallabies as your spectators.

A present for your crafty friend
Carys Martin Ceramics, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

Know someone who has a New Year’s resolution is to try something new? This Christmas treat them to clay class with Carys Martin Ceramics at her studio in Cleveland. They can learn techniques to create pottery pieces, try their hand on the pottery wheel, or carve a design of their own into a unique handmade ceramic piece. Gift cards are available for the clay classes or to shop Carys collection online.

Surfs up for the Summer
North Stradbroke Island Surf School, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

A popular bucket list item, book a surfing lesson with North Stradbroke Island Surf School for someone who’s always wanted to learn how to hang ten! Where better to catch a wave than the earth’s second largest sand island, renowned for some of the best beaches in Australia.

Pamper packages for someone special
Harbour Day Spa & Stephanies Vintage Spa, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

You can’t go wrong with a luxurious spa treatment as a stocking filler! Nestled by the marina of Raby Bay in Cleveland is where you’ll find Harbour Day Spa offering a combination of beauty, spa, skin, hair and barber services. Stephanies Vintage Spa can also be found in the leafy coastal village. Share the gift of Christmas this year with a signature spa treatment or beautifully presented Stephanies gift card. Browse the exquisite gift shop for unique gifting ideas or go online for an easy, no hassle instant e-gift card purchase or to browse their collection of Australian and International luxury skincare. The perfect present for spa lovers or to simply treat yourself.

4wding tag-along-tours
Straddie Kingfisher Tours, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Has somebody you know got all the gear and no idea? Gift them a tag-along-tour with Straddie Kingfisher Tours. They will get the opportunity to drive their own 4wd vehicle on the beach and learn the dos and don’ts of driving on sand. They will build their confidence and knowledge for future off-road adventures!

There’s no need to travel far to get your subtropical island fix
Aria Cruises & Brisbane Yacht Charters, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

Gift a sailing charter to a special someone and enjoy an afternoon spent exploring southern Moreton Bay with Aria Cruises or Brisbane Yacht Charters. You’ll feel a million miles away as you approach Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra National Park). The subtropical island’s sandy cove and crystal clear waters give off strong Northern Queensland vibes - so much so, you’ll find yourself forgetting you are in fact, on Brisbane’s doorstep. For those who are lucky, you might even spot dolphins or dugong along the way!

For more information on places to discover, things to see and do, where to stay and what’s on - visit the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre at Raby Bay Harbour in Cleveland or phone 1300 667 386.