There's nowhere as hectic as the mall in the week before Christmas.
All those lines. The smell of plastic in their air. Burnt-out shoppers constantly bumping you with their oversized bags. As much as we love the silly season, the thought of gift shopping is often met with dread rather than Christmas cheer.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! And we’re definitely not suggesting shopping online either – we all know the struggle of when your last-minute gift for mum comes in two sizes too big.
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Melbourne is spoilt for choice when it comes to small businesses, handmade gems and unforgettable experiences. This year, we recommend forgoing that chaotic afternoon at Chadstone and instead hitting a local hotspot like the Sydney Road Brunswick precinct.
Okay, maybe we’re a bit biased (our offices are located right in the heart of Brunswick), but Sydney Road has everything you could need in one place and there are so many reasons to shop local during the holidays.
Not only do you avoid the crowds and find special, unconventional gifts that aren’t like anything you’ll find in a big box store, but you also keep your money local, making connections with your neighbours and supporting the passionate and talented community. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
This short documentary, directed by Guido Pezz, showcases the magic of the Sydney Road Business Precinct by featuring a group of people with different backgrounds from all around the world who live and work together, sharing the same street. It shows that Brunswick has a special soul and character that not many places possess.
Where to shop in the Sydney Road business precinct
Whether you’re looking for brand-new gifts or you want to shop vintage, there are plenty of places to get your hands on clothing, homewares, books, accessories and more on the shopping strip. Goodbyes and Mutual Muse are favourites for second-hand threads.
For the music lovers on the list, pick up a new toy at Volaris Music Centre or Round and Round Records. If you’re on the hunt for something sparkly, Diamond Dreams, Mecca Jewellery and Sacred Gems offer a range of different styles, metals and more. For a one-of-a-kind vase or mug hit Artocracy, for antique homewares head to Atlas Gallery, and for any green thumb on your list, don’t miss Lady Jane Greenhouse.
Finally, when the big day comes, get your table scaping done right with wreaths and bouquets from Babylon Flowers, then set it up with sweets including Lebanese baked goods from A1 Bakery, French pastries from Choukette and ice cream from Luther’s Scoops.
And that’s not even mentioning all of the wine bars, beauty parlours, restaurants, massage parlours and more that’ll gladly sell you a gift certificate for a little R&R.
Sydney Road really is an underrated hotspot when it comes to commerce. So hop on the 19 tram, take a cruise down the street and fill your reusable bags with gifts that will put a smile on everyone’s faces this season.
To browse everything Sydney Road has to offer, head here.
This article was made in partnership with the Sydney Road Business Association.
