Gifts

The Sydney CBD is now home to the world’s largest LEGO store, covering 900 square metres over two storeys of hands-on fun for future designers, inventors, builders and artists.

Forget celebrity fragrances and department store clerks handing out smelling strips. If you love hard-to-find, boutique fragrances dreamt up by artisans from far-flung places, Libertine Parfumerie is for you. 

It’s finally happened. After a handful of years operating as a pop up shop in the leafy streets of Surry Hills, Little Succers has left its roots, so to speak, and made the big leap over the pond to greener pastures. We’re talking about a permanent terrarium studio right in the heart of Neutral Bay.

The fact is, a city can never be too overcrowded with florists, which is why you need to know about Sydney’s newest floral mecca dedicated to luscious blooms and whimsical flowing foliage.

Bringing a little Swedish heritage to Sydney, Fjällräven CBD concept store is packed with all the durable gear you could need. And made in classic Scandinavian designs, expect a whole lot of sustainable materials like recycled wool, recycled polyester and PFC-free waterproofing.

If you haven’t been to The Soda Factory in Surry Hills, do you even Sydney? An institution for anyone over the age of 18, this hidden speakeasy can be found behind a ‘50s Coca-Cola door on Wentworth Avenue.

Sydney now has a dessert delivery service and all of our dessert dreams have just come true. Sweet Vibes are ridiculously cute and their little boxes are packed with handmade goodies like a Lindt chocolate fudge popsicle (we’re listening), two chocolate pyramids in Tiffany blue (see, cute!), marbled vanilla cookies and a vanilla rose doughnut. 

Leaf Supply are Sydney's ultimate indoor plant people. Fresh-delivering gifts of greenery and potted happiness to doorsteps around Sydney, Leaf Supply believes green spaces are better places and foliage is the new flower.

If trendy boutiques are your jam then you need to get yourself to The Standard Store in Barangaroo, STAT. 

For the creative amongst us, Petal Post delivers a box of long lasting blooms straight to your doorstep, and they’re just waiting to be whipped up into a totally instaworthy floral arrangement. Perfect for those times when you want to send just a little something, or an everyday I’ve got my life together bouquet, these boxes start at $45, including delivery. And if you’re not as florally focused as some, never fear because the Petal Post team include a floral arranging guide in every box. Make sure to order the night before because these bad boys are picked straight from the market the morning of delivery. Talk about some sweeeeeet petal service.

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a little retail therapy, Collector Store by the harbour at Barangaroo is definitely worth your hard earned cash. From the legends that brought you the oh-so-famous Crown Street boutique of the same name, this mini fashion mecca has all the goodies your wardrobe and home wants (but probably doesn’t need).

The Corner Booth is that one stop shop that just keeps on giving. You know, that shop where you enter promising yourself you're just looking, then buy half the store.

The beloved masterminds behind DAILY Blooms Melbourne have moved up the coast to us lucky folk in Sydney! Known for snagging the most exclusive flowers, straight from the farmer to your arrangement, DAILY Blooms are all about locally sourcing the freshest produce on the market. That way your flowers not only last longer, but they smell like a bouquet should…fresh to death. None of this importing mumbo jumbo, where flowers travel longer to get to you than they stay alive – just the purest flowers straight from the source.

If you're looking for a florist in Sydney who adds a bit of cool to your blooms, then Sophia Kaplan is your go to gal. Specialising in loose and creative designs, Sophia does floral and plant styling for anything from boho weddings to photoshoots to events. Wild and whimsical, we love the personal touch (and a whole lotta love) that go into her creations.

Giving someone flowers used to be all about a selection of bright gerberas or oddly-placed baby’s breath, but thankfully a new wave of Sydney florists have popped up to save our lives. Namely MyFlowerMan, headed up by Kieran Birchall. 

With a keen eye for detail and the ability to turn any space into a wedding scene straight out of our favourite sappy rom-com, Susan Avery Flowers and Events are your ideal choice for your next function, event, corporate event, or wedding.

Your weekday lunches just got a little bit more awesome. No. 10 Bistro is the latest delicious creation from Fresh Catering, bringing relaxed dining to the oh so fancy The Mint on Macquarie Street. Expect a contemporary menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients complemented with a stellar wine list and most importantly some seriously good cocktails.

A florist and a cafe in one? Is that not a perfect combination? Cuppa Flower is a Sydney cafe that brings together a few of our favourite things, actually—good coffee, delicious food and fresh flowers.

As a creative workshop space Petal Met Sugar is the creation of two friends that combined their individual passions for floristry and baking. Located on the ground floor of the Luxe retail building, the workshop features a large wooden table for floristry work and an open kitchen where customers can view the creation of sweet treats.

Helping to bring beautiful blooms to your door day in and day out without having to wake up horrendously early to catch the flower markets, The Daily Bunch create a unique arrangement every single day.

Where does it all come together in seamless style, edginess, taste and aesthetic? Black Boho, that’s where. In the mood for quirky hand-made bangles, scarves and peanut butter swirl cookies? Most people would tell you you’re dreaming, no place would provide all of that in a breeze of proximity and convenience. Black Boho does and they do it with flair.

Art of Bloom is an enchanting florist on Balmain's busiest street. Not only to these talented people design beautiful bouquets, but they also specialise in bespoke blooms for weddings, events and can even create incredible pieces of floral art. Have you been dreaming about having a dress made from flowers? Well this florist in Sydney can do that for you!

While beautiful blooms used to cost us an arm and a leg, Willow + Bear aim to change just that with their locally sourced and perfectly imperfect bouquets. Offering two different arrangements every week in three different sizes, there’s a gorgeous hessian wrapped arrangement for all budgets.

Regardless of whether you’re in need of a bouquet, we recommend paying this majestic Darlinghurst-based florist a visit. After freelancing for several years in the United Kingdom, owner and operator Jai Winnell has decided to inject a wealth of floristry knowledge into the Sydney market. His juxtaposition of clean lines and a white polished marble interior, against a technicolor utopia of exotic petals, leaves and blooms is ingenious and breathtakingly beautiful, and a site you surely can’t miss.

This little homewares shop in Parramatta is cute as a button, with all sorts of goodies to give your living room a touch of character or that special friend a gift that they'll treasure. Owner Vanessa has a professional background in the Visual Arts and a penchant for ethically made goods, so you know that every hand picked piece is going to look great and make you feel good about your purchase (hey, any excuse for shopping is a good one).

For every tea-related need you never knew you had, from tea pots to tea mugs to tea jugs, T2 has it all.  

The Majestic Theatre in Petersham has lived a life for the people, first a theatre, then a rollerskating rink, and now moving into the food world as a European market and restaurant.

Situated in the heart of the up and coming foodie district of Cammeray, The Hunted Store not so coincidently hunts down the finest apparel and products made by local Australian designers. 

Stepping into Neutral Bay florist Cosmo’s is like entering a lush, sweet-smelling world where it will take all of your strength not to dance around with a rose in your mouth. 

Priding itself on unique, naturally inspired floral arrangements, Oh Flora creates dreamy bouquets for all sorts of occasions. From floral crowns and wedding accessories, to fashion or editorial, Oh Flora’s ethereal style is sure to make a memorable impact. Oh Flora also run floral crown workshops, which are perfect for hen’s nights, birthdays or any special event. 

One of the best boutique florists in Sydney, Maggie May delivers beautiful bouquets to the people of Bondi and beyond. Headed up by Jennie May, Maggie May creates show-stopping arrangements that can be customised for any event. For budding florists, Maggie May also run 2-hour flower workshops, which culminate in a cheese tasting and a glass (or two) of wine. 

Tucked away in Glebe in a transformed church, Seed Flora is one of the best florists in Sydney. Here you’ll find a wide range of fresh, seasonal flowers, as well as pot plants, vases and gifts. Seed Flora’s stunning, personalised arrangements are perfect for weddings and events. 

Call us girly, but we don't think anything compliments a bedside table, desk or living room more than a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers. So when we heard about Bloombox Co, The Urban List team naturally went into a floral frenzy.

Nestled in Oatley, Edmonds & Greer is a gorgeous Sydney homewares store and interior design service, with a delicious onsite café. Peruse a beautiful selection of candles, ceramics, books and jewellery, before settling in for your afternoon coffee and cake. Needless to say, we think you should take a trip to Oatley ASAP.

Marrickville appears to have become a hub for all things healthy, organic and sustainable, and the opening of The Urban Farmacy is no exception. Run by farmers Cath and Hapi Fiefa, the store focuses heavily on the farm-to-table way of cooking and eating. You can expect plenty of fresh veggies and a selection organic meat and dairy. Yum!

Since 1998, Dogue has been bringing sophistication into the canine world. Everything you could possibly want is here for your ‘fash-hound’, including a huge range of dog accessories, dog grooming, day care, dog walking, puppy school and nutritional advice. If you’re after more long-term care, there’s a Dogue Retreat in the Southern Highlands. Your four-legged friend can partake in a day spa, or enjoy a nice holiday in the boarding kennels available on their vineyard property. Dogue has it all.

Gift emporium, Opus, opened its first store in Paddington in 1968 and now has two more stores, OCTOPUS in Newtown, and the new Paddington store OPUS Design Co, a few doors down from the original. The company now stocks kitchenware and clever cooking tools, stationery, books, homewares, gifts, quirky novelties and gadgets.

If you're on the hunt for for modern homewares, a gift, or just something gorgeous to add some character to your home, MOZI is your winner - the experts behind the brand can cater to any reason or occasion. With seasonal designs, original patterns and some of the most adorable gifts that aren't too 'gifty', MOZI is the kind of store you can easily get lost in – or max out your credit card. 

A celebration of all things Mexican, Holy Kitsch! proffers an eclectic range of products, spanning handmade arts to collectibles. With everything from sugar skulls and painted mirrors, to vintage wares, jewellery and framed imagery, you're sure to find a one-off gift idea at Holy Kitsch!.

Located near Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, Nordic Fusion offers a colourful selection of Scandinavian design. You'll find an array of beautiful textiles, clogs and sandals, accessories, as well as a pantry stocked with some of the tastiest sweets from across Scandinavia (think Marabou chocolates, Leksands crispbread and Pearl sugar).  

This contemporary, creative workshop offers intimate, sewing, craft and art classes and a drop-in sewing studio for Artists and Designers where you can hire a sewing machine by the hour. Sew Make Create also sells sewing machines and offering sewing machine servicing and repairs.

Home to a creative team with a passion for flowers, Poho Flowers in Potts Point is worth a visit. Not only providing stunning arrangements for the home and office, family and friends, Poho Flowers also specialises in immaculately crafted pieces for weddings and events. Check out the online store and portfolio online.

One of Australia's leading centres for contemporary design, Object Gallery features both an exhibition area as well as a retail space, which both showcase a diverse range of works. Promoting local talent, Object Gallery exhibits and sells innovative and contemporary Australian-made art and design.

Set in the heart of Surry Hills, Paper2 specialises in boutique paper and stationery. With a range of beautiful products on offer, you'll find everything from personalised stationery, to notebooks, invitations, homewares, pens and inks. The brainchild of graphic designer Margaret Rockliff, Paper 2 sources unique ranges from Tokyo, London, Frankfurt and New York, as well as selling their own in-house designs. 

"Delight the eye, cheer the heart" is the mantra of Redfern store Seasonal Concepts— and indeed their cosy store is brimming with delightful antiques. Combining floristry with a collection of pre-loved, pre-1950s wares, Seasonal Concepts boasts elaborate floral arrangements, giant seashells, pieces of taxidermy and beautiful tea sets. You're sure to find a gem. 

Offering an exciting array of ingenious science gifts, at Professor Plum's you can let your inner child run wild. Stocking gadgets, games, puzzles, lab experiment kits, telescopes, novelties and all things science, you're guaranteed to find a unique gift. The school holiday workshops by Professor Plum's are great for keeping little ones preoccupied, with categories like 'Gross and Gory Science' and 'Dino Discovery'.  

For quality, beautiful blooms head to Mandalay in Double Bay. Specialising in both the traditional and eclectic, the range of flowers is extensive and stunning. The team at Mandalay Flowers is also adept at designing and styling for big and small events, and will search out those rare floral finds. Check out the imported South American roses—amazing.

Set on Parramatta's Church Street Mall, the open-air market, held every Friday from 7:30am till 2pm, offers local and seasonal produce directly from growers and artisan food producers from the Sydney basin and regional NSW. The produce at Parramatta Farmers' Market changes frequently and includes: native fruits and vegetables; milk and cheeses; fresh breads; tea and coffee; and freshly cut flowers.

No ordinary florist, decade-old Rococo Flowers works with the best seasonal produce to provide customers with fresh, artistically arranged blooms. Whether for a special event, such as a wedding or launch, or simply for the dinning table at home, customers can order ahead and discuss with the experienced, full-of-ideas team, or simply walk into the East Sydney store Monday through Saturday.

Surry Hills-based Garlands is a full-service florist, offering arrangements to suit every budget, occasion and taste. With online orders available for same-day delivery, a slew of arrangements can be viewed online, changing regularly to reflect the season's floral offering. Garlands also specialises in wedding flowers, for both the bridal party and table and venue arrangements.

Anyone who has attended a swish launch event, visited a beautiful home interior or walked through Potts Point will be familiar with the work of design studio Grandiflora which, as its name suggests, employs flowers as its medium. Specialising in large-scale installations, such as the flowers in the recent film The Great Gatsby, it has also published several books that document the pivotal role of flowers in special occasions.

Image credit: Alex Squadrito

With fun and affordable short courses in arts and crafts, Work-Shop allows you to unlock your inner creativity and build lifelong skills under the watchful guidance of experienced tutors. Dabble in printmaking and tea blending, or learn samba and build your own terrarium, or if you're looking for a unique gift, buy a special someone a gift certificate for their next big day.

A haven for stationery lovers, Pentimento in Newtown stocks beautiful and unique products, with everything from gift cards and wrapping paper, to ceramics, candles and coffee table books. The store has been an institution on King Street for the past 15 years. Within Pentimento's eclectic mix of products, you're sure to pick up a real gem!

Hosted beneath the trees in the beautiful Civic Centre Park of North Sydney, the North Sydney Market is home to more than 100 stalls ranging from multicultural foods and fresh coffee and homemade lemonade, through to bric-a-brac, art, jewellery, new and secondhand clothes, books and music. The market is held the second Saturday of each month (except January).