Gifts for People Obsessed With Australia

Whether you’re shopping for an Aussie abroad, need a souvenir for a visiting relative or are simply looking for an Australian gift for that Down Under-obsessed mate of yours, from beer glasses to Dame Edna’s glasses, these present ideas will put a smile on their face.

In 1978, a young Aussie surfer founded a brand of sheepskin boots that would go on to become an iconic piece of Australian footwear. As the northern hemisphere heads into winter, a pair of UGG Boots is the perfect gift to keep your feet warm, and they’ve even been approved by Oprah, appearing on her Favorite Things list.

Roll the dice past Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, Etihad Stadium, St Kilda beach and the Arts Centre in the Melbourne Edition of Monopoly. In this version, the MCG has been given the coveted Mayfair position, and you’ll be set back three places when “A Fitzroy hipster takes too long ordering a half strength, decaf, soy-mocha frappaccino”.

Australians are obsessed with AFL, and no fan’s wardrobe is complete without a team guernsey (similar to a soccer jersey). There are 18 teams to choose from, and each has their own unique design and colour scheme. However, unlike soccer and American football, the player’s surnames aren’t printed on the back. There are also children’s sizes available for young football fans. Confusingly, they are sometimes called “jumpers” despite being sleeveless. Go figure.

Dress up as Australia’s favourite housewife, Dame Edna Everage, with a pair of flamboyant glasses. The character, made famous by comedian Barry Humphries, was first introduced in 1955 and has since become an icon of Australia, hosting her own talk shows and productions on Broadway and the West End.

There are thousands of Australian guidebooks offering the same information, but Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country differs in that it provides a quirky and humorous guide that is both informative and entertaining. This book is a must-read for anyone travelling to and around Australia.

If you know someone who’s struggling to communicate with local Australians, then the gift of this language tool is the perfect choice to help them learn Australian English. With less than 15 minutes of practice a day, they will be on their way to learning the Aussie accent and communicating more clearly with native speakers. Alternatively, just tell them to add the letter “o” onto all abbreviations. Arvo, convo, servo…

Pay homage to the late Steve Irwin with a khaki shirt from Australia Zoo that will make your friends say “Crikey!” The shirt features “The Crocodile Hunter” logo and is the perfect gift for any wildlife warrior. There are also kid’s sizes available, plus shorts to match.

During the 2020 bushfires in Australia, the threatened koalas featured in some of the most heartbreaking scenes. By adopting a cuddly koala, you will be helping to care for these gentle creatures, come rain or bushfire. Choose from a joey, adult, wild koala, or even a mum and joey. Once adopted, you will receive a personalised certificate, a photo of your koala, stickers and more. Plus, if you’re ever in the area, you can drop by and visit your cute and cuddly adoptee.

Get ready for summer with this Australian Flag Beach Towel, printed proudly in red, blue and white with the Southern Cross. The towel is 100 percent cotton and is 152cm x 76cm (60in by 30in). Whether you plan to sunbathe on Bondi, at Surfers Paradise or internationally, no one will ever question your heritage again.

These hand-blown, double-insulated longneck beer glasses are the perfect addition to any home bar. They can keep up to 16 ounces (a pint) of beer or ale cool without sweating and feature an attractive design. Invite your mates over and enjoy a VB or One Fifty Lashes from one of these Australian Beer Glasses.

Buy an original piece of Aboriginal art from an ethical source such as Tangentyere Gallery and add native Australian life to the walls of your home or office. Finding an ethical source is crucial – in the past, Aboriginal art was sold from Alice Springs, where the makers were paid in food, alcohol or a couple of hundred dollars, only to later discover the work was sold on for thousands. Community art centres are the best places to find a perfect piece – and to ensure the artist gets their fair share.

Order the second edition of Yorro Yorro: Original Creation and the Renewal of Nature: Rock Art and Stories from the Australian Kimberley by Aboriginal elder David Mowaljarlai and photographer Jutta Malnic. Trace the story of the Wandjina creation spirits back 60,000 years to the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. It’s the best way to learn more about the Aboriginal origins and mythical stories. And you’re also tapping into humanity’s oldest known creation story.

If you’re looking for a stocking filler that won’t break the bank, then a set of Aussie Slang Mini Fridge Magnets are perfect. With 40 phrases including strewth, fair dinkum, deadset, larikin and g’day mate, anyone can pick up the Aussie lingo in no time – or just baffle your non-Aussies with seemingly nonsensical sentences.

Boomerangs have been used by Aboriginals for 10,000 years and are an iconic Australian symbol, making this hand-painted gift the perfect souvenir. Each authentic boomerang differs in design as they are hand-painted by Aboriginal families and come with a gift box and stand. All profits support Aboriginal people.