WHILST you can't fit a Queensland holiday under the tree, you can pop an original Queensland gift voucher in a stocking. Tourism and Events Queensland have made a list of local gifts designed to knock your Christmas stockings off.
The Coconut Man From TNQ
Here's a secret Santa with a real Queensland twist! Amin Von Kayserlingk has a knack for carving faces out of the coconuts he collects on his North Queensland property. He sells them, from $25 at the Port Douglas Sunday Markets and through the Crocodile Express store in the Daintree Village. (07) 4098-6074
Cult Brissie Beauty Brand
Brisbane-based cosmetic darling, Issada, has taken the make-up world – and Oprah - by storm. Issada's summer range features hi-tech mineral gel-pencils, faux-luxe travel brushes made from the same material Boeing uses in its landing gear, liquid light wonder pens and metallic cosmetic purses. Ten per cent of proceeds from their Poppy Lipstick shade go towards the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation. Buy at their Brisbane-based stores - 188 Edward Street, Brisbane and 160 Oxford Street, Bulimba or check the website for stockists. www.issada.com.au
Skin Care Products Made With Care In Mt Tamborine
Whilst some beauty brands promise to turn back time with chemical concoctions, Gold Coast-based Jasmin Organics uses premium certified organic products from farms in Australia and Japan to produce its delicious, pure range of skin care products. www.jasminorganics.com
Brisbane Active Wear Is All The Rage!
Most city folk are guilty of going for a latte in our active wear, but did you know the Lorna Jane brand is the brainchild of a Brisbane-born gal? There's 150 stores across the nation, so any mall or shopping strip is bound to carry this Queensland brand. If you are in Brisbane, why not stop at the DFO mall (five minutes from the airport) to bag a last-minute bargain. www.lornajane.com.au
Original Indigenous Art, Ngaru Gallery Port Douglas
For the art lover in your life, brightly coloured miniature Indigenous originals (300x300mm) pack a powerful punch. Some of the Ngaru Gallery artists can command $15,000 and upwards for their larger works, so getting something so meaningful and budget friendly is a bargain. www.ngarrugallery.com.au/
Colour Me Ruby Olive With These Stocking Stuffers
If you want to add a splash of sunshine to your Christmas stocking, Ruby Olive jewellery fits the bill. Their hand-made multi-coloured fabulous jewellery comes in all colours of the Great Barrier Reef. They've even got a dedicated 'stocking stuffers' page on their website. www.rubyolive.com.au
The Townsville Toad Taxidermist
Townsville Taxidermist, Kevin Byrnes, is wreaking havoc on these insidious toadie pests by stuffing them, dressing them up like humans and posing them with bottles of whiskey and cricket bats. (07) 4788-8689
