Christmas is coming and there's no better time to Buy Local in East Gippsland.
We live in the best part of the world, and lucky for us, there are plenty of clever locals making delicious, beautiful and downright awesome things right here in our backyard.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who already ‘has it all’, ‘doesn’t want anything’ or is just really hard to buy for, head to the Visitor Information Centres in Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance.
You’ll find a treasure trove of East Gippsland-made goodies that make thoughtful gifts, stocking fillers or a little treat for yourself. Best of all, your purchase will support the local makers and producers behind them.
Have more ideas about where East Gippslanders and our visitors can buy awesome local products? Tag us on Instagram at @VisitEastGippsland or use the hashtag #EastGippslandProud and we’ll share your recommendation in a story.
Here are 10 awesome locally made East Gippsland products you can pick up from the Visitor Information Centres in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale this Christmas. Buy something delicious, buy something beautiful, and most importantly, Buy Local!
1. Tambo Valley Honey
Bee-lieve It or Not, It’s Local
If you’re buying for someone who loves the simple things done well, you can’t go wrong with a jar of local honey. Made by Tambo Valley Honey in Bruthen, this is a little taste of East Gippsland that’s hard to beat.
With multiple flavours and jar sizes, there’s something for everyone. Rumour has it, you might be able to pair it with a tea towel and honey dipper for a themed bundle…
Sweet, local, and made right here in our backyard (seriously, the bees forage in a lot of locals backyards – how cool is that!), it’s the easiest gift ever.
Can’t make it to one of the Information Centres to buy a jar? That’s ok, you can buy direct from the Tambo Valley Honey Shop & Cafe in Bruthen too.
2. Pottree Hill
A little piece of local artistry to treasure!
If you’re looking for unique pottery made by hand, Pottree Hill Pottery is well worth a look. From beautiful tableware to decorative pieces and one-of-a-kind artworks, each creation blends artistry with everyday functionality.
What’s more, with a focus on local materials and the natural textures of our region, every piece has its own character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or something special for your home, you’re sure to find a piece you’ll love!
3. Nicholson River Soap
Local luxury, wrapped in bubbles!
Who says a little everyday pampering can’t feel like a treat? Right here in Bairnsdale, the family-owned business Nicholson River Soaps crafts beautiful, handcrafted bars using nourishing goat, buffalo, and camel milk.
Meanwhile, these luxurious soaps are perfect for adding something special to your daily routine or popping into a gift hamper for someone deserving of extra love. Plus, with convenient refill options designed to reduce waste, you can keep your skin feeling fresh while doing good for the planet!
4. Wombat Creek Candles
The Golden Glow of the Hive
Bring a little warmth and natural charm into your home with Wombat Creek Collective Co. Nestled in beautiful East Gippsland, this local maker crafts handmade beeswax candles from pure honeycomb wax, boasting an incredibly rich fragrance that effortlessly fills a room with a gorgeous honeyed scent.
Additionally, when paired with honey and other nature-inspired goodies, these candles make lovely little finds for anyone who appreciates the simple pleasures of the outdoors. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, putting together a locally inspired hamper, or simply treating yourself, ultimately, these pieces are a wonderful choice.
They’re a beautiful way to bring a little touch of East Gippsland warmth straight into your home!
5. Himalayan Bliss
A World Away from Your Usual Tea and Treats
Fancy a flavour adventure? Himalayan Bliss brings together handcrafted herbal teas, aromatic spices and delicious chocolates which are inspired by traditional Himalayan recipes. Think warming flavours, fragrant brews and sweet treats that are a little out of the ordinary.
Perfect for the foodie who has everything, the tea lover who deserves a top-up, or anyone who appreciates a tasty surprise in their gift hamper.
Go on, add a little bliss to someone’s day!
6. Errinundra & Marmi Preserves
A Family Tradition, Sealed in a Jar
Bring a little taste of East Gippsland home with Errinundra and Marmi Preserves, a family passion for homemade goodness and locally sourced ingredients, deeply rooted in and grounded in the Australian landscape.
From distinctive native pepperberry preserves and flavours inspired by the Australian bush to traditional jams, relishes and pickles, each jar captures a little of the region’s character.
And for a little gift with a big heart, Zian’s Mini Preserves are made by a young local entrepreneur carrying on the family’s preserving tradition. Pick up a jar or mini gift box at the Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre and discover the local flavours and family stories behind every preserve.
7. Samantha Abbott Stunning Glass Jewellery
Take a Little Piece of the Landscape with You
Inspired by Australia’s beautiful landscapes, Samantha Abbott creates unique glass jewelry that brings the colours and textures of nature to life. Each piece is handcrafted using flame-worked glass, often incorporating recycled or upcycled materials, making every creation one of a kind.
From colourful earrings and necklaces to thoughtful gift sets, Samantha’s collection celebrates creativity, sustainability and wearable art. There’s a piece to suit every personality – your biggest problem will be choosing which one!
8. Shane Wolf Timber
Take Home an Unexpected Local Timber Treasure
Who knew wood could be so versatile? Made from local timber, these handcrafted creations range from large wooden pepper grinders that bring a natural touch to your kitchen, to beautifully crafted pens, a striking blue bowl and Banksia grandis scented baubles.
Each piece celebrates the natural beauty and unique grain of the timber, making every creation one of a kind.
Whether you’re after a practical kitchen piece, a unique accessory or a fragrant little something for your home, the Timber Wolf items are full of natural charm.
They’re unique, unexpected and full of character so don’t be surprised if they end up being the talking point!
9. Maree Thomson Photography
Bring a Little Local Wildlife Home
Sometimes the loveliest gifts are the simplest. This adorable cygnet, captured by local photographer Maree Thomson, is a little reminder of the beautiful wildlife right here in East Gippsland.
Locally created prints like this one make thoughtful gifts for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts or anyone who’d love to take home a little piece of East Gippsland. Sweet, simple and full of local charm — no wrapping required for the cuteness!
10. Leanne Edwards
A piece of culture, crafted with meaning!
Looking for something with a story to tell? Leanne Edwards creates beautiful contemporary Indigenous artworks and handcrafted pieces inspired by her cultural heritage and connection to the land.
From wooden jewellery to decorative pieces, her creations celebrate the beauty of the natural world and bring a little piece of Indigenous artistry into everyday life. Thoughtful, distinctive and rich in character, these are special finds for anyone who appreciates art with meaning and a story behind it.
11. We’ve rounded up 10 local treasures, but we couldn’t resist adding one more… A hamper full of local goodness.
The friendly Visitor Information Team in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance can help you pick out the ideal items for your special someone and then wrap them beautifully in a gorgeous hamper!
Your loved one will never feel so loved!
We have plenty of smaller items that look great in hampers. Your hardest task will be what to write in the card & you can do that on our seating in store while we wrap everyhing up. Efficient. Easy. And 100% local.
Buy Local. Support Local
So there you have it. 10 very good ways to buy local this Christmas… and a few bonus ideas because we simply couldn’t help ourselves!
When you buy a locally made product, you’re not just ticking someone off the Christmas list. You’re supporting a local maker, producer or business and helping keep the dollars from your Christmas shopping right here in East Gippsland. That’s something worth putting under the tree.
This Christmas, Buy Local, gift local and share a little piece of East Gippsland. And if you’ve discovered a local product we should know about, tag us on Instagram at @VisitEastGippsland or use the hashtag #EastGippslandProud and we’ll share your recommendation in a story.
