A very Geraldton Christmas: Our top 10 local gifts for the festive season

With online companies facing major shipping delays this Christmas, heading out to a local bricks and mortar store is the easiest way to make sure your gift isn’t stuck in a sea container come December 25.

So if you’re the kind of person who leaves the shopping to the last week before Christmas, don’t worry, the Guardian has got you covered.

We’ve compiled a list of some creative gift ideas featuring some of our favourite local stores.

1. A float tank session

It has been a pretty stressful couple of years, to say the least. Let’s not even mention the C or P word. If someone you know has had a full on 12 months, a 60-minute float could be the best thing for them. The meditative experience can improve sleep, relieve pain and encourage creativity as the person floats in water warmed to body temperature and infused with Epsom salts.

Price: $79

Where to buy: Ascential Float, 156 Chapman Road.

2. Turtle bracelet

Celebrating a special anniversary this Christmas? Custom-designed jewellery rarely fails to impress. This gorgeous turtle bracelet from Leon Baker Jewellers was hand-made in store with genuine red-dyed leather, natural pearls and a nine-karat gold body encased by a silver shell. One for the beach lovers.

Price: $1250

Where to buy: Leon Baker Jewellers, 83 Marine Terrace.

3. Fermenting class

Sometimes the best gifts are experiences. If there’s a budding chef or passionate foodie in the family this fermenting class will see them add a must-have skill to their culinary arsenal. This hands-on class, being held in February at the Queen Elizabeth Community Centre, shows people how to brine vegetables that last years. No doubt they will return the favour with a jar of pickled goods.

Where to buy: Online at https://events.humanitix.com/fermenting-workshop.

Price: $90

4. Art resin board

These ocean-themed art resin boards are a cool gift for anyone who appreciates the big blue. If they love to entertain you can’t go wrong with a grazing board. Think cheese, salami and olives with a glass of wine on a warm summer evening.

Price: $65-$100

Where to buy: Succulent Kiss, 35 Cathedral Avenue.

5. Paula Canny Christmas cards

I’m not usually a big fan of Christmas cards, especially if I’ve left all my wrapping to the last minute and I’m scrambling for time. But these special prints from Geraldton artist Paula Canny are collector’s items and presents in themselves. Canny puts a festive take on some Geraldton icons in a nod to what makes our City unique.

Price: $25 for a pack of five.

Where to buy: Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, 24 Chapman Road.

6. Gift hamper

Feeling the pressure to buy that one big gift, but can’t find anything that suits? A few bits and bobs can add up to something really special. Head down to The Hamper Co. to peruse a selection of goods ranging from local olives to gourmet gingerbread cookies all the way from New Zealand. Be sure to check out the Christmas goodies from WA chocolatiers Whistler’s.

Price: Hampers from $60.

Where to buy: The Hamper Co, Shop 5/52-54 Durlacher Street.

7. Fressko reuseable cup

We all know coffee drinkers are pretty particular about how their brew is made. These stylish cups have barista-friendly measurements so you can be sure your long mac doesn’t turn into a milky flat white. The stainless steel reuseable cups are designed with a click lock that makes them spill-proof — so no need to worry about making a mess in the car during your morning dash to work. Do the environment a favour.

Where to buy: Roma Gifts, 166 Marine Terrace.

Price: $39.95

8. Emu in the Sky reprint

Margaret Whitehurst’s The Emu in the Sky is a stunning piece of Yamaji art that was the inspiration for of one of Geraldton’s most popular public art works. It was also featured in the immersive film Star Dreaming. Buy for anyone who appreciates quality art or wants to learn more about Aboriginal culture.

Price: $35

Where to buy: Yamaji Art, 189 Marine Terrace.

9. Love Kombucha book

Kombucha isn’t for everyone, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s a better alternative to soft drinks. Firstly, your teeth will thank you. Secondly, Kombucha is loaded with probiotics and anti-oxidants that promote gut health. The only thing is they can be a tad expensive, so learning to make your own brew is a skill worth having. The right purchase for any proud hippy.

Price: $29

Where to buy: Nature’s Choice, 53 Marine Terrace.

10. Bolga basket

Hand-made by artisans in Ghana, Africa, these baskets are the real deal. As soon as you pick one up you will notice how light and strong they feel. Distributed by Dongara company Tyford & Co, the baskets are woven from elephant grass and coloured with traditional dyes. Each basket has a different design, so you’re buying something unique.

Where to buy: Tarts and Co, 202 Marine Terrace.

Price: $99