Since Covid19 has put us into extended lockdowns, it's made it hard to go out and find the perfect present. This has led to us increasing our purchasing online. We encourage you to check our "Spend with us", a website directory and marketplace that is all about helping those in need.

This is a non-for-profit organisation encouraging us to buy gifts that support small businesses. From the 2020 ravaging bushfires, to ongoing drought, to covid19 lockdowns, it's important to support those who have seen their businesses suffer. The Spend with us platform showcases a range of gifts that you could purchase for the next family birthday present or even get a Christmas sorted early!

We like that the website has categories to make your search easier, such as "bushfire businesses", "Australian made", "sustainable living", "pay it forward" and more.

We encourage you to check out the platform, and we've even curated a little list to get you inspired.

  1. Riverbalms Taster Gift Box
    $46.50

Treat someone you love with a Riverbalms Taster Gift Box. These make a great gift for a loved one, teacher, or stocking filler.

This beautiful pack contains:

1 x Eucalyptus Chest Rub

1 x Tin Lip Balm Natural

1 x Tin Lip Balm Peppermint

1 x Tin Lip Balm Lavender

1 x Eco Natural Lip Balm

1 x Eco Peppermint Lip Balm

Made with 100% natural ingredients and their signature blend of oils, these balms are long wearing, deeply hydrating and nourishing.

2. ​​561 Silky Oak Seam Ripper & Pen Combo

$58.30

This seam ripper/unpicker and pen has been made from locally sourced silky oak timber. They have been sanded down to 12,000 grit and finished with non toxic, food safe, Australian made Shellawax. Colour may vary from the photos and accessories are not included.

3. Staircase Spur Gift Hamper

$120.00

The large Gift Hamper with Bright Brewery Porter includes an assortment of:

  • Porter
  • Chutney
  • Olives
  • Dukkah
  • Relish
  • Quince Paste
  • Fruit Cake
  • Popcorn
  • Panforte

4. Mustard Baby Romper Gift Bundle – Australian Animals

$84.95

This adorable unisex baby gift is perfect for the Australiana lover and a great introduction to Aussie wildlife for mini nature enthusiasts. It features all of your favourite Aussie animals – koalas, wombats, kangaroos, platypus' and echidnas. And if you truly do love nature, they want you to know that they donate $1 from every purchase in the Little Aussie range to Two Thumbs Wildlife Trust, assisting with koala research and rehabilitation!

Features of this amazing gift:

– Includes a romper, bib and burp cloth presented in a matching hand printed gift bag

– 100% cotton fabric

– Romper has adjustable straps with wooden button closures

– Snaps on the crotch for easy nappy changes

– Cute Aussie animal fabric

– Comfy elastic waistband and legs with plenty of room to grow

– Each piece is handmade in Australia including the gift bag

5.Sponsor an Alpaca

$99

Support an Aussie business and a furry friend all in one this Christmas. You can sponsor an Alpaca for 12 months,

What you get for your sponsorship fee:

  • To sponsor an alpaca for one whole year from your sponsorship date.
  • A certificate for you to put up somewhere so others can see how awesome you are.
  • A photograph of your sponsored alpaca.
  • The details of your sponsored alpaca – their name, and their story.
  • A digital image, certificate and information that you can share on your socials.
  • An adult Meet & Greet voucher for you to come and visit to meet and feed the alpacas.
  • The awesome feeling of knowing you have helped give a beautiful animal the best care it can have (and us the means to continue to do it).
  • An alpaca in your life (without needing a big backyard!) and honestly, who doesn't want an alpaca in their life?

6. Australian Made Afternoon Tea Hamper

$110.00

The perfect hamper full of locally grown and produced treats. Spoil someone with the gift of indulgence. Securely posted to anywhere in Australia whether you are near or far.

The Hamper contains indulgent treats perfect for Afternoon Tea – just add scones, cream & your favourite cheese – Little Gemz Eden Spritz 250ml can x 2, Robinvale Estate Jam 160gr (Strawberry or Fig), Little Gemz Sweet Sapphire Chocolate Coated Dried Grapes 100gr Available in Dark or Milk Chocolate) , Little Gemz Sweet Sapphire Dried Grapes 130gr, Almond Bread 50gr, Robinvale Estate Olive Oil Soap – Rose Geranium & Red Clay + Lavender & Purple Clay, Robinvale Estate Cranberry & Almond Granoata 120gr, Premium Roasted Almonds 120gr, Oliver Lane Hand Made Gluten Free, Dairy Free Crisp Breads 125gr and Little Gemz Chocolate Coated Dried Oranges 150gr Available in Dark or Milk Chocolate.

7. Grit – Skin Scrub for Men

$18.95

More than ever men are focussing on their skin health so why not gift them some Grit? Used as a body scrub, coffee can actually give your skin a massive antioxidant boost and help to reduce damage caused by too much sun exposure. It also unblocks pores, works on those stretch marks and can soften those rough bits and make those tough bits GLOW. All the ingredients are all natural, vegan and not tested on animals. Made with Ground Coffee, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Sweet Almond Oil, Essential oil blend of Sandlewood, Wild Orange and Ylang Ylang.

8. Tejano Twist BBQ Sauce – 200 ml

$8.99

Made in Australia from at least 98% Australian ingredients.

Tejano Twist – A Lonestar favourite with a Tex-Mex twist, from the heart of Queensland, perfect for all your barbecue needs.

Similar to the Texas Style BBQ Sauce,  Tejano Twist BBQ  Sauce adds a bold spicy zing to any of your favourite dishes from burgers to briskets. 

The perfect partner to any meat with an unforgettable taste you are sure to love, and it's gluten-free!

9. Hand Made Chocolate Chip Tiny Teddy Studs

$18.50 – $20.00

It's snack time! these cute little guys will make you want tiny teddy's for days . Each piece has been scaled down to make cute little stud earrings . 

Made from polymer clay, these earrings lightweight and durable. The findings are hypoallergenic stainless steel.

Each piece is 2cm x 1.5cm and is available in both honey and chocolate flavour. Also available in dangles and a pin/brooch

10. $100 Gift Card – Spend With Us

This Spend With Us Gift Card is an ideal gift idea for a friend, family member, teacher or colleague. Gift shop from home and discover unique products, services, activities & experiences from regional and rural businesses across Australia. The Gift Cards are perfect for shopping online! Gift Cards are redeemable throughout all Marketplace stores and are valid for use on all products.

Stuck for gift ideas? Let your loved ones choose their perfect gift. Maybe you've left it a bit late and need something fast? Purchase a Spend With Us Gift Card and support more than 500 rural and regional small businesses affected by bushfires, drought and COVID-19.

By shopping on Spend With Us, you're making a difference (& plus a small business owner does a happy dance!)

Happy shopping

https://www.spendwithus.com.au