The international student’s gift guide for friends and family

THINKING of getting gifts for loved ones back home but you’re struggling for ideas? Trinity College Foundation Studies students Dione Keh and Zoe Hu offer some budget-friendly suggestions for everyone in your family.

Winter holidays are here! Since exams are over, it’s time to think about getting gifts for our loved ones back home. Trust me, you do not want to go back home empty handed.

Fret not! We’ve some great gift ideas for you and on top of that, they won’t burn too big a hole in your wallet!

For your grandparents:

Photo: YuMaNuMa via Flickr

Australia is home to high quality fish oil, which is a health supplement. Consuming fish oil can help prevent heart disease and high cholesterol, and also prevent anxiety and depression. A bottle of fish oil capsules normally retail for a reasonable price of $20 for 500 tablets! This gift would be perfect for your grandfather.

Photo: Geraint Otis Warlow via Flickr

Knitting is a good hobby for anyone, and we definitely recommend it for your grandmother! Knitting has many health benefits such as reducing stress and curbing Alzheimer’s. As Australia has a significant number of wool-producing farms, yarn would be relatively cheap and of good quality. Stores like Wool Baa would be good to check out as they carry a wide variety of yarn. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

For your father:

Photo: Alex Brown via Flickr

Consuming small amounts of wine can be beneficial to one’s health. Certain health benefits include strengthening of the heart, lessening the risk of some cancers and improved quality of sleep.Unlike other countries, wine is reasonably inexpensive in Australia. With just $20, you can purchase a bottle of wine from the famous Queen Victoria Market.

For your mum:

Photo by: Zoe Hu

Placenta cream is a well-known Australian product. It is a moisturiser derived from sheep’s placenta cells, which have extensive moisturising abilities and can also increase the elasticity of skin, making this a product a great gift for any mum. Depending on the brand, a bottle of placenta cream can cost between $5 to $60. They can be found at most pharmacies and duty free shops such as JR Duty Free.

For your sister:

Photo: Alpha via Flickr

What do all girls undeniably love? New clothes! Drop by one of Melbourne’s many Direct Factory Outlets (there are branches at Essendon, South Wharf or Moorabin) and snag some cute outfits for your sister! Stores like Cotton On, Factorie and Dotti offer up to 70% discounts off the recommended retail price. You’ll definitely find something she’ll love!

For your brother:

Photo: Jesus Sanchez via Flickr

Boys will be boys and they sure like their toys, but not all of us can afford them. Lucky for you, a wide selection of sports gear can be found at heavily discounted prices at stores like Sports Mart and Rebel Sport. Expect to be surprised because many of the discounted sports gear sold in Melbourne are cheaper than in other countries. Brand new Puma boots can be as cheap as $29.90!

For your relatives:

Photo: Alpha via Flickr

If you have no idea what to purchase for your relatives, head down to the Queen Victoria Market and be prepared to spend hours getting lost in the wide variety of souvenir items the stalls have to offer. From Australian fruit to cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye! For opening hours and other details, check out their official website.

For friends:

Photo: Michael Raso via Flickr

We know it’s difficult to get decent gifts for your friends, especially if you’re on a tight budget. So why not get them some special edition Tim Tams with flavours like Hazelnut, White Chocolate and Chewy Chocolate Fudge that are not readily available outside of Australia? They can be found a Coles or Woolworths supermarket near you. Best of all, they’re affordable, delicious and you can also have extra fun trying out different ways of eating them with your friends. There’s even an entire Tumblr blog dedicated to Tim Tams!

Hopefully we’ve given you some great ideas and now you can enjoy the rest of your holidays! Have a great time and Bon Voyage!

Do you have any other gift ideas? Share them with us in the comment box below!