It might feel like it’s a while away but the end of the year is fast approaching.
The festive season brings with it lots of planning for gifts, social events and, for many, festive cooking and baking.
To help you with your planning, we’ve pulled together some ideas to prepare for the festive season, all while supporting your local businesses.
Whether you’re looking for local gift ideas, quality ingredients for a festive feast or places to dine out, your local Boroondara shops, cafes, restaurants and markets have got you covered!
Tip 1: Shop local for a unique gift
With a range of shops across Boroondara’s shopping villages, you’re bound to pick up the perfect gift. Many independent food and drink sellers and retail stores sell specialty products you won’t find elsewhere. You can also consider gifting an experience like a cinema gift voucher for the movie-loving friend or perhaps a personal training gym voucher for the active family member.
Not sure where to start? If you need some inspiration to search for shops near you, visit the . And if you’re a business owner and your business isn’t listed yet, .
Tip 2: Choose somewhere new to dine out
Stay local and book your end of year celebrations, family gatherings and long overdue catch ups with friends in Boroondara. There are endless options for cafes, restaurants and bars where you can meet.
And don’t forget, December is a particularly popular time of year for group bookings for end of year celebrations and Christmas events. Call the venue to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Not sure where to start? If you need some inspiration to search for restaurants, cafes and bars near you, visit the . And if you’re a business owner and your business isn’t listed yet, .
Tip 3: Pick up fresh produce to cook up a feast
Are you in charge of cooking up a full family feast at home or have you been designated to bring the all-important roast veggie sides and pudding on Christmas day? Don’t forget you can pick up a great selection of fresh, local produce at:
- Camberwell Fresh Food Market – open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit the Camberwell Fresh Food Market website.
- Boroondara Farmers Market – open 8am to 12:30pm on the first and third (and fifth) Saturday of every month. .
Tip 4: Reduce your festive footprint
There are many ways to celebrate sustainably during the festive season. When shopping local, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Shop for seasonal, package-free produce for your cooking ingredients
- Make a shopping list and stick to it, whether buying gifts or festive food and drinks. This helps avoid unnecessary purchases and saves money and waste.
- When buying new products for gifts, look out for eco-friendly and sustainable brands.
Bonus: By shopping local, you’ll be keeping your ‘shopping travel miles’ to a minimum!
Tip 5: Support a local community organisation with a donation
Another way to support local and be sustainable is gifting a donation instead of a physical gift.
The following local community organisations accept donations of non-perishable food and material aid:
