Best Christmas presents to give your family and friends 2024: Best Picks Acting Editor

There is a little over a week until Santa gets on his sleigh, saunters down from the northern hemisphere and delivers us all the Christmas cheer we’ve been craving.

But if you’re supplementing Santa’s gifts with some of your own, knowing where to start can be monumentally tricky.

I decided to buy one gift per family member and friend so that everyone was sharing the love, and I did due diligence by sussing out the likes of Myer, The Iconic and Kogan, among other retailers.

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But these were the pieces that stacked up above all else.

1. AncestryDNA + Traits kit, $100

My mother has long been wondering what sorts of secrets our ancestry could divulge so I’ve finally taken the hint and purchased her the AncestryDNA + Traits kit.

The original AncestryDNA kit is the one customers will already recognise and love, pinpointing not only the countries from which your DNA originates, but also the specific regions within those countries.

That kit retails for $129 usually, but is currently down to just $85.

But there is a secondary option for those wanting to uncover their geographical past alongside unique information about their personality too — and it’s down to $100, a saving of $59.

The AncestryDNA + Traits can help you discover if your DNA suggests youʼre an introvert or extrovert, a morning person or a night owl.

The kit comes with new performance traits to help you learn more about what makes you, you — such as the likelihood of self-confidence or athleticism — with more than 75 physical, behavioural and personality attributes influenced by genetics to explore.

She will be blown away by the personalisation of this gift.

2. Amazon Kindle Scribe, $729

This genius gift combines a regular Kindle with the practicality of a digital notebook, so you can create meeting notes and to-do lists, or journal all in the one place.

With no ability to connect your social media accounts to it, the Kindle Scribe is a way to work with absolutely no distractions — something we’re all looking for in this day and age.

My brother is the creative mind in our household so I just know this will be right up his alley.

Separate to this new Amazon Australia release, the Echo Show 15 is also a worthy contender for presen of the year. I’ve got an older model of the Echo Show, which brings your smart home appliances, entertainment and family organisation needs under one roof.

3. Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette for Men, $55.94

Colognes can cost hundreds of dollars but one budget staple is making waves online and has gained immense popularity across Australia — just in time for Christmas.

Aussies are obsessed with Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette for Men which already has a cult favourite in the US, is being lauded for its exceptional scent and surprisingly affordable price.

While many designer colognes command prices of $200 or more, Cremo’s Spice & Black Vanilla is available for just over $50 on Amazon Australia, making it an accessible option for those looking for a sophisticated fragrance without breaking the bank.

This has led to the cologne gaining viral attention on TikTok and Instagram, with influencers and everyday users alike comparing it to premium scents that cost ten times the price.

The cologne has gone viral on social media.
The cologne has gone viral on social media. Credit: @fragranceknowledge/@/TikTok

4. ghd’s ice luxe limited-edition collection

Gifting season is well under way, and if you’re still on the hunt for something special for yourself or a loved one, let me introduce you to the new ice luxe collection from ghd.

The best-selling tools that we know and love have been given the ultimate makeover with an icy blue exterior and sleek packaging.

You can find this limited-edition colourway across a wide range of the award-winning products, such as the classic chronos straightener and wet to dry styler.

Whether you’re after something for curls, waves or sleek straight hair, there is an iced luxe gift available for every type of hair.

For the perfect stocking-filler, consider ghd’s essential styling kit, featuring the renowned bodyguard heat spray and limited-edition claw clip, all in a gorgeous ice blue wash bag.

But get in quick to make sure your new tool (or two) arrives in time for Christmas.

The iced luxe colourway is a hit amongst shoppers.
The iced luxe colourway is a hit amongst shoppers. Credit: Instagram

5. Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $499.99

If you’re wanting to achieve the ultimate blow-out, think Matilda Djerf and Cindy Crawford style, then you’re going to want this epic hair tool.

And before you think we’re going to recommend one that costs a fortune, think again because the new Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System currently retails for $499 and is just as good as a Dyson.

It’s a hair tool that’s sure to make it to the top of every wish list and has a stunning copper finish.

Whether you’re aiming for voluminous curls, sleek strands, or bouncy waves, the Copper FlexStyle is the ultimate holiday must-have. Its versatility and design make it perfect for gifting this Christmas.

The Copper FlexStyle comes with five unique attachments, ensuring that you can style to perfection no matter your hair type or desired look.

Shoppers are obsessed with the salon-worthy blow-dry it gives them.
Shoppers are obsessed with the salon-worthy blow-dry it gives them. Credit: @thatgemruby @kbellbeauty/TikTok

6. Furi Pro Hexagonal Magnetic 7 Piece Block Set

For years my kitchen knives have been a chaotic mess, haphazardly tossed into a drawer, their blades mysteriously dulling overnight so that I’m forced to sharpen them at every turn.

I’ve always assumed building a high-quality collection would set me back thousands and with a wedding and moving house on the horizon I avoided taking the plunge.

But when I recently visited by cousins’ new home on the NSW north coast and spotted a Furi Pro Hexagonal Magnetic 7 Piece Block Set I stopped in my tracks.

Not only did it perfectly blend into her kitchen but the knives themselves were of the highest quality.

While a set will cost you anywhere between $669 and $949, it’s worth it for the six custom knives and spectacular block they sit on, ready to chop onions, vegetables and slide through sourdough bread with ease.

At first glance, the set is a minimalist’s dream.

The new Jet Black knife set is a work of art.
The new Jet Black knife set is a work of art. Credit: Supplied

7. Mingle Everything Pack, $134.95

My dad is a lover of all things spice and herb so I was set on getting him something kitchen and cooking related.

I’ve only recently started using Mingle Seasoning and to say I’m obsessed with these natural, no nasties products is an understatement.

This pack usually retails for $185.95 but for a limited time only you can get a serious discount on 12 dinner blends, seven giant savoury seasonings, one of the best-selling ‘Lil Salty’ blends and two healthy sauces.

All of the brand’s seasoning products have no added sugar, vegan friendly and preservative free.

8. Frank Green Gradient Drink Bottles

This Christmas season, Frank Green is making gift-giving easier, more stylish, and more sustainable with the release of its exciting new colourways of its best-selling bottle.

The brand’s latest offering introduces limited-edition gradient colourways and thoughtful gift sets that make it the perfect time to welcome someone into the Frank Green world or surprise a loved one with the latest must-have items.

Frank Green has unveiled a stunning new collection of limited-edition gradient colours.

The collection features three striking new combinations — Summer Sunset, Bondi Bliss and Wild Orchid — which embody the spirit of the Australian summer and bring an unexpected burst of vibrancy to your sustainable lifestyle.

Frank Green’s new water bottles are stunning and sustainable.
Frank Green’s new water bottles are stunning and sustainable. Credit: @frankgreen/Instagram

Wild Orchid is an electrical colourway that captures the delicate beauty of an orchid blooming at dawn, blending deep blue and dusty pink hues.

Summer Sunset is inspired by the warm glow of a December sunset — this radiant neon mixes of orange and pink channels the energy of long, sun-soaked days and magical nights.

And Bondi Bliss channels the carefree, beachy vibes of Bondi Beach, a combination of refreshing blues evoking the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

The gorgeous new gradient colours are available in three of Frank Green’s best-selling products.

Summer Sunset Frank Green.
Summer Sunset Frank Green. Credit: @frankgreen/Instagram

9. Tame and Texture Hair Wax Stick, $18.16

Australian beauty brand Perfect Pony Hair has taken the haircare market by storm with the launch of its innovative new hair wax stick.

The Tame and Texture Hair Wax Stick retails for $18.16 and is a game-changer in hair styling and a must-have product to add to your haircare routine.

Thankfully shoppers can also get The Limited Edition Flyaway Serum + Hair Wax Stick Gift Set on sale now for $34.96.

The Tame and Texture Hair stick will allow you to enjoy flawless, long-lasting styles, all day, every day and is perfect for the hotter months when the humidity causes hair frizz to go wild.

To use it, just style hair as usual and then run the wax stick over the desired area for that “neat girl look”.

And you can comb over your hair with product once used for extra sleekness.

Shoppers are loving how easy the hair wax stick is to use.
Shoppers are loving how easy the hair wax stick is to use. Credit: @perfectpony.au/Instagram

The Tame and Texture Hair Wax Stick is crafted with some of the most natural ingredients in haircare.

This 75g hair wax stick is bigger than most of its competitors on the market and is packed with nourishing ingredients to keep your hair looking sleek, styled and healthy.

It has key ingredients like Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin A, castor oil, avocado oil and shea butter, all nourishing and hydrating for your hair.

The brand sold 1000 units on its first day of release and sold out after celebrity hairdresser Sarah Emilia used it on a client and posted it in a video to Instagram.

The hair wax stick originally sold out after celebrity hairdresser Sarah Emilia posted a video using it on a client (pictured left).
The hair wax stick originally sold out after celebrity hairdresser Sarah Emilia posted a video using it on a client (pictured left). Credit: @perfectpony.au/Instagram

10. Moana Bikini’s Fiji Files

As the end of the year approaches it is time to refresh your swimwear collection.

Every single year without fail, I always get excited about choosing my new bikinis for the summer.

And Aussie swimwear brand Moana Bikini’s new collection is a good reason for that excitement — it offers colourful designs and innovative styles that capture the spirit of a Fijian summer.

The Fiji Files is its newest collection and is already selling out.

This stunning collection is inspired by sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush, palm-lined shores.

Moana Bikini’s Fiji Files Collection.
Moana Bikini’s Fiji Files Collection. Credit: supplied

The Fiji Collection features a wide range of bold, tropical prints and comfortable, versatile styles.

There are eight different prints to choose from spread across 12 top styles, 12 bottom styles, four one-pieces, three scrunchies and two T-shirts.

What’s great about this new collection is that you can mix and match your own combinations, so the options for styling are endless.

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