The AU Review’s Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2021: From tech and grooming, to kitchen and design

2021 has been tough for Aussies, and it seems that quite possibly things are going to be… complicated… for months to come. There’s still a lot of gloom about despite many cities now enjoying life out of lockdown, which is why the upcoming Christmas holidays just may be the most important ones yet.

There’s no denying that everyone needs Christmas this year, or at least the family and friend aspect that comes out of the day. Of course, there are better ways to say you care than gift-giving, but no one’s going to say no to a cheeky pressie or two on the big day. Show your loved one that you put in the hard yards and did your research by getting across our tightly curated annual gift guide.

We’ve included some of our favourite products throughout the year, as well as a few from tried and tested oldies that are still giving us life all these years later. From brand new smartphones like the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the road-trip-ready HP Chromebook x2 11, to a brand new coffee machine and some fashion essentials from brands like Under Armour and Dr. Martens.

Tech

Google Pixel 6 Pro

And the best Android phone of the year goes to… Google has knocked it out of the park with the Pixel 6 Pro, presenting their newest high-end flagship at a very reasonable price point and some truly premium features. Of course, most of the attention is going to go to the boss rear camera system, which is led by a primary 50MP lens, an ultra-wide 12.5MP lens, and a telephoto sensor. No one is beating Google when it comes to software, so you can expect bright, vibrant, and detailed photos and 4K 60fps videos from this thing. The performance ain’t bad either – in fact, it’s one of the most impressively efficient 5G smartphones moving into 2022. Even the standard variant, the Google Pixel 6, is outperforming the competition in all kinds of ways. If you know an Android user who actually cares about their photos, performance, and quality of life features, there really is no better gift this Christmas.

You can check out the full specs at the Google Store, linked below.

From $1,299 | Google Store

JBL Xtreme 3

If you know someone who demands power from their Bluetooth speaker, be a pal and grab them the JBL Xtreme 3. As we noted in our review, the modern Bluetooth speaker is powerful, portable, and super-premium, with a beautifully balanced sound that’ll kick any New Years Eve party up more than a few notches. It’s JBL at its best, and an easy choice for the music lover in your life.

$399 | JBL

Ray Ban Stories

Facebook and Ray Ban made waves earlier this year when it was announced that they had partnered on an exclusive, incredibly stylish pair of classic sunglasses with a built-in camera perfect for content creation and instant upload for Facebook and Instagram. It’s not a new category, but Ray-Ban has come on board to help Facebook refine the look, presenting easily the best looking pair of video sunglasses you can get your hands on. If you know a content creator looking to catch those unique angles, and listen to music at the same time, get them this. They won’t be disappointed. All you’ve got to do is choose from some of the most classic Ray-Ban shapes and make sure they’ll look good on whoever is lucky enough to receive these bad boys.

$449 | Ray Ban

Suunto 7 Titanium

If you know someone who wants a smartwatch that can take an absolute beating, get them the Suunto 7 Titanium. The feature-packed watch is a genuine saviour for the dad who is trying to balance an active fitness routine with a busy lifestyle, presenting one of Suunto’s most impressive wearables to date with over 70 sport modes and the incredibly rich and responsive Google Wear OS. Couple that with new tiles for tracking sleep duration and stages, managing body resources, and real-time access to heart rate feedback – all features which are profoundly important in a year that has been high-stress for just about everyone. Make sure dad is keeping on top of his body with this all-rounder.

$699 | The Iconic

Withings Scanwatch

Most people know how far wearable tech has come, with the ability to identify potential issues, track sleep, and encourage action. The Withings ScanWatch is possibly the most comprehensive on the market, with a variety of sensors to scan vital parameters to detect heart health conditions and help improve overall fitness. An Sp02 sensor can give you comprehensive blood oxygen reading within seconds; the sleep tracking is second to none and even features a professionally calibrated algorithm to monitor oxygen saturation, breathing frequency, and movement throughout the stages of sleep to identify possible issues like sleep apnea. Then you’ve got the typical fitness tracking features like a 3-axis accelerometer and 10 years of algorithm improvements, plus activity detection and a built-in GPS. It’s Withings’ most impressive product to date and now comes in a Rose Gold edition which looks even more attractive on the wrist. Serious presence, serious smarts.

$499 | JB Hi-Fi

TCL 20 Pro 5G

TCL has been at this phone game for a while now, using its visual reputation to craft beautiful high-end displays coupled with great performance and generous, premium specs. Of course, anyone you gift this to is going to be focusing on the ultra-realistic FHD+ NXTIVISION AMOLED Dotch Display, but other exciting features include a 48MP quad-camera system, 256GB of onboard storage, and a whopping 4,500mAh battery. It’s one of the best 5G options out right now, so if you know someone in need of a new phone, there are few this year that can match price with features so seamlessly.

$698 | Harvey Norman

DJI OM5

DJI have refined their smart gimble yet again with the OM5, offering a smartly designed, feature-rich device that works with your smartphone to offer pitch-perfect stability and hands-free control that makes content creation so much easier. Features include the super-accurate ActiveTrack 4.0, ShotGuides which recommend camera shots and angles as a function of content and a built-in extension rod for every more flexibility for anyone shooting video. If you know someone who creates content for a hobby, or for work, giving them the OM5 is as practical as you can get.

$239 | JB Hi-Fi

DJI Action 2

A dual-screen 4K action cam that’s designed to change the content game, the DJI Action 2 is the ultimate solution for creators wanting something versatile, modern, design-forward and highly capable. With enough power to shoot 4K and 120fps, the incredible portable and wearable action camera is a considered and revolutionary device that packs in a number of industry-leading features like Super-wide FOV and a 4-mix Matrix Stereo array to help professionals and hobbyists nail those creative and unique angles. If you’ve got someone whose travel bug has been itching to make a reappearance in 2022, then gifting them this powerhouse action camera is a no-brainer.

$799 | JB Hi-Fi

Instax Link WIDE smartphone printer

Fujifilm has refined their smartphone printer range for the new Instax Link WIDE, adding a premium device to the acclaimed instax lineup for anyone who wants to easily and seamlessly turn their smartphone photos into physical memorabilia instantly. Capable of printing out picture-perfect moments twice the size of the popular instax mini, the WIDE is ideal for everyone from the younger vintage-minded sibling to the dotting mum constantly taking family photos on every special occasion.

$229 | Instax

Epson EH-LS300B Ultra-Short Throw Projector

Based on 3-chip LCD technology, the Epson EH-LS300B is an ultra-short projector that’ll give anyone a 120-inch screen anywhere they damn well please (well, as long as the surface is clean and big enough). If your loved one is the type to sit in front of a large-screen TV all day, this will be a hard-left turn to give them a full-blown cinematic experience. For starts, it’s thousands of dollars cheaper than a 120-inch panel and more flexible. Plus, the 1080p screen is gorgeous, the Android TV is easy to navigate, and the set-up couldn’t be easier (it’s pretty much plug-and-play).

$3,999 | Epson

HP Chromebook x2 11

A powerful hybrid and the most valuable Chromebook to date, the x2 11 is an obvious travel buddy for those who want to stay connected on the road, whether that’s for work or expressing creativity on the go. The ultrathin Chromebook is small enough to take anywhere, although the clever design still manages to fit in a full-size keyboard and kickstand that’s easily detachable, seamlessly switching between a tablet and a personal laptop. With up to 10 hours of battery life, a powerful performance coming from the Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 processor, and 128GB storage with 8GB RAM, this Chromebook can perform with the best of them. If you know anyone after a new hybrid tablet & laptop, get them this bad boy, with its attractively crisp 11″ 2.1K multi-touch IPS display and a sleek design that’s worth showing off.

$998 | JB Hi-Fi

Nokia T20

If you’re looking for a more affordable tablet, consider gifting the very first tablet device from HMD. At $379, Nokia has managed to land on the perfect price proposition and balance that out with great, reliable features to position the T20 as both the perfect family tablet and an ideal device for homebodies looking to dial in that work-life balance. With a crystal clear 2K 10.4″ screen and a 7-hour battery, this is the kind of affordable tablet that’s absolutely destined to become a family favourite in the home.

$379 | Amazon

JBL Reflect Mini NC

For less than $200 you can grab a pair of some of the best JBL earbuds they have made to date. The JBL Reflect Mini NC is a beast of a performer, with a reasonable price netting 7 hours of a maximum playtime, active noise cancelling that works like a charm, and that signature JBL sound signature that’s perfect for those party-minded listeners who need that extra boost when they’re going through their day.

$179 | jbl.com.au

Sony WF-1000XM4

Here they are. The long-awaited Sony WF1000XM4 finally arrived this year and did not disappoint, building on the previous model’s universally acclaimed sound with better design, better connectivity, and an even smoother profile that’s lightweight and comfortable for long-term use. If you know someone looking for a pair of truly wireless earbuds, the buck stops here right now with a huge 30 hours of total battery life and sound that’s pretty much unmatched in the category right now.

$389 | JB Hi-Fi

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose has added a new entry to their acclaimed QuietComfort headphone series, presenting the 45’s with an attractive price point and an even more attractive performance that’s perfect for those who want full control over how much, or how little, of the outside world gets to interrupt their private listening session. With superior sound

$499 | bose.com.au

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

There is no name as reliable when it comes to sports-minded earphones as Jabra. Building off the success of their acclaimed fitness earbuds is the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, the brand’s new flagship product sitting at a very attractive price point with a fulls suite of features including adjustable ANC, 8 hours non-stop playtime (with a total of 30 hours), sturdy IP57 rating, and build-in smart assistant support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Coupled that with Jabra MultiSensor Voice for professional-grade audio and you’ve got some of the best earbuds you’ll find all year, especially if you’re taking them for a sweat-sesh.

$299 | JB Hi-Fi

Grado GW100 & GT220

Grado is one of the best-known names in the business when it comes to no-fuss, high-performance personal audio. Available in Australia through Addicted to Audio, the family-run New York-based audio company offers some of the better options out whether you’re looking for a new pair of wireless headphones or true wireless in-ear earphones that are high-end without breaking the bank. The GW100 headphones are some of the most solid, uncompromising options at this price point, and a similar sense of depth and richness has been applied to the GT220 true wireless earphones. Make you a choice as to what your loved one will prefer and go for gold; they won’t be disappointed.

From $365 | addictedtoaudio.com.au

Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

If you happen to know someone in need of a professional pen display and you’re feeling particularly generous, be a supportive mate and fetch them the all-new Cintiq Pro 16 from Wacom. At $2,199, it’s an expensive piece of kit, but will make any serious creator of digital content head into 2022 with pure confidence as they take their art and design work to the next level. With newly improved ergonomic features fit into a sleek and portable form factor, this display is able to help artists, designers, photographers, or anyone with a passion for art let their creativity flow from pen to screen.

$2,199 | Wacom

Theragun PRO

Therabody’s latest line of smart percussive massage therapy guns reaches the peak with Pro G4, a high-end, do-it-all device that’s been making waves in the world of fitness and health. Especially valuable if you know anyone has any unresolved tension, or is a workaholic when it comes to their fitness, the Pro G4 can expedite post-workout recovery, assist in pain management, act as an on-demand massage therapist, and work wonders for relaxation and reducing stress. Plus, it comes with several well-designed and soft attachment heads, as well as an app that has pre-set routines for specific use cases like pre-sleep routines. And if the price tag is too high for you, the Theragun line also has some more affordable options.

$580 | Therabody

Belkin Range

Now that they’ve dropped a range of their debut wireless earphones, Belkin’s range of essential kit is looking all the more attractive to help with any supplementary stocking-stuffers this Christmas. Reliable chargers will always go far for anyone, plus the brand has exactly what people need when they’re looking to stay topped up at all times, in any situation.

Varies | Belkin

Smart Home

Deebot Ozmo T8+

Few smart home tech has come as far as those stealthy little robot vacuums that patrol all types of surfaces and pick up our filth. If you really want to remind anyone that technology is goddamn gorgeous, hit up Ecovacs for their Deebot Ozmo T8+. With an auto-empty station included in the price, this intelligent robot is the first from the company to make use of cutting-edge TrueDetect 3D technology, eliminating any issue when it comes to navigating even the most complex of rooms. While avoiding obstacles, the robot uses laser-based mapping and navigation technology to mop and vacuum like a pro. Your loved one will feel mighty proud of themselves (and you) for scratching this chore off the list forever.

$1,299 | Ecovacs

Nest Home Security

Google has entered into their new generation for their incredibly efficient and feature-rich smart Nest cameras and doorbells. Edging into wire-free designs, the new range includes the battery-powered Google Nest Cam, the battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell, the second-generation wired Google Nest Cam – the most affordable Nest cam to date – and the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight. Yeah, Nest took its time catching up with some of the competitors here, but it’s clear they’ve been refining the technology to perfection, for the first time, now offer Nest cams that can detect four kinds of objects – people, animals, vehicles, packages – and run on 2x more pixels at a 2x higher frame rate. If you know someone who has been thinking of stepping up their home security, now is your chance to help out with a seamless, clear 24/7 live feed that’s fully integrated with the Google Home app.

From $169 | Google Store

Philips Hue Starter Kit

If you want to add both some traditional and modern ambiance to any room, pick up with Philips Hue White & Colour Ambiance Starter Kit which has everything someone needs to start decking their home or office out with a full-blown smart set-up. Smart lighting has become essential to the modern day smart-home, and is often the first step people take into building an automated home. These smart lights can wake anyone up just as easily as it can help them go to sleep, with 50,000 programmable shades of warm to cool white smart lights and over 16 million colours. Things get even more interesting if you play around IFTTT compatibility, opening them up to a huge array of what’s possible at home. The starter kit comes with 3 bulbs and a huge bridge.

$314 | Philips Hue

Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagon Starter Kit

Know someone who is a bit of a design lover? Smart home lighting has gone through all kinds of evolutions over the past few years, but few steps have been as fascinating as Nanoleaf. Flexible, colourful, and incredibly smart, the Hexagon Start Kit provides 9 light-up tiles that dad can arrange in any pattern he likes, giving any room a huge boost in personality. The starter kit lets them create any panel design he pleases, and then control it either via an app or with a voice assistant.

$348 | JB Hi-Fi

Laser SmartHome Range

If you’re looking to introduce someone too smart living in a more affordable way, hit up Laser. Their SmartHome range starts from $10 and includes various options like smart bulbs, indoor and outdoor cameras, and a strip light with a built-in USB connector. If you know someone that wants to automate their home, these make perfect stocking stuffers, and for the more premium products go for the $299 Full HD wireless outdoor camera with solar panel, or the $149 full HD video doorbell.

From $10 | Laser

Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid

Eufy has finally entered the Australian market by picking up the robot vacuum scene in a big way, with their world’s first twine Turbine Powered RoboVac X8 and the X8 Hybrid. Whichever one you choose, these next-generation robot vacuums will surely impress whichever lucky person you decide to gift them to, with an immersive power that increases overall airflow by 80%. Other features include BoostIQ technology, fueling suction power that can clean all levels from a hard floor to a rug. AI Map Technology 2.0 is refined enough to fully construct a real-time map of homes to detect areas to avoid while cleaning, and pet owners will be very satisfied as the robot uses LiDAR to go around easily picking up everything, even pet hairs.

$799 | JB Hi-Fi

Fashion & Activewear

Dr. Martens

Don’t call it a comeback, but Dr. Martens is in vogue again. Not that the iconic shoe brand ever went of style, with its timeless classics and a penchant for pumping out style-leading new products that have been popping up all over the place this year. If you know someone in need of a style-up, and they are after some versatile footwear that they can style with a great variety of clothes, pick up some Doc Martens. There are plenty of styles to get across, including two new sandals collections and an awesome high-gloss collaboration with NEIGHBOURHOOD, but we’re mostly rocking with the classic look. Pick them up the 1460 Smooth, or not – you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to Dr. Martens.

$269 | Dr. Martens

UA Phantom 2 Intelliknit

If you know any runners looking to kit themselves out for their New Year’s Resolution, and they aren’t too keen on compromising with style, go for the Under Armour Phantom 2 Intelliknit. That seems like an obvious choice (because it is), but you’ll need to be across the new limited edition Danger Pack colourway that UA have done with Footlocker, launching what is easily one of their most attractive pair of running shoes to date. Don’t just take our word for it, go check the red-and-black aesthetic out below.

$220 | Footlocker

Peloton Apparel

You already know Pelaton for having the most kick-ass smart exercise bike in the world, but they’ve also got a huge collection of high-performance pieces that have been wear-tested to outperform, outlast, and stand the test of time. If you know someone planning on smashing the gym for those New Year’s goals then you’ll be wise to hit up the Pelaton range and have a browse, with pieces inspired by Peloton’s world-class instructors and loyal community of more than 6.2 million members.

Various | Peloton

Icebreaker Mew Season 100% Merino Tees

We know at least someone is unwrapping a tee this Christmas. The Reliable adventure-wear brand Icebreaker make the choice easy with their new 100% Merino tees, perfect for whatever the hell Australia’s weather is right now by keeping wearers warm with styles like the Tech Lite II SS tee and the Sphere SS Crewe, both $99 per tee and made from 100% merino wool which is ultralight and versatile. Or, you know, you can just check out the online store and shop for whatever you want. Anyone who spends a great deal of time outdoors, or is planning on travelling to a colder climate next year, will appreciate some Icebreaker gear to keep them nice and cosy.

$99 | Icebreaker

OPSM – Vogue Eyewear

Hit up OPSM if you know someone looking for some new eyewear, whether that’s specs or some new sunglasses. OPSM stocks a great range of Vogue Eyewear with some bold, classic shapes to hold up during the summer season. We know you know at least a dozen people who always lose their glasses and are in desperate need of another pair. Swing to their rescue by heading to the OPSM online store below or head to any OPSM store to purchase.

Various | OPSM

Grooming & Beauty

Dyson Supersonic

The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is a revelation when it comes to grooming. You just know someone who is sick of that lockdown fluff on their head. Help your loved one feel a bit more himself by grabbing them the most high-end hair dryer on the market; one that utilises advanced technology to truly make a meaningful difference when it comes to heat control and self-care. They’ll love the fast and focused airflow from the Dyson Supersonic, which is specially engineered for perfect balance in hand and uses intelligent heat control to help prevent hair from extreme heat damage. Even if they’re thinning on top, they won’t have an issue using the Dyson Supersonic.

$599 | Dyson

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

Gone are the days when you’d just rock up to a supermarket and pick out whatever soft Colgate toothbrush is on the shelves. If you know someone who demands the next level of dental hygiene, grab them the super luxurious Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige. With SenseIQ technology, the exceptional all-in-one brush head is able to provide a deeper level of insight into personal dental hygiene and ensure the user is taking the utmost care of their chompers day in and day out. Focusing on holistic care, the super-smart electric toothbrush is able to sense and adapt to an individual to ensure a perfect clean each and every time.

$498 | Philips

Hunter Lab Co. Skincare

Melbourne-based skincare brand Hunter Lab Co. knows men’s skin exceptionally well. In fact, even though the brand has been unisex for many years, it was founded on a desire to bring more attention to how essential skincare is for men. If you know anyone who wants to keep ageing gracefully, their going to have to pay better attention to their skincare routine, whether it’s established or, so far, non-existent. Either way, you’re going to be there to help. Jump on Hunter Lab’s website because they have some of the best natural skincare products in the game, with various local botanicals used across charcoal cleaners, charcoal masks, the all-important SPF, lip balm, lipid oil, and most recently the super refreshing Marine Healing Essence. When that crow’s feet fly away, anyone will be glad you introduced them to this brand.

Various Prices | Hunter Lab

Braun Series 9

If you know someone looking to keep that chin in check, there are few grooming sets on the market as capable and efficient as the Braun Series 9 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver. It’s the latest in this incredibly successful series of foil shavers, dependable when it comes to giving a close and gentle shave with no compromise. The 5 shaving elements capture more hair in one stroke, represent a substantial leap over previous models and position the Series 9 as the quintessential key any grooming regime should be anchored by. If they’ve got an older model and is in need of an upgrade, it would go far getting them something he’s going to be using on a daily basis.

$499 | Shaver Shop

Braun Silk-Exprt Pro 5 IPL

Know someone in need of the fastest and most efficient IPL on the market? If they need some permanent hair reduction in just 4 weeks, this proven piece of kit will be able to adapt to their skin tone to ensure optimal balance between efficacy and safety.

$499 | Shaver Shop

Kitchen

Magimix Cook Expert

There’s your standard, everyday food processor that does a good enough job helping you nail those recipes, and then there’s the Magimix Cook Expert. It’s a real powerhouse; a high-end French-made dream come true for anyone who spends a good chunk of their day in the kitchen and wants more time, to do less. The award-winning food processor is powerful enough to do the job of 15 other kitchen appliances, given it’s able to chop, mix, cook, steam, whisk, and even make dough, as well as slice, grate and mince using a full food processor attachment. Couple that with endless easy-to-follow recipes and it won’t even matter if you’re buying for someone who is completely useless in the kitchen.

$2,299 | Magimix

De’Longhi La Specialista Arte

You’re already familiar with the dependable, high-end coffee machine that is the beautiful De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro, which we gave 4.5 stars in our review. Well, the La Specialista Arte represents a happy medium for those after something a bit more affordable, but still want a stylish manual coffee machine that doesn’t compromise on quality. Giving people access to barista-quality coffee each morning is a true gift year-round, and this is more than capable with 8 grind settings, 3 infusion temperature levels, and a MyLatte Art steam wand included.

$749 | De’Longhi

Kenwood Cooking Chef XL

Time-saving kitchen technology and induction cooking are only getting deeper, more precise, and more efficient as the years roll on. Kenwood is owning this in 2021 with the introduction of the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL. It builds upon their previous, impeccably built stand mixers to offer a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for the time-poor chef. Features include induction cooking with the most accurate temperature range of any mixer, a smart connected app with hundreds of easy recipes, integrated EasyWeigh scales, a 4.3″ CookAssist screen, presets, stainless steel baking tools, and 25 optional attachments. It’s pretty much an automated kitchen by this point.

$1,895 | Kenwood World

Philips All-In-One Cooker XXL

With an 8L capacity chamber, the Philips All-In-One Cooker is an absolute essential for anyone who loves a whole lot of convenience and time-saving in the kitchen. If their trusty slow cooker has seen better days, swap it out for this beast of a performer, which comes with 20 pre-set cooking programs and superior heating with 1500W of power. Whether he wants to pressure cook, slow cook, saute, or sear, they are going to love automating some of their favourite meals. The super-smart cooker comes with over 60 recipes, a measuring cup, non-stick inner pot, stainless steel bowl, scoop, and spatula.

$349 | Philips

Nespresso Barista

The Nespresso Barista milk frother is an absolute kitchen essential if you like coffee, hot chocolate, or just some perfectly textured milk to use in some recipes. The smart milk frother is able to draw on a number of programmable recipes to automatically whip up the perfect blend each and every time. I’ve been using it pretty much every night of the year to make exceptional hot chocolates with the process as simple as selecting “Hot Chocolate” on the LED screen, putting in the milk and powder, and pressing a button. It’s a life-saver, and anyone lucky enough to be on the receiving end of one won’t stop thanking you.

$249 | Nespresso

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg

With Smeg’s famously good looks, their collaboration coffee pod machine with Lavazza is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. With various glossy monochrome colourways available, and an easy 2-button operation with the ability to pour smooth, beautiful coffee each day, this is truly a special collaboration that’ll look great in any home.

$349 | Lavazza

De’Longhi Ballerina Toaster & Kettle Collection

A high-performance four-slot (or two-slot) toaster where you can dial in the precise level of toasting, and a reliable kettle that’s easy to clean and even easier to use. De’Longhi’s famed kitchen essentials have long graced kitchen counters for years, but their latest iteration of both products is their most exciting. The brand has hooked up with renowned Italian visual artist Marco Lodola to reimagine this breakfast collection in Laguana Green, Furnace Black, and Opaline White. If you know someone who cares as much about design as they do a good, stress-free breakfast, this gift will go far.

From $119 | De’Longhi

Thermos

If you know someone who has everything, it’s likely they’ve forgotten the power of owning a good, solid thermos. Especially if they’re going to be trying to get out as much as possible in 2022, it pays to own a large capacity bottle that’ll keep liquids hot or cold for over half a day without breaking a sweat. The range that Thermos has now is insane, so shop away if you know someone who could use a little insulated love come Christmas time.

Various | Theroms

MyProtein

If you know someone trying to work towards those fitness goals in 2022, then they’re going to need some delicious, reliable protein supplements to keep them going on each morning. There’s nothing like waking up and making a banana shake with some flavoured protein powder to help start the day right, so really, this could be the most important gift of them all. Check out the MyProtein range at the link below, with a range of over 2,000 products.

Various | MyProtein

Home & Design

Australia: The Cookbook

You’ll never go astray when picking up a top-quality cookbook for anyone who loves to cook. It’s a reliable gift by any measure, even more so when you’ve got one as brilliantly conceived and designed as Phaidon’s new Australia: The Cookbook. The celebration of Australian cuisine spans 350 recipes designed to showcase the breadth and depth of this country and the people who inhabit it. Insightful content such as an essay on Indigenous Australian native bushfood, by Jody Orcher, a Ularai Barkandji woman from Brewarrina, is also included, continuing the trend of Phaidon cookbooks being much, much more than just a collection of recipes.

$65 | Phaidon | Booktopia

The Latin American Cookbook

Virgilio Martinez has pulled together 600 exceptionally illustrated and insightful recipes to build a one-stop compendium of Latin American culture and cuisine. Regionality is highlighted throughout, making this as much a history book as it is an incredibly thoughtful, inspired cooking book that’ll keep readers busy for a very long time. The Peruvian celebrity chef curates like a king, dives deep into each region’s distinctive food culture, and deftly explains culinary delicacies and local ingredients. If dad has been looking to really explore one culture and master its culinary heritage, this book will go very far.

$65 | Phaidon | Booktopia

The Italian Bakery Cookbook

Coming straight from the insightful Silver Spoon kitchen is The Italian Bakery Cookbook, a yet-to-be-released future classic from the renowned Italian culinary resource focusing exclusively on sweet treats. These are dishes found throughout Italy’s many regions, with 140 very accessible, delicious, traditional recipes across both underrated and classic baked goods. With step-by-step photography, any keen baker is going to appreciate this for many years to come. Although you’ll need to give the gift of the IOU come Christmas time, as this is only available right now for pre-order.

$65 | Phaidon | Booktopia

Bird: Exploring The Winged World

Yeah we know this one is super niche, but on the occasion that you know an avid bird lover, you’ll be pleased to know Phaidon has just released an absolute monster tome surveying the avian kingdom. Put together by Phaidon’s editors, the 352-page piece is the perfect coffee table book and features an insightful examination of birdlife in collaboration with artists, art historians, ornithologists, conservationists and photographers. The book is made up of works from 90 artists, 50 photographers, 15 illustrators, and 10 fashion designers, helping make this one of the most colourful and playful coffee table books you’re likely to find all year.

$79 | Phaidon | Booktopia

Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz

Dedicated to the icon who changed fashion photography forever, Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz is the most insightful and expansive exploration of the pioneering artist and her surprising account of her encounters with fashion over the years. For anyone who is deep into their fashion history, this coffee table book from Phaidon is going to go far. Included in the book is 350 images, some previously unpublished, with a wide range of subjects from Nicole Kidman and RuPaul, to Karl Lagerfeld and Kate Moss.

$125 | Phaidon | Booktopia

Haven Luxe

If you know someone who could really use some olfactory strength around their house, take a look at Haven Luxe and their fabulous range of scented candles and diffusers. Pick these ones carefully, not everything will be to taste, but they’ve got some real winners that are perfumed with strong, addictive scents to make any home smell like a million bucks.

Various | Haven Luxe

Gaming

Ratchet & Clank: A Rift in Time

If you know someone who already has a PS5 and is waiting on a game that really showcases what the next-gen console is capable of, get them a copy of the new Ratchet & Clank. The high-octane platform-adventure game is cinematic, vivid and incredibly stylish with a smooth experience and a unique time-distorting mechanism that’ll have anyone having an absolute blast during the game’s famed action sequences.

Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

Some gaming headphones are finicky when it comes to using them on anything but PC, but the Pulse 3D is a wireless headset made exclusively for use with the PS5. Getting a bit competitive online? These headphones will help you frag those n00bs and give you the advantage, being able to hear very detailed and soft bites that can easily be picked apart with object-based audio.

$159 | JB Hi-Fi

Xbox Game Pass

The Xbox Game Pass was and is one of the biggest gaming news stories of 2021, with a very generous Netflix-esque platform bringing you endless older titles to downloaded. Best of all, a lot of new games rolling out will essentially be free as long as players have this VIP account.

Various | Xbox

PlayStation Plus 12-Year Membership

$80 and you’re mate can have a PlayStation Plus membership for an entire year. Now imagine that – taking care of a cost you know they’re going to have to face sooner than later by tackling the bull by the horns and giving them this highly valuable gift. That way they’ll be able to get free games each month at no extra charge.

$79 | PlayStation Store

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.