Christmas has always been a bit different depending on where you are, and moving from Australia to Canada has really made me realise that.
Growing up in Australia, Christmas usually meant a BBQ, plenty of seafood, jumping in and out of the pool and probably a game of street cricket with no shoes on. Shoes were optional. Sunscreen definitely wasn't.
Now I'm in Canada, it's snow boots, cosy layers, hot drinks and sometimes shovelling the driveway before the day has even started. Some people spend Christmas on the ski hill, others head to the movie theatre, and everyone seems to have their own little traditions. Quite the change from barefoot cricket!
And it's not just Australia and Canada. In the US, Christmas might mean snow and a big family dinner in one state, or sunshine and something much more relaxed in another. Over in the UK, there might be a roast dinner, Christmas crackers, paper crowns and a lot of opinions about what's on the telly.
I love hearing how differently people celebrate. But wherever you are, there's usually some good food, people you care about and at least one person who's ridiculously hard to buy for.
Which brings me to Christmas shopping. I love finding presents for people, but trying to think of something for the person who has everything (or says they don't want anything) can be a nightmare. So I thought I'd put together a few ideas from Sunday Arvo Co. for anyone who likes comfy clothes, fun designs and little things they probably don't need but might want.
1. An oversized hoodie they'll keep stealing back from everyone else
I don't think you can go too wrong with a comfy hoodie, especially when it's the kind you throw on without even thinking about it. I love designs that say a little something about the person wearing them.
There's No Worries Club for the laid-back one, or Lost the Plot for someone who's occasionally wondering what on earth is going on. Have a look at the oversized hoodies and see which one reminds you of someone.
2. A graphic tee with a bit of personality
One of my favourite things about being Australian in Canada is realising how many things I say that make absolutely no sense to other people. “Yeah, Nah.” is a classic. I know exactly what it means, but explaining it is another story.
That's part of why I love making graphic tees. Sometimes it's just a fun design, and sometimes it's a saying that makes somebody laugh. You definitely don't have to be Australian to wear one.
3. A crewneck for the person who's always cold (or just loves being comfy)
Not everyone is a hoodie person, which is fair enough. A comfy crewneck is one of those easy gifts that works with pretty much anything. Jeans, leggings, whatever they've thrown on to run out the door.
You can check out the crewnecks here.
4. A mug that feels a bit more them
I'm a big believer that everyday things don't have to be boring. A mug might seem like a simple gift, but pick one with the right design, add their favourite tea or hot chocolate, and suddenly it's actually quite cute.
Have a browse through the mugs if you're after something small and useful.
5. Little stocking stuffers that aren't just random bits
I love a little gift that feels like you've actually thought about the person. Stickers are great for that. Maybe it's their favourite saying, an inside joke or just a design you know they'd love.
I've got stickers and a Gifts Under $20 section if you're looking for something that won't blow the Christmas budget.
6. A tote bag for the friend who takes everything everywhere
We all know someone who somehow has about twelve things in their hands at all times. A tote bag is an easy gift for the market-goer, the book lover or honestly anyone who could do with an extra bag.
Take a peek at the tote bags.
My very unscientific Christmas gift advice
When I'm buying presents, I try to think less about what I'm supposed to buy and more about what would actually make that person smile. Something they'd wear all the time, something that reminds you of them or something they'd never think to buy themselves.
And if all else fails, a little handwritten note goes a long way.
A little bit Aussie. A little bit everything else.
I'm the person behind Sunday Arvo Co., and a lot of the designs come from things I say, things that make me laugh and ideas I just really wanted to make. There's definitely some Australian humour in there, but it's not only for Australians. If you like it, that's enough for me.
If you're still stuck for ideas, I've put everything together in the Christmas Gift Guide. Or you can just have a wander around the shop. No pressure.
One little note before you order: all hoodies bought online are made to order, so they're produced after you place your order and may arrive separately from other items.