AHN Aussie Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas in Australia always brings its own special kind of magic: long sunny days, backyard BBQs, beach swims and that unmistakable feeling of holiday cheer. For international students, this season can be a completely new experience having never celebrated before, and for hosts – it’s a chance to share the warmth of a traditional Australian Christmas.

Our updated 2025 AHN Aussie Christmas Gift Guide brings together thoughtful, practical and uniquely Aussie gift ideas to help hosts and students celebrate the season in a meaningful way.

If you have anything you’d like to add to our guide, or if you receive a gift you’d like to share with our community, we’d love to hear about it – socialmedia@homestaynetwork.org

1. Our number one icon remains our number one pressie: VEGEMITE. You can grab someone their very own personalised jar of Vegemite, a pair of Vegemite Boardies, or a Mitey Party Shirt.

VEGEMITE Personalised Jar from $11.95AUD

2. Did someone say matching Christmas outfits?! If your go-to inspiration is to coordinate with your family, friends or furry companion then you really should check out the colourful Christmas collections from Kmart, Target and Big W. Sunshine Coast based Island Style Clothing also has a quirky Xmas range with everything from shirts to bucket hats and dog bandanas.

Christmas Pool Party Festive Shirts Island Style Clothing from $45.00AUD

3. Your Christmas shopping can help support regional communities throughout Australia. Take a look at the local businesses on #buyfromthebush and Spend With Us to see .

4. The Aussie Slang Magnet Pack makes learning Australian expressions fun, visual and memorable. Students can discover iconic phrases while hosts enjoy a few nostalgic favourites. It’s an affordable, engaging gift that instantly adds personality to the fridge and the homestay experience. It’s super small to pack up and take home on the plane too!

The Aussie Slang Magnet Pack bitsofaustralia $9.95AUD

5. Showcasing Ashgrove to Zillmere, Ashfield to Zetland and all the awesome places in between, localised Type Map prints are a unique memento of good times spent living in Australia.

Type Map Burbia from $14.95AUD

6. Thoughtful and uplifting, The Heart of Homestay brings together real stories that showcase the warmth, humour and unexpected friendships that grow in homestay life. It’s a meaningful keepsake for hosts and students alike, offering a touching reminder of the bonds that make homestay so special.

The Heart Of Homestay Amazon.com from $11.99AUD

7. Crafted from Australian timber, these Aussie animal Christmas decorations are a lightweight souvenir and a plastic-free addition to any Christmas tree.

Buttonworks Box of Decorations – Aussie Animals from $32.00AUD

8. The Aussie 3D Construction Postcard offers a unique twist on traditional postcards, allowing students to build a miniature Australian landmark right from the card. It’s compact, easy to post or pack, and makes a charming keepsake that captures the spirit of Australia in a fun, interactive way.

3D Aussie Construction Postcards bitsofaustralia From $5.95

9. If you’re celebrating with a sausage sizzle this Christmas then these gifts are right up your alley. Know a festival goer? Get them a Bunnings Poncho! AFL fans might appreciate a Bunnings Aussie Rules Football. Looking for something a little more practical? Pick up a Bunnings Umbrella. And for the ultimate novelty you can’t go past a classic Bunnings straw hat.

Bunnings Merchandise Bunnings Australia from $2.50AUD

10. AHN homestay hosts are amazing ambassadors for Australia so some of the 500 unmissable experiences collated by Lonely Planet might not be new to you. There’s a lot of land to cover though so this easy-to-read travel guide should come in handy for the travel bugs out there. Discover iconic sights, memorable activities, renowned eateries, natural attractions, wildlife encounters and more.

Lonely Planet Ultimate Australia Travel List Travel Universe from $24.80AUD

11. Smyle Designs, and our very own AHN hosts in Brisbane, create colourful, eco-friendly accessories and gifts inspired by iconic Australian animals and landscapes. Each piece is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice that’s both thoughtful and uniquely Aussie. Their playful designs are perfect for students wanting a lightweight souvenir or for hosts looking to support local creative makers. Use the code AUSSIE at the checkout to claim your exclusive AHN discount.

Smyle Designs from $6.00AUD

12. A thoughtful pressie for home cooks or wannabe chefs, this delicious spice pack contains wattle seed, pepper leaf, pepper berry, artesian salt and lemon myrtle harvested from the Australian outback, alpine rainforests and subtropical coastal regions. There’s also a little recipe book inside for inspo!

Five Spice Pack Australian Food Services from $16.00AUD

13. Spiders and snakes are normally top the list of Australia’s scariest creatures but that often changes for people once they’ve been swooped by a magpie. You don’t have to fear these Maggies though; they’ll stay comfortably at ground level.

Magpie Socks WilsonPayne $35.50AUD

14. A great way for international students and Aussies to test their knowledge of famous Australian people, places, sports, slang, animals and more.

Diesel & Dutch – Australiana Trivia Box Victoria’s Basement from $14.99AUD

15. Now is the time to enjoy some classic snacks and there are plenty to share this year, from Darrell Lea Hampers to sweet and savoury gift boxes and Christmas-themed bundles. You could even have a go at this Allen’s Party Mix Smash Cake recipe to really get into the silly season.

Stocking up on iconic Australian foods at the supermarket and/or gifting a DIY Christmas hamper makes things a bit more budget friendly. Tim Tams, Furry Friends, Caramello Koalas, Arnott’s Shapes, Burger Rings, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, local honey and macadamia nuts are on our list!