Visiting family overseas, or catching up with friends who've moved away? A gift from home means more when it's genuinely Australian. The best Australian gifts to take overseas are the ones that carry a sense of place, get used in their new home, and remind them of where they come from every time they see it.
Here's what to look for, and how to pack a handmade gift so it arrives in one piece.
Choose something genuinely Australian
Airport souvenirs are easy, but they rarely feel personal. A handmade piece made here in Australia tells a story the person can share with everyone who sees it. Look for gifts made from Australian materials, by an Australian maker, rather than something mass-produced with a kangaroo printed on it.
A piece of the Australian landscape
Our boards and coat racks are handmade in East Gippsland. Many are set with native flowers, leaves and seed pods gathered on our own property, pressed, dried and sealed in resin, so each one carries a little of the Australian landscape to the other side of the world. For anyone who misses home, that's hard to beat.
A gift they'll use, not just display
A serving board comes out every time they have people over, so the gift becomes part of their life in their new country. Our boards are around 600 mm long, made from timber and resin, with room for a proper spread. We've had customers take boards overseas as gifts for family, a practical reminder of home on their table.
Packing a handmade gift for the trip
- Every piece arrives beautifully boxed. Keep the box, as it protects the board in your luggage.
- Wrap the board in clothing or a towel for extra padding, and pack it flat, away from heavy items.
- If you can, keep it in your carry-on so it isn't thrown around with checked bags.
- Check the customs rules for the country you're visiting before you fly. Some countries ask travellers to declare wooden items and plant material. The flowers in our boards are sealed in resin.
Order before you fly, or have it posted
Every piece is handmade, with free delivery Australia-wide, so order in time for it to reach you before your trip. Rather send it straight to them? We also post overseas, with postage calculated at checkout. Browse our Australian gifts for overseas friends, or see our cheese boards and coat racks.