Aussie Christmas Gift Guide 2021

AUssie christmas gift guide 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Make a list, check it twice, and start ticking off your XMAS shopping with this list of gifts that are perfect for you or your vegan pals.

WVG’s Conversation Cards

Give the gift of conversation this Christmas. Our spill the beans game and unpopular opinions game are now available to play from home. Get one deck or stock up on a bundle and start talking about the stuff that really matters!

Nourish Magazine Subscription

Empower loved ones to live their best plant-based life with a Nourish Magazine subscription that will deliver inspiration to their doorstep all year round. Their latest Festive issue is filled with many delectable recipes, and secrets to a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus our founder, Renee Buckingham, will be a featured writer in their upcoming issues!

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary Animal Sponsorship 

Buy a special gift with a difference by purchasing an animal sponsorship from Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary. They have over 180 rescue farmed animals so this gift is an affordable way to help us cover the costs of the rescued animals’ care. Your chosen recipient will receive a beautiful, personalised photo card of the animal.

TWOOBS Sandals

Step into summer with a new pair of sandals from TWOOBS. These sustainable and comfy vegan shoes are made from sugar cane soles, lightweight lycra, clever vegan leather, and a whole lot of love. As gentle on the planet as they are on your feet. PS: You can also catch their episode on Renee’s podcast here

HumanKind Shoes

HumanKind is on a mission to prove you don’t need to sacrifice style or quality just because you choose not to wear leather. They have a stylish range of bags, accessories and shoes, like their latest sandals made from cactus leather.

Salt and Rainbows Bath Soaks

Holidays call for slow days and long baths using crystal boutique, Salt and Rainbows’ Sun-Day Ritual Soak. Their blend of bath salts, botanicals and essential oils is perfect to calm, cleanse and brighten anyone’s day. The perfect ethically-sourced Christmas gift.

Earth Greetings’ Gift Sets

The best gifts are beautiful, useful, ethical and plastic free. Oh, and delicious too! Earth Greetings have 8 sustainable stationery gift sets that come with a block of plant based chocolate by Loving Earth and are boxed in 100% recycled packaging.

Flora and Fauna Gift Packs

Looking for eco gifts this Christmas? Find the best Australian made, plastic-free, reusable and recycled presents from Flora and Fauna . There are gifts for pets, kids, loved ones, stocking fillers, wrapping paper, decorations and SO much more. Use code: SYD10 for 10% off site wide.

Mad Millie Vegan Cheese Kit

We believe that positive change shouldn’t mean missing out on your favourite treats (cheese and chocolate obviously). They just get better when made from scratch with the Vegan Cheese Kit from Mad Millie. Simple ingredients, even simpler steps to follow and so much yum.

Customised Coconut Bowls

Add a personal touch to your next Christmas gift by creating a customised Coco Bowl from Coconut Bowls. This Certified B Corp is part of 1% For the Planet and is helping to inspire a healthy and sustainable lifestyle worldwide. Help them do good by purchasing any of their bowls, cups, bags or bundles.

The Wholesome Store XMAS Bundle

Christmas Bundles are at The Wholesome Store by Elsa’s Wholesome Life. They have 5 beautifully curated bundles: self care, summer, pregnancy, baby and eco friendly. All packed up in one of their custom Christmas boxes ready to go under the Christmas tree!

Mikkoa Yoga Mat

Anyone have a yogi friend or beach babe that they need XMAS gift inspo for? Australian, sustainable brand, Mikkoa, have a beautiful range of premium travel yoga mats and sand free beach towels that we adore. Plus, they plant one tree with every order.

The Vegan Box Subscription

Spoil your best friend with a yearly subscription to The Vegan Box. This snack box is a gift that just keeps giving and is full of 5‑8 cruelty‑free snacks, skincare and lifestyle products. It’s pretty much a present delivered to their door every single month.

The Proof is in the Plants

Help spread the word about how great a plant-based diet is by gifting your friends or family this book by Plant Proof. 100% of the proceeds are donated to HalfCut to help save the Daintree Rainforest from deforestation. So your purchase will not only support your health but our planets too.

Planet Cocoa Bon Bons

Are you a chocoholic? Treat yourself or your mates to some ethical artisan chocolate from @planet.cocoa. Their chocolate bon bon pack includes 4 Christmas inspired flavours: gingerbread s’more, mulled wine, banana caramel pie and mint creme crunch. Twelve little bites that if rationed with enough self-control will last until Christmas day!

5 Vegan Friendly Boozy Brunches in Melbourne

5 Vegan Friendly Boozy Brunches In melbourne

Move over coffee, today is a job for champagne

There’s no better way to celebrate the weekend than with a boozy vegan brunch. Gather the gals, round up the guys and start planning your next feast!

Drag Brunch at The Smith

Today’s forecast: 100% chance of booze. You can now sip, snack and dance from 3pm every Sunday at The Smith’s Drag Brunch! There are 4 seasonal cocktails to choose from on arrival + bottomless spritz’s and a brunch dish (the vegan option being their heavenly Breakfast Salad with roast veg & pomegranate). Every Sunday from 12-2pm or 3-5pm.

Boozy Brunch at Captain Baxter 

Are you hanging out to get Boujee? Captain Baxter’s Boujee Brunch bookings are now OPEN and running from 12-2pm every Sat and Sun. Enjoy 2 hours of spritz, sparkling, wine and beer + their DELISH Baxter Vegan Brunch Banquet. Book in!

Bottomless Brunch at House of Lulu White

Brunch is always better with cocktails. Treat yourself to an indulgent Bottomless brunch experience at House Of Lulu White. Go for the Original Package with 90 mins of bottomless cocktails + 1 meal, or try the Deluxe Package including 8 canapés + 2 hours of mimosas, salted caramel espresso martinis, bilinis, sangria, Pina colada spritz, etc… Available any day, just let them know you’re vegan!

Bottomless Mexi-Brunch at Bodega Underground 

Brunch without booze is just a sad breakfast. Gather up the gang this Sunday for a Mexican feast at Bodega Underground. Vegan or not – their 5-course menu (+ special mexi drinks) will please the pants off even your carnivore mates. Empanadas, tacos, churros…what more could you want! Available Fri-Sun at 11:15am, 1:15pm or 3:15pm.

Bottomless Boozy Brunch at Evie’s Disco Diner 

Whether you’re dusting off a big night, or getting ready for an even bigger day, be sure to make room in your weekend for the booziest bottomless brunch at Evie’s Disco Diner. High vibes and disco beats are guaranteed and their gorge team will ensure you’re never empty. All you have to do is choose a brunch dish then go Basic or Baller with drinks. Bookings can be made on Sat or Sun from 11am–3pm.

6 Vegan Friendly Boozy Brunches in Sydney

6 Vegan Friendly Boozy Brunches In Sydney

Move over coffee, today is a job for champagne

There’s no better way to celebrate the weekend than with a boozy vegan brunch. Gather the gals, round up the guys and start planning your next feast!

Bottomless Brunch at United

Brunch without champagne is just a sad breakfast. Gather up the gang this Sunday for 2 hours of bottomless brunch at United. Vegan or not – their 4-course menu (+ special cocktail & wine list) will please the pants off even your carnivore mates. Seatings are available at 11am or 2pm but you gotta book in quick!

Bottomless Long Lunch at Correto

Today’s forecast: 100% chance of booze. Correto’s bottomless long lunches are back ON! There’s a dedicated vegan menu featuring mushroom tacos, bruschetta and more, plus lots of seasonal cocktails and spritz. Book in Friday to Sunday from 12-3pm.

Bottomless Brunch at Planar

Brunch is breakfast without an alarm. Sleep in and then head on over to Planar Restaurant for the ultimate plant-based dining experience in Darling Harbour. You’ll be treated to a sharing banquet of the best vegan food paired with signature drinks and barista made coffee. Available weekends from 11am-3pm.

Bottomless Brunch at Cubby’s Kitchen

Lebanese mezze and cocktail jugs … could you ask for more? Maybe some beer and wine too for Saturday Bottomless Brunch at Cubby’s Kitchen. They fully cater for any vegan and gluten-free needs so bring on the falafels and free-flowing margaritas. Available at their Bondi Beach location every Saturday from 12-5pm. 

Audrey’s Bottomless Brunch at Social Hideout

We’ve never had a bad day that started with mimosas. Sydney’s prettiest cafe, Social Hideout, are now offering BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH at their Waterloo location. You’ll get to try their new menu items including a zataar spiced beetroot hummus appetiser, ravioli or soba noodle main + mojito sorbet. Book in!

High Tea at Alibi Bar

Work hard. Brunch harder. Treat yourself to a Summer High Tea at Alibi Bar. You’ll get to taste a selection of savoury delights including coronation soybean sandwiches and asparagus Royale + sweet treats like their banana and passionfruit tart, and coffee and choc cake. All packages include coffee, juice and the option to add free flow sparkling rosé or champagne. DO IT!

Vegan Whiskey Sour

Vegan Whiskey Sour

Ingredients

  • 2 parts lemon juice + rind
  • 1 part aquafaba (chickpea water)
  • 2 parts sugar syrup
  • 3 parts whiskey

Method

  1. Pour lemon juice, aquafaba, sugar syrup and whiskey into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds.
  2. Pour over some ice, garnish with lemon rind and enjoy

Anzac Cookies

Anzac Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup desiccated coconut
  • 125g vegan butter
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp bicarb soda

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees.
  2. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar and coconut in a bowl.
  3. Place butter, golden syrup and water in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir through bicarb soda. 
  5. Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and combine.
  6. Roll tbsp of mixture into balls and place on a baking tray 5cm apart.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 mins or until lightly golden
  8. Leave on a baking tray for 5 mins to cool

Mint Choc Protein Cookies

Mint Choc Protein Cookies

Ingredients

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C 
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein, baking soda and salt
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk vegan butter, maple syrup and flax egg till smooth
  4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture
  5. Pour in the choc chips and stir
  6. Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet 4cm apart 
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges begin to golden
  8. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes 
  9. Enjoy with some plant milk

Salted Coconut Caramel Cookies

Salted Coconut Caramel Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp flax meal
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup cold vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/8 cup coconut caramel sauce + extra for drizzling (we use @naturescharm_au)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt + more for sprinkling

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C and line the baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Make a flax egg by mixing flax meal and water in a small bowl. Set aside to gel.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter, white sugar and brown sugar. Then add in the coconut caramel sauce, vanilla, and flax egg, and stir well.
  4. Add flour, baking soda and sea salt to the mixing bowl with the caramel mixture. Gently stir dry ingredients on top together, before mixing all together to form the dough.
  5. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet using a 1/2 Tbsp scoop, making sure to leave room between cookies as they will spread as they flatten. Add a tiny drizzle of coconut caramel to each scoop of cookie dough.
  6. Bake for 9 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while still hot, let cool, and enjoy

Dark Choc Mocha Mug Cake

Dark Choc Mocha Mug Cake

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup milk (we use Maca Milk)
  • 60ml brewed coffee (we use Arte Coffee)
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped dark chocolate

Method

  1. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Add the brewed coffee, milk & oil, and stir well.
  3. Divide the mixture into two small microwave safe mugs.
  4. Drop a tbsp chopped dark chocolate in the middle of each mug.
  5. Microwave the mugs one at a time for 60-75 seconds. 
  6. Let cool, top with berries or dairy-free ice cream, and enjoy

PB & Jelly Protein Bars

PB & Jelly Protein Bars

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup PB&J protein (we use @botanikablends)
  • 3/4 cup smooth nut butter
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup plant milk
  • 200g melted dark choc
  • 30g dried strawberries, roughly chopped

Method

  1. Blend oats into a powder
  2. Add protein, nut butter, syrup, and 1/2 of the melted choc and blend. Add soy milk slowly until desired doughy texture
  3. Transfer to tray and flatten
  4. Add dried strawberries and gently press into the mixture 
  5. Place in freezer for 25 minutes 
  6. Drizzle with remaining half of melted choc
  7. Freeze for 10 minutes
  8. Slice into bars and enjoy

Dirty Chai Protein Balls

Dirty Chai Protein Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 shot coffee
  • 1/3 cup protein powder (we use Botanika Blends Golden Chai Latte flavour)
  • 2 cups chopped dates
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 2 tsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cacao powder and desiccated coconut for topping

Method

  1. Blitz everything in a food processor (minus the cacao powder and desiccated coconut)
  2. Roll the mixture into balls 
  3. Top with cacao powder, desiccated coconut or whatever you fancy