Each year it can be hard to find the perfect gift for friends and family. So we’ve done the hard work and had a look through boutiques and specialty shops that stock rare and unique items to bring you a list of gift ideas.
Tickets to a Civic Centre show
Book your loved ones a night to remember with tickets to a show at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Coming up in February 2025 is the Australian INXS Tribute Show, Dolly – I Will Always Love You and The Vintage Belles dinner and show.
Cute woven animals at IAG Shop
Did you know there is a shop inside the Ipswich Art Gallery? It stocks books about art and culture, gifts, toys and art equipment!
Fashion at Oh! JoJo
Oh JoJo Boutique is a gem for fashionistas and another Top of Town destination that lures regulars out from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. It’s easy to see why – there’s a vast array of fashion labels and sizes represented throughout every season of the year.
Tickets to a play at the Ipswich Little Theatre
Coming up in the New Year at the Ipswich Little Theatre is Popcorn, The Perfect Murder, Secret Bridesmaid’s Business and Waiting for God. Tickets would be a fantastic Christmas present!
Planters at Trottie Becke
Cute planters, boho fashion and jewellery can all be found at Trottie Becke. We especially love the cute animal planters!
Tickets to Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s A Little Night Music
The Old Courthouse will be the venue for Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s new production of of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. The show will open on 2 February 2025, for a limited season, until 15 February.
Sondheim’s A Little Night Music is a romantic farce about the lives of several upper middle-class couples in early twentieth-century Sweden and their unexpected evening of romantic musical chairs, filled with desire, passion and regret.
The cast has been carefully selected and boasts a wide breadth of experience and talent, with new faces from opera’s world stages to the Edinburgh Fringe and the best of the home-grown crop.
Tickets will make for the perfect Christmas present for theatre lovers. Book here.
Local art at The Soul Nook Collective
This unique shop boasts a thoughtfully sourced array of handmade finds and fashion labels, displayed in a quaint century-old church.
The Soul Nook Collective has built an adoring community around it and is also loved for its spirited special events and markets throughout the year.
They are now stocking works from talented local artists that features timber and acrylic paintings that can be hung indoor or outdoors. And currently have local handmade items by A Stitch of Hope, Flossy Lou, Industrial Girls and Lavender & Lace in store just in time for your Christmas shopping!
Collectables and jewellery at The Vintage Advantage
Take a little time travel back through the decades as you step into this gem of a shop that has notched up 15 years this year. For the vintage lover in your life, there are also gift vouchers available. Head to The Vintage Advantage in the Top of Town for some truly quirky and nostalgic browsing!
Shoes, earrings and handbags at Obsession Shoes Boutique
This really is a shoe lover’s dream jam-packed shop full of footwear, including from hard-to-find leather brands, all beautifully displayed. Obsession Shoes has accessories aplenty to match your new purchase and often fresh flowers for sale, completely the shopping experience. It’s a great neighbour for Oh! Jo Jo Boutique too, in the same strip of shops along Brisbane St in the Top of Town – if you’re looking to get the whole outfit sorted.
Garden accessories at Special Branch Collective
Another of the shops to explore in Marburg, just off the Warrego Highway between Brisbane and Toowoomba…Special Branch Collective is full of interesting decor and collectables for avid gardeners and plant lovers. Owner Emily also keeps the coffee machine running and she’s also added online shopping!
Marinated olives, infused oils and fig jam from Watercress Creek Olives and Limes
Stock up on olives, oil, jam and tapenade at Watercress Creek Olives and Limes, and get a few extras for stocking fillers while you’re there!
Gorgeous chess sets and games at Country House Gift and Fashion
A sprawling emporium of every possible gift option for every person the family, this loved Ipswich destination is a favourite as Christmas nears. Owner Ruth displays everything with flair, from natural cosmetics and perfumes, to eclectic fashion and jewellery, home decor and baby items, as well as gifts for men. Country House can be found in the arcade at 17 Limestone St, Ipswich.
Art and antiques at The Black Museum
In the tiny country town of Marburg you’ll find an ever changing collection of art and antiques at the shop known as The Black Museum … come and see why so many make the trip out from Brisbane on weekends! Marburg is just off the Warrego Highway between Brisbane and Toowoomba.
Posters, antiques and jewellery at the Ipswich Antique Centre
Ipswich Antique Centre occupies one of the heritage city’s most loved landmarks – the 1895 Congregational Sunday School Hall – and many different antique specialists are represented within this impressive space. Well worth a look if you love all things vintage and the stories of yesteryear. It is located at 86 East St, Ipswich (parking at the rear). Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hard to find plants, decor and more at Trevallan Lifestyle Centre
For hard-to-find plant varieties, decor and garden art this hidden gem is always worth a visit. There’s a massive variety on show and an extensive range of pots and giftware. You’ll find Trevallan Lifestyle Centre at 77 Fernvale Rd, Brassall.
Artisan products and art at Arttime Supplies
Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies is where Ipswich artists go for supplies but it’s also where they can sell work and show collections – and it’s a great one to get on your list if you’re looking for unique and handmade Christmas gifts this year. You’ll find Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies on Brisbane St in the Top of Town precinct.
Art, homewares and decorations at Embers and Twine
Embers and Twine are perfect for handmade candles in a glorious array of aromas, all handmade right here in Ipswich. The shop also has a range of art and unique Christmas décor, as well as a colourful range of earrings and accessories by local artist 1389 Design.
Thomas gift bag or annual pass
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops have Thomas showbags. And with Thomas coming back this year, it’s a great time to gift an annual pass to the museum.
All things spiritual at The Soul Cauldron
The Soul Cauldron… for all things spiritual. Tarot cards, incense, dried herbs, handmade jewellery and books on a wide range of topics covering all kinds of spirituality and the esoteric. The owner, Paul, is always up for an inspiring chat and this is another reason many regulars keep returning.
Summer Land Camels skin care
You can buy hand-made camel milk skin care products from Summer Land Camels. The products are all natural and feature soothing ingredients. Their cheese range and camel milk vodka also make great gift ideas for foodies.
Iron wick candles at Dark Magician Games and Care Bears at Rare and Pretty Dolls
Smells like…Dragons blood? You can get fantasy themed scented candles at Dark Magician Games. And next door at Rare and Pretty Dolls cult favourites like Care Bears, Gizmo, Monster High, Polly Pocket, rare Barbies and more can be found – they also have gift vouchers available.
Ceramics from Julesart Studio Gallery
Artist Julie Maddox sells original porcelain vases, jewellery, boxes, paintings, drawings, cups and more.
Julie also offers workshops, where you can learn to slip cast porcelain clay and design your own functional vase.
For more information see Julesart Studio Gallery.
Gift packs from the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre
The Ipswich Visitor Information Centre sells gift packs of locally made hot sauces, SEQ made chocolates, local skin products, jewellery, jams and relishes. There is also other local gift lines in store including L&K Collective earrings, candles and Alchemist products.
For more gift ideas, check out our gift voucher guide.
