It’s almost that time of year again (seriously, how quickly has this year gone?) when we start scratching our heads and trying to find something to buy for that person in our lives who has everything! So let me suggest some unique South Australian gifts.
I certainly have one of two people in my family who inevitably end up with socks or chocolate that I grab at the last minute because I can’t think of anything else.
If you are looking for something unique or quirky or just something fun, I’ve got you covered with these SA-themed gifts.
These gifts will be great for Christmas and birthday presents, but will also work for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, a going away gift for someone travelling, a gift for a visitor to our state, or perhaps a gift for a teacher.
They would even work as a gift for yourself, just because!
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TL;DR? Here's the outline
- Finding the Unique South Australian Gifts
- South Australia Road Trip Scratch Map
- Malls Balls Earrings
- Monopoly Adelaide Edition
- Heaps Good T-Shirts
- ADL Baggage Tag Mug
- The Crow Eaters
- Port Elliot Print
- Fruchocs
- Maggie’s Harvest
- South Australian Mystery Picnic
- Adelaide Colouring Book
- Places I have seen in Adelaide Postcard
- The Coolest SA Greeting Cards Ever
- Adelaide Remember When
Finding the Unique South Australian Gifts
When looking for unique gifts with a South Australian flavour I tried to find a range of local small businesses, but I have also included some products that are from bigger companies because they are just so, well, South Australian!
I found Etsy to be a great source of local artists and shops selling unique products, so it’s a great place to start if you are looking for that special gift. In fact, I ended up spending way too much time looking.
There are so many one-off gifts like a Big Rocking Horse pin or some vintage Mount Gambier salt & pepper shakers that would make wonderful gifts. Take a look at Etsy here.
South Australia Road Trip Scratch Map
Scratch maps are so much fun, and now there are a range of state maps, including one for South Australia! This is an Australian small business creating fun maps and other items.
You can pick up huge wall-sized (A1) maps, or get the more portable A3 maps to take with you in your caravan or for kids to scratch as they go.
Go-Roadtrips has been kind enough to give a discount for readers of Exploring South Australia. Enter EXPLORINGSA at the checkout for 5% off.
See the South Australian scratch map here
Malls Balls Earrings
Are these Mall’s Balls earrings the most South Australian thing possible? I think they just might be.
Click here to see these earrings on Etsy
While you are over on Etsy, take a look around. There are some great unique gifts of all types. Looking for a vintage Port Augusta tea towel? Or a Kangaroo Island travel print? You can find them there, amongst dozens of other items.
Monopoly Adelaide Edition
Here’s a twist on the traditional game, an edition just for those of us who have a soft spot for South Australia. Discover which Adelaide icon replaces Mayfair and pulls in the big bucks in this edition.
(As an aside, I can’t believe how many different editions there are of Monopoly! Take a look for yourself while you are over on Amazon. I think we need the “Sore Loser’s” edition in my house!)
Click here to see the Adelaide version of Monopoly on Amazon AU
Heaps Good T-Shirts
There are a range of places to get one of the classic South Australian “Heaps Good” t-shirts from. I recommend taking a look at some of the different versions on RedBubble.
I particularly like the Nicola Spurrier version, which is so relevant at the moment. Here are a few of the options, there are plenty more on the site. Click through and take a look.
- Classic Heaps Good T-Shirt
- Nicola is Heaps Good Classic T-Shirt
- RAD ADL aka Rad Adelaide! Graphic T-Shirt
ADL Baggage Tag Mug
Here’s another way to share Adelaide with your loved ones – an Adelaide baggage tag mug. This will be particularly appreciated by the plane enthusiast or the frequent flyer in your life.
It would be a perfect Kris Kringle for your boss or work colleague that’s always flying somewhere.
If a mug is not your thing but you like the design, there are lots of other options such as pillows, wall art, and throw rugs. You can even request a custom order.
And while the store is based in Canada, all the Australian orders are made on demand right here in Australia!
Click here to see this mug on Etsy
The Crow Eaters
A book is always a good idea for someone who is hard to buy for and this one sounds like fun. While travelling around the state, Ben Stubbs answers, “Is South Australia weird?”
I am going to have to get this book for myself, just to find out what conclusion he comes to. I think there is a little bit of weirdness here, and that can only be a good thing!
Click here to see more about this book
Port Elliot Print
I chose Port Elliot for this, but that’s not the only town print you can find on the JordanVickArt Etsy store. There are also similar prints for other towns such as Robe, Port Noarlunga and Marion Bay.
These would be absolutely perfect to decorate the walls in a coastal holiday home, or someone who wants to create that feel in the middle of the city. All the prints are designed and printed right here in South Australia.
Click here to see this print on Etsy
Fruchocs
Okay, I know I said chocolates were a fall-back gift, but in the case of Fruchocs, I will make an exception.
These are absolutely my favourite chocolates and I particularly love that they are made right here in South Australia, and really only available here too.
I know my interstate friends don’t know them so I love to take them with me when I visit or include even a small packet in gifts I send. They were also the one thing my daughter requested we take to her when she was living overseas.
Luckily, they have an online shop, so even if you can’t find Fruchocs in your local supermarket – or like me need the vegan version – then you can get them delivered right to your door, or the door or your recipient!
Click here to see the online store
Maggie’s Harvest
Maggie Beer is a South Australian icon. She is renowned for her cooking and products based around local sustainable products. She has her Farm Gate shop and restaurant in the Barossa Valley that’s a must-visit when in the area.
But if you can’t get there as often as you would like, then this amazing – and incredibly popular – book will teach you about the local seasonal products, and exactly what to do with them.
Initially published in 2007, a new edition was released in 2021 with updated material.
Click here to see the new 2021 edition.
While you are over on Maggie’s website, check out all the delicious produce and hampers you can get delivered straight to your door – or to a friend if you can resist buying for yourself!
South Australian Mystery Picnic
If I get myself organised enough to not go down the chocolates or socks road, my go-to for those difficult-to-buy-for people is always some sort of experience.
This one is great fun, and you get to try lots of the great South Australian produce. The basic concept is that you are supplied with clues that need to be solved which will lead to various food vendors.
Over a couple of hours, all the ingredients for a delicious picnic are collected.
The mystery picnics are available in a few SA regions such as the city, Barossa Valley, the Fleurieu Peninsula and more.
They can be booked as a date, a family outing or for a group of friends can deal with special dietary requirements, and it’s easy to give as a gift.
Click here to see all the details and purchase as a gift.
Adelaide Colouring Book
This beautiful colouring book has been created by local artist Sally Heinrich. The pages are created with Adelaide themes in mind – can you see those Frogcakes on the front cover?
Colouring is a fabulous way to relieve stress and this is perfect if you are looking for some relaxation. Use your imagination to bring these detailed pages to life while learning a little about South Australia.
Click here to see this colouring book on Etsy
Places I have seen in Adelaide Postcard
Pick up one of these lovely hand-drawn postcards and tick off all the places you visit in Adelaide. This original artwork is designed and illustrated by Monica of Monica McNab Designs.
This postcard will be a lovely souvenir to remind you, your friends or family of the time spent in Adelaide. What a great gift to buy in advance if you have house guests coming to stay.
Would also be a great addition to a welcome gift in any holiday home in Adelaide.
Click here to see this postcard on Etsy
The Coolest SA Greeting Cards Ever
I love these! I came across them when I was looking for something completely different and I just had to contact the lovely people at Unseasoned Greetings and ask for their permission to share them here for you.
These are just a few of the Adelaide-themed cards that locals and visitors alike will love. While I haven’t included one here, there is a lovely photo series too of locations across the city.
You can also find a whole range of fun and unique cards for any purpose that do not have an Adelaide theme
Click here to see the rest of this awesome range
Adelaide Remember When
“Adelaide Remember When” by Bob Byrne is full of nostalgia and history that’ll whisk you away on a journey through the city of Adelaide of yesteryear.
Bursting with photographs and stories, this book is like a time machine, transporting you back to the good old days of Adelaide.
It’s perfect for anyone who has a deep love for this city, whether you’re a born-and-bred South Aussie, a new resident eager to learn about its rich history, or even a traveller looking to explore Adelaide’s past.
With its engaging narrative and vivid imagery, Byrne’s book appeals to history buffs, curious minds, and anyone yearning to relive the memories of Adelaide’s yesteryears.
So, grab a copy, immerse yourself in the nostalgia, and let Bob Byrne be your guide to the Adelaide of days gone by. You won’t be able to resist sharing the tales you uncover with friends and family, sparking countless conversations about the wonderful history of Adelaide.
Click here to see more about this book
Looking for more travel gift ideas? These posts might help
Books Set in South Australia
Glamping South Australia – The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Style
Hotels in Adelaide
Barossa Hot Air Ballooning
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