Authentic Australian Gift Ideas for Overseas: Our Top Picks
Finding a gift that genuinely says ‘Australia’ rather than ‘airport’ can be harder than it sounds. Mass-produced souvenir shops seem to be around every corner, but locally sourced alternatives are available.
Australian gift ideas for overseas don’t need to be limited to generic or low-quality items.
Here are 15 authentic Aussie gifts we recommend, featuring our top choices from our South Fremantle location.
Key Summary: 15 Aussie Gifts We Recommend
Australian Tea Towels: Vibrant prints featuring Australian blooms and wildlife, and lightweight, non-perishable, and easily packaged for shipping overseas.
Boxed Scarves: Lightweight and super easy to ship overseas; universal fit (no guesswork on sizing); vibrant colours and Aussie wildlife and flowers
Travel Candles: Quality ingredients, handcrafted designs, and packaging in a compact, packing-friendly design.
Perpetual Calendars: Lightweight and super easy to ship; functional Aussie gift often featuring local artistry.
Aroma Bloqs: Convenient for packing and shipping, native scents, and multi-purpose, practical uses.
Badges & Magnets: Super easy to pack and affordable, yet a thoughtful way to bring a loved one a little piece of Australia.
Small Ceramics: Surprisingly easy to pack and travel with and visually stunning as a memorable gift.
Lip Balms: Perfect for pampering with quality Aussie scents and a compact size for easy transport.
Jewellery: So easy to pack and a meaningful, quality gift for loved ones to have a piece of Australia to cherish.
Handmade Local Glass: A luxury souvenir for loved ones to experience the beauty of Australia in their own home; lightweight and surprisingly easy to ship.
Cards & Small Prints: Thoughtful and practical and one of the easiest to pack Aussie gifts on our list
Plush Toys: Cuddly, cosy, and featuring lovable Aussie wildlife that is lightweight and easy to squish into your suitcase.
Pot Hangers: So cute and whimsical with a small, easy-to-pack size and featuring Australian wildlife.
Hand Creams & Soaps: A little piece of Australia to pamper your loved ones with in small, suitcase-friendly sizes.
Cosmetic Bags, Shower Steamers, and Roll-On Perfumes: Luxury and elegance with a hint of Australia’s native scents and botanicals
Gift Idea #1: Australian Tea Towels
Tea towels are lint-free cloths that can be used in a multitude of ways. From decor to covering rising dough to drying dishes, they are a versatile, easy-to-pack gift.
They are an affordable, authentic Aussie gift for any loved one, but especially the baker or chef in your life.
The Studio Nikulinsky Tea-Towels
What makes this authentically Australian: Each towel is printed with an original watercolour painting by celebrated Western Australian artist Philippa Nikulinsky AM.
Why we recommend it: Bring a unique, beautiful piece of the bush right into your home with Aussie wildlife and botanical prints.
The Bell Art Tea-Towels
What makes this authentically Australian: High-quality100% organic cotton and linen blend featuring the work of WA artist Meryl Bell. She was one of the first artists to feature insect life in her paintings.
Why we recommend it: Vibrant colours, 100% organic linen/cotton blend, and a stunning addition to any kitchen decor.
Braw Paper Company Tea-Towels
What makes this authentically Australian: A local WA company featuring prints of Freo's iconic sights on high-quality cotton tea towels.
Why we recommend it: These eye-catching prints make a purposeful yet beautiful gift.
Prints by Bow Tea-Towels
What makes this authentically Australian: Featuring work by local artist Kathryn Bow and showcasing Aussie scenery.
Why we recommend it: Striking colours and clear craftsmanship make a thoughtful, functional souvenir.
Marini Ferazzo Tea Towels
What makes this authentically Australian: Stunning prints featuring Australian wildlife and clear craftsmanship.
Why we recommend it: High-quality organic cotton tea towels with stunning prints and beautifully packaged.
Gift Idea #2: Boxed Scarves
Boxed scarves are the perfect mix of practical and luxury, with zero guesswork when it comes to sizing. The one-size-fits-all Aussie gift can be used in endless ways and packs easily into a suitcase.
Boxed scarves are gift-ready and easy to mail overseas, with no difficulty passing through customs.
Taylor Hill Scarves
What makes this authentically Australian: Each vibrant scarf features Australian wildflowers or birds.
Why we recommend it: These super soft scarves are 100% cotton that feel and look incredibly luxurious.
Gift Ideas #3: Travel Candles
Travel candles are compact-sized candles meant to be packed along for trips. They are compact, easy to pack, and ideal for luggage.
Have a busy traveller in your life? Travel candles are a thoughtful gift for anyone who wants to carry a small piece of home with them when they travel.
Jess Hutchinson Soy Candles
What makes this authentically Australian: The collection features work by Australian artist Jess Hutchison and native Australian scents such as Kakadu Plum, Lemon Myrtle, and bush scents. Hand poured right in Barossa, SA.
Why we recommend it: You can truly sense the craftsmanship that goes into each hand-poured candle. From the packaging to the jar, the details are incredible. Gorgeous artwork adorns each jar, creating a candle that doubles as a lovely piece of decor.
Gift Idea #4: Perpetual Calendars
These are the calendars that you keep for your important dates - Dutch people love them and hang them in their toil - it's a thing apparently!
Perpetual calendars are a thoughtful gift for busy individuals in your life. Their lightweight and compact shape means they ship easily, with nothing to spoil or break.
Philippa Nikulinsky
What makes this authentically Australian: Featuring stunning work by Australian artist Nikulinsky showcasing WA wildflowers and birds.
Why we recommend it: A convenient yet beautiful way to display important dates amidst beautiful Aussie-inspired backgrounds.
Gift Idea #5: Aroma Bloqs
Aroma bloqs are eco-friendly, non-toxic air fresheners that prioritise natural essential oils and native botanicals rather than synthetic chemicals. As an added bonus, they help repel certain pests.
These versatile Aussie gifts can be used to naturally freshen just about any space in your car or home, including pantries, closets, or linen drawers. With their compact size, they are easy to ship, and there are no spills or liquids to worry about.
Bell Art Aroma Bloqs
What makes this authentically Australian: Handcrafted in Australia, featuring all-natural Australian ingredients and native scents.
Why we recommend it: These are such an easy, cute way to keep clothes smelling wonderful. Tip: All the scents are captivating without being overwhelming, but our favourite is Kakadu Plum.
Thurbly Herb Farm
What makes this authentically Australian: All-natural Australian ingredients, tailor-made, and created right at Thurlby Inn in Walpole, Western Australia.
Why we recommend it: Keep your clothes or car smelling nice and help naturally banish bugs, such as moths and silverfish.
Gift Idea #6: Badges & Magnets
Badges and magnets are ideal Australian gifts that offer a visual reminder of some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, blooms, and wildlife.
These are so small you won’t even notice them in your suitcase, making them a perfect overseas gift.
Braw Paper Company Badges & Magnets
What makes this authentically Australian: Featuring inspiration from Australian animals, landscapes, and wildflowers, these magnets pay homage to Australia’s stunning beauty.
Why we recommend it: Thoughtful, functional, and colourful, Braw Paper Company badges and magnets exude joy.
Gift Idea #7: Small Ceramics
Small handmade ceramics — think egg cups, trinket dishes, shot glasses, and tiny houses — are the perfect choice for the whimsical art-lover in your life.
Their small, lightweight size means they ship easily and make a great overseas gift.
Ceramic Flowers
What makes this authentically Australian: Each piece is crafted by local Aussie artistLiz Snell.
Why we recommend it: Bold colours and premium craftsmanship go into each piece
Bower Bird
What makes this authentically Australian: Crafted right in North Perth, each piece is unique and made locally.
Why we recommend it: Every time we look at the pieces by Bower Bird designs, we cannot believe the intricacy and detail.
Forrest Road Studio
What makes this authentically Australian: Created by local artist Tanya, inspired by Aussie nature, and crafted right in her Fremantle studio.
Why we recommend it: Unmatched quality, locally-made, and truly a gift that will make a memorable impact.
Moody Rabbit
What makes this authentically Australian: Featuring Australian-inspired creations by local artist Hannah Goggs.
Why we recommend it: Such cute, colourful pieces that elicit the unique beauty of Australian birds, trees, and flowers.
Gift Idea #8: Lip Balms
Lip balms are nourishing and healing and we love the adorable packaging in dinky old-fashioned tins. And they aren’t just cute — they travel and ship easily.
Aussie lip balms are ideal for skincare enthusiasts or frequent flyers who want to combat the dry cabin air of airplanes.
Small Dinky Tins by Lucamar Skin Care
What makes this authentically Australian: Invented by a sheep farmer's wife, these balms are highly restorative and contain lanolin and beeswax for moisture and nourishment. The cruelty-free, multi-purpose balms are proudly made in South Australia and free of artificial flavouring, parabéns, petrolatum, and mineral oil.
Why we recommend it: Pure ingredients and pure luxury combined into the ultimate soothing balm.
Gift Idea #9: Jewellery
Ear-rings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces by local Aussie designers are a meaningful, quality gift. With nothing to spill or perish, jewellery transports incredibly easily.
Jewellery is small, light and easy to transport, making it an ideal Aussie gift for sisters, friends, mothers, or daughters.
Gift Idea #10: Handmade Local Glass
Don’t let the word ‘glass’ scare you away from these lovely souvenirs. Made by some of our favourite local brands, handmade glass gifts transport well with the right packaging.
These Aussie gifts are a clear choice for the art lover in your life and are surprisingly light to transport.
The Glass Flower Bar
What makes this authentically Australian: Handmade with impressive craftsmanship and love by a local Aussie artist.
Why we recommend it: This collection of glass bouquets brings an element of beauty and a touch of Australia with Native botanicals.
Glass Sun Catchers by The Glass Magpie
What makes this authentically Australian: Artist-run business based in Tasmania, Australia featuring kiln-formed, handmade glass.
Why we recommend it: A wide range of colourful, decorative pieces showcasing extensive craftsmanship and love in each piece.
Tiny Glass Animals
What makes this authentically Australian: WA artist Caroline Hazell lends her talent to each piece.
Why we recommend it: Fun, whimsical, eclectic, and an ideal gift for any art or animal lover.
Gift Idea #11: Cards & Small Prints
Cards and small prints by WA artists and photographers are our choice for the top budget-friendly Aussie souvenir option on our list. They also win as one of the easiest to ship Australian gifts.
This is a gift for anyone in your life — friend, sister, mom, dad, brother, or loved ones.
Gift Idea #12: Plush Toys
Forget the generic tourist-trap plush toys you see everywhere. Quality, super soft plush toys featuring Aussie wildlife, such as kangaroos, quokkas, platypus, sulphur-crested cockatoo, and koalas are huggable and durable.
Perfect for the little one in your life you want to spoil, and super easy to squish right into your suitcase.
Nan Huchy Plush Toys
What makes this authentically Australian: Superior quality and Melbourne-based, featuring classic Aussie wildlife and a wide selection of the softest, cuddliest plush toys
Why we recommend it: Quality designs and cute, clever names, such as Eddie the Emu, Poppy Pig, and Kylie the Kangaroo
Furfolk
What makes this authentically Australian: Premium plush animals designed from scratch in Australia, featuring beloved Aussie wildlife such as wombats, kangaroos, and koalas.
Why we recommend it: These are seriously too cute and the little ones in your life are sure to cherish these.
And The Little Dog Laughed
What makes this authentically Australian: Ethically made and Australian-designed, with a focus on natural fibres and hand-finished details
Why we recommend it: The quality of their plush toys lives up to their motto: “In a world full of things that come and go, we make toys that stay”.
Gift Idea #13: Pot Hangers
Pot hangers are cute, small figurines that you perch off the side of plant pots. Our in-store favourites include the platypus, koalas, kangaroos, and the adorable little echidna!
Although they are delicate, they still pack and ship well due to their compact size. Australian-inspired pot hangers are ideal for the eclectic person in your life who loves unique, functional, whimsical items.
Gift Idea #14: Handcreams and Soaps
Made by Australian companies, Myrtle & Moss, Empire Australia, La La Land Wavertree, and London, these are luxury, local gifts. Many feature Australian botanicals such as Tea Tree, Lemon Myrtle, Manuka Honey, and Eucalyptus.
These luxurious creams and soaps are ideal for pampering family, friends, and loved ones back home.
Myrtle & Moss
What makes this authentically Australian: Botanically inspired vegan-friendly skincare proudly made in Melbourne, Australia.
Why we recommend it: Myrtle & Moss have some of the most unique scents that are downright luxurious. Our favourite is the Mandarin, Lemon Myrtle & Orange Peel Hand Cream.
Empire Australia
What makes this authentically Australian: Native Australian scents and products crafted right in Melbourne
Why we recommend it: The cutest packaging, enticing scents that aren’t overpowering; luxury, nourishing ingredients, and no synthetic fragrances.
La La Land Wavertree
What makes this authentically Australian: La La Land is proudly Australian and artist-led and features a diverse range of scents from native Australian flowers.
Why we recommend it: From the packaging to the wild flora-inspired scents and the natural healing power of shea and mango butter, these hand creams are pure luxury.
Gift Idea #15: Cosmetic Bags, Shower Steamers, Roll-on Perfumes
We find these items don’t get the attention that some of our other Australian gift ideas.
But they deserve a spotlight for their lightweight, easy-to-pack design and luxury feel.
Cosmetic bags, shower steamers, and roll-on perfumes are perfect for the friend or loved one in your life who deserves a dose of pampering.
How to Buy Authentic, Local Australian Gifts
If you’re looking for truly authentic, quality, artisan-first Aussie gifts, we’d love to see you in store at Terrace Greenhouse.
Located at 223 South Terrace, South Fremantle, we’re right near Fremantle’s main strip and tourist precinct. Come see us anytime from Mon–Fri 10–4pm, Sat 9–4pm, Sun 10–4pm and browse our selection of authentic Aussie souvenirs.
Along with our curated gift collection, our customers always mention how much they enjoy our garden centre and art gallery. So get the full experience by browsing our greenhouse and in-store gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The best Australian gifts to take overseas feature local artists, represent Aussie culture, and showcase native botanicals or wildlife.
Look for lightweight items that travel well, such as:
Tea towels
Lip balms, hand creams, and soaps
Cosmetics bags
Cards and small prints
Jewellery
Badges and magnets
-
Travelling with limited luggage means you’ll have to look for lightweight items that pack fairly flat and compact.
If you have limited luggage space, we recommend gift items such as:
Tea towels
Scarves
Lip balms or native skincare
Aroma bloqs
Jewellery
Cards
Badges and magnets
-
We find that the best Australian gifts for overseas are a combination of thoughtful design, artisan-first items, and easy-to-ship goods.
Gifts that fit all of these criteria include:
Native botanical skincare
Roll-on perfumes
Perpetual calendars
Tea towels
Travel-sized candles
Plush toys
-
Yes, bringing Australian gifts overseas does involve certain rules and restrictions. Be sure to always declare any souvenir items.
We recommend avoiding items that are strictly regulated, such as:
Biological or plant materials
Untreated wood
Animal products or leather
-
Affordable, lightweight Australian gift ideas for overseas include items that pack easily and showcase native wildlife, ingredients, or scents.
Affordable Australian gift options include:
Native botanical Aussie skincare, such as balms, soaps, hand creams, or roll-on perfumes
Travel-sized soy candles
Tea towels
Plush toys
Badges and magnets
-
To find authentic Australian gift ideas for overseas, look for stores that feature items that are:
Locally sourced
Artisan-first
Made in Australia