Best Christmas Gift Ideas around Wollongong and the Illawarra

Uncover the top 20 Christmas gift ideas in Wollongong and the Illawarra! We’ve curated a list of the most popular and unique presents for your family, friends, neighbours, teachers, and colleagues. At What’s On In Wollongong, we believe in the joy of giving, and our gift shopping guide helps you find that perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list. From luxurious treasures to practical wonders, discover a variety of options that inspire warmth and thoughtfulness this holiday season. Shop with confidence and celebrate the spirit of giving this Christmas!

Dapto Mall

The big man is almost here, and there’s lots to be excited about at Dapto Mall! Enjoy Santa photos, gift wrapping, and abundant inspiration for your holiday shopping. Take advantage of the extended hours to help you check everything off your list. You can also enter the draw to win a family holiday to Lapland, Finland!

Get your gifts wrapped for a gold coin donation to the Illawarra Cancer Carers. This service will be available from Monday, December 16, to Tuesday, December 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM daily. You’ll find us located near Connor on Level 1. Get all the Xmas shopping fun and event details here.

Craft Beer Gift Packs

Delight the beer lover in your life with a fun selection of local craft beers from some amazing breweries that are passionate about bringing you the best flavours around!

At Seeker Brewing, they’re all about inspiring new experiences and creating meaningful connections. They believe life’s adventures are best celebrated with great beer and even better company. You can grab one of their craft beer packs or treat someone special to a gift voucher for a fantastic in-store experience, complete with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere!

Five Barrels Brewing is your go-to for fresh, sustainable brews while also supporting local businesses. They pride themselves on crafting unfiltered and unpasteurised beers using top-notch ingredients. Whether you’re into Hazy IPAs or rich Milk Stouts, they’ve got something for every taste! Plus, their taproom features the awesome Five Barrel Food Truck, serving up a mouthwatering range of burgers, including tasty gluten-free and vegetarian options. Cheers to good times!

Restaurant Santino

With a beautiful ambience and the knowledge of how to pair the perfect wine with the perfect meal, Restaurant Santino knows how to impress. Buying a gift voucher for a stunning romantic meal at Restaurant Santino is a gift sure to impress.

Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, 17 – 19 January, 2025

Awesome event gift alert coming to Wollongong in the Summer! Located at Bulli Showground, the Illawarra Folk Festival presents over 100 performers over 3 days, 8 venues, on-site camping and so much more. Enjoy the intimate, vibrant, community & family-friendly atmosphere the festival has become renowned for. Kids U12 are FREE.

As well as performances by some of the best national and international folk acts, the program features the intensive folk school workshops, sessions, dancing, the Youth Folk Traditions awards, instrument makers, poet’s breakfasts, and an array of beautiful international cuisines and craft stalls. Get in quick to secure your Earlybird Tickets on sale now.

Alexander’s Southside Bakery

Treat your friends and family to a delightful gift box from Alexander’s Southside Bakery! When you walk into the cozy bakery, you’ll be greeted by an amazing variety of freshly baked goodies, all made with love. Your friends and family will love their signature Burek, irresistible donuts, buttery croissants, fluffy focaccia, sweet baklava, and countless other treats inspired by our heritage. 

Sunset Cinema Wollongong

The iconic Sunset Cinema Wollongong will be returning to Wollongong Botanic Garden this Summer.

Looking for something a little different this Christmas? We all wish we could spend more quality with friends and family and nothing beats a memorable night at Sunset Cinema Wollongong. Sunset Gift cards can be used for tickets, seating and snacks, so give the gift of the ultimate outdoor movie experience this holiday. Purchase online here now.

Choose from over twenty-five fabulous films with everything from blockbusters, comedies, thrillers and some family-friendly themed movies. There is even a fully licensed bar on-site, and delicious food options from food trucks available. It’s a great night out and an even better gift!

Kneading Ruby

Surprise a friend or loved one with a great dining experience at Kneading Ruby.

Kneading Ruby on Crown Lane is nestled in the heart of Wollongong and part of the town’s cheery dining & cocktail scene.

Kneading ruby is a casual modern take on a pizzeria, featuring rustic dishes & authentic traditional pizzas made with fresh locally sourced produce, designed to share. The food is accompanied by an impressive wine & cocktail selection complimenting the flavours of the menu.

Chouchou Bebe Adventure Illawarra

Chouchou Bebe is an awesome indoor play centre that kids and parents both love. There are tons of fun things to do, and with locations in Wollongong, Warrawong, and Shellharbour, a gift voucher from Chouchou Bebe is a great treat for families with little ones!

Steamers Bar & Grill

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Steamers Bar & Grill

Leave the gift giving to Steamers Bar & Grill this Christmas and spoil your loved one with a Steamers Bar and Grill gift card.

The Steamers Bar & Grill Gift Card allows them to choose exactly what they want, whether that’s a round of cocktails at the bar, a few dozen oysters overlooking the beach and lighthouse or a meat share platter. You can purchase a Steamers Bar & Grill Gift Card for values ranging from $50 to $1,000.

Bigwave Skydive

A voucher from Bigwave Skydive is a gift of adventure, inviting you to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or perhaps ignite the passion for a new hobby. Experience the awe of incredible views of Shell Cove Marina, Bass Point, and turquoise beaches that set the stage for your skydiving journey. With 5-star reviews and an adrenaline-filled experience, you’re guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.

Book your BIGWAVE Skydive Gift Voucher here

Merrigong Theatre Company

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Merrigong Theatre Company, Wollongong.

The IPAC (Illawarra Performing Arts Centre) is a not-for-profit theatre company with a vibrant and eclectic mix of experiences. For a season pass or one-off tickets for arts, theatre, music and culture, you will not be disappointed with Merrigong Theatre Company. Tickets here would be an incredible Christmas gift.

South Coast Distillery

If you’re looking for a fantastic gift, consider purchasing some locally made gin or a voucher from South Coast Distillery so your family and friends can select their own. You can also explore the amazing workshops and experiences available. These options are sure to impress your loved ones!

Jamberoo Action Park

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Jamberoo Action Park

Season passes to Jamberoo Action Park mean a whole season of fun and laughter for children of all ages or a whole family. It’s an epic day out and a gift anyone would be thrilled to receive. Gift vouchers for a day there are also an incredible gift.

Three Flamingos Espresso

A cafe voucher makes a wonderful gift for adults and families. Three Flamingo Espresso provides delicious food and drinks at affordable prices. The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere. A gift voucher from here is sure to impress anyone this Christmas.

Treetops Adventure Nowra

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Treetops Adventure, Nowra

Fly through the treetops at Treetops Adventure Nowra. This is Australia’s first tree ropes and cliff edge park. It is located inside the Shoalhaven Zoo, so the views of the animals below are awesome—a gift anyone, child or adult, would adore.

Centro CBD

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Centro CBD, Wollongong

Buying gifts can be tricky, but with a Centro CBD Restaurant Gift Card you’re giving your friends and family the opportunity to get something they’ll truly enjoy. With live music and amazing food, a gift voucher from Centro CBD is a perfect gift for gourmet foodie adults who love fine dining with a great atmosphere. They have regular bands and artists performing, and their focus on gourmet food makes a night there a memorable experience.

It’s time to get into the festive season spirit like never before! Enjoy incredible dining offers, concert updates, dine for free on your birthday, bonus gift cards and VIP benefits when you sign up to the Centro CBD database!

WEA Illawarra

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – WEA Illawarra

With a wide range of courses set to impress the teen or young adult in your life, as well as adults. Check out the courses for a great original gift to enhance current skills or learn new ones at  WEA Illawarra.

Twig & Bo Florist

Twig & Bo Florist is an award-winning florist has incredible posies for your loved ones, but they also have a wide range of beautiful gifts and cards for those who want to buy something unique and special.

Science Space

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Science Space, Wollongong

The Science Space is a fantastic science museum for kids of all ages. Why not buy an annual pass for your family or the kid in your life (it also gets you access to Questacon in Canberra, too!) or a day visit? Better yet, why not buy one for yourself and go with them? The Planetarium’s magic and science shows are sure to amaze and inspire. They also have an epic gift shop with inspired gifts for your little scientist.

Shellharbour & Jervis Bay Wild

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Shellharbour Wild

Shellharbour & Jervis Bay Wild offer whale watching and scenic adventures great for adults or families. Whale watching is May – Nov at Shellharbour Wild and at other times check out Jervis Bay Wild Passage Cruises and Dolphin Tours. Magical! They have a range of cruises to choose from, and a gift voucher from here would be a wonderful gift for nature lovers. There’s something special about seeing wild animals in their natural habitat and being a part of their world for a while.

UOW Early Start Discovery Space

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Early Start Discovery Space

Great for kids under twelve, the Early Start Discovery Space is an amazing day out with fresh exhibits or zones added regularly, friendly staff, and a great gift store. This museum for young kids is the most impressive one I’ve ever been to. It makes learning effortless and fun, so let the kids explore and see how much fun they have and how much they learn. Annual passes are affordable and an awesome gift for a child or a family.

Kid’s Classes across the Illawarra

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – Kids’ classes – Gravity Gym, Warrawong

Buying your niece, nephew, grandchild or child a term of classes is the gift that keeps on giving. With a wide range of kids’ classes available across the Illawarra, there’s sure to be one that your young one will enjoy.

The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant

Top 20 Christmas Gift Ideas Illawarra – The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant, Wollongong

Located in picturesque Stuart Park in North Wollongong, the Lagoon Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience. It is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Gift cards are available in any amount, making them the perfect solution for Christmas. Simply purchase at The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant‘s reception or phone (02) 4226 1677.

Christmas Markets

We hope this guide has inspired you and given you new ideas for buying your Christmas gift. If you’d like to hear more from us, please subscribe below. Also below are some options for reading more of our articles filled with local intel. Thank you so much for your time and reading.

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About the Author: Lisa Hagan
Lisa grew up in Thirroul and is a mum of four children. She loves exploring the Illawarra and its surroundings.