It’s Giving Season 💅🏼; A Glass Gift Guide

It’s offical; we have less than a month until Christmas. And you, being the broke uni student that you are, have hardly even started your gift shopping. So Glass has put together an extensive gift guide, categorised into friend types to bring you the best possible gift recommendations. No need to thank us, just make sure one of these gifts is under our tree on Christmas Day.

This one is easy to spot; they’re always reading. They have the biggest book collection you’ve ever seen, they’re reading a new book every time you see them, and they also probably have some sort of book-themed instagram or a Goodreads account they never shut up about. Look for their gifts in literally any bookstore, to get either books or book themed trinkets. You could even support your local independent bookstore, like Avid Reader in West End, Little Bird Bookshop in Paddington, or the queer focused bookstore Shelf Lovers in Wooloowin. Or, just feast your eyes on these little gems. 

T2 has a wide range of literary-themed gift packs for Christmas this year, including General Fiction, Romance Fiction, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and Festive classics. Pick one up here.

Check out Dymocks’ broad range of book themed puzzles here, from Shakespeare to the Brontë sisters.

Get them something to decorate their book shelves, like this book nook kit.

Support your local bookstores, like Avid Reader, and gift the book worm in your life a fun literary themed game. 

Aka the attention whore. They have always have a full calendar, make friends with strangers daily, and love being the centre of attention. Where to find their perfect gift? Check those weird tables of games and knickknacks that can be found in every edgy clothing store.  

Help them remain the centre of attention with this little karaoke speaker.

They’re the only person you know that could pull of something this bold.

What extrovert doesn’t love to host? Help them make an impression on their guests. 

Empower your extrovert by introducing them to the biggest attention whores of all; comedians. 

Their favourite time is downtime. You only see them once in a blue moon, because they’re too busy protecting their peace. Let them know that you’re thinking about them, by allowing them to better enjoy their comfort zone. You can find some cozy gifts ideas in simple places like any homewares section, IKEA, or even your local supermarket. They’re easy to please. 

Make their couch time snacking a little more festive with an advent calendar (and let them know it’s okay to eat it all in one sitting). 

They probably don’t like physical touch that much, but this weighted blanket will feel like a hug they’ll actually enjoy. 

Show me a couch potato that isn’t weirdly obsessed with socks. Spice up their sock drawer with these charming patterns. 

Maybe get something a little more practical, like this remote controlled plug so they don’t have to get up to turn off the lights when it’s finally time for bed.

Get them a little friend to keep them company, like this stuffed whale from IKEA. His mouth has a zipper and his name is BLÅVINGAD. He’s perfect. 

This friend is a jack of all trades. They probably have a garden, a sewing machine, maybe even a hammer. The trick to finding the perfect gift for them is getting something that will keep distracted, much like you would for a toddler. Look for their gifts in Bunnings, Spotlight, and craft stores.

Add to their house full of handmade decor with these pretty lego sunflowers; and the best part is, they’ll never wilt.

A mini toolkit will be a godsend to your craftiest friend. Who knows, maybe they’ll build you something as a thank you. 

Give them the gift of Christmas spirit and the delicious feeling of accomplishment with a gingerbread house kit. With any luck, they’ll share it with you. 

Scrapbooking, zine making, collaging; this book from artist Martina Calvi has it all. This will keep your crafty friend distracted for AT LEAST two weeks.

How do I describe her? She loves the pretty things in life, is overly sentimental, and believes in love. She’s a beautiful girl in a cruel world. Get her something to make her feel like the princess she is. Where to find her gifts? Look into your heart to find the right answer. 

They’re going to need a pretty notebook for all their big thoughts and feelings. Give their musings somewhere beautiful to live. 

This collection of anonymous female fantasies, collected by Gillian Anderson herself, will keep the lover girl in your life mesmerised for hours at a time. Task them with guessing which of the anonymous confessions are from Gillian herself. 

Make their comfort zone look a little cuter, with some pretty new pillows. 

Feed into their sentimental side with a film camera that will allow them to capture all their fondest memories in the nostalgic graininess of film. 

 Maybe only opt for this gift idea if you guys are reeaaaallllly close. 

We all know one of them. They have an obsession that they don’t play about. Maybe they have a fan page or phone background dedicated to their hero. Normally it’s annoying, but hey, it’s Christmas. Why not indulge their obsession a little, just this once.

It’s simple, it’s effective, it’s 100% necessary. They’ll be forever grateful to you for giving them an opportunity to stare at their idol all day, every day. 

Go straight to the source, and get the fanatic some of the artist’s official merch to show them you really care. 

A mug with their face on it. A clay dish inscribed with their lyrics. One of those Jesus candles with their face superimposed on it. Whatever the random object, the fanatic will thank you for merging their obsession with the mundane. 

You can easily (and cheaply) support small artists by browsing platforms like Etsy and Redbubble for fan-made merch. You’re much more likely to find interesting and unique pieces that way, in order to make your friend stand out in crowd of fans.

You probably know one. Maybe you are one. Whoever they are, make the gay in your life feel a little special with some gay coded gifts that aren’t tacky or rainbow coloured. 

A chance to drink iced coffee AND being environmentally conscious? This gift will have your gay eating out of the palm of your hand. 

Gay dating can be hard. Let your gbf know you’re thinking of them in these trying times, by giving them the gift that keeps on giving; unlimited swipes. 

Okay, okay, I know not ALL gays smoke, but ashtrays can be such a cute piece of decor – like this one – and anyway, they can double as a trinket dish. You literally can’t go wrong! 

They’re sexy firemen. PLUS horses. Need I say more? 

Join forces with your gay against their common enemy; the big light. Stick to small, warm, interestingly shaped lamps, like this one. 

They’re the responsible one, the designated driver, the one that holds your hair back when you’re sick. They always have your back and your total trust. Being a mum friend is less about whether they have children or not, but more of a state of mind. If you need some gift inspiration for them, stalk their Pinterest boards.

They’re going to need something to carry around their emergency snacks, address book, and wet wipes. Get them something pretty, like this knitted tote. 

Maybe the obvious choice, but they’ll love it nevertheless. If you’re unsure about what they like, a nice rosé is always a safe bet. 

No more Live Laugh Love. Get your mum friend some framed artwork that is beautiful and inspiring, without being tacky. 

If they’re the baking type, they’ll love some classy, retro kitchenware, like this butter dish. 

What mum doesn’t love flowers? Gift them something pretty to showcase their bouquets in, like this vase.