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How to shop small in Newcastle this Christmas

We all want to support our small local businesses this Christmas, but it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start. We’ve rounded up our top small Newcastle shops to visit for all your gift giving needs this festive season.

63 Hunter Street Newcastle, 2300

For the fashion lovers in your life, head into Hunter Street Mall and visit Hey Jude Love Pete.

They stock the beautiful Merry People gumboots, bright and colourful clothing, plenty of accessories and a whole bunch of cute socks – perfect for secret santa gifts.

Open 7 days a week and gift vouchers available.

1A Dixon Street, Hamilton 2303

You could probably knock off a fair chunk of your shopping list in this store alone, with plenty of ideas for loved ones here.

There’s a great selection of gifts for kids, as well as unique homewares, jewellery, art,  beach supplies, kitchenware, decorations and clothing.

You can order online for free local pick up, and the team offers beautiful complimentary gift wrapping too. It couldn’t be easier!

Shop 3, 850 Hunter Street Newcastle West, 2302

Take your wrapping to the next level at this beautiful Newcastle West paper goods store.

You’ll also find unique cards, as well as a selection of small gifts suitable for the stationary lovers in your life.

Browse their range of coffee-table and kids’ books, and simply enjoy slowing down and immersing yourself in this beautiful store. Customers can also enjoy free gift wrapping on all purchases!

74 Darby Street Cooks Hill, 2300 

Support Australian makers and creators at this Darby Street gem.

You’ll find gorgeous quirky jewellery, pins, paper goods, tea towels, books, magazines and so much more.

Their in-house screen-printed t-shirts make for a unique gift – we love the ‘Old Mate’ and the new ‘Maaate’ designs.

Shop 6, 8 Wolfe Street
Newcastle, 2300

Support slow fashion this festive season with sustainable designs from High Tea With Mrs Woo. 

The team is currently offering bonus amounts to spend with any gift card purchase, which makes for some pretty easy giving options! They’ve also curated a bunch of gift ideas, from clothing to socks, jewellery, candles and more.

Swell Mag - Studio Melt

Shop 6, 18 Wolfe St Newcastle, 2300 

For something a bit special, head to Studio Melt where you’ll find carefully curated objects from over 75 leading studio-based jewellers and makers from around Australia.

You’ll also find a selection of beautiful hand-painted ceramics and pottery. The place to go to spoil your loved ones this Christmas.

Level 1, Under the Telstra shop, Charlestown Square

If you’re shopping at Charlestown Square this Christmas, don’t forget to pop in and see the team at Creative Village, for a wide selection of local handmade and artisanal wares.

Choose from foodie hampers, DIY pot painting sets, original art, ceramics and more.

69 Beaumont Street Hamilton, 2303

Another favourite local bookshop for all the readers in your life. The team has curated a beautiful selection of gifts, including:

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Extinct Animals by local author/illustrator Sami Bayli. Perfect for curious kids of all ages.

George the Wizard by TV personality Tony Armstrong. A picture book about being yourself.

Newcastle Playing Cards by beloved Novocastrian Trevor Dickinson.

Cute reading glasses for all book lovers (many styles in-store).

2025 First Nations Wall Calendar featuring contemporary Indigenous artists (other styles and artists in-store).

Read Outside 1000 piece puzzle (other puzzles in-store).

Cakeboi Goes Vegan: 60 Classic, Plant-Based Bakes by local Masterchef star and owner of Cakeboi, Reece Hignell.

MacLean’s gift card. Any amount and doesn’t expire. Can be used online and in-store.

Surf and Art: Contemporary Surf Artists Around the World. Beautiful coffee table book for surfing enthusiasts.

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth and The Close-Up by Pip Drysdale. Just two books from our enormous selection of fantastic fiction!

Shop 1, 110 Scott Street
Newcastle,  2300

Ditch the big book chains this Christmas and head into The Station Newcastle to browse at the beautiful Betty Loves Books store.

The team is happy to help you find a book for all kinds of readers, and they’ve also got a selection of secondhand books for budget and eco-conscious buyers.

We love their ‘Book of the Month’ subscription option – it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

63 Railway St Merewether, 2291

Merewether Atelier is a collaborative concept store on Railway Street.

Shop gifts for all ages, elevated every day and resort wear and preloved fashion labels from local makers and traders.

Words: Hannah Mills

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B: Body Length 66 69 72 74 76 78
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