Are you looking for somewhere to find a unique gift for someone (read: yourself!). there are plenty of places around Canberra’s CBD – and you can make your way to most of them on foot! Here is just a few of our favourites.
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Honkytonks Night Markets
5 Garema Place, Canberra
Hours: See Facebook page for more details
Nothing showcases local designers, fashionistas, jewellery makers, artists and more like the Honkytonks Night Markets. Generally held every three or four months, these markets offer the chance to snap up some great deals and help support local businesses (and all whilst sipping on a mulled cider…yum!). I’ve bought a cool terrarium from last night’s event and my favourite ‘boyfriend’ paisley shirt is from here too!
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The Yellow Canary
Telita St, Cooper Lodge, University of Canberra
Hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm
Located on the UC campus, The Yellow Canary is a vintage clothing shop stocked up all your winter staples: jeans, crazy knits (for the more daring types), dresses, shoes and accessories (all for men too!). The Yellow Canary was started by Canberra local, Bridget Perman, who started her love affair with clothing, specifically op-shops, with her Mum. And this one is an affordable one too!
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The Old Bus Depot Markets
21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
Hours: Every Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm
On a Sunday morning, The Old Bus Depot Markets is your one-stop local shop. With everything from local food producers to handcrafted homewares, as well as art and photography, clothing, jewellery and trinkets, there’s something for all tastes at the ‘Bus Depot’. Plus, it’s perfect way to spend a Sunday morning with family or friends while searching out some good finds.
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Designer Op Shop
18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Hours:
M-F: 10.00am to 5:30pm
Sat: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sun: 11.00am to 4.00pm
For a more upmarket shopping experience, the Designer Op Shop on Lonsdale Street offers pre-loved and vintage designer clothing, glassware and homewares. Being a local Canberra family business, it’s awesome to know your supporting the local community by shopping here! Hey, who doesn’t want Tony Bianco heels at 50% of their original price?
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The Hive
58/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Hours: 10.00am to 5.00pm
The Hive is a stimulating gallery that has a specialised selection of crafts, art and designs, and is just a short walk from the Civic area. The front of The Hive is a shop for all ages and types with gorgeous gift ideas, lighting, unique homewares and fashion accessories. Out the back is a quaint gallery that holds exhibitions. You can always find something a little quirky here for a gift.
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Moxom + Whitney
55/28-30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Hours: 9.00am to 5:30pm
Moxom + Whitley is my favourite Canberra florist. They have stunning visual arrangements of fresh flowers with completely different vibes. From beautiful pink pastels to bright, Australian-style bouquets, this florist completely stands out from the crowd. Even their storefront is visually amazing, and has me mesmerised every time I walk past. Oh, and did I mention they have the coolest terrariums ever and classes as well?
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Lush
Shop DG31, Canberra Centre
Hours: 10.00am to 6.00am
Lush has Australia’s premier fresh, handmade and natural cosmetics. With products made in Sydney, it’s great knowing that their creams are not mass-produced and machine made. Lush only uses vegetarian ingredients, with little or no preservatives, so I’m always confident there’s no bad stuff in what I’m putting on my body or face.
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Shop Girl Flower Girl
1/13 Edgar St, Ainslie
Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30-5.30 | Saturday 10:00-4:00pm
Shop Girl Flower Girl is a gorgeous boutique located just outside the CBD at the Ainslie local shop. This store specialises in unique handcrafted products, ethical lifestyle products and old fashioned flower posies, perfect for gifts and decorative things for the home.
