Gourmet Traveller’s guide to Christmas gifts that look expensive but cost under $100

If she’s been riding the increasingly-popular matcha train, why not treat her to a ceremonial set of her own? Just don’t forget to also add the ceremonial grade matcha powder.

New Zealand fashion brand Kowtow has partnered with Nonna’s Grocer, an artisan candle maker from Victoria, to delivery this fresh summer scent in the form of a soy-wax pear.

This organic shaped vase is for lovers of wabi-sabi romance. Perfect for those wanting a touch of colour and warmth in their home.

We all need to stay hydrated, why not do it in style? The perfect gift for your fashionable, office-working pals.

This blush endures as one of the most popular beauty products of the last two years. A girl can’t have enough Merit Flush Balm colourways—and at $48 a piece, you can get two for under $100!

If the woman you’re buying for is the kind who loves a weekend trip to the produce markets, or simply desires a chic but casual carry-all for the weekends, this could be the solution to her woes. And who would have thought this cute accessory was straight from the line of condiment queen Maggie Beer?

L’Occitane body products make for perfect gifts for the woman who has everything. From the cult-favourite almond shower oil to this moisturising body oil, whoever is on the receiving end of these products will be eternally grateful for their thoroughly hydrated skin.

If you know somebody looking for an accent cushion for their living or bedroom, this pink-and-green stripe, 100% cotton cover could be the perfect gift.

A classic for a reason, Aesop simply can’t stop selling their cult favourite hand wash (and matching hand balm, $51). A bougie soap is the perfect gift for those who refuse to spoil themselves with little luxuries.

A silk scarf is the accessory of 2025. This one can be worn as a top, a headscarf or a wrap—so, really, it’s multiple gifts in one. At this price point, it makes the perfect stocking-stuffer or Kris Kringle gift.

If you know somebody who loves a baseball cap, and a bit of flash, this satin-finish trucker hat from Deus ex Machina is the gift for them. The perfect statement accessory for the un-apologetically well-dressed.

For the home cook in your life, this sheet pan is perfect for small families or folks who live alone. It can be used on the stove top or in the oven, is toxin-free and comes in five different colourways. It’s also easily carried if you wanted to take it camping.

With summer upon us, your loved one might be swapping their hot morning latte for an iced coffee, cold brew or matcha. These insulated Frank Green cups are eco-friendly and stylish.

The ultimate Christmas gift for whisky lovers under $100, is undeniably this comprehensive and artful guide to Japanese whisky by expert Dave Broom.

Scraping in just under $100, you really can’t go wrong with gifting a set of glasses from designer glassware brand Maison Balzac.

This luxe bath towel is the perfect gift for a man who appreciates the soft touch of OEKO-TEX-certified, 100% premium Australian cotton.

If you’re gifting a person who loves to stay organised, the Moleskine 2026 Weekly Notebook is a classic stationery gift. Alternatively, the dreamers in your life may prefer the simple lined notebook in which to scrawl their thoughts.

One of the year’s most exciting cookbooks was this definitive guide to Vietnamese cuisine. Following an October release, Christmas is the perfect time to gift this special book—and striking piece of green decor!—to a loved one.

An adorable gift for the friend who loves to entertain, this green ceramic olive jar comes with it’s own fork to avoid fingers dipping in to the olive bowl.

Fancy olive oil is the ideal gift for any foodie. This one comes in a bottle designed by Italian artist Stella Tasca—giving it that extra something special that marks a good Christmas present.

Can you blame us? For less than $100 you can gift someone a full year of joy when the latest issue of Gourmet Traveller arrives in their mailbox.

This architectural candle holder is a great gift for anyone who loves statement decor.

In true French Style, this fruit or serving bowl is understated and elegant. The butter yellow colour—one of the most popular hues to emerge in 2025—with navy trim is given that extra pop by the “joie de vivre” subtly inscribed on its interior. If you don’t like this piece, check out more of the range from Black Blaze—an affordable but stylish homewares range, full of statement tablewear and decor at affordable prices.

If you know someone who loves stylish silverware, this two-person collection from Maison Balzac will find them overjoyed.

If your loved ones love to travel, you cannot go wrong with a gift of packing cubes. The ultimate travel must-have, packing cubes make everyone’s life easier—and this set from luggage brand July are rather stylish, too.