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If you need some Christmas inspiration, here's 19 unique gift ideas you can buy from the bush.

 

For several months now, the devastating effects of the drought have continued to dominate newspaper headlines.

It’s a crisis that’s currently affecting 97 per cent of NSW as well as large pockets of Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Not only does drought ravage the land, but it also impacts rural communities and businesses, who are left to bear the financial burden that comes with a lack of tourists and a strain on resources.

But thanks to social media, we have the opportunity to directly support rural businesses who are doing it tough.

In October, an Instagram movement was started by @buyfromthebush encouraging all Australians to buy products in-store or online to help struggling rural businesses make a living.

For these rural businesses, a single dollar really does go a long way, especially during this long, devastating drought.

If you’ve still got some Christmas shopping to get done, there’s no better time to buy from the bush.

Sydneysiders can also take advantage of the #buyfromthebush pop-up Christmas market on Thursday, December 12. Twenty rural businesses will be setting up shop in Martin Place from 8am to 8pm, giving customers the chance to peruse a range of goods from fashion and accessories, art, children’s clothing, and artisanal goods.

For everyone else, we’ve got an online gift guide with a bunch of easy (but unique) gift ideas you can buy to help local businesses battling the drought.

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Fashion

Pink Velvet Boutique (@pinkvelvet.boutique)

Location: West Wyalong, NSW

Pink Velvet is run by friends Kate and Tiarna and offers a range of summer fashion staples, from playsuits and dresses to stylish sandals.

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Lou Webb Collections (@louwebbcollections)

Location: Warren, NSW

Sarah Jessica Parker showed her support for this rural business when she wore one of their handcrafted headpieces during her recent Australian visit.

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Ollie & I (@ollieandiboutique)

Location: Narromine, NSW
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Mashup Designs (@mashupdesigns)

Location: Cobar, NSW

Friends Molly and Ash handmake scrunchies, hair clips and headbands in a bunch of different designs, including floral and leopard print. You can visit their online store, here.

 

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It’s #Friyay throw on your headband and start the weekend ✌????#mashupdesigns #headbands #handmade #leopardprint

A post shared by MashUp Designs (@mashupdesigns) on

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The Hall (@thehallcondo)

Location: Condoblin, NSW

Jewellery

Hand Made By Em (@handmadebyem)

Location: Breeza, NSW

These funky earrings are handcrafted from polymer clay by Em, a mum of two.

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Lizzy and Me (@lizzyandmedesigns)

Location: Carinda, NSW

Jazz has been making handcrafted jewellery out of resin and clay since she opened her store back in 2014. She also offers jewellery-making workshops so you can create your own bracelets, rings or trinket trays.  You can visit her online store, here.

 

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Good morning Monday! The start of a fresh new week! Bring it on!

A post shared by Jazz – Lizzy & Me (@lizzyandmedesigns) on

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Bags and clutches

The Good Gift Co (@thegoodgiftco)

Location: Online store operated on a property outside of Tamworth, NSW.

These chic linen and straw tote bags are available from The Good Gift Co, a premium gifting store owned by mum-of-two, Holly.

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Wattle and Twine (@wattleandtwine) 

Location: Made in Roma, QLD

This gorgeous gum tree clutch is handmade by Queensland designer, Andrea Phillips, who works with natural fibres and offcuts to reduce waste.

 

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I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m addicted to #modernaustraliana ????Beautifully crafted wares that pay homage to the wonderfully unique flora and fauna abundant in this, the lucky country ???????? An added bonus is when they’re crafted by small businesses on our own shores ???????? . Let me introduce you to the ‘Pinky Flowering Gum’ clutch ???? Combining Australian designed fabric from @farndesigns with the exquisite workmanship of Andrea from @scattered_four_winds This beauty sewn in Roma, Queensland is sure to make a statement. . PS. Little known fact – a portion of the farm we now call home was dedicated to growing Australian natives. The flowers used in the bouquets for the athletes at the Sydney Olympics were grown right here at #Redlands ???? Check out stories for some I snapped while checking calving cows today ???? What’s not to love about a tree that’s still producing the goods during drought ???????? . ???? shot by @spinifexandco another awesome Australian small biz ???????? #givemeahomeamongthegumtrees #floweringgum

A post shared by Wattle & Twine (@wattleandtwine) on

Mama Bear (@mama_bear_baby)

Location: Parkes, NSW

Mama Bear sell Australian-made nappy wallets that are both these functional and fashionable.

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Home decor

Hall and Co Homewares (@hall_homewares)

Location: West Wyalong, NSW

This store has the funkiest range of pots that will satisfy any plant-lover and is run by mother and daughter team Maddy and Kristy. You can get in touch on Instagram or visit their store, which is about a 5-hour drive away from Sydney. It also doubles as a cafe.

 

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⭐️ Do we have a pot problem ????..? ⭐️ Alllll our @jonesandco_ pots what do you think? ???? #pots

A post shared by Hall & Co Homewares (@hall_homewares) on

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Willow and Mill (@willowandmill)

Location: Near Willow Tree, NSW

Willow and Mill create unique eco-friendly home decor, with each piece handcrafted from sustainable fibres and fabrics.

Mink and Me (@minkandme)

Location: Coonamble, NSW.

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Lucy Moss first opened Mink and Me back in 2015 and has been selling everything from artwork, indoor plants and rugs ever since.

Little Willow Lavender (@littlewillowlavender) 

Location: Willow Tree, NSW

Little Willow Lavender is a small family-owned business which sells candles, bath salts and body butter made from lavender grown on their farm.

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Beauty

The Beauty Room Warren (@thebeautyroomwarren)

Location: Warren, NSW

These Australian-made soaps and hand creams can be purchased in-store or over the phone.

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Tea

Brisk Trading (@brisktrading)

Location: Guyra, NSW

Brisk Trading doesn’t have a website set up just yet but they can still post their products out to you.

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Christmas decorations and gifts

Note Couture (@note_couture)

Location: Condobolin, NSW

Note Couture is run by two mums, Amy and Kim, who offer personalised stationery, cards and invitations.

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Gifts at Teacup (@giftsatteacup)

Location: Roma, QLD

What is your favourite bush product? Tell us in the comments below.