Christmas is creeping into our shops slowly but surely, just as it does every year, but this year it has a different vibe. More fun, more festive, and more joyful. After the last two Christmases were highly unusual for us all, it’s no wonder the 2022 festive season is kicking off early and with such fervour! Whatever figgy pudding is, bring me some stat so I can join in on the festivities!

Christmas is the happiest time of year for so many reasons. Firstly, we get to spend quality time with our friends and family, many of whom we don’t see regularly. And in many cases, this year we might get to see people we haven’t seen in nearly three years! If that isn’t a cause for celebration on its own, I don’t know what is. But in addition to that, there’s a joyful feel in the air wherever you go. Between the beautiful decorations, peppermint and chocolate snacks, and dreams of a delicious seafood Christmas lunch with your nearest and dearest, if you’re extra excited for Christmas this year, nobody’s going to blame you!

There’s just one thing that may be weighing on your mind— presents. However, the good thing about the Christmas season appearing early is that we’re all reminded to get stuck into our Christmas gift shopping earlier. That gives us more time to find the perfect present for that special someone, and more time to browse the shops before the last-minute shoppers arrive. Was that person you? Not anymore!

This article shows you what you can buy for who, and where in Moonee Ponds you’ll find it. Not sure what to get for your mum, friend, nephew, or father-in-law? No need to stress— we’ve got it all sorted for you right here in Moonee Ponds.

 

Christmas Gift Ideas

Not sure what you’re looking for? Not even sure who you’re looking for? No problem— when you see it, you’ll know! Moonee Ponds has a great array of gift stores where there’s something for everyone, you just need to head on in and see what’s on offer.

At Dartagnan Interiors at 106 Puckle Street, you’ll find homewares and gifts aplenty. Between the home décor, soft furnishings, wall art, fashion accessories, and drinkware, we’ll be surprised if you leave without something for yourself in amongst your shopping! Candles are always a good go-to, and Dartagnan has one for everybody, whether they’re into florals, linen, or nature. Meanwhile, they also have a large selection of books, jewellery, and Christmas ornaments and decorations, so prepare to spend a bit of time here!

Bed Bath ‘n’ Table at 102 Puckle Street is also a great place to find the perfect gift. Plants, including artificial plants, have made a big comeback in recent years, and it’s no surprise, given how they liven up a room! Cute pots and planters make excellent presents for people of all ages, and the best thing about artificial plants is that you can’t kill them before gifting them! (I learnt my lesson the hard way.)

Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids

Got a little one in your life? No matter how little or big they may be now, kids are always the most fun to shop for at Christmas. Imagining seeing their eyes light up as they unwrap the perfect gift is enough to make you want to spoil them all— go on!

Kidstuff, in Moonee Ponds Central Shopping Centre, certainly has a lot of kids stuff. Who knew educational toys could be so fun and so cute?! They cater to children of all ages with soft toys, STEM learning toys, creative toys, wooden toys, outdoor games and toys, and more. Outdoor toys always go down well on Christmas morning, so the Freeplay Kids Disc Ball and the Gazillion Bubbles Big Bubble Wand Giant are sure to be popular.

In Little Soldiers Children’s Boutique at 16 Puckle Street, you’ll come across the most adorable outfits you’ve ever seen, easily. The Primrose and Unicorn bucket hats by Aster & Oak are as practical as they are beautiful, making them a great gift for parents of young ones. Looking for something that the kids will latch onto and carry around all day? You can’t go past the super cute Splash Buddy toys by Tiger Tribe. Dino or MerCat? Let’s go with both, just to be safe.

Paulene Maree at 101 Puckle Street is another great option for kids’ clothing— the Rock Your Baby Cosmic Kitten track pants and shirt are as popular as they are adorable, so get in quick!

Eating Out

Still thinking about the seafood from earlier? That’s fair enough! Christmas is about eating as well as gift giving, and shopping can certainly work up an appetite.

Escagrill at 650 Mount Alexander Road serves up premium steak, seafood, and pasta and offers an extensive wine list to go with it. Whether you need to fuel up before or after shopping, or you’re interested in buying a gift voucher for somebody else, this is the place to go!

Fancy some Greek fare? Philhellene at 551-553 Mt. Alexander Road offers provincial Greek food that will make your mouth water just thinking about it. They pride themselves on being the closest you’ll come to a traditional homecooked Greek meal here in Melbourne, so you know you’re in for a treat! They also offer gift vouchers, so once you’ve discovered them you can share the deliciousness with your family and friends.

No mention of food can go without a recommendation for an Italian restaurant! Carosello, at 22 Margaret Street, is a Moonee Ponds favourite and known as the longest-standing pizza restaurant in Australia. Shopping and pizza— yes, please!

Christmas Entertaining

Are you hosting Christmas at your place this year? If so, there’s no time like the present to get stuck into organising! If you’re looking into where to buy the freshest produce to make the big day a festive feast, Ladybird Organics at 130 Puckle Street will have you, and the family sorted in no time. This family-run business offers a welcoming and homely environment to go with its organic produce, some of which is from its own farm. You can place an order in-store, via phone, or by popping in to see their selections in person.

When it comes to deli meats, head to Mothers’ Pantry at 18/20 Homer Street. This family-owned and operated business has over 30 years of deli experience, so it’s safe to say they know their meat! Their deli counter extends 20 metres— yes, 20 metres!— and is filled with delicious meats and cheeses to make your Christmas at home the best one yet. Plus, the dessert selection with its gourmet cakes, chocolates, and biscuits means you’ll need to access your dessert stomach after your big meal, so don’t forget to leave some room!

Last but not least, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without nuts. While it may not be prime weather to be roasting chestnuts over an open fire, it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t stuff yourself silly with them! You can find Ray’s Top Nuts at 36 Hall Street, where they also provide baking supplies like flour and dried fruits so you can get your bake on this holiday season.

Christmas Events

Now that we’re back to celebrating events in person, we’re going all out! The Moonee Ponds Traders Association Christmas Festival will be held on November 26th from 11 am to 4 pm, and will take place all through Moonee Ponds’ main streets. This free event will be packed with family-friendly Christmas fun, such as face painting, an animal farm, jumping castle, and a giant super slide. There will also be a set by DJ Ben Sorensen, a choir performance by Sisters and Misters, and a special appearance from a certain round jolly man dressed in red! Join us as we celebrate our favourite season this November 26th on Pratt, Hall, and Puckle Streets between 11 and 4.

Celebrate Christmas In Moonee Ponds

Whether you’re looking for gifts, ways to decorate your home, or a festive party to get you in the holiday spirit, you can find it all right here in Moonee Ponds. Are you shopping for somebody who’s particularly difficult to buy for? Not anymore, you’re not! With the wide range of gift ideas from so many great stores in Moonee Ponds, finding the perfect gift is easier than ever. Your picky mother-in-law or friend who has everything will be blown away!

While you’re perusing the shops, don’t forget to grab all of the decorations that will turn your home into the biggest and best festive zone Moonee Ponds has ever seen. And with Christmas at home on your mind, you’ll be wishing it were December 25th as you browse the delicious food options to feed your friends and family.

Last but not least, of course, get your party shoes on to celebrate the Moonee Ponds Traders Association Christmas Festival on November 26th. Events are back, and we’re ready to party, eat, and shop all season long!

SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN MOONEE PONDS

Explore the full list of Christmas and End of Year Offers available at Moonee Ponds here!

Share: