Christmas on the Mornington Peninsula looks a little different - sandy feet, long lunches, beach bags by the door and gifts chosen with care. This guide is our way of sharing the things we genuinely love: thoughtful presents for kids and grown-ups, all created by or sourced from local legends we’re proud to support.
Whether you’re shopping for little groms, creative kids, nature lovers or treating the adults this season (because it’s not all about the kids, right?), we hope this helps you shop locally in this last little dash and celebrate what makes our community so special.
For Little Groms & Curious Kids
Our favourite things, for your favourite people, from our favourite locals.
If you’re shopping for curious kids, beach-loving groms and little creatives, this edit is all about local stories, hands-on play and gifts that celebrate growing up by the sea. Even better? Every piece is available right here on the Mornington Peninsula.
Surf All Day – Giclée Print (A4)
By local illustrator Connah Brecon
With over 30 known surf breaks across the Mornington Peninsula, there’s no shortage of waves to dream about and this print captures that magic perfectly. Surf All Day is an open edition giclée print featuring playful dolphins riding alongside a young surfer, celebrating our coastal lifestyle in the most joyful way.
A beautiful artwork for bedrooms or playrooms, and a keepsake that grows with them.
📍 A4 Unframed Available at Little Paper Planes, Mount Martha(opposite the playground)
Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure
By locals Lyndall Underwood & Connah Brecon
Our very own children’s book takes young readers on an A to Z journey through the places that make our region so special. From Cape Schanck Lighthouse to Flinders Pier and the Mud Islands (keep an eye out for a Bronze Whaler Shark!), each page invites exploration, curiosity and local pride.
With a soft coastal colour palette and playful language, it’s equal parts storytime favourite and gentle learning tool - perfect for little explorers.
📍 Available at Antipodes Bookshop, Sorrento
Australian Sea Creatures – Felt Finger Puppets
By Create and Wonder
Pick a favourite — or build a whole underwater cast. These felt finger puppets feature beloved Australian sea creatures including octopus, seahorses, stingrays and whales (some you might recognise from Mornington Peninsula ABC book).
Designed in Australia and lovingly handcrafted in Nepal, they’re ideal for imaginative play, storytelling and educational fun.
📍 Available online from Ninch Kids
Quut Bucki – The Ultimate Beach Bucket
A true summer essential for little hands. Bucki is both bucket and sieve, perfect for collecting shells, washing treasures and building sandcastles. With its clever shape and clickable handle, it’s designed for endless beach adventures and doubles as a nature-collecting companion on walks and playdates.
Guaranteed to be used all summer long.
📍 Available at Little Paper Planes, Mount Martha (opposite the playground)
Crashing Sandcastles
By local author Andrea Rowe
A gentle, thoughtful picture book about navigating big feelings, disappointment and kindness to ourselves and to others. Crashing Sandcastles is a beautiful read for quieter moments, perfect for slow summer afternoons by the bay. A meaningful gift that opens up important conversations in a soft, age-appropriate way.
📍 Available from Petersen’s Bookstore, Hastings
Stars Align Dress – Blue & Yellow
By local brand Sunday Siblings
Hello, pretty little dress, perfect for Christmas Day by the beach. This sleeveless, lightweight knitted dress is made for sunny days and easy play. Scattered with stars and crafted from soft, breathable fabric, it’s comfortable, practical and undeniably cute.
📍 Available at Fred Peanut, Main Street Mornington (Empire Mall)
Nature Lovers, Little Makers & Backyard Explorers
If your kids are the type who notice birds on the walk to kinder, collect leaves in their pockets or love getting creative at the kitchen table, these picks are for them. Thoughtful, hands-on and beautifully made, all by brands and stockists we love supporting locally.
Australian Native Bird Felt Finger Puppet – Eastern Rosella
From Create and Wonder
A gorgeous addition to imaginative play, this felt finger puppet celebrates one of Australia’s most colourful native birds. Soft, detailed and perfectly sized for little hands, it’s ideal for storytelling, quiet play or pairing with a favourite nature book. Designed in Australia and handcrafted with care, it’s a lovely way to introduce kids to our local wildlife.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Explore Our National Parks – Framed Giclée Print
By local illustrator Connah Brecon
This beautiful framed print is perfect for families who love exploring the great outdoors. Featuring illustrated Australian national parks, it’s both educational and timeless - a piece that works just as well in a nursery as it does in a playroom or hallway.
A wonderful gift for nature-loving families and future adventurers.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Neighbourhood Nest
By Sarah Jane Lightfoot
When Maggie the magpie discovers an unexpected egg in her nest, she sets off across the neighbourhood to find where it belongs. From kookaburras at the end of the path to galahs by the oval and lorikeets in the gum trees, Neighbourhood Nest is a gentle, engaging story about curiosity, community and care. Written by the bestselling creator of Down the Road, it’s a beautiful celebration of nature right outside our front doors.
📍 Available from Farrells Bookshop, Mornington
Paint Your Own Aussie Animals
By Not Just Wombats
A firm favourite for crafty afternoons. These paint-your-own kits feature iconic Australian animals, each with their own personality and story. Locally made and handmade by a mother-and-daughter duo, they’re designed for little kids, big kids — and anyone who enjoys slowing down and getting creative.
Perfect for rainy days, holiday activities or gifting something a little different.
📍 DM via Not Just EWombats socials or find them at local markets
Australian Koala Natural Rubber Rattle, Teether & Bath Toy
From Tiriki
This adorable koala is as practical as it is sweet. Made from GOLS-certified pure natural rubber and hand-painted with non-toxic, water-based inks, it’s safe for teething, sensory play and bath time fun. It gently supports sensory development while comforting sore gums — and is a beautiful first toy for babies discovering the world.
📍 Available from Colourful Toy Learning Store, Mornington
Beach Days, Christmas Cheer & Coastal Play
These are the gifts we keep reaching for during summer - beach bags packed, sunscreen on, books tucked under arms and toys that invite kids outside. Thoughtful, practical and made to last.
Pat the Pelican – Bucket & Spade Set
By Happy Planet Toys
Inspired by the iconic Australian pelican, Pat the Pelican is a clever bucket-and-spade set designed for proper outdoor play. Little hands can scoop and dig with Pat’s head, then fill, build, store and carry treasures using his oversized beak. Made in Australia from recycled milk bottles, Pat is eco‑friendly, durable and fully recyclable - the kind of toy that lives in the car all summer.
📍 Available from Boat Shed 7, Rye
Aussie 12 Days of Christmas
By Brentos
An irresistible Australian twist on the classic Christmas song. From koalas in gum trees to warbling magpies, smiling quokkas and surfing dolphins, this pastel‑popping book is festive, funny and full of local Australian charm. Perfect for Christmas Eve reading - and one that’s just as enjoyable long after the decorations come down.
📍 Available from Farrells Bookshop, Mornington
Australian Sea Creatures Felt Finger Puppet – Seahorse
From Ninch Kids
A sweet addition to any play set, this felt seahorse finger puppet encourages imaginative storytelling and gentle play. Soft, beautifully detailed and designed to celebrate Australia’s unique marine life.
A lovely little gift that pairs perfectly with a favourite book or print.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
We Are Feel Good Inc. Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+
Our go‑to sunscreen for beach days with little ones. Gentle, fragrance‑free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin, this SPF50+ lotion is designed for face and body and offers up to four hours water resistance. Australian owned and made, it’s lightweight, non‑greasy and perfect for babies over six months, kids and expecting mums alike.
📍 Available from Boat Shed 7, Rye
We Love Weedy Seadragons – Framed Giclée Print
By local illustrator Connah Brecon
Straight from Mornington Peninsula ABC, this vibrant print celebrates the much‑loved weedy seadragon — often spotted by keen snorkellers around Flinders and Portsea Piers. A joyful, educational artwork that brings a little underwater magic into bedrooms and play spaces.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Speedy Monkey Rocking Stacker Whale
Can you stack your new whale friend without making the wave tumble? This beautifully made wooden toy helps develop fine motor skills, hand‑eye coordination and problem‑solving — all through play. Made from sustainably sourced wood and painted with non‑toxic paint, it’s a classic toy with plenty of replay value.
📍 Available from Wattle & Oak, Somerville
Koala Plush
By Furfolk Australia
Soft, snuggly and instantly lovable, this koala plush is ready to become a new bedtime favourite. With oversized ears and the perfect cuddle‑friendly belly, it brings the spirit of slow bush adventures indoors. Just like the koalas spotted dozing in the trees of Somers or The Briars, this plush pal celebrates one of the Peninsula’s most treasured locals.
📍 Available from McClelland Gallery Design Store
Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure
If you’re gifting one book this Christmas, make it one that tells the story of home. Featuring beloved local landmarks (including the Searoad Ferry pulling into Sorrento) this alphabet adventure is a keepsake families return to again and again.
📍Available from many of the stockists featured in this guide, and on board the Searoad Ferry itself.
A Day at the Rockpools – Giclée Print
By local illustrator Connah Brecon
This lively coastal artwork invites little explorers to discover crabs, starfish and hidden sea treasures. Printed on premium cotton rag paper and available framed or unframed, it’s a beautiful addition to nurseries, bedrooms or playrooms.
A print that sparks curiosity and brings a splash of summer indoors.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
LYRA Colour Giants Pencils (and range)
We LOVE Lyra, and we’re so excited they’re now stocked locally. LYRA has been crafting pencils and art supplies since 1806, and their tools are truly built for creativity across generations.
The LYRA Colour Giants are a classic for little artists — with extra-thick, highly pigmented leads that deliver beautiful, bold colour. They’re easy for small hands to grip, tough enough for everyday play and perfect for colouring, drawing and covering big areas with confidence. A brilliant gift for creative kids, school starters or anyone who loves having quality art supplies at home.
📍 Available from Little Paper Planes, Mount Martha
Australian Native Animal Felt Finger Puppet – Emu
From Ninch Kids
A fun and uniquely Australian addition to imaginative play, this felt emu finger puppet celebrates one of our most iconic native animals. Soft, detailed and perfectly sized for little hands, it’s ideal for storytelling, role play and pairing with favourite Aussie-themed books. Designed in Australia and handcrafted with care, it’s a lovely way to encourage curiosity about our local wildlife.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Nursery Times – Crinkly Newspaper (Australia)
By Jo & Nic’s Crinkly Cloth Books
A brilliant sensory book designed to look, feel and sound like a tiny newspaper. Lightweight, tactile and irresistibly crinkly, Nursery Times features bright illustrations and fun Australian facts. A gorgeous gift for babies and toddlers, ready to gift in its own card envelope.
📍 Available from Fred Peanut Boutique, Mornington
Sparkle, Stories & Summer Adventures
These picks are all about that extra bit of magic - sparkly craft, imaginative stories, beach essentials and experiences that make memories. Perfect for Christmas morning excitement and long summer days that follow.
Australian Sea Creatures Felt Finger Puppet – Starfish
From Ninch Kids
Another sweet addition to imaginative play, this felt starfish finger puppet celebrates one of the most-loved rockpool finds. Soft, tactile and easy for little hands, it’s perfect for storytelling, quiet play and pairing with coastal books and prints.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Foil Art – Ocean Magic
By Tiger Tribe
Junior creatives will love the satisfying process of creating their own shimmering underwater scenes. With peel-and-reveal sections and holographic foil, kids can customise narwhals, mermaids and seahorses into magical ocean artworks.
We love this one for its hands-on creativity - building fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and confidence, all while being completely screen-free.
📍 Available from Phoenix in the Turtle, Blairgowrie
Fairy Beach
By local author Sheila Knaggs
Gather your buckets and spades and head to the sand. But when the sun sets and the crowds disappear, the real magic begins. Fairy Beach is a whimsical Australian story that celebrates summer nights, imagination and the hidden secrets of the seaside.
A little birdie tells us there may even be a few signed copies available.
📍 Available from Rosebud Book Barn
Frankie Ray Baby Sunnies
A perfect stocking filler with purpose. Frankie Ray baby sunglasses are fitted with UV400 shatterproof safety lenses (Category 3), keeping little eyes 100% UV protected while still looking very cute. Practical, protective and made for sunny Peninsula days.
📍 Available from Lemonade Factory, Sorrento
Crywolf Everywhere Zip-Up Towel – Pink
A true summer essential. Made from luxe, super-soft cotton towelling, this clever zip-up towel doubles as a robe — perfect for warming up after the beach or pool, and cosy car rides home. A gift that will be used again and again all summer long.
📍 Available in two sizes from Little Nook, Mount Eliza
Quut Mini Ballo – No Spill Bucket
Our favourite beach toy EVER. Designed with a spherical shape and soft-touch finish, the Mini Ballo makes it easy for little hands to carry water without spilling it everywhere. Perfect for the beach, garden or bath, it encourages imaginative outdoor play and is made from durable, recyclable plastic.
📍 Available from Little Paper Planes, Mount Martha
Arthurs Seat Eagle Gift Cards
Give the gift of adventure and one of the best views on the Peninsula. Arthurs Seat Eagle gift cards can be used for gondola rides, the Eagle Café or retail stores, making them a flexible and memorable present for all ages. An experience gift they’ll never forget.
📍 Available from Arthurs Seat Eagle and online
Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure
Among the many wonderful children’s titles available at Dear Reader Books, this local favourite celebrates the places we know and love - making it a beautiful gift for visiting families or locals alike.
📍 Available from Dear Reader Books, Tyabb
Ministry of Chocolates – Reindeer Poo
What’s Christmas morning without a little treat? These cheeky favourites are actually chocolate-coated sultanas dusted in gold - festive, fun and delicious. Perfect for stockings, Santa sacks or sharing on Christmas Day.
📍 Available from Tully’s, Mornington
Australian Native Animal Felt Finger Puppet – Koala
From Create and Wonder
Soft, playful and instantly recognisable, this koala finger puppet is perfect for storytelling and imaginative play and a lovely nod to one of our most-loved local animals.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
The Lighthouse at the Cape – Framed Giclée Print
By local illustrator Connah Brecon
Inspired by Cape Schanck Lighthouse, this beautiful print brings one of the Peninsula’s most iconic landmarks into your home. Timeless, coastal and full of local pride.
📍 Available from Ninch Kids
Dromana Drive In Gift Cards
Give the gift of a night out under the stars. A Dromana Drive In gift card promises classic summer evenings, snacks in hand and memories made from the back seat.
We’ve got Anaconda on our must-see list this summer. What about you?
📍 Available online from Dromana Drive In
For the Grown-Ups (Because It’s Not All About the Kids)
Thoughtful, indulgent and proudly local - these are the gifts we love giving (and receiving). Perfect for hosts, teachers, friends, family or anyone who deserves a little extra love this Christmas.
Olive & Ollie Christmas Gift Soaps
Add a touch of festive luxury to your gifting with these limited edition Christmas soaps. Beautifully packaged and thoughtfully designed, they’re perfect as stocking fillers, table bonbons or small thank-you gifts. Each bar is handmade using Australian olive oil and natural ingredients, gently cleansing and nourishing the skin — a little everyday indulgence that feels just right this time of year.
📍 Available from Wise & Co Dispensary, Balnarring
Johnny Ripe Fruit Mince Tarts
Locally made, iconic and utterly delicious. Johnny Ripe has truly nailed it with these classic fruit mince tarts - flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich mincemeat, succulent fruits and premium spices. Handmade with love and perfect for Christmas gatherings, these tend to sell fast - so grab them when you see them.
📍 Available from Flinders General Store, Flinders
Birdrock Ceramics – Handmade Mugs & Pieces
These stunning handmade ceramics by local maker Birdrock Ceramics bring a beautiful coastal and geometric edge to everyday rituals. Each piece is crafted on the Mornington Peninsula, with the Tidal Mugs hand-painted inside and out, then dipped in layered glazes inspired by the crossing of sea tides.
Functional, thoughtful and made to be used daily.
📍 Available from Shoreham General Store, Shoreham
Wildflower Coffee & Fressko Reusable Cups
Because Christmas is a serious coffee (and then more coffee) time of year. The team at Wildflower have you sorted with their delicious coffee, paired perfectly with Fressko’s award-winning reusable cups. With a premium ceramic interior coating and classic cup feel, they’re a practical, sustainable gift that will be used well beyond summer.
📍 Available from Wildflower Coffee, McCrae
A Good Little Thing – Gift Vouchers
Rainbow wraps, great coffee, scones on Sundays, toasties, flowers, take-home meals and shelves full of local gifts - A Good Little Thing is a Peninsula favourite for good reason. A gift voucher here is the perfect way to share the local love.
📍 Available from A Good Little Thing, Tootgarook
Mock Red Hill Cider
What’s Christmas without a little cheer? We love a cheeky cider (or two) from Mock Red Hill, often picked up straight from the farm gate. With roots dating back to 1895, five generations of the Mock family continue to grow biodynamic apples in the Red Hill hinterland, crafting beautifully balanced ciders, apple cider vinegar and more.
Apple or pear - it’s hard to choose.
📍 Available from Mock Red Hill, Red Hill
Merry Christmas
In the last few days before Christmas, we hope we’ve inspired some beautiful ways to support local this festive season with our Christmas Gift Guide. It means the world to local creatives, makers, producers and stockists when you choose to shop locally and support the incredible businesses that make the Mornington Peninsula such a special place to live, visit and raise our little families.
Wishing you all a joyful, relaxed and sun-soaked Christmas - from our family to yours