In partnership with Strand Arcade and The Galeries 

There are seasons in life that invite us to slow down – moments when the world feels more luminous, when the familiar becomes extraordinary, and the simple act of choosing a gift becomes the ultimate gesture of devotion.

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, we’re reminded that gifting is not merely an exchange of objects, but an offering of attention, discernment and care. It asks us to be present. To seek out beauty not for its spectacle, but for the way it resonates.

In Sydney, two destinations have long held space for this kind of experience. The Strand Arcade – with its heritage charm and storied artisans – and The Galeries – with its contemporary pulse and creative energy – form a rare pairing: places where the ritual of choosing a gift still feels intimate, instinctive and deeply human. To step inside either is to enter a world where craftsmanship is celebrated, individuality is encouraged, and the act of giving is elevated to its most thoughtful form.

At the Strand Arcade, holiday wonder unfolds slowly. Its restored Victorian architecture sets the tone: a sanctuary where detail matters and the pace is measured. Here, gifting becomes an exploration of artistry. Within its walls reside icons of craftsmanship – Dinosaur Designs, channelling an almost sculptural philosophy, transforming humble resin into objects that feel at once elemental and avant-garde; Aesop, with its quietly cerebral approach to skincare, elevates daily rituals through botanical science and an unwavering devotion to sensory detail; Haigh’s Chocolates, continuing a lineage of meticulous confectionery, where heritage techniques and uncompromising quality result in flavours that feel both nostalgic and exacting; and Robert Clerc Jewellery, bringing the precision of a master goldsmith to contemporary forms, creating pieces that read like wearable studies in proportion, light and line.

Each creation, whether sculptural resin, botanical formulation, artisanal confection or heirloom jewellery, holds a story of dedication and technique passed down through generations. It is gifting at its most meaningful: objects chosen not for novelty, but for longevity.

Meanwhile, The Galeries offers a distinct but complementary experience – one rooted in contemporary style, cultural expression and the joy of discovery. More than a retail centre, it's a creative hub where fashion, food and design converge.

Housing destinations such as GANNI, which brings a distinctly Copenhagen sensibility, pairing playful silhouettes with a cultivated, forward-looking ethic that resonates with those who value fashion as cultural commentary; July, reimagining the tools of travel with an engineer’s clarity and a minimalist’s restraint, crafting objects that embody both function and quiet sophistication; Books Kinokuniya, a haven for the intellectually curious, its shelves offering an expansive world of literature, design thinking and global ideas waiting to be explored; and INCU, curators of fashion with a connoisseur’s eye, blending emerging and established labels in a way that reflects a nuanced understanding of contemporary style.

It's a precinct that speaks to those who gift with individuality in mind.

This season, The Galeries becomes even more alive through its Artist-in-Residence program, welcoming renowned designer Micke Lindebergh. His vibrant visual language transforms the space into a celebration of bold colour and floral form, culminating in a towering Christmas tree rendered in his signature style. It is immersive, uplifting and unmistakably modern – a reminder that the festive season can be both playful and profound.

At the centre of the activation, a kiosk offers a moment of delight: guests who spend $50 can select a colourful poster tube containing a limited-edition Lindebergh print. Some lucky recipients will discover rare artworks that unlock special prizes, making the experience as surprising as it is memorable.

Together, the Strand Arcade and The Galeries invite us to embrace gifting as it was always meant to be: a thoughtful, sensory journey shaped by connection, creativity and care. This season, they remind us that the most meaningful gifts are chosen slowly—and given with intention.