Well-made ceramics make a perfect gift: they're hardy, practical and beautiful, and they get used every day. Whether it's a mug that takes pride of place on the kitchen shelf or a vase on the windowsill, there's a piece of pottery for everyone. With Christmas coming, here's how to choose, and what to buy at every budget.
Handmade ceramic gifts by budget
Under $50
- Espresso cups from $21: small, colourful and perfect for the coffee lover.
- Cups from $38: for tea, coffee or whatever they're drinking.
- Bauble vases from $45: little handbuilt bud vases for a single stem.
- Bowls from $45: small bowls for snacks, dipping sauces or jewellery.
- Side plates from $35.
$50 to $150
- Mugs from $65: the classic handmade gift, brush-glazed in my own colours.
- Smoosh vases from $70: slip cast, stacked forms in small and large.
- Planters from $68: for the plant lover, with or without saucers.
Statement gifts
- Sculptural vases and vessels from $160: one-off handbuilt pieces that hold flowers or stand on their own.
- Oyster serving platters from $245: a centrepiece for Christmas lunch.
- Table lamps from $520: handbuilt oyster lamps, wired and ready to plug in.
Think practically
A cup is a cup, right? You'd be surprised how many variations there are with cups and mugs, and how many people have a favourite shape. Do they like to cradle their mug in both hands, keep a small one on the bedside table, or need a big handle? From handmade ceramic mugs to slim espresso cups, you can take your pick.
Consider a colour palette
Does the person you're buying for like earthy tones, pastels, bold colour or neutral shades? Do they have a colour scheme at home? Are they matchy-matchy, or do they like an eclectic look? All of my glazes are my own, brushed on by hand in layers, and I release new colourways regularly, so you're sure to find something to suit. The latest pieces are always the first to go up.
Choose something unique
With mass-produced ceramics lining the shelves of supermarkets and department stores, it can be hard to find something that feels special. A one-of-a-kind piece of handmade pottery supports a local maker and gives the recipient something nobody else has, chosen by you with them in mind.
Add a note
If it's a gift, add a message in the order notes at checkout and I'll include a handwritten note with the order.
Still not sure? Give a gift card
If you're not sure what they'd love, a gift card lets them choose for themselves. You can choose any value from $20 to $2,000, it's emailed to the address used at checkout, and it never expires.
Happy hunting!
Rhiannon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ceramic gift under $50?
An espresso cup (from $21), a cup (from $38), a bauble vase for a single stem (from $45) or a small bowl (from $45). All are handmade in my Bellambi studio.
How much should you spend on a ceramic gift?
Whatever suits you: a handmade espresso cup starts at $21, a mug at $65, and statement pieces like sculptural vases and table lamps go from $160 upwards. A gift card from $20 lets them choose.
What is the best ceramic gift for a coffee lover?
A handmade mug or a pair of espresso cups. Each one is brush-glazed by hand, so no two are the same, and they're dishwasher and microwave safe for everyday use.
What is a good housewarming pottery gift?
Something they'll use and see every day: a vase, a planter, a serving bowl or a set of mugs. For a bigger gift, a table lamp or a sculptural vase makes a real centrepiece.
Where can I buy handmade ceramic gifts in Australia?
Online here, with shipping across Australia (free on orders over $190), or in person at my studio in Bellambi, near Wollongong. Just get in touch before you visit.