Central Coast Chronicle

Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist

GUIDES

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Guides

 

Welcome to our Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist for 2022. 

 

We have your guide to local charities to support this festive season, getting ready for Christmas, the events that will keep you entertained over the Summer and our gift guide is back! 

 



Our guide to giving – local charities to support this Christmas:

If you’re in a position to support these local charities this festive season, they would greatly appreciate your support. There’s a variety of ways you can help – and we’ve shared them below.


Mary Mac’s Place

During the Christmas period a significant number of support services will be closed.

As a result, Mary Mac’s Place is expecting a surge in people seeking practical assistance with food. To support this, Mary Mac’s Place would like assistance with basic food and all donations should please be non-perishable.

To discuss any donations, please contact Sally on 0428-122-136.

Deliveries can be made at Mary Mac’s Place at 100 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 10:30am.


Coast Shelter

Christmas can be a wonderful time, but this year many Coasties are facing extra family and financial pressure. Coast Shelter’s refuges are at capacity, and more people than ever are accessing the Community Centre, worried about how they’ll afford to put food on the table.

Coast Shelter is asking the Central Coast community to dig deep and donate what you can afford to our Christmas Appeal or obtain gift cards or experiences from local businesses. If you’d like to help, please visit www.coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au.

Your support will be enormously appreciated – because it really does give hope where it’s needed most.


Volunteering Central Coast

 

The Christmas festive season is full of goodwill.

The best gift anyone can give is our time and skills through volunteering and at Volunteering Central Coast we match people wanting to volunteer with the ideal role for them locally.

Help Volunteering Central Coast(VCC) to help people and change lives by donating your empty cans and bottles this Christmas through the donation button at any of the Central Coast “Return & Earn” machines.

Each donation will create a smile on the face of 46,000 Central Coast volunteers! For more information contact VCC on 02 4329 7122, email recruit@volcc.org.au or online at
www.volunteeringcentralcoast.org.au/volunteering-roles

 


Care4Coast

Care4Coast is an incorporated charity that operates on a non-for-profit basis.
Their purpose is to enrich and support individuals and families who are experiencing hardships and challenges by mobilising the power of volunteers and the generosity of the local community.

Care4Coast is committed to supporting communities affected by natural disasters – fire, flood and drought and have dedicated disaster relief team.

Care4 Coast supports anyone in need across Darkinjung and Bundjalung country, with no judgement or red tape, with compassion, empathy and respect in collaboration with stakeholders and other like-minded organisations. 

Gifts needed:

  • Gift for Males (Adult)
  • Gifts for Females (Adult) 

 

Food items:

  • Chips
  • Popcorn
  • Chocolate
  • Candy Canes
  • Soft Drinks
  • Fruit Cake
  • Gingerbread 
  • Christmas Puddings
  • Mince Pies
  • Shortbread
  • Savoury biscuits /crackers
  • Sweet biscuits
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Mint Jelly
  • Maple Syrup
  • Kids Lolly Bags /Stocking
  • Bon-Bons
  • Shaker Pancake Mix
  • Life Life Juice
  • Long Life Custard
  • Soft Drinks

For drop-off locations please visit https://www.facebook.com/Care4Coast/ and send a message to the page directly. 


Socares Erina & Charmhaven

SoCares are running a raffle this Christmas to raise funds for the care of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that come into their care. 

It ’tis the season to be “Pawsome” and help out some furry friends this Christmas. Resucing today. Changing tomorrow. 

To purchase a ticket CLICK HERE

 



Your “to-do” list sorted:

No doubt your Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist is full of things “to-do” before December 25th! We’ve got you covered with the best businesses to help you get organised this festive season.

 

 


Anthony’s Seafood

It’s not Christmas on the Coast without a spread of fresh delicious seafood.

To avoid the Christmas queues, pre-order your Christmas Seafood. Online ordering is now open. To place your order, visit our website and navigate to “Xmas Eve Ordering”. Minimum Order is $200 and due to cool room space, capped to 250 orders. Orders to be in before Thursday 15th December 2022.

For those who miss out, there will be loads of fresh seafood available in the days leading into and including Xmas Eve.

Anthony’s will be open throughout the Christmas period (except public holidays) supplying fresh & cooked seafood and our award-winning burgers.

 

Shop: Anthony’s Seafood and Burgers are open Tue-Sunday 9am to 7pm located at Shop 7, 37-41 Avoca Drive, Kincumber. Phone 02 4369 1261

Or check out the selection online –  https://www.seafoodnburgers.com.au/ or https://www.seafoodnburgers.com.au/xmaseveordering

 


Rusticated Grazing

This Christmas, all of Rusticated Grazing’s amazing grazing boxes are up for order, so whether it’s a gift idea, or just to indulge with loved ones, let Rusticated Grazing add some spice to your festive social events. They’ll be adding a little touch of Christmas to each and every box on their scrumptious menu to celebrate the silly season, so they look forward to making your Christmas holidays as delicious and memorable as possible!

Note: 24 hour notice required for all orders – for full Terms and Conditions please visit their Instagram page

Shop: https://www.instagram.com/rusticated_grazing/


The Browniery Central Coast

When it comes to getting your sweets organised for Christmas – look no further than The Browniery Central Coast. 

Their decadent range for 2022 is, in a word – delectable! 

Stuffed Panettone, Trifle or Truffle Boxes – the choice is yours (We’d be choosing one of each!)

The Stuffed Panettone serves 8 and comes in a variety of flavours – Chocolate, White Chocolate & Nutella, Dulce de Leche and Brûlée. 

The Trifle serves 15 (YES 15!) and comes in flavours – “The Browniery”, Red Velvet and Nine & Stawberries

Their famous truffle boxes start at a box of 12 and you can order up to a box of 63 in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Ninho & Nutella, Churros, Coconut, Ferror and Brûlée. 

So impress the boss in the office or the whole family this festive season with some help from The Browniery Central Coast. 

Shop: DM via Instagram

 

 



Your guide to events around the Coast these holidays:

Next on your Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist should be events, there’s plenty to do around the Coast these holidays and we have your list right here!



Gosford RSL’s Raffle galore!

In the lead-up to Christmas Gosford RSL has their Monster Ham Raffles AND between the 1-24 December their daily “Ham’Azing Raffle”.

There’s also their Christmas Toy Raffle with $1,500 toys to be won.

For the latest information visit their website: https://grsl.com.au 

When: 1-24 December

Where: Gosford RSL

 


Deepwater Plaza’s visit from Santa

Celebrate the arrival of Santa Claus at Deepwater Plaza, with free Christmas entertainment!

Go on a Candy Cane Hunt, create a delicious treat in our Elves Kitchen and enjoy free face painting and Christmas characters all weekend!

When: 26-27 November

Where: Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy 

 


Central Coast Chronicle’s Summer event calendar

Be sure to keep checking our calendar for all the latest events this Summer. We’re constantly updating the calendar – so make sure you bookmark it this Summer!

When: All Summer

Where: Across the CoastCheck our Calendar HERE

 

 



Christmas Gift Guide 2022:

It’s back for 2022 and we’ve got you sorted for Christmas this year! When we say this is your Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist, we mean it.  So here it is… 



Central Coast Surf School

This Christmas give the gift of surfing!

Professional instructors from Central Coast Surf School will be in the water with you, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Boards and wetsuits provided. All welcome.

Gift idea: Vouchers – suitable for anyone!

Budget: From $100pp

Purchase: Online 

 


Paws-Off

NEW!

Paws-Off love dogs. They love our planet. They believe we can all make a difference. That’s why they created dog treats that are made premium quality sweet potatoes that are rescued from going to waste. When you buy their delicious dog treats, you help to reduce food waste.

Perfect, nutritious food from their farmers is rescued and up-cycled into new, tasty, and safe dog treats. Take action and buy a bag of treats for your dog this Christmas. Good for your dog, and good for our planet. 

Receive 20% discount off your first order for any of our 250g bags + FREE shipping if you order 3 or more bags of treats. Use code LOCAL20 when checking out*.

*This code is not valid for the 3-Pack Value Deal or in combination with other discount codes or promos.

 

Follow Paws-Off on Facebook and Instagram for funny videos, information and photos!

Or go to our web shop www.paws-off.com.au and sign up for our Newsletters, new products and exclusive offers.

Gift idea: For your favourite pooch – or dog-loving friend! 

Budget: From $19.99

Purchase: www.paws-off.com.au

*Don’t forget to enter code “LOCAL20” Receive 20% discount off your first order for any of our 250g bags + FREE shipping if you order 3 or more bags of treats. 


Punwin Productions –  The Sunset Sessions

With Los Angeles as its inspiration, this fresh new live music show is all set to premiere on the Central Coast at The Laycock Street Community Theatre this February 2023!

And now, in time for Christmas gifting, Punwin Productions & The Laycock Street Theatre are offering a special ticket price to residents of the Central Coast, only until 10 December 2022!

Featuring a wide range of international hits that originated from the clubs and bands of LA’s Sunset Boulevard, “The Sunset Sessions” is the latest production from the team behind “A Very Die Hard Christmas” & Foxtel’s epic live coverage of “Fire Fight Australia”, Sydney’s Punwin Productions.

Perfect for lovers of live pop, rock & soul, The Sunset Sessions features a 5-piece band of Sydney’s finest live musicians with LA’s best hits from the 60’s – 2000’s.

From the wholesome fun of Sonny & Cher or David Cassidy, through to the all-girl 80’s action of The Bangles & The Go-gos; from the gypsy harmonies of Fleetwood Mac to the surf sounds of The Beach Boys; from the on-stage acrobatics of Van Halen or Guns & Roses, clubs like The Whisky & The Roxy on Sunset Boulevard, they ignited an explosion of music and fed a pop culture that took over the world!

And now The Sunset Sessions brings the music of LA, including a special tribute to our very own Olivia Newton-John, to The Laycock Street Community Theatre.

Get your tickets now for a Christmas present that Mum, Dad & everybody will really love!

Early bird tickets are available now – $44 until 22 December 2022 (inclusive).
Tickets $49 from 11 December 2022 – 10 February 2023.

Gift idea: Mum, Dad, “the boys” or “the girls”

Budget: Early bird tickets are available now – $44 until 10 December 2022. Tickets $49 from 11 December 2022 – 10 February 2023.

Purchase: Ticketsearch Online

 


Bloom Art Experiences

Bloom Art Experiences offer small, boutique, one-day art classes paired with high quality wine and food in beautiful, unique locations across Australia.

Join Brisbane still life painters Emily Day and Kate Quinn, as they guide you in a supportive, friendly environment to paint your own oil or acrylic painting, while enjoying great food, wine and company.

Our upcoming Bloom, in the stunning Hunter Valley, will be held on the 11th and 12th of March (you choose which date suits you!), painting in a rustic wine shed overlooking the beautiful trellised vines of Kelman Vineyard.

A gourmet picnic lunch will be served outdoors; with students enjoying the vista as the winemakers offer them a tasting of the boutique wines.

Bookings are open now. In April, Bloom comes to Geelong and Sydney.

 

Gift idea: For friends, or yourself!

Budget: Check website for details

Purchase:   For bookings and information visit www.bloomartexperiences.com

 


Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Give the gift of discovery this Christmas with an Annual Pass from Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal.

With the pass you’ll receive unlimited entry to the Discovery Centre all year and 10% off  at their gift shop. As a bonus, any Annual Passes that are sold until the 24th December receive the rest of the year free and the pass will not expire until the 1st of January 2024. You can purchase online at Central Coast  Marine Discovery Centre – Annual Pass (ccmdc.org.au).

The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre has also launched its online shop. They have a range of ethical gifts from local suppliers to sustainably sourced plushie toys. Or for the budding scientist, there is also  a range of science kits!

Gift idea: Great for kids or friends /family with kids!

Budget: From $44 (for Annual Pass) or various prices in the online shop! 

Purchase: ccmdc.org.au

 


Zaa Candles

Zaa Candles are hand poured using quality soy wax and cotton wicks. They use soy wax as it’s a natural, renewable resource and benefits our environment, giving your candle a longer burn life.

Zaa Candle’s wicks are created with cotton fibres with a vegetable oil coating, specifically sourced to ensure there is no lead or hidden chemicals in your product.

Zaa Candles use the most premium quality fragrances to fill and infuse your home or office space and hope you enjoy the array of beautiful fragrances they offer.

Gift Idea: Mum, friends, Kris-Kringle

Budget: From $7.95

Purchase: https://zaacandles.com


Cheeky Bubbas

A fun and colourful store for baby and kids clothing and accessories. 

A beautifully soft velvet Santa sack in some stunning colours makes a beautiful gift for the kids or friends with little ones (or the young at heart!). 
Choose from Christmas Red, Dark Green, Ivory, Dusty Blue or Blush.

ln the notes section of your cart please leave the name and colour details for your Santa sacks and whether you would like gold, white, silver or red printed names.

Each sack measures approximately 50cm width x 70cm height

Please allow a print turnaround time.There are no refunds on Santa sacks as they are a personalised item. 

Wholesale available – contact the Cheeky Bubbas Team. 

Gift idea: Kids, friends with little ones or “the young at heart”

Budget: Bags $39.95 other items from $2.60

Purchase: Shop online here


Dragonskin Clothing

A locally owned small business from the sunny Central Coast of NSW bringing a whole new level of multi-facet, affordable protective clothing.

Featuring their iconic range of:

UPF50+ Quick Dry Hooded Lightweight L/S Shirts & Face Mask

Arm Sleeves providing UPF50+ Protection

UPF50+ Quick Dry Bucket Hats – One size fits most

Quick Dry elastic waist Boardshorts

They love adventuring and the outdoors and have a range is designed for comfort, coolness and convenience. 

Gift idea: The one who loves the outdoors and fishing – an invaluable gift for anyone that loves the outdoors and wants to protect their skin.

Budget: Shirts $64.99ea-UPF50+, quick dry, hood, built-in face mask, breathable mesh to keep you cool, thumb holes for increased hand protection, Arm Sleeves $29.99pair-UPF50+ Boardshorts $24.99ea-quick dry, elastic waist, stretch and Bucket Hats $24.99ea-quick dry, one size fits most, breathable. 

Purchase: www.dragonskinclothing.com


SecondLife Recrafted

Why not buy something locally handmade, sustainable AND beautiful this Christmas?

Every piece has a history at SecondLife Recrafted – just like this cheese knife set (included in this grazing kit) whose handles are handmade from recycled wine barrels, or their soy wax candles (with a very Chrismassy Mulled Wine fragrance) that are hand-poured into upcycled wine bottles.

Every purchase from SecondLife Recrafted includes a short written backstory on where your piece has originated from, making their recycled boards & homewares truly unique gifts.

Gift idea: Dad or Mum, “Hard-to-shop-for”, Boyfriend, Sisters

Budget: From $16.00

Purchase: https://www.secondliferecrafted.com

 


Fear Of The Unknown

Fear Of The Unknown™ was established with a mission to break the stereotypical values we hold as a society through the art of streetwear.

Based in the Central Coast, Fear Of The Unknown are building up their customer base to bring confidence and comfort within a small community environment.

Check out our store online to see their full story!

Gift idea: Brother, Boyfriend, Dad or Mate! 

Budget: From $29.99

Purchase:  https://fotu.com.au

Use code LOCAL20 at checkout to get 20% off your order. Created for the locals of the Central Coast, we wanted to welcome you with a special where the ball is in your court! This will go beyond Christmas as the gift that keeps on giving. Use wisely, as you can only use it once. Enjoy and we look forward to seeing your name on the label of a package or box!


Morgan Made

Morgan Made’s Holiday Self Care Kit is the perfect way to take some time for yourself these holidays.

Indulge in a Morgan Made’s Self Care Kit – A simple 4 step routine that can be easily added to your busy week. The perfect gift for yourself or for someone you love!

Each pack includes:
4 x Pack Calming Shower Steamers
1 x Pink clay face and body Cleansing Bar
1 x Lemon Balm Lip Balm
1 x Calm Balm
1 x information card on each product

All products included have been handmade, using minimal ingredients with no artificial colours, scents or flavourings. 

Self care doesn’t have to be complicated, neither is Morgan Made.

 

Gift idea: Sister, Mum, “work-wife”, Friends, Teachers!

Budget: RRP: $38.00 

Purchase: www.morgan-made.com.au (Free Central Coast pick up and delivery available) Postal deadlines: Outside NSW: Friday, 9th December 2022  Inside NSW: Wednesday, 14th December 2022 Central Coast: Monday, 19th December 2022


Bubbles and Brushes Central Coast

Bubbles and Brushes Central Coast is an outdoor or indoor, fun, relaxing & of course creative experience! Sessions available to both adults & kids.  Bubbles and Brushes are not your typical “Paint & Sip co” they offer so much MORE! From canvas art to teapot painting & wellness workshops (collaborating with Onshore Fitness)

Private functions are our most popular option.

Ideal for beginners who would love to get creative while having a glass or 2 of bubbles with your friends.

Gorgeous Studio located in the hub of Long Jetty (Onshore Studio)

Our mobile art class can come to you – servicing the Central Coast & Hunter areas.

Book a session today! 

Gift idea: Great as a pre-planned “Hen’s do” – Gift for the bride-to-be, or organise the family for a get together mid-year

If your little ones are interested in art – take advantage of this offer from Bubbles and Brushes –

Easel & Carry bag:

Art Studio Paint set in hard case

Size 11 Brush

12”x16 inch Canvas X2

PLUS – Access to 8 Step by Step Painting lessons via YouTube

USE CODE: ARTPACK10 for 10% off

Budget: Group Studio Session – Minimum 8 people for private function – $65 per person – for other prices please visit the website

Purchase: https://www.bubblesandbrushescc.com

 

 


Le Bois

Les Bois Studio Pronounced [le bwah] is a local female founded small business run by two friends.

Les Bois is known for making luxury hand poured, unscented soy wax pillar candles. 

It is their mission to design candles as decorative objects for your home and more recently, weddings and events. 

With an array of customisable colours, your personal style can truly be met.  The girls behind Les Bois Studio have also designed beautiful brass candles holders to accompany the candles. 

Gift idea: Mum, teacher, friends

Budget: Candles from $25

Purchase: This is your opportunity to save 20% site wide using our unique discount code: CCC20OFFLB SHOP HERE


Soul Vodka

Soul Vodka is a small batch vodka brand who is proud to be 100% Central Coast made and owned!

Their 500ml bottles are Available through their website with free shipping or at one of their local suppliers. 

Ideal for the family member or friend who loves to make great quality cocktails or enjoy the taste a delicious handcrafted vodka on the rocks.

Gift idea: Dad or Mum, Grandpa, Brother, Boss! 

Budget: $50 – with FREE Shipping Australia wide

Purchase: www.soulvodka.com.au


Party In My Pantry

Party In My Pantry’s grazing boxes are packed full of super fresh and homemade charcuterie goodies!

They offer a range of different sized boxes and you can choose a mix of savoury with sweet, or a more traditional selection with just savoury flavours.

If you are ordering as a gift, they can also include a bottle of wine* and deliver anywhere on the Central Coast. (Delivery within Niagara Park, Narara and Lisarow is free!)

*=Must be 18+

Gift idea: Anyone! Great for teachers, mother’s groups and neighbours!

Budget: Starting at $27.50

Purchase: DM via Instagram


Crate Day

Crate Day was launched with a mission to find the perfect gift for anyone who isn’t really into flowers.

Sick of giving gift cards year after year to hardware stores and camping outlets, Central Coast mum, Vicky launched Crate Day. Crate Day is all about bringing the FUN back into giving gifts to men in particular.

Crate Day features wooden crates (constructed by the founder Vicky, in her garage!) filled with all sorted of goodies men love – think beer, BBQ, jerky etc. But the catch is the crates are sealed shut! The only way in is with the pry bar the crate is delivered with. You can choose the difficulty for extra kicks!!

This year Vicky has also launched Australia’s first Beer and Jerky Advent Calendar!

Gift idea: Any man in your life

Budget: Crates start at $95 – there’s also a DIY option

Purchase: Shop online 

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: $20 off all Beer and Jerky Advent Calendars this Black Friday (November 25th) for local Central Coast deliveries. Use code: BLACKFRIDAYADVENT 


 

Terrigal Lollie House

Terrigal Lollie House is one of Central Coast’s largest candy store spread across 1300 square feet hosting more than 4000 varieties of lollies, candies, chocolates, mints, giant gummy candies, drinks, chips, dips, sauces, breakfast treats, soft serve ice creams, snow cones, slushies, gifts and novelty items!

From old-fashioned candies that bring back sweet memories to new, trending, gourmet chocolates and healthy treats.

It is also home to popular Bondi Gold soft-serve ice cream, Slush Puppie’s delicious slushies, Pucker Powder, Australia’s favourite Mini Melts Ice cream and Tropical Snow cones.

Come indulge and experience this candy wonderland, a place of make believe come true.

Gift idea: Kids, those with a sweet-tooth, expats living on the Coast!

Budget: Various

Purchase: In-store at 54 Terrigal Esplanade and remember to like their Facebook page

 

 





 

 

A huge thank you to all the businesses that participated in the 2022 Complete Coastie Christmas Checklist. I LOVE supporting local and showcasing the very best the Coast has on offer! 

I look forward to sharing more great local business stories, guides to our region and more in 2023. 

May you all have a safe, happy and joyful Christmas.

~ Brooke Simmons

Founder, Central Coast Chronicle