The Milkshake Holiday Gift Guide
A gift guide of Milkshake client creations and other approved pieces for the festive season.
If you’ve been here a while, you know I have a real issue with being a marketer in a hyper-consumerist world full of plastic, polyester, mass produced garbage. The way I assuage that is by exclusively working with passionate clients who pour their heart and soul into their business to create something of actual value to their audiences.
In short- I do not and will not spruik crap.
In our first (almost) year of operation we’ve accrued some absolutely incredible, talented clients so this festive season, I thought I’d curate a Milkshake gift guide with my selections of the beautiful things my product based clients have made.
These are all small businesses with big hearts creating genuinely special things and I’m so proud to call them my clients.
Milkshake Clients
Moss Furniture
My second client and a fast friend, Lisa Anneveldt from Moss Furniture has enviable taste and a penchant for always choosing just the right paint colour, ottoman, cushion, etc. When I say Lisa knows a thing or two about interiors, I am speaking from experience. She’s reshuffled the layout of my office, sourced the perfect desk chair that met my stringent requirements and curated the most gorgeous outdoor furniture situation for me.
There are many Moss Furniture pieces in my house including the Isla Set, Asha Tray and of course, the Samantha cushion which she named after me. I’m also keenly awaiting my outdoor dining table and chairs set from the new Clover collection which is due to arrive soon!
Olivia Ware Jewellery
A recent client, Olivia is an unbelievably talented jeweller who creates the most breathtaking, unique pieces. I stumbled across her work on what my partner calls my “magpie quests”, where I go on a search to find something shiny to add to my collection. Her pieces did not disappoint.
A true artisan, Olivia prioritises the use of solid recycled metals and sources ethical gemstones whenever feasible. Most impressive is that she personally handcrafts everything in her studio and carefully hand sets all gemstones.
I’m wearing the Weave Ring as I type this. I also have the Square Handled Mug Pendant on a box chain necklace because it reminds me of my dad’s favourite coffee cup. I’ve got my eye on plenty of other pieces!
Food Design Studio
I have learned not to work on Bec from Food Design Studio’s account whilst peckish because… well, see for yourself.
Bec is a recipe designer, food stylist and photographer who creates the most drool worthy, lick-your-screen recipes and pictures for brands all over. So, what’s a girl to do with a boatload of incredible recipes and people clamouring for them all in one place? Create a recipe library- that’s what!
The Pink & Red Club is a recipe hub full of Bec’s best, most scrumptious recipes as well as an amazing member perks section with exclusive discounts on partner brands (think Moss Furniture, Ecology Homewares, Crumble Cookware and more!). Members also get access to the merch store and a very lively VIP chat where all the good stuff goes down.
As my first client, Bec has a very special place in my heart and I’m so excited to see this launched!
Gift subscriptions for lifetime access to The Pink & Red Club are now available and selling like hot cakes.
Leapful Skin
Another recent client, Leapful Skin is a beautiful Tasmanian brand creating purposeful skincare that grounds you.
The brand was founded by Kate and Iain Field after they accidentally discovered the soothing effect of goats milk whey during the annual cheese making ritual on their goat farm. The result is small batch, whole skincare made from farm fresh and local ingredients that is incredibly luxurious, nourishing and joyful. Better yet, the farm is operated with the environment in mind, sequestering three times more carbon than it emits, ensuring a net positive impact on the environment.
Kate sent me her face cream and hand cream when we started working together and I can honestly say, these products are some of the best I’ve used. The face cream is now firmly in my daily rotation thanks to its natural vitamin C, A, and of course, lactic acid.
We’re working on a packaging update with Leapful that should roll out next year!
Other Milkshake Approved Pieces
Full disclaimer, these are not clients… yet. I would absolutely love to work with these brands for reasons that will be made apparent the second you see what they do.
Joyrolla
Alex & Marissa at Joyrolla are bringing the Nana cart into the purview of millennials with bad backs (like me). This little cart is CUTE and has won multiple design awards. You’ll probably be seeing me with this lil cart at Aldi soon…
The Dill Tickle
Ever since I was a child, I have been a glutton for strawberry jam. I came across The Dill Tickle recently and love everything about it- the name, the packaging, founder Lizzie’s story. This fancy jam is such a wholesome gift! Name a better simple pleasure in life than fresh bread with a generous spread of salted butter and a big blob of strawberry jam… that’s right- you can’t.
Curators Collective
If you know me, you’ll know I have 3 pet chickens who despite being of age, are yet to lay eggs… #freeloaders. While I await this bounty, I’m hoping to be gifted these gorgeous little Poterie de la Madeleine egg cups from Curator’s Collective. Handcrafted in the south of France, these cups are a mini version of the brand’s iconic luxury pots and… I just need them.
Curator’s Collective also stocks a gorgeous oilskin backed picnic rug. Another item being added to my list because restaurant date nights are getting expensive and summer picnics are infinitely better.
Good Juju Homewares
Julia from Good Juju is an artist and designer based in Melbourne who is creating pieces designed to infuse homes with… good juju! Her beautiful store has a stunning array of colourful tablecloths, napery, tea towels, art prints and more that just make you want to throw a dinner party. I’m planning on grabbing this tablecloth and matching napery set to match my Moss outdoor setting for summer soirees in the garden!
Iris & Wool
To say I’m obsessed with Iris & Wool is a huge understatement because I’m currently awaiting my fourth piece from them…
This small rural South Australian clothing brand saw me coming with classic, merino wool knitwear in gorgeous timeless designs. Founder, Emily’s journey with childhood cancer sees that brand involved in philanthropy donating beanies to children newly diagnosed with cancer and giving $1 from each sale to the Childhood Cancer Association. The fifth and sixth piece of my Iris & Wool collection will be the Margot crochet jumper and skirt set!
