Giving gifts isn’t a competition, but here are 15 brilliant Kris Kringle drink ideas from $6 to $29.99 to secure you the win.
Christmas keeps on coming back each year, so you’d think this whole present-buying thing would get easier. If you can’t relate, we salute you and your pile of gifts you’ve had wrapped and stashed for weeks – you can move right along. For the rest of us, fresh Christmas gift ideas are always a good thing, especially when it comes to that ‘gesture’ present. This is the one that says Merry Christmas, thanks for inviting me, happy Kris Kringle, and, btw, I know how to nail a gift – all without breaking the bank.
We’re talking about the gift that costs less than $30 – specifically, tasty drinks. Choosing in this price bracket can be tricky because you still want to impress and look thoughtful, and not like you raided the bargain bin. We think there are too many festive-season panic-buys out there already, so, to help, we’ve pulled together 15 of the best Christmas gift ideas for less than $10, $20 and $30 – perfect for that Secret Santa you have no idea what to get. We’ve got beer, wine, canned cocktails, glassware and more – and some will even give you change from a tenner.
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Gifts under $10
Coming in at a cute little 50mL, this mini bottle of Tia Maria is an excellent idea for anyone who loves coffee-based cocktails. But Tia is also great simply poured over ice, or with a dash of milk for those who prefer it creamy. It’s the ultimate addition to a bowl of vanilla ice cream, and this size is perfect for splashing between a couple of afternoon iced coffees – hopefully what your gift recipient makes for you after they unwrap it.
Price: $9.49
Because a go-anywhere single serve of quality wine is super handy. And sustainable. And, in this case, delish. A Glass Of turns out top Aussie wines in their clever little foil-lined pouches, holding just 200mL. Guests sommeliers choose five wines for the team to release, and A Glass of Gilbert Rosé comes from Emma Farrelly, who’s behind Perth venues such as Wine Merchant and Long Chim. Nice, dry and full of berry and spice notes, this is a very convenient, planet-friendly, crowd-pleasing rosé.
My Dan’s member price: $8.00
Regular price: $8.99
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If you’re keen to introduce a mate to the joys of sake, look no further than this 180mL TakaMasamune Sake Cup. This gives them a taste of premium sake without leaving them with a whole bottle, just in case it’s not their thing. It’s light and smooth with gentle acidity, and it can be enjoyed warm or icy cold. From Kurume in Fukuoka, Japan, Takamasamune has almost 200 years of sake-making experience, but they’re still finding new ways to bring it to us, like this smart little serve.
Price: $6
Gifts under $15
Aromatic whites don’t come much more vibrant than sauv blanc from New Zealand, and that’s exactly the type of wine you should be handing over this season – especially when it’s a ‘thanks for hosting’ bottle as you walk in the door. The Cupio NZ Sauvignon Blanc fits the bill nicely, with its pure zesty citrus notes and hallmark NZ tropical passionfruit flavours. It’s a top pick for a crowd as it will slot right in next to so many dishes, from cheese plates and fresh prawns to crackers with a herby dip. Chill this one right down.
My Dan's Member price: $13.00
Regular price: $17.99
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If you know they love whisky but you can’t stretch to a special bottle, go for the Glencairn Whisky Glass. Its inward-curved design allows people to fully appreciate the distinctive aromas of the whisky as well as its flavours. As they unwrap it, tell them it’s the first whisky glass to be officially endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association, and smugly enjoy all the “oohs” you get from everyone in earshot.
Price: $13.99
Guinness is having a pretty big moment, but non-drinkers can still get involved. The Guinness Draught 0.0 is made the same way as the OG stout, but then the alcohol is removed through cold filtration. This protects its flavour and characters, and with raving reviews from happy shoppers (and the Dan’s Daily team) – to see them, scroll down on the product page – this non-alc beer gets very close to the full Guinness experience.
My Dan’s member price: $14.00 per four-pack
Regular price: $15.99 per four-pack
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7. One for All Lemon Meringue Moscato
We think the brand new One for All Lemon Meringue Moscato is this year’s winning office KK gift, just quietly. It’s a no-brainer for that friend who loves fun, fresh and bright bevs. The delicate spritz and sweetness of moscato mixes with the tangy flavours of citrus curd here to create a fruity, vibrant drink. At just 8% ABV, this wine demands to be opened with friends in the sunshine next to a spread of summery snacks.
Price: $14.99
Gifts under $25
Finding a great pinot noir under $25 isn’t easy, but Tassie’s Strelley Farm comes close and with your My Dan’s membership you’ve done it. Coming from the Coal River Valley in southern Tasmania – a very happy home for this tricky grape – the Strelley Farm Tasmanian Pinot Noir is super perfumed, with aromas of ripe red and dark fruits. All of pinot’s buzzwords fit here – supple, lithe, concentrated, silky – making this a brilliant gift for a wine-lover when you really want to get it right.
My Dan’s member price: $23.00
Regular price: $26.99
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We’re big fans of the Zoncello Limoncello Spritz, so when the crew at Zonzo Estate release a new flavour – pistachio, no less – we’re all about it. Not that gifting is meant to be about you, but if you like to be the one who’s across all things new and delicious, the Cicchio Pistachio Spritz is the bottle to give and unlike anything else they will have tried before. Creamy with fresh flavours of melon, citrus, honey and pistachio, it’s ready to pour straight into wine glasses loaded with ice.
My Dan’s member price: $20.00
Regular price: $23.99
10. Ampersand Vodka & Espresso Martini
There’s always one person in the group who can’t go past an Espresso Martini. You’d better hope you pull them in this year’s Friendsmas Kris Kringle because they’re so easy to buy for – with this Ampersand Vodka & Espresso Martini. Yes, your ‘spressy ‘tini fan is all about making it from scratch, but hand over a four-pack of this canned cocktail, and they might just be converted. It’s creamy, balanced and oh-so-smooth – just how they like it.
My Dan’s member price: $25.00 per four-pack
Regular price: $27.99 per four-pack
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11. Brick Lane One Love Pale Ale
We don’t know why Melbourne’s Brick Lane called this bright pale ale One Love, but we do know it makes a cracking gift when you want to look like you gave it some really solid thought. Is it for your one true love? Is pale ale this person’s one big love? Do they just really dig Bob Marley? You can spin it any which way because this light-bodied brew is going to win them over. It’s bursting with zippy hop aromas and layered with stone fruit, citrus and passionfruit flavours, making this one very refreshing, tropical-leaning beer.
My Dan's member price: $19.00 per six-pack
Regular price: $24.99 per six-pack
Gifts under $30
When gifting wine, you want the bottle to look as good as it tastes – enter the Atlas Grenache, a Clare Valley red with its beautiful label. This medium-bodied wine is full of juicy plum and berry flavours, subtle spice and soft tannins. It’s an easy-going grenache that will appeal to everyone from shiraz-only drinkers to others who like their wine to play nicely with all types of food. Can’t go wrong.
Price: $27.99
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13. Dal Zotto Col Fondo Prosecco
When it comes to Aussie prosecco, we have the Dal Zotto family to thank. Working with fruit brought in by the visionary Chalmers family, the Dal Zottos in Victoria’s King Valley were the first to grow and release a prosecco – just 20 years ago. This Col Fondo includes sediment in the bottle, which adds complexity to what is a refreshing and lively sparkling. Regale your giftee with this info, and they’ll open it there and then.
My Dan’s member price: $25
Regular price: $29.99
14. Monsuta Beer Gift Pack with Stubby Cooler
Japanese beer is a high-key vibe right now. What could kick that vibe up even higher? A slick AF mixed pack from one of our favourite Japanese brewers. Monsuta has been winning over fans for their crisp, dry beers almost as much as their artwork has – frame these cans and hang them on your wall, stat. Now, they’ve helped us out for Christmas with this gift pack of three different beers – two each of the Okinawa Dry, Okinawa Supreme and Okinawa Dark – as well as a drink cooler featuring the striking design. It’s all there in one impressive box for the beer-lover in your life.
Price: $25.99
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15. Mr Consistent Hemingway Daiquiri
Just add rum. Well, and some ice, but that’s it! Even if you’re gifting the best cocktail maker you know, the Mr Consistent Hemingway Daiquiri (packed in its uber cute gift box) is a top pick from our team – it’s all there in the one deliciously balanced mixer. These Byron Bay boys are serious experts, so if you’re going to trust a bottled pre-mixed cocktail, trust us that this is the one. This rich and tangy cocktail essential just needs quality rum to mix with it and you’ve got yourself some easy-peasy cracking cocktails. The best bit is your proud new owner of this mix will probably make you one.
Price: $29.99
