Not sure what to gift? Here’s what the Dan’s team is buying

Gifting: Four Pillars Gin Punch cans

My festive personality type is “turn up with something fun”, and these Four Pillars Gin Punch cans are exactly that. They’re bright, summery, fruit-forward and perfect for anyone who appreciates a ready-to-chill, ready-to-drink moment. I love gifting these to friends who host picnics, park hangs or impromptu backyard drinks – the kind of people who like flavour without fuss. These taste like a punch you’ve laboured over, without any of the effort.

Gifting: Johnnie Walker Blue Label

J’aime (pictured bottom left), the eldest of four sisters, takes her role as “self-appointed Head of Sibling Gifts” extremely seriously. This year, the group is going big for their dad, Richard, with Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky. “This is the Scotch our family celebrates with – and also the Scotch we remember people with,” she says. Blue Label earns that status: it’s velvety, layered, full of dried fruit, spice and gentle smoke, and blended from some of the rarest casks in the JW reserves. “We're both celebrating and remembering this Christmas, so it’s a really special bottle for us.” As far as meaningful gifts go, this one is powerful, personal and top-shelf in every way.

Gifting: d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

Antony (pictured bottom middle) has a simple Christmas ritual: “I always buy Dad a bottle he’ll open at Christmas lunch.” This time, it’s The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of South Australia’s most iconic wines. It’s big, brooding, complex and built for serious occasions. Made from gnarly old vines affected by a fungus that “kills” one arm of the vine (hence the name), the fruit is incredibly concentrated, delivering dark berries, spice, earth and firm tannins. “There’s nothing better than this South Australian legend for lunch,” he says. If you need a gift that feels important – this is it.

Gifting: Stonier Pinot Noir

Mornington Peninsula pinot is having a serious moment, and Rob (pictured top left) is backing Stonier – one of the region’s OG pioneers. “People are loving pinot at the moment,” he says, “and there’s nothing more exciting than a killer Mornington pinot.” Stonier’s expression is classic coastal Victoria: fragrant red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and silky tannins. “They consistently over-deliver on quality,” he adds. This is the kind of gift that works for literally anyone: parents, hosts, colleagues, in-laws – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Gifting: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

Around these parts, Colleen (pictured top middle) is known as “Wine Mom” (she’s a serious vino expert and she was raised in Kentucky). Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio – one of Italy’s most iconic white wines – is her go-to host gift. Crisp, elegant and ultra-refreshing, it’s known for its bright citrus and clean, dry finish. “Whenever I go to a party this time of year, I want to bring the host something to say thank you,” she says. “Who doesn’t love a crisp pinot grigio?” It’s a bottle that works with food, heat, family chaos and everything in between, which is why it never lasts long on the table.

Gifting: Ukiyo Blossom Gin

For Finlay (pictured bottom right), the cost of entry to Christmas lunch is to find his mum a new gin to try. This year, it’s Ukiyo Blossom – a Japanese gin distilled from a shochu base. “Like seemingly everything from Japan, this is perfectly crafted,” says Finlay. There’s a real harmony here between the traditional juniper and citrus components alongside the cherry blossom and yuzu. And then there’s the bottle: a gradient glass stunner that Mum can keep to pop flowers in after she’s done with the gin.