Celebrating designers, artists & founders featured in our “Faces of AWNY” Series
Every year, our Faces of AWNY series celebrates the creativity, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit of Australian and Kiwi women building their lives and businesses in New York City. This year’s holiday gift guide highlights Australian-founded brands we’ve profiled over the years—beautiful gifts that carry stories of home, adventure, and resilience.
Whether you’re shopping for a stylish friend, a design lover, a career-driven achiever, a New Yorker, or an Australian, these thoughtful finds support the women who make our community shine.
Jewelry & Accessories
Elegant, ethical and uniquely Australian
Lassanai
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Meet Julia Elizabeth (2025)
Julia’s sustainable jewelry blends raw gemstones and precious metals into sculptural designs.
Gift ideas:
- Raw Moonstone pendant
- One of the ‘Hustle’ Raw Boss Ring in many colors
- Delicate gemstone earrings
Shop: https://www.lassanainyc.com
Lifestyle & Decor
For the homebody, the hostess & the scent lover
Scent & Sprout — Handmade Candles by Jennifer Azzopardi
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Meet Jennifer Azzopardi (2025)
Inspired by nature and clean living, Jennifer’s soy candles and home fragrances bring a sense of calm and comfort — the perfect way to brighten a home during the holidays.
Gift ideas:
- Signature soy candle
- Reed diffuser
- Aromatic room spray
Shop: https://www.scentandsprout.com
Lucy Tupu Studio — Rugs & Design Pieces
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Lucy Tupu (2021)
Kiwi designer Lucy Tupu brings her colorful, contemporary aesthetic to New York interiors.
While Lucy is known for her high-end rugs and custom furniture, her studio also offers smaller, gift-friendly pieces that add personality and craftsmanship to any home.
Gift ideas:
- Accent cushions
- Rugs, throws/blankets
- Bespoke or carefully considered furniture
Shop: https://www.lucytupu.com
NYCCurated — NYC Illustrations by Tanu Vasu
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Tanu Vasu (2022)
Tanu’s illustrations capture the charm and chaos of New York through the eyes of a Sydney-born artist. Her prints are joyful, warm and endlessly giftable, plus they double as a travel guide of the most beautiful buildings in NYC so go check out her Instagram today!
Contact Tanu: https://www.nyccurated.studio/
Mud Australia Brooklyn — Timeless porcelain homewares by Shelley Simpson
Known around the world for her elegant and unique handmade porcelain homewares, Shelley brings her thoughtfully designed collection of servingware, dinnerware, lighting, home decor, with special holiday gift ideas to her Brooklyn showroom.
Gift ideas:
- Christmas ornaments
- Splurge gifts
- Timeless servingware
Shop: https://mudaustralia.com/us/
Books, Food & Modern Living
For cooks, readers & lifestyle lovers
Julia Blanter — Author & Food Creative
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Julia Blanter (2025)
Julia’s cookbook blends beautiful storytelling with relaxed, seaside-inspired recipes. A thoughtful gift for the home cook, entertainer or book lover.
Gift ideas:
- The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook
- Bundle with a tea towel or spice mix for a gift set
Shop: Available via Rizzoli
Andrea Rizvi — Creator of Boomerang Bites
Profile: AWNY Start Up Stories Andrea Rizvi from Boomerang Bites
Andrea Rizvi’s Boomerang Bites is a women-owned artisanal bakery that makes delicious bites packed with flavor and wholesome goodness. Their one-of-a-kind recipes are based on traditional Aussie ‘slices’ and make the perfect treat, dessert, or gift.
Gift ideas:
- Greatest Hits: an assortment of bestsellers!
- Holiday Gift Boxes for Corporate Gifting
- Catering for your holiday event
Shop: Boomerang Bites
Personal Growth & Empowerment
For the ambitious, the reflective & the career-focused
Samantha Wills
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Samantha Wills (2021)
Samantha Wills built a globally admired jewelry brand while living between Australia and New York. Now, a best selling author her work includes the bestselling memoir Of Gold & Dust and the children’s Marigold series, with forthcoming projects in adult fiction and screenwriting.
Through the Samantha Wills Institute, she also supports a new generation of creatives and founders. Visit her website for plenty of inspiring gift ideas.
Shop: https://www.samanthawills.com
PepTalkHer — Founded by Meggie Palmer
Profile: Faces of AWNY – Meggie Palmer, Founder of PepTalkHer
Empower a friend with resources designed to help women own their value and elevate their career with confidence.
Gift ideas:
- PepTalkHer mentoring workshop or online class
- Goal-setting journal
- Executive Coaching session
Shop: https://www.peptalkher.com
Working in the USA — Career Coaching with Belinda Jackson
Profile: Belinda Jackson from Working In The USA
Belinda is known as the ‘go-to’ person for Aussies and Kiwis who want to establish themselves in the US job market, or transition to a new career. For almost 20 years, Belinda has worked with job seekers and business owners in New York City on every aspect of the job search, from understanding resume formats to preparing for interviews, and coaching clients on career growth beyond the initial search to thrive in successful careers—with salaries to match!
Gift ideas:
- Career coaching and guidance
- Presentations and interview practice
- Negotiating salary and packages
Shop: https://workinginthe.us/
Support Australian Women This Season
By choosing gifts from these Australian founders and makers, you’re not just giving something beautiful or useful, you’re supporting the stories, courage and creativity of the women who make the AWNY community what it is.
Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
| Name | Gift Category | Gift Ideas | Shop / Website | Shipping Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia Elizabeth (Lassanai) | Jewellery / Sustainable Design | Raw gemstone necklace, 14k gold earrings | Lassanai NYC | Ships US-wide; most pieces ship internationally |
| Jennifer Azzopardi (Scent & Sprout) | Candles & Home Fragrance | Hand-poured soy candle, reed diffuser | Scent and Sprout | Ships to US, check AU delivery |
| Tanu Vasu (NYCCurated) | Art Prints & Illustration | Limited-edition NYC art print | NYC Curated | Prints available via collabs; confirm shop links |
| Lucy Tupu | Home Décor / Interiors | Designer cushion, table lamp, small décor piece | Lucy Tupu | Ships internationally (varies by product) |
| Shelley Simpson | Homewares | Christmas ornaments, timeless servingware | Mud Australia Brooklyn | 13 stores globally |
| Samantha Wills | Books/Lifestyle | Bestselling memoir Of Gold & Dust and the children’s Marigold series | Samantha Wills | Ships internationally |
| Julia Blanter | Books / Lifestyle | The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook | Rizzoli | Global shipping via book distributors |
| Meggie Palmer (PepTalkHer) | Personal Development | PepTalkHer Workshops | PepTalkHer | Digital products = globally accessible |
| Belinda Jackson | Career Coaching | Career Coaching, Salary Negotiations | Working in the USA | In-person and Virtual options available |
Please add any suggestions you have in the comments below!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 