It has been a tough few years for most. The unprecedented circumstances we have faced during the longest lockdown anywhere in the world has made life very tough for families, for students and for small business owners.

For the first time in a long time, there seems to be some lightness in the air, and hope. And of course, Christmas! With retail now fully open (and mask wearing set to end in mid Dec), and the long postal delays, there’s never been a better time to head into your favourite shops for your Christmas shopping.

If you are still on the lookout for inspiration, some great ideas and some super bargains, why not think local? Mt Martha local that is.

Mt Martha Village has a host of cafes and restaurants, a supermarket, post office, bottle shop and design businesses too, as well as some very special boutiques and gift stores that give Mt Martha such an individual flavour and offer locals so much to choose from.

We had a chat to a few of our favourite local retailers about what Christmas means to them, what fabulous items tey have in store and what bargains you can expect to find.

Pomme:

Since 2003, Pomme has sought out local artists & makers from studios all over Australia, France, UK and Portugal. A treasure trove full of unique, delightful and inspiring wares, Pomme is filled with carefully curated and handmade, limited-edition artwork, exquisite clothing, handmade jewels and glass & ceramic designs. These gifts with a difference are objects to be treasured. Choosing to buy locally, handmade and ethically sourced items is a choice Pomme hopes resonates strongly with the community. Now more than ever, the need to support artists, makers, jewellers is vital, to keep these local colours & designs buoyant from one end of the year to the next.

www.pomme.com.au

Cibo:

For a decade, Bianca Fazzari has been arriving at her family beach house in Mount Martha on a Friday night and wanting a quick and easy dinner option that isn’t fish’n’chips or ... fish’n’chips. So when a shop emptied opposite the beach on Lochiel Avenue, she snapped it up with her sister, Tanya Bongiovanni, and created Cibo Deli Mt Martha – an upmarket Italian-style deli and grocer which stock a great of imported Italian and Local foods. It is our mission to source and provide our customers with the most delicIous epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining.

Inside the green-and-white shop, light-wood shelves are lined with a selection of meals and smallgoods from Meatsmith, Peter Bouchier, Uncle's Smallgoods, City Larder, Foxes Den, soups and pasta sauces from Marisa's Kitchen and Essence Food for the Soul. We now stock Coda, Tonka, Saluminist, Trattoria Emilia and Postmistress Pizzas. Milk from St David Dairy and Red Hill Bakery Bread. A selection of Italian Wine, Beer, Spirits and Liquori available.

www.cibodelimtmartha.com.au

Bodhi & Me

A welcome new addition to Mt Martha Village, Leanne and Jess from Bodhi & Me lovingly and carefully delivers beautiful flowers across the Mornington Peninsula. Pre-made bunches can be ordered via their website and collected from their store.

www.bodhiandme.com.au

Main Exposure:

With a presence on the Peninsula for 20 years (their Mornington fashion boutique is celebrating its 20th Christmas in Main Street), Main Exposure always ensures they stock the labels and designs that their loyal customers love as well as offering tourists a beautiful range to choose from. The Mt Martha store also offers a really gorgeous selection of gifts and homewares in coastal colours with loads of greenery.

www.mainexposure.com.au

Tingo:

Tingo is a delight for all the senses. An Aladdin's cave of gorgeousness, Tingo's philosophy is to offer a complete solution for their stylish customers, from children's toys and books to women's clothing and gifts for men. Their wide selection offers something for all age groups, making it a one stop pure style shop. They have such a fascinating array of gift books sitting alongside stunning bags, beautiful homewares and specialised gifts too.

Mt Martha Newsagency:

As well as being a central hub for all stationery, newspapers and magazines, the Mt Martha Newsagency has a huge selection of Christmas cards, wrapping paper, crackers and decorations. You can also stock up on puzzles, games and toys for the kids, magazine subscriptions, Darrell Lea chocolates and loads of well priced trinkets and gifts for all the family.

Happy shopping!

www.danckert.com.au