Shop and Play: Christmas Gift Guide 2024
29 November 2024
Christmas is a time for everyone to come together, and what better way to come together than by supporting some local small businesses?
You may be surprised to learn how easily you can do a spot of Christmas shopping while also enjoying some quality family time at Whiteman Park.
From experiences to both unique and enthusiast gifts, we’ve got it all covered, and of course, we are on doorstep of the Swan Valley which is full of unique gift ideas too.
And if you’re looking for some festive decorations, not only is the bushland naturally decked out in festive cheer (we’re looking at you, our beloved moodjar / WA native Christmas trees and snow-capped paperbarks!), the Handcraft Centre has a delightful display to get you in the Christmas spirit or you can get the kids Revved up for Christmas with some crafty activities delightful vintage sleigh exhibit at Revolutions Transport Museum!
Do you have a train, tram or motoring fan you want to buy for this Christmas? Not only can you give the gift of an experience by purchasing gift vouchers, you can also pick up a range of merchandise and memorabilia to delight them!
You can also pick up a range of titles and DVDs published by the other transport groups in the Park, from Revolutions Transport Museum, daily between 10.00am – 4.00pm. Just remember you'll need cash for these.
Want something for a motoring enthusiast?
The Motor Museum of WA has gift vouchers, as well as a great range of branded merchandise. These range in price from $2.00 to $25.00 and include everything from baseball caps and polo shirts, to stubby holders and even a pocket screwdriver set. They also have a range of metal motor car signs and Australian motor vehicle prints available.
Importantly, their gift vouchers are customisable, as they can be purchased in any value and can be personalised with a message, on request.
Looking for something to thrill a tramways enthusiast?
Pick up a copy of the comprehensive 'Tracks on Swan' book, all about the electric tram and trolley bus era here in Perth. Written by volunteer members of the Perth Electric Tramway Society, this grand coffee-table book is beautifully illustrated with historic photos and can be purchase for $95.00 (cash only) from Revolutions Transport Museum, daily between 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Do you need something for the little train fans in your life?
Bennett Brook Railway have produced a range of beautiful books following the adventures of Ashley and his friends, written by Bennett Brook Railway volunteer Peter Gould and illustrated by talented artist Donna Franklin. Peter is a retired teacher and has created a wonderful set of characters and stories that would make the perfect gift for all train-loving children!
They are available for purchase for $15.00 each, direct from Bennett Brook Railway at the Village Junction Station on their operating days, or daily from Revolutions Transport Museum with cash only.
Have you taken a look in the Village Art Gallery lately? The shop is full of creative art pieces, with lots of inexpensive options that are sure to leave their recipients smiling. For those who absolutely love the Park and its natural vistas, be sure to check out the pieces featuring native flora, Mussel Pool and even the new Healing Place!
Over the tram line you will find a whole host of Christmas gift ideas, with woodwork pieces, concrete critters for the garden and more at the Handcraft Centre. They also have a delightful range of Christmas decorations, from hand-painted Santa gourds to crochet baubles, Christmas quilts and more.
And don’t miss out on the 2025 Letterpress calendars from Bright Press either! Created using Lego® and metal type in a range of cheery designs, they are a fun and colourful way to set you up for another year around the sun! You can also pick up letterpress cards and a huge range of soy scented candles to share with someone special. These are available in the shop, as well as online at brightpress.com.au
As a family-friendly destination, there are gift ideas aplenty for your little ones!
Got a little train fan on your list?
Head to the Village Junction Station when the vintage train rides are operating to pick up a range of train toys, from whistles to a 3D build and paint locomotive, all for under $20.00. Or for something really special, grab the series of Ashley books, written by Bennett Brook Railway member Peter Gould and illustrated by local artist Donna Franklin.
There are eight titles in the series, and they are available for $15.00 each from the Village Junction Station on train operating days and Revolutions Transport Museum (cash only) daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Did someone ask for a pony for Christmas?
There is no need to stress or disappoint this Christmas, just pick up a handmade horse toy for some bright and colourful fun from the Handcraft Centre.
These crafty collaborators have lots of fun and colourful gifts, including dolls clothes and they can even help you out with a new pet – in the form of a pet rock! Of course, you could try to convince them away from a pony with a ride on pedal kart at Pedal Play instead!
Want them to meet some locals?
And if you just want to gift an experience they'll love, you can't beat a day out at Caversham Wildlife Park. You can grab vouchers for the whole family, or an adult voucher for mum, dad or the grandparents to take the toddlers for a visit with our Aussie icons.
Pop into the Lolly Stop to pick up some sweet treats, with everything from old-fashioned boiled lollies to international sweets and some cute little toys on offer. Now open nearly every day from 10.30am - 3.00pm, the Lolly Stop is a must-visit for any sweet-tooths on your list.
Of course, you could just fuel up for a day in the Park and enjoy their treats for yourself!
Get something one-of-a-kind from one of the shops in the Village Mall for the nature-lover in your life.
From dainty glass wildflowers from Pheonix Art Glass or delightful woodcrafts at the Handcraft Centre, to an art print or original featuring bushland scenes in Whiteman Park from the Village Art Gallery, your nature loving friend or family member will surely love one of these unique gifts!
Across the tramline, at Bright Press, you’ll also find a 2025 Calendar featuring WA birdlife. A collaboration between Bright Press and Dominique Coiffait, this stunning A5 calendar is hand-made, hand-printed, and features twelve linocut illustrations of Western Australian Birds by printmaker Dominique. Naturally, they are a limited edition, so be sure to get in quick if you want one.
Bright Press also have a range of soy scented candles, packaged to look like a tin of letterpress printing ink, and available in a range of scents, including Australian Sandalwood, Gumtree Forest, Australian Bushland and Australian Wattle. Just remember that Bright Press closes on Sunday 22 December, so either head to their online shop or get in before this date to nab yours.
And if your nature lover is more about the experiences or supporting wildlife? Put Caversham Wildlife Park on your shopping list, or make a date to enjoy a picnic and a bushwalk together here in the Park.
Did you know that you can support Caversham Wildlife Park by 'adopting' one of their native charges? It is a simple and unique gift that will suit any animal-lover in your life, as well as being a meaningful idea for the hard-to-buy-for loved one who has everything or family and friends who live abroad. There are a variety of package options available and more than 40 of the Park's native animals to choose from (plus their farmyard friends), so the hardest part of this gift idea will be deciding which animal to adopt!
Of course, you can also pick up a gift voucher, either in person or online, for Caversham Wildlife Park or grab a spot for one of Whiteman Park's own wildly-popular Nocturnal Woylie Walks (just email us for details).
Adopt an animal Buy a gift voucher
