Every year, just as the rest of Cairns starts to thaw out from “winter” (aka: the two days under 25°C), we pack our bags full of our winter clothes from 2001, put on our comfiest walking shoes, and head south to Melbourne for our annual Christmas buying trip. This is when we hit up the biggest trade fairs and gift expos in Australia to hunt down the quirkiest, prettiest, most delightfully random things to fill our store shelves for the silly season & beyond.
Spoiler: this year did not disappoint.
We Came, We Shopped, We Sang Karaoke at 2am - Melbourne 2025 Recap
Every year, just as the rest of Cairns starts to thaw out from “winter” (aka: the two days under 25°C), we pack our bags full of our winter clothes from 2001, put on our comfiest walking shoes, and head south to Melbourne for our annual Christmas buying trip. This is when we hit up the biggest trade fairs and gift expos in Australia to hunt down the quirkiest, prettiest, most delightfully random things to fill our store shelves for the silly season & beyond.
Spoiler: this year did not disappoint.
From the Tropics to the Trams
Stepping off the plane felt like walking into a fridge in Dan Murphy’s, but a very chic fridge with great coffee and everyone wearing black.
Melbourne: you cold, but you cute.
We wasted no time diving into the Melbourne Gift Fair madness, racing between trade halls with coffees in hand (and sometimes in both hands).
We saw everything – from beautiful homewares and jewellery to quirky gifts that made us laugh-snort in the aisles. So yes, expect funny gifts, stocking stuffers, and sparkly things galore this festive season at Eggplant & Poppy.
Shopping by Day, Feasting by Night
After a long day of buying all the things (and wondering how we’re getting them home), we did what anyone in Melbourne does best: eat and drink like royalty.
That is a whole thing in itself so you can read about it all HERE including the list we have compiled from all our of your suggestions on our INSTA & FACEBOOK posts.
If you need suggestions on where to eat & drink in Melbourne you need this list!!!
Karaoke, Chaos & Questionable Song Choices
On one wild night (after "just one drink"), we found ourselves in a karaoke bar until 2am, screaming singing our hearts out to every banger from the '90s. Let’s just say, Melbourne is probably still recovering from our rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.
If you're thinking, “But weren’t you there for work?” – yes. And we worked very hard. But we also believe in balance. Like, one order of stock = one round of margaritas.
It’s called maths.
The people behind the pretty things
One of the very best parts of our annual Melbourne trip (aside from the dumplings and late-night cocktails) is catching up with our long-term suppliers. Over the years, these legends have become so much more than just people we buy from - they’re friends, cheerleaders, and occasionally our unofficial therapists. We swap hugs, gossip, and probably too much information, but these relationships are pure gold. They’ve not only helped sneak us into "exhibitor drinks" but also helped us grow Eggplant & Poppy into the business it is today, and we honestly couldn’t do it without them…
Here’s to the people who keep our shelves full, our spirits high, and our hearts grateful.
What’s Coming to the Shop
We can’t give everything away just yet, but let’s just say:
✨ There’s sparkle.
😂 There’s sass.
🎄 And there’s enough festive joy to make Buddy the Elf weep with happiness.
Whether you're shopping for your mum, your boss, your mate who already has everything, or just a cheeky little something for yourself, our 2025 Christmas collection is going to be the best yet.
Final Thoughts (and Blistered Feet)
We came. We saw. We sang into a karaoke mic.
And now, we’re back in Cairns – slightly colder in spirit but bursting with fresh stock and new ideas. Christmas is coming, and we are READY.
Keep your eyes peeled, pop in for a stickybeak, and as always, thank you for supporting small, local, and slightly chaotic businesses like ours. You make this all possible.
See you all next year for round two of karaoke.!
Kirsty & Emma xx