Boarding staff are the incredible people who support and care for our kids when we can’t be there. To show our appreciation, we’ve put together some thoughtful gift ideas from local and regional businesses.
A small gift from the heart is a wonderful way to thank those who make the boarding journey a little easier.
Soy Candle
Quandialla Candle Co
$40.00
100% pure soy wax candle in a matte black tin, with a lead free cotton wick. This comes wrapped in hand stamped calico bag and 80hr Burn time.
CookBook
Local is Lovely
$40.00
Bring warmth to the table with Sophie Hansen’s cookbooks, filled with wholesome recipes and heartfelt stories from country life. Perfect for boarding staff who love to cook, share, and unwind over good food and connection.
CONDIMENT gift pack
The Dill Tickle
$65.00
An excellent combination for any lover of delicious things – two Dill Tickle jars bundled up in a Dill Tickle tea towel with a green bow. Homemade in the central west.
1-year subscription to Graziher + Diary
Graziher
$79.00
A thoughtful gift for boarding staff, a 1-Year Subscription to Graziher Magazine (with a free diary) offers inspiring stories of rural women, country life, and connection. The perfect mix of reflection, style, and heart — delivered to their doorstep all year round.
Charcuturie Board
Jemmervale Designs
from $80.00
Handcrafted from premium Victorian Ash, these charcuterie boards blend style and practicality for every occasion. Finished with food-grade citrus oil and a sleek black leather tab, they’re as elegant as they are functional — perfect for entertaining in the staffroom or at home.
Ham Bag Hamper
Country Culture
$110.00
The Country Culture Ham Bag Hamper is a heartfelt gift filled with classic sweet and savoury treats, all wrapped in rustic Australian charm. Beautifully packed in a reusable ham bag, it’s the perfect way to say thank you or spread a little festive cheer.
Galah: Stories of Life Outside the City
Galah Press
$69.99
A perfect gift for boarding staff, Galah: The Book is a stunning collection of stories and imagery celebrating life in regional Australia. Curated by Annabelle Hickson, it showcases the beauty, creativity, and spirit of the people and places that make the country so special.
Canvas Tote
Little Echidna Home
$29.95
This tote combines style and function with durable cotton canvas, striped handles, and a handy inner pocket. Bright, bold, and built to last — perfect for busy boarding staff on the go.
Embroidered Christmas Napkin
The Sewing Room by Adelaide
$15.00
Bring festive warmth to the table with these Embroidered Christmas Napkins, made from soft cotton and finished with delicate seasonal stitching — a thoughtful, timeless gift for boarding staff who love a touch of holiday charm.
Coffee Mug
Harry and Kit
$19.50
A thoughtful and practical gift for boarding staff, this coffee mug combines everyday function with simple style. Handcrafted with a soft blue glaze and natural clay base, it’s perfect for morning coffees or evening teas. Durable, dishwasher safe, and beautifully made — a gift that’s sure to be used and appreciated every day.
Our 2025 Boarding Students Gift Guide is here! Whether you’re shopping for a new boarder or adding to the gift pile for a returning student, we’ve got you covered with ideas from regional and rural Australian businesses.
Check our Ultimate Packing List for even more gift inspiration!
Happy shopping.
Embossed Leather Keyring
Saddler & Co
$70.00
A timeless keepsake, this Heirloom Leather Keyring is handcrafted in Dubbo from full-grain leather and finished with a solid brass ring. Personalised with up to three embossed initials, it’s a meaningful send-off gift for a boarder starting their next chapter.
Heat pack
Casting Light Dorrigo
$35.00
Stay cosy with these Casting Light Heat Pillows, filled with Aussie-grown lupins, lavender, and chamomile. Made in Dorrigo, NSW, with a removable cotton cover, they’re perfect for relaxing or easing aches after a long day.
Neck scarf
The Comfy Cowgirl
$20.00
A thoughtful and practical gift for boarders, these reversible neck scarves have two looks in one. Handmade in regional QLD and NSW from quality fabrics, they’re durable, comfortable, and perfect for sun protection — a true Aussie-made essential for life on the go.
Ugg Boots
Aussie Uggs
$48.00
Keep feet warm and comfy with the Jumbuck Slipper, handmade in Australia from genuine sheepskin. With a soft wool lining, easy slip-on design, and choice of hard or soft sole, they’re perfect for relaxing in the dorm or around home.
Personalised Hand Towel
Home Soil
$48.00
Add a touch of home with these personalised hand towels, featuring a handmade hanging loop for easy use. Soft, practical, and uniquely yours, they make the perfect gift for boarders — ideal for bathrooms, dorms, or travel.
Aussie Puzzle
Kakadu Plum Co
$39.95
A fun gift for boarders, the G’day Australia Jigsaw Puzzle is a 1000-piece tribute to iconic Aussie landmarks. From the Opera House to the Outback, it’s a colourful way to unwind, connect with home, and celebrate the beauty of Australia.
Toiletries Bag
Olli Ella
$24.65
This Zip-Up Pouch is a sweet and practical gift, crafted from soft quilted cotton. Perfect for holding essentials like stationery, cosmetics, or small treasures — a delightful everyday companion for boarding life.
Cosy Merino Socks
Gorgeous Giftlines
$28.50
Keep little feet warm and comfy with these hand-dyed merino wool socks — soft, breathable, and made to last. Knitted in New Zealand and hand-dyed in Crookwell, NSW, each pair is completely unique. Perfect year-round for boarders, they’re durable, temperature-regulating, and machine washable.
Pickleball Set
Sunnylife
$79.99
This pickleball set makes a high-quality gift for active boarders. Designed for beginner and intermediate players, it includes two wooden paddles, a ball, and a matching carry case with adjustable strap. It brings a fun, sporty touch to any game.
Amber Book Light
Block Blue Light
$39.95
The NoBlue Book Light is a thoughtful gift for boarders who love to read after lights out. This rechargeable amber light blocks 100% of blue light, helping maintain healthy sleep while providing gentle, focused illumination. Its clip-on design makes it perfect for books, notepads, or e-readers — ideal for quiet study or bedtime reading.
In this episode of Letters from Home, we’re joined by Tannas Godfrey, whose story is one of quiet determination and incredible adaptability.
Tannas grew up on North Stradbroke Island, where life revolved around the surf club, small-town friendships and salt-sprayed independence. But when school on the island finished at Year 8, her parents made a brave decision that would change everything — boarding school. What began as a practical solution to a long barge commute turned into the first step of a remarkable journey.
From Ipswich Girls’ Grammar to a career in the Australian Army — serving in logistics, deployment operations and even United Nations work — Tannas’ path took her far beyond the surf breaks of Straddie. Yet, like so many of us, love drew her back to the bush. She swapped military bases for life on a remote property near Cunnamulla, then further west again into the Northern Territory.
Now a mother and former School of the Air teacher, Tannas shares her lived experience of raising children in isolation, choosing boarding school, and the emotional mix of pride and ache that comes with it. Her reflections on transition, confidence, and finding the right school fit are full of wisdom for any family standing on that edge of change.
This is a story about resilience, belonging, and the power of saying yes to the unknown.
Enjoy my conversation with Tannas Godfrey.