Christmas gifts in Townsville

Christmas in Townsville falls in the wet season, so expect heat and the odd afternoon storm. That shapes what people use over the break, from beach gear to outdoor living.

Dates to know

• Black Friday is Friday 27 November, with sales running through to Cyber Monday on 30 November.
• Christmas Eve is Thursday 24 December. It's a part-day public holiday in Queensland from 6pm.
• Christmas Day is Friday 25 December.
• Boxing Day is Saturday 26 December, with the substitute public holiday on Monday 28 December.

Shops get busy in the last two weeks. If there's one gift you're set on, ring the store early in December and ask whether they can hold it.

Gifts for a Townsville summer

Christmas here means long days outside. A beach umbrella, an esky, a waterproof speaker, a set of outdoor chairs, a boogie board or a stinger suit will all get used over the holidays. For the cook in the family, a meat thermometer or a new barbecue cover is a practical gift before Christmas lunch.

For Secret Santa and teacher gifts, our gifts under $50 page is the place to start. For family, think about what each person does over the break. The fisher, the cook, the kids in the pool and the teen with a new phone all need different things.

Food gifts need care in the heat. Pick up hampers on the day you'll give them, and keep chocolate out of the car. Mangoes come into season around Christmas, and a tray makes a good gift for visitors and family.

Wrapping and pickup

Ask each store whether they gift wrap and whether there's a charge. Check their opening hours for Christmas Eve, as some close early. If you're buying something large like a TV or an appliance, ask about delivery dates before Christmas, and whether they can hold it if you need it delivered later.

Check whether toys and gadgets need batteries, and buy them at the same time. Charge anything rechargeable before you wrap it.

After Christmas

Ask for a gift receipt so the person can exchange it. Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December is the next big sale after Christmas, so anyone with a voucher can make it go further. Remember the substitute public holiday on Monday 28 December, and check store hours before you head out.