Need help buying something cool or creative this festive season?

Just realised that Christmas is a matter of days - in fact hours - away?

Don’t fret: we’ve got you covered with this hand-picked selection.

JUTE

Need something awesome for that creative soul in your life?

Look no further than JUTE Theatre Company, where you can grab a unique program or course and set your loved on the path to artistic bliss. There's the new Write Out Loud online writing program, or aspiring thespians can get invaluable lessons and insight with the 2017 JUTE Theatre School.

Tropic pick: Write Out Loud online writing program 

T2

Coffee reigns supreme in Cairns, but watch out baristas. Tea consumption is on the rise thanks to hipsters and millennials.

For premium leaves and brewing paraphernalia check out the cavernous wonderland of T2 at Cairns Central.

Tropic picks: Turkish and Moroccan glassware, cast iron tea pots and Tea-For-Two gift sets

Splish Splash

Cairns retailer Splish Splash boasts the most extensive swimwear range in our region. Which is perfect, because in TNQ we swim A LOT.

Your job is to decide between boardies versus speedos or bikini versus one-piece. Check them out at Cairns Central.

Tropic pick: Seafolly high waisted bikini

Suna

For more than 30 years, Suna has been serious about the perfect shoe, taking fit as seriously as style.

An important combination in our humble view. Take a look at the selection at Cairns Central.

Tropic pick: Vikki by Django & Juliette

King of Knives

If there’s a serious foodie on your gift list, check out the superior craftsmanship of Japanese knife brands on offer at King of Knives at Cairns Central.

Tropic picks: Kai Shun Premier Santoku and Paring knives

Penlan Street Co.

We love a good tune as much as the next music lover, and one of the best ways to listen is through the superb Danish modular headphones on offer at the concept store of street culture curators Penlan Street Co on Grafton St.

Tropic pick: AIAIAI TMA-2 All Round Preset

Mainie

Combining Indigenous art and China’s expertise in silk-making, local label Mainie (located on the ground floor at Cairns Central) broke new ground in the luxury accessories market in 2015.

Wrapped, draped or tied, Mainie’s silk scarf is a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Tropic pick: Medicine Seed silk chiffon scarf

Platypus

In case you missed the memo, sneakers are in. Tropic got it and we’re converted.

Tropic pick: SK8 Hi by Vans

Cairns Books

At Tropic we love the printed word, obviously.

So does Mark and his team at independent bookstore Cairns Books on the upper level at Cairns Central.

From best-sellers to local history, you’ll find whatever you need for the bookworm in your life.

Tropic pick: "Cairns, City of the South Pacific, A History 1770-1995" by Timothy Bottoms

Other cool spots to shop in Cairns:

Frame on McLeod St

Wild Nature at Rusty's Markets

Makin' Whoopee at City Arcade

Tahitian Lime at Palm Cove

Providore Amore on Sheridan St

Earth Toys in Oceana Walk

Art Gallery Shop at Cairns Regional Gallery

The Other Shop in City Lane off Lake St

Shiva Moon on Grafton St

Kickarts Shop on Abbott St

The Green House Shop on Spence St