Bondville Christmas Gift Guide 2014: Fun in the sun

We are so lucky to have beautiful, warm weather over the holiday season, and beach and pool-related gift ideas are a natural for under the Christmas tree. If you are visiting family for Christmas, most of these items pack well too. What's better than jumping into the pool/sea on Christmas Day in brand new togs!? Presenting the second Bondville Christmas 2014 gift guide - Fun In The Sun!

Harrie and Hollie Sombrillos

We are off to the Sunshine Coast next week for a last grab of sunshine before the coolness sets in, and with the beach on my mind, I had to share with you these amazing Harrie and Hollie Sombrillos. You may have seen these beach shades around online (The Design Files, Pinterest etc), but if not, behold the genius of a simple design, beautifully executed with chic fabric and stylish lines.

Melbourne-based Skye and Claire are the epitome of Australian designers, to me. They have created a clean, stripped-down product with 95% UV protection for our climate that is super-chic and yet has all the elements of a good Aussie camping trip. Essential for keeping our little ones protected, and cute to boot. I hope to see our beaches dotted with Harrie and Hollie sombrillos next year.

You can find Harrie and Hollie sun protection products (including cute sun shirts) in the online store and at stockists around Australia.

Images: Harrie and Hollie

Stylish Kids: Peregian Beachwear

We live in an environment where being sun-smart is not optional; it's essential. That great big hole in the ozone layer means that skin cancer rates are super-high in Australia and we all know that prevention is most important at a young age when it's easiest to burn and the sun's rays do most of their damage.

Peregian Beachwear provides a great solution to keep our little ones both sun safe and stylish with a lovely collection of kaftans, beach tunics, dresses and loose-fitting pants as well as high UV protection shirts for extra insurance against the sun.

Based in Sydney, Josie Gilbert has created sun-wise beachwear that is also great for the park, backyard and any outdoor activity. Most pieces in the range are made from luxurious pure cotton, linen and silk-cotton blends to fit sizes 00-5, for both boys and girls.

I got a chance to check out Josie's range at the Mathilda's Markets and was so impressed with the quality of her products (that are incidentally also made in Australia). My favourite pieces were the linen tunics with contrasting voile pockets for hiding beach treasures. Thanks Josie for helping us be sun-safe and stylish!

You can find Peregian Beachwear in the online store, at Sydney's Paddington Markets. Keep an eye on the news section of the website for more stockist and market details.

For more great Australian-designed clothes for kids, check out Bondville Kids.

Images: Peregian Beachwear

Hip Products: SUBOO

If you are in the Southern hemisphere and gearing up for a hot summer; or if you are up North and rugged up for winter (but planning a tropical holiday), you should check out the hip, hot designs of beach accessories label SUBOO.

Based in Sydney, SUBOO debuted in 2007 with a range of punchy, graphic beach umbrellas and has since expanded to include a range of beach essentials including Missoni-inspired deck chairs, and very cool metallic beach totes (I'm desperate for one of these).

SUBOO is the brainchild of Fashion recruiter Sue Di Chio who was looking for a cool beach umbrella and realised that she would have to make her own. Honestly, Sue has really nailed it with her 2008 Collection.

You can find SUBOO at retailers across Australia and can purchase online from the SUBOO e-boutique.

Image: SUBOO