Looking for a special gift for a good friend? Or maybe something to treat yourself with? Something Australian? Handmade? Natural? And just downright beautiful? Well, Newcastle based coastal lifestyle brand, The Sonny Co should be your first stop.

Created by Newcastle local, Clanci Burns, The Sonny Co is a carefully curated selection of beautifully unique and ethical gifts, handcrafted homewares, and sustainable everyday essentials.

“I have been wanting to do this for a few years. To share these handmade, natural, and organic products that I love with people. Growing up, my mum had always made things and always used natural products and we lived a very healthy life. I’ve always followed that sustainable lifestyle.”

Wanting to start her own business for years, The Sonny Co officially came to life in February this year, right before the pandemic hit. Thinking it could be the worst time to start a business, Clanci was soon proved wrong, as people were looking online to send gestures to those they love.

“With everyone spending more time at home over the past couple of months, people were wanting their homes to feel and look nicer. I myself was spending money on homewares and self-care products.”

Starting out with essentials first, such as Australian made self-care and skincare products, the brand also now stocks a range of products from ceramics, organic loose-leaf tea, eco-friendly products, and much more.

“I like handmade and handcrafted products that you can gift to people or buy for yourself that you know will last for years. It’s been really great being able to support these small Australian businesses. Most of which are run by women doing their own thing. It’s like a little community of all these businesses; it’s really nice.”

So, what exactly does The Sonny Co currently have available?

First off the rank are natural perfumes from Auric Alchemy in Queensland. The natural brand was originally designed to make you smell amazing without all the chemical nasties but now has grown into a brand passionate about self-care and ritual. For the mums (and bubs), check out Being Skincare; all-purpose, natural-skincare essentials.

For the eco-conscious products including Beeswax Wraps, and beeswax skincare, check out Victoria-based brand, Apiary Made, or check out Kappi’s range of beautifully designed, incredibly functional and reasonably priced reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Maybe you’re after something with a sweet scent? Church Farm General Store’s handmade soaps or Ivy & Wood’s soy candles will be making your home (and yourself) smell delicious in no time.

Milky Designs are behind the beautiful wraps and plantable gift cards; yes, you read that right – plantable gift cards. Once you’ve received your card, you can plant it and watch on as a daisy begins to grow.

Lovers of all things ceramics can check out not one, not two but five different ceramic brands; Clay by Tina, Latara Ceramics, Eloeil, Daisy Cooper Ceramics, and Kami & Kindred. 

Other products include organic loose-leaf tea from Mayde Tea, unique boho rugs from Salty Aura, bath salts from The Handmade Collective & Co, flower and food seeds from Settler Hives and more.

“We look for those pieces that are hard to find, that are unique, and gentle on the environment. We like pieces made to be enjoyed for years to come and we love seeing the marks of The Makers in our pieces.

“We love nothing more than hearing and sharing the beautiful stories behind these brands, and the Artisans who skilfully made them possible.”

Based in the sunny coastal town of Newcastle, it’s no wonder that Clanci went with the name; The Sonny Co. I guess in a way, it’s a sunny collective or sunny community of Australian brands.

Whether you’re treating yourself to something special or looking for the perfect gift for a friend, have a browse at The Sonny Co.