Getting to Know: AUA Premium Gifts
After moving to Melbourne in 2022 to grow the business and expand their product offering, AUA began crafting a new range of cat and dog-shaped candle figurines that quickly caught the attention of shoppers. That success sparked a deeper dive into the world of pet-inspired design - and the results are irresistibly joyful.
“We’re big pet lovers,” Preston says. “We appreciate the animated personalities that all pets have. Whether it’s a resin figurine, a hand-carved wooden dog, or one of our wool felted keychains, we try to capture the essence of those quirky, lovable traits that resonate so deeply with animal lovers.”
The brand now offers an ever-growing selection of handcrafted items, from intricate resin figurines to locally made candles, gift boxes and diffusers. All resin pieces are hand-painted with careful attention to detail, bringing each creature to life in a unique and expressive way.
“We work closely with our suppliers to ensure every figurine has its own character,” Preston explains. “But it’s just as important to us that some of our products continue to be made here in Australia. Keeping things local allows us to support Australian craftsmanship, and it means our candles and diffusers are made with sustainable, plant-based wax that’s vegan-friendly and biodegradable.”
Sustainability is a key value for AUA Premium Gifts. All packaging is recyclable or biodegradable, and their resin products are made from innovative plant-based materials. They also incorporate natural textiles like wool, cotton and timber across their product range - which, Preston notes, has to meet a very specific brief: to spark joy.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re five or seventy-five, we have customers from all age groups,” Preston says. “Some people are buying gifts for birthdays, weddings or holidays. Others just find a figurine that makes them smile and want to take it home.”
Their South Melbourne Market stall has proven to be the perfect home base. “There’s a great mix of locals and tourists here,” Preston says. “And every day is different - we never know what’s going to fly off the shelf. That’s why we’ve focused on offering a wide range of breeds, sizes and price points. It means our customers can always find something that suits them.”
For devoted pet owners, there’s even the option to commission a custom-painted figurine to match their beloved furry friend’s unique colours and markings. “It’s a long process, but so worth it,” Preston says. “The reactions we get from people when they see their pet brought to life in miniature form are priceless.”
As for what’s next? The team at AUA Premium Gifts is hard at work developing new products and hoping to upgrade to a larger stall to showcase their full collection. “We’re always adding new characters, often based on customer requests,” Preston says. “So keep an eye out - you never know what creature might appear next!”
You can find AUA Premium Gifts in East Aisle, in the SO:ME Space at South Melbourne Market every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am. Stop by and discover the perfect gift for the pet lover in your life… or just treat yourself to something special.