The Cringemas Gift Guide

The most reliable gift is a book. Scroll down for recommendations.

The second most reliable gift, a bottle of wine – we would get one from BY THE BOTTLE or CAHN’S.

NABLUS OLIVE OIL SOAP ($9.50), plus SOAP HOLDER ($22) from BAYYARA, an online shop which sells Palestinian goods. 

BISCUIT BOX FROM OFF ON WEDNESDAYS (the best biscuits in Auckland, $42).

A CUTE SCRUNCHIE WITH A DETACHABLE BOW by local designer Caitlin Snell ($45).

A BUTTER KNIFE by Sori Yanagi ($25) + FRENCH BUTTER FROM MAISON VAURON.

HYDRATING SHEET MASKS FROM HIKOCO ($15).

MOANA FRESH’S 2026 CALENDAR, featuring 13 Māori and Pasifika artists ($45).

MD NOTEBOOK DIARY 2026, from Super Kiosk ($49).

Festive coffee blends from local roasters, like this one from OZONE ($19.50), or this one from SUPREME ($19.50). If you wanna go super local, pick one up in store at MAEVE on Anzac Rd.

A ceramic MATCHA BOWL from Studio Foon ($75), with your favourite local matcha (you could try MARU).

Napkins + these colourful MODULAR NAPKIN RINGS ($80), which would be great for someone who likes to throw dinner parties.

SPOON REST from Wundaire ($59), because you’re never going to buy a spoon rest yourself.

SOY SAUCE VASE ($57), plus flowers from your local dairy, for a person that likes eclectic food-themed homeware.

FUSILLI COOKBOOK STAND ($64), plus a cookbook (the foodie in your life probably wants Samin Nosrat’s new book GOOD THINGS, or THE PALESTINIAN TABLE by Reem Kassis). 

Adorable tiny furniture (chairs, tables, coffee machines) by ONCE THERE WAS STUDIO, which is POPPING UP at Rumours coffee on Saturday 6 Dec at 4-7pm.

HAKUDO RAIN INCENSE ($75), plus an INCENSE STAND from Fiona Mackay ($65), both from Public Record.

A CUTE GIFT PACK OF APOSTLE’S SEASONING, including kawakawa and feijoa za’atar, which seems like a no-brainer for a male member of your extended family ($55).

The IMPORTANT FLOWERS PLANNER 2026 is designed to emulate Sofia Coppola’s personal diary, including blank wishlists for hotels, restaurants, movies and books and a printed handwritten note from Coppola herself ($75).

A teen will probably like the viral blind-box KODAK CHARMERA KEY CHAIN CAMERA ($80).

An AUCKLAND FILM SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP, which gives someone access to around 32 screenings a year, plus discounts ($180).

A ring from Mothmade Jewels, like THIS ONE ($360).

A really nice everyday kitchen knife, like THIS ONE, made in Waiuku ($190).

The WYNN HAMLYN WOVEN BEADED BAG, my personal favourite is the yellow and blue ($295). 

A lush TE KURA NUI BLANKET from Noa Blanket Co ($489).

COWBOY LAMP from local Wellington maker Stupid Engineering ($220). Apparently it should be back in stock soon – if it’s not, consider getting their ALUMINUM CIGARETTE CASE with a custom engraving ($120). Chuck in an optional pack of cigs.

A BONSAI WORKSHOP at Public Record with Adrian Bird, which comes with your own one-off planter ($150).

A special Christmas selection SAKE SET FROM ZENKURO ($140), which is Aotearoa’s first and only sake brewery.

STYLISH LAMBSKIN SLIPPERS for shuffling around indoors, in a zesty orange, made in Geraldine ($129).

Another safe option for a flower-loving girlie in your life: THIS ORGANIC-SHAPED YERAM CERAMICS VASE, which comes with a bouquet of seasonal stems from Isadia ($175).