I’m really excited about this gift guide.
One of my most favourite things in the world is connecting with creatives and small business owners online (and in person.)
Nothing spells bravery, determination and creativity like a person deciding to set up their own business to sell whatever it is that they love to create.
Which is why I love celebrating these incredible people by cheering them on in their work. Recently, I’ve seen this cartoon (by @adriaadamsco) pop up quite a lot and I think it’s such a lovely idea.
Running a small business is HARD work and those who do need all the support they can get.
So that’s what this gift guide is all about. Giving you some ideas for Christmas presents and supporting some beautiful New Zealand business women.
The best part is that when you purchase from one of these small businesses, you know that the person who sends out your order will be beaming from ear to ear. That’s the real Christmas spirit!
The ultimate gift guide for New Zealand ladies:
BEAUTY:
Indigo & Iris
This company is just awesome. Their slogan is, ‘a beauty brand that gives a damn.’ And they truly mean it!
They currently produce mascara which is vegan and cruelty-free and they donate 50% of their profits to charity.
I’ve been using this mascara for a couple of weeks now and I’m a huge fan. I’ve always found mascara to be quite clumpy and I get frustrated by the fact it always leaves streaks under my eyes by the end of the day. However, levitate mascara isn’t clumpy and stays put on my eyelashes. It’s amazing.
Indigo & Iris currently have free shipping running all the way up until Christmas so it’s the perfect time to try it for yourself and get one for a friend too.
ARTWORK:
Flowers On The Coffee Table
Maya sells such cute and quirky artwork. I’ve been following her for a while on Instagram and I love the positivity and joy she shares through her posts. If you aren’t following her already, you definitely should!
Maya creates her art by commission so get in touch if you like what you see. Check out her Christmas cards below, aren’t they just lovely?
Dusk To Dawn
Jemma’s artwork is so simple, yet so emotive. I have been eyeing up a couple of pieces for some time now because we have got several blank walls that really need filling.
I caught a snippet of Jemma explaining the reason behind her artwork on Instagram stories and it made me love her even more. Jemma loves to incorporate images of nude women and flowers into her artwork because she believes both are beautiful and natural and deserve to be celebrated. I am so here for that.
JEWELLERY:
Willow Collective
Layering delicate gold necklaces is on trend at the moment so these Willow Collective pieces would be perfect for any lady in your life.
All the jewellery is designed right here in New Zealand and is stocked in over 25 boutiques across the country. Take a look and see if there is one near you.
Bohome And Roam
If you are a fan of boho style, this is a brand you need to know about. They carry a range of products including jewellery, accessories and homeware.
What I really love about this business is that the pieces are sourced from all around the world but everything has an ethical and sustainable focus. It’s lovely to know that the person who made your jewellery has been treated well and paid fairly for their hard work.
Ashley Co.
There is no shortage of people selling clay earrings (it’s this years version of soy candles I think) but these are so unique I had to include them on my list.
Ashley Co earrings look so professionally made and the designs are bold and beautiful. I am definitely going to be getting myself a pair (you know how Christmas shopping goes…one present for you, one present for me…)
Lunar Blue Designs
Okay I know this is yet another clay earring brand but oh my gosh how cool are these? I’ve never seen such intricate and creative designs before. I’m so tempted to add these to my cart as well.
A girl can never have too many pairs of earrings right?
HOMEWARE:
Ness Watson Pottery
I’m such a sucker for pottery. We found a bunch of cups in the garage at home and I had to have them. They’ve just been sitting in my cupboard unused but they are so pretty, every time I open my cupboard they make me smile.
I love these cups Ness has made and what makes them super fun gifts is that she can customise them with whatever name you would like. Then whoever you gift it to will feel special every time they drink their morning coffee!
Fox And Ivy
Emma creates the most gorgeous home fragrances. You must take a look at her Instagram because it’s another one you need to follow.
I was introduced to the concept of ‘room spray’ a few years ago and I’m a convert. At first I thought it was weird to spray fragrance around your house, in my head that was more for the bathroom because that’s where the bad smells tend to be.
But if you have guests coming over, it’s so nice to quickly make your house smell like freshly baked cookies or clean laundry. So do yourself a favour and get some of Emma’s room fragrances and candles.
Honeylove Candle Co
I was given a honeylove candle for my birthday last year and it is simply delicious. The scent I have is salted caramel popcorn which is absolutely as heavenly as it sounds.
My biggest fear with buying candles is that they won’t really smell like anything. Sometimes they promise so much and then really disappoint. I promise that Honeylove candles won’t do that to you! They make an entire room (and house if it’s as small as mine) smell fantastic.
Honeylove also sells beautiful earrings and soy melts.
Be Chunky
Be Chunky sell gorgeous, stainless steel water bottles. Once you try a stainless steel water bottle, you will never go back to plastic. They keep your water cold for ages and you don’t get any of that yucky plastic taste.
These water bottles are environmentally friendly (hooray for re-useables!) and are designed by emerging artists which I think is awesome.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Wild Crate
Gift-boxes always go down a treat. Wild Crate has a great selection of different boxes so you can find the perfect one for whoever it is you are shopping for.
What I also love about these boxes is that all the goodies are consumable which means you won’t have more things cluttering up your house.
Happy Gram
Happy Gram is an online gift store that sends little presents to the people you love. You can choose what is inside and the message they receive. What a fun way to show someone you care about them!
I’m thinking that this could be perfect for Secret Santa at your work or among friends.
I Used To Be
It’s almost summer in NZ so this gift is perfect. ‘I used to be’ re-purpose pool toys into water resistant accessories. They make bags and purses to keep things dry at the pool or beach.
I love that they are using materials that cannot be recycled to create something beautiful and really useful. So clever!
Flora Grow
Flora Grow make little gardening kits. These are perfect for people who find gardening on a large scale a little too daunting. I think everyone needs a little herb selection on their windowsill and these kits are ideal for that.
I think kids would really love to join in with growing these mini gardens too!
A few thoughts on a simple Christmas…
I hope that this gift guide has given you some Christmas present ideas. I haven’t started shopping yet but I feel confident that I can get it done well before the madness begins!
I have been thinking a lot about what a simple Christmas would look like for me. Honestly, the pressure to find the perfect present and spend hundreds of dollars and accumulate more and more STUFF makes me feel overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, as a society we have made Christmas about all the wrong things. But it is hard when you are celebrating with friends and family to keep your own values without offending or upsetting them.
There was one point when I wanted to throw in the towel and say NO gifts at all but here is my compromise. Giving small, lovely presents that come from NZ-based businesses.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much money you spend or how many things you buy, it’s about showing and sharing love.