Whoever said it is better to give than to receive had clearly never been gift shopping. It’s so much easier to buy things for yourself than for others, right? Whether you’re shopping for the person who has everything or the person who hates everything, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make your gift shopping experience that little bit easier.
Here are our top picks of the best gift shops in Auckland:
Crushers
K’ Road
For all things quirky, vintage and cute, look no further than Crushes 100% independently owned and operated and stocking 100% local suppliers, Crushes is the perfect gift store for the conscious consumer. Browse goods from some of the best artists and designers on the Kiwi craft scene, such as exquisitely unique jewellery, stationery, gifts and homewares. They’ve also got a gorgeous range of vintage clothes so we won’t blame you if pick up a cheeky gift for yourself too.
Pauanesia
CBD
Tucked away in a tiny store on High Street, Pauanesia celebrates all things Kiwi. Pauanesia is the perfect place to find a gift for an overseas visitor but locals will love their wares too. With a carefully curated range of goods, many of Pauanesia’s products are designed, printed and constructed specifically for them. They draw inspiration from our stunning coasts, bush and stories to create Kiwiana gifts that are a little classier than an All Blacks keyring.
Elephant House Craft Gallery
Parnell
For almost 40 years, The Elephant House has been committed to providing a platform for Kiwi crafters and creators to showcase their talents. Tucked down an alley in Parnell, The Elephant House is home to a massive range of pieces made right here in Aotearoa. Pick up some Pounamu for a truly meaningful gift, or treat them luxurious locally made skincare products. Once again, this is a great place to find a little piece of New Zealand for out of towners to take home with them.
The Vault
CBD & Takapuna
Founded with the vision of showcasing the best of New Zealand creativity alongside quirky international makers, The Vault is a treasure trove of unique and beautiful gifts. The Vault’s range reflects our multicultural society and draws on both local and international inspiration. Covering everything from jewellery to designer umbrellas to vintage style Tintin prints, you’ll find something for that person who has everything at The Vault.
Iko Iko
Ponsonby
Iko Iko only sells things they really love and feel confident you’ll love too. Find things to pretty up your house, a comprehensive range of party socks (like party shirts, but better), stylish stationery, nostalgic Kiwiana gifts and much more. Our favourites? The celebrity emblazoned scented candles. Pick from Kanye, Beyonce or Drake to help your gift receiver’s night get lit (see what we did there?). From the kitsch to the classy, Iko Iko’s sure to have something the person you’re buying for will love.
The Cat & Fiddle Collectables & Gifts
Kingsland
This is one for the intrepid gift givers! If you want a gift like no other, you should definitely pay a visit to The Cat & Fiddle. With an eclectic range of antiques, bric-a-brac and jewellery, browsing through their amazing collection will make gift-shopping fun (no easy task, we assure you). Located in a gorgeous villa in the middle of Kingsland, the romantic ambience of The Cat & Fiddle makes it the perfect place to find a gift for your boo, your bestie, your mum or just yourself. An added bonus? Their gift wrapping skills are off the chain, so skip your DIY job and leave it to the experts.
Askew
Ponsonby
If you’ve got one of those effortlessly stylish and cool mates, we’ve just found you the perfect place to pick up their prezzie. Stocking some big names like Acme Studios, Moleskine and Stolen Girlfriends Club, Askew has goods you won’t need a gift return receipt for. Pick up something practical, like a classic Blunt Umbrella, or splurge on something stylish such as an all black Mondaine timepiece. Whatever your friend is into, you’re sure to find something they’ll be stoked with at Askew.
Real Groovy
CBD
We all know Real Groovy for their crazy collection of new and vintage LP’s, but if you’ve never perused their selection of gifts you’re seriously missing out. If you’re after a present that’ll bring the banter, Real Groovy has you well and truly looked after. From the racy to the ridiculous (unicorn horn for your cat, anyone?), they’ve got everything you need to make you and your mate laugh. Team it with one of their hilarious cards and you may well have the perfect gift.
Good Thing
Mt Albert
Stocking a stunning range of homewares, gifts, art, plants and clothing, Good Thing prides themselves on having something for everyone. Owners Sarah Twist and Karen Burge are always on the lookout for beautiful things for their store so Good Thing’s product selection is always evolving and improving. Swing by and check out all that’s good in the hood.
Texan Art Schools
Newmarket, Takapuna, Northwest, Botany & Sylvia Park
The Texan Art School was founded over 20 years ago by two creative mums who wanted a place for artists and designers to showcase and sell their works. From those humble beginnings, Texan now boasts five stores and represents more than 100 artists. Texan Art Schools’ philosophy is that giving a gift to someone (or yourself!) brings happiness and they firmly believe that each of their products has the ability to do so. As if their beautiful range of gifts wasn’t enough to make us smile, it’s also pretty cool that every purchase you make there supports a local artist so you can feel good about where your money is going.
Flying Saucers
Milford & Botany
Not your average mall gift shop, Flying Saucers is home to some seriously classy gifts. Whether you go for a funky watch or a beautiful bag, the person on the receiving end couldn’t help but love anything from Flying Saucers. With a range of stylish and sophisticated gifts from brands like Boh Runga, Cellini and Karen Walker, Flying Saucers is the perfect place to get something for your mum or that cool aunty we all have.
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Image Credit: Iko Iko