Christmas is the season of giving, but with the high cost of living in 2023, chances are your gift shopping list is a little more modest this year.
If you’ve been added to yet another Secret Santa or had a glimpse of your kids’ extravagant wish
The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2023: What to buy for under $50 this Christmas
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Gifts for under $50.
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Mecca SPF cracker
As we head into summer, it’s probably time your loved one topped up their SPF stash. And what better way to unwrap the gift of sun-safe skin than in Mecca’s signature Christmas cracker form?
$25 from Mecca
Living & Co cement 4 wick candle
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Nothing says Christmastime like a citronella candle to light up your backyard and keep the sandflies at bay - so why not gift a loved one this gorgeous candle with foil accents?
$24 from The Warehouse
Wordle: The Party Game
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for the friend, family member or colleague who religiously does the daily Wordle and smugly shares their results in the group chat, then look no further.
$29.99 from Mighty Ape
Spruce and Hank Arohanui handkerchief
This colourful handkerchief makes a thoughtful gift that will become a pocket staple, featuring a stylised tūī - with some of the proceeds going to organisations such as Sustainable Coastlines and Forest & Bird.
$16.90 from from The Green Collective
Meyer lemon tree
The ideal gift for a green-thumbed friend that will keep on growing - and when the tree eventually grows lemons, they’ll think of you each time they pick one to squeeze into a dessert recipe, zest into a salad dressing, or garnish a summery G&T.
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$25.09 from The Plant Store
Typo personalised A5 journal
Monogrammed accessories don’t have to be expensive - this notebook from Typo comes in a range of colours with your loved one’s initials on the cover.
$24 from Typo
11 in 1 bar multi-tool
If you know someone who’s quite the home bartender and loves whipping up new cocktails in their kitchen, then this multi-tool is the perfect gift, with all the gadgets you need to bring the bar home.
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$29.95 from Not Socks
Sophie mini pearl studs
These delicate pearl studs make a thoughtful addition to anyone’s jewellery collection, and are a staple that never goes out of style.
$48 from Sophie
Edmonds Taku Puka Tohutao Tuatahi (My First Cookbook Māori edition)
This te reo Māori version of the classic Edmonds cookbook for beginners is perfect for the budding chef in your life, featuring recipes for Matariki star biscuits, steamed pudding and fried bread.
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$26 from The Warehouse
T2 Three’s a Party gift pack
For the person who loves nothing more than a cuppa, T2 has packaged up their three most popular black teas into one festive and reusable container - brew their Christmas Breakfast blend as the big day dawns.
$34 from T2
The Body Shop Cherries & Cheer shower gel
Who doesn’t want to smell like cherries and vanilla on Christmas Day? It’s a luxe addition to their “everything shower” and also makes a great stocking stuffer.
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$18 from The Body Shop
Cotton on cooler bag
This stylish cooler bag will keep all your festive drinks and snacks chilled if you’re planning to spend Boxing Day relaxing at the beach.
$39.99 from Cotton On
Restaurant Association gift voucher
Give the gift of a delicious dinner out and help support local eateries at the same time with a gift voucher from the Restaurant Association.
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Up to $50 from dinefind.co.nz.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
British writer Dolly Alderton’s long-awaited follow-up to the hugely popular Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love is the ideal addition to any bookworm’s shelf.
$26 from The Warehouse
House of Chocolate Christmas tree & speculaas & crisp pearl dark chocolate duo
No gift guide is complete without a sweet treat - and this delicious combo from House of Chocolate couldn’t be more Christmassy, with dark chocolate meeting festive spices.
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$47 from House of Chocolate
