Christmas is just days away, but if you still have a few names left on your shopping list, you’re in luck.
Today - December 18 - is the cutoff date for getting those last-minute gifts in the mail for domestic economy items through NZ
The Ultimate Kiwi Gift Guide 2024: What to buy for adults this Christmas
Subscribe to listen
Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
So, we asked our expert lifestyle team what gifts they’re eyeing up this festive season.
For the Foodies
1. Mad Millie Food Starter Kit
For the kitchen wizz who has a bit more time on their hands, a starter kit from Kiwi company Mad Millie is sure to keep them occupied. Mad Millie built their brand by selling high-quality make-your-own cheese kits. Designed for all levels of ability, they’ve since released kits for making Greek yoghurt, sauerkraut, vegan cheese, kombucha, sourdough and ginger beer too. - Tom Rose
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
$24.95-$210.15 from Mad Millie
2. Flight Specialty Instant Coffee
Summer means camping and beach trips but it doesn’t have to mean you go without your daily brew or risk it all with a small-town petrol station coffee. The gift of barista-level coffee you can enjoy anywhere truly does say ‘I love you’. - Sarah Pollok
$69.75 from Flight Coffee
3. Eat NYC
Who doesn’t love a snazzy coffee table book to elevate their home decor? Bonus, this one will also elevate your cooking to NYC standards. Part tour across five city boroughs, part cookbook, NYC’s most iconic dishes are celebrated from the first page to the last, from hotdogs to bagels and classic NY cheesecake. - Anna Sarjeant
$54.59 from Nile
4. Mediterra Cookbook
Let’s be honest, we all want to eat and look like we live in the Mediterranean. Described by author Ben Tish as “a cuisine of the sun” there’s no better time than to gift the foodie in your life more than a hundred mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes that originate from Spain to Syria and taste as good as they look. - SP
$62.95 from Whitcoulls
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
5. Le Creuset salt and pepper mills
Le Creuset is to kitchenwares what Louis Vuitton is to luggage - unparalleled. Help your loved ones start or add to their own collection with the salt and pepper mills. They will look great on the Christmas table and paired with some artisan sea salt and peppercorns, this makes for the perfect gift. — Jenni Mortimer
From $51 on Le Creuset
6. André Verdier Laguiole Steak Knife Set
Let’s face it, nobody wants to wrestle a steak on their plate with a blunt table knife. These sleek, sharp steak knives from André Verdier Laguiole blend functionality with style and make cutting through your slab of meat an effortless task. Made in France and dishwasher safe, help your loved one add a touch of elegance to their cutlery collection. — TR
$124.99 from The Home Store
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
7. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe
If you haven’t seen this across TikTok and Instagram, let us introduce you to the virally popular machine that makes ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more at the touch of a button. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is perfect for anyone who loves a frozen treat and enjoys getting creative in the kitchen. — SP
$499 from Ninja Kitchen
8. Gifted meal kit or subscription
The perfect gift for a busy parent or the friend who’s always on the go – meals they don’t have to plan. Either gift them a voucher or choose a box of their favourite meals to drop off at their door. — Bethany Haverland
Prices vary
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
9. Weber Lumin BBQ
Weber’s newest BBQ, the Weber Lumin, is fully powered by electricity, meaning you only have to plug it in and off she goes. It’s perfect for pizzas, fish, or a classic Kiwi BBQ feast. It’s the ideal gift for the green griller in your life. - JM
For the home
1. Robotic Lawn Mower
Okay, you may have to club all Christmases and birthdays together for this one, but the Gardena SILENO City Robotic Lawn Mower is worth the high price tag for all the time you’ll gift back to the chief lawnmower in your life. Effortless, efficient and operatable in all weather conditions, may you never argue about who’s cutting the grass again. — AS
$1599 from Mitre10
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
2. Zassenhaus Kitchen Timer
It’s one of those simple, decades-old devices that no one thinks they need anymore, but the trusty kitchen timer is still a cook’s best friend. Channelling all the flare of the 1950s, the Zassenhaus Kitchen Timer is eye-catchingly retro and comes in a range of colours to suit anyone’s kitchen. The biggest perk? No more smearing your phone in batter while setting the digital timer. — AS
$45 from The Studio
3. Ecoya Fresh Pine Mini Goldie Candle
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of pine trees - so why not gift it to a loved one this year with this classic candle from Ecoya? Plus the brushed gold vessel will add a touch of luxe to their home decor year-round. — BH
$29.95 from Ecoya
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
4. Verve Design Edie Portable LED Table Lamp
This cordless, rechargeable lamp from Bunnings can live anywhere in your home, from bedside to coffee table. It comes in a range of shades to suit your colour scheme, from green to amber to cream. — BH
$35 from Bunnings
5. Acme Bobby Mug
Acme knows how to make a good mug and the Bobby mug is no exception. Friendly and fun with an easy handle the ceramic mug is perfect for any beverage and comes in five trendy colours but we love the bright orange ‘clay’ the best. — SP
$20.50 from Acme
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
6. Napoleon Mini Chilly
Ah, nothing beats a lukewarm can of beer or soft drink on the beach. Just kidding, we all like ‘em ice cold, and the Napoleon Chilly Bin Mini does just that. Lightweight, small (because no one wants to lug around a heavy chilly bin) and most importantly, very cute, it’ll keep 18 cans icy for 12 hours. — SP
$155.00 from Napoleon Goods
7. Abel Scene02 Room Spray
The only thing better than a home that looks good is one that smells great. Give someone the gift of a beautifully scented home with this 100% natural room spray, that has soft notes of fig, marigold and cedarwood. — AS
$100 from Abel Fragrance
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
8. Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas Diffuser
Glasshouse Fragrances’ diffusers and candles are just a little bit special with their Christmas collection featuring stunning glass vessels with yuletide scents. The Night Before Christmas diffuser features notes of spice, musk, plum and redcurrant. — Lana Andelane
From $65 from Glasshouse Fragrances
For the Travellers
1. July suitcase
If you’ve stepped into the airport in recent months, you’ll know that July suitcases are having a real moment, with their signature-stamped cases appearing everywhere. Their carry-on case is stylish, durable and has aluminium-reinforced bumpers on the corners to see it through many years of luggage handling liabilities. — JM
$425 from July
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
2. Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When
Whether you want to go to the Gold Coast or the Galapagos, there’s one question every traveller asks; when is the best time to go? Lonely Planet’s book Where to Go When answers this exact question. Ideal for the person in your life always planning their next trip and filling up their Pinterest boards with beach shots and Boeings. — SP
$90 from Paper Plus
3. Kathmandu Feather Flight Carry-On Bag
Beat airlines strict 7kg limit with the lightest carry-on bag in the world. The Feather Flight offers 40 litres of internal packing volume and weighs just 1.6kg, meaning travellers with carry-on may just be able to squeeze that extra outfit in their bag. — SP
$379.98 from Kathmandu
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
4. Sunnylife Portable Travel Speaker The Vacay
Know someone who loves listening to music wherever they go? Cute and compact, this portable wireless travel speaker means they can hit the beach, the bach or a roadie and share their tunes every moment. Plus, the cream and olive pattern means it’ll fit right into the beachy aesthetic in those Instagram photos. — SP
$47 from Father Rabbit
5. HOVERAir X1 Drone
This is one for the would-be travel influencer or someone who loves filming wherever they go. Using technology developed by an Otago University graduate, the HOVERAir X1 Drone is the world’s first palm-sized autonomous drone designed specifically for hands-free aerial photography and videography. — SP
$749 from Noel Leeming
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
6. AirFly Pro from Twelve South
Whether they fly frequently for business or pleasure, they’ll thank you for saving them from ever needing to wear in-flight headphones again. Instead, they can plug AirFly into their seat’s headphone jack and listen to movies via their AirPods, Bose, Sony or other premium wireless headphones. — SP
$99.14 from TwelveSouth
For the Beauty lovers
1. Zoe Porter Pearl Sleeper Earrings
Natural pearl hoops are oh-so in fashion at the moment, with no signs of going anywhere. These single or double-pearl sleepers by Kiwi jewellery brand Zoe Porter are the perfect set to wear all summer long. — SP
$125 from Zoe Porter
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
2. Mecca To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
It’s a summer staple but with a glow-up, trading its signature black tube for a brighter look with Natalya Hughes’ ornamental artworks. The perfect gift for the person who has everything, because you can always do with SPF. — JM
$51 from Mecca
3. GHD Chronos Straightener
For those looking to give the gift of time, the GHD Chronos is a stylish choice, enabling the recipient to cut their straightening time in half - and when getting ready at 6 am that’s priceless. The limited edition ice blue set is sure to please and look great under the Christmas tree too. — JM
$510 from GHD
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
4. NZ-made Velvet Toiletry Bag
Is it really Christmas if you don’t receive at least one cosmetics bag? Rather than a generic add-on for a multi-pack of make-up, the velvet collection from 100percentnz plush to the touch. The perfect size for both travel and home, they’re fully lined and finished with a cute tassel. — AS
$39 from 100percentnz
5. Dermalogica Long-Lasting Hydration Trio
If you’re shopping for a loved one who doesn’t know where to start on their skincare journey, or a beauty buff who is hard to please, go for a value set. Dermalogica has plenty of options but their Long-Lasting Hydration Trio is our top pick, allowing the recipient to try three of the brand’s bestsellers. — LA
$85 from Dermalogica
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
6. Lush Limited-Edition Turmeric Latte Perfume
We can’t gatekeep this stunning Lush scent any longer. An amalgamation of vanilla and tonka, this long-lasting perfume is sweet, spicy and sexy. It’s also the perfect festive fragrance: rich and warming with hints of cinnamon and star anise. — LA
From $75 from Lush
7. Emma Lewisham Sleeping Mask
When the harsh Summer rays and sea salt are causing your skin to feel like it needs a moisture surge, this sleeping mask is a great option. It soaks into the skin like a dream, delivers a glowy look when you wake and smells divine - it’s no wonder the NZ brand is a hit with beauty lovers across the globe. — JM
$127 from Emma Lewisham
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
8. Glossier Balm Dotcom Duo
From the ideal stocking stuffer to a gift for your son’s new girlfriend who you don’t really know but doesn’t leave his side, this Glossier duo is sure to please and ease the awkwardness. It’s a great price point, comes in cute packaging and delivers the perfect pout. — JM
$50 from Mecca
9. Versace Eros Energy Homme EDT
Looking for a fresh fragrance for a lad in your life? Versace’s Eros Energy makes for the perfect day and night fragrance with a stylish bottle that will look great on his dressing table. Plus Versace is a real upgrade from that Lynx Africa gift pack that NZ men’s Christmas trees aggressively adorned from 2008-2015. — JM
$138 from Farmers
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
10. Karen Walker Runaway Safety Pin Earrings
Karen Walker’s Runaway Girl is as synonymous with Christmas gifting as Santa himself. This year she’s adorning these gorgeous safety pin earrings, available in silver or gold, and will look perfect positioned on the recipient’s lobes this Christmas. - JM
For the health nuts
1. LSKD Leg It FLXCotton tee
The hugely popular Aussie fitness brand has just opened its first NZ store in Auckland, and gym-goers are more fizzed than when their pre-workout kicks in. For an easy win, you can’t go wrong with a T-shirt that they can wear to the gym, or just on a Sunday stroll. — JM
$75 from LSKD
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
2. Mindfulness Journal
We could all use a little more mindfulness in 2025 and we love Crushes self-guided journal, which has more than 65 pages of prompts and guides to help you find a little more peace and self-understanding. — SP
$20.00 from Crushes
3. Lululemon Align High-Rise Short
Got a fitness-mad friend in your life, but no idea what that endorphin-filled fitness junkie would like? Fear not, lululemon’s align collection is the crème de la crème of activewear. The high-rise shorts are flattering, buttery soft and a real status symbol amongst pilates princesses, lifters and yogis everywhere. — JM
$89 from Lululemon
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
4. Headspace
Headspace is one of the most famous meditation apps because it really does live up to the hype. The well-designed app is simple to use, meaning people of all ages can easily navigate through the massive collection of guided meditations to help you find calm amidst stress, fall asleep, cultivate gratitude and more. — SP
$117.14 from Headspace
5. Studio Pilates Starter Pack
If your loved one is on a health and fitness journey, a starter pack for their local Studio Pilates could be a great gift. Challenging yet fun, reformer Pilates is designed to sculpt and tone over 45-minute sessions. Exercises can also be easily modified for those with injuries or other concerns. — LA
$60 from Studio Pilates
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
6. Caci Clinic LED Light Therapy Treatment
Give the gift of good skin this Christmas with an LED light therapy session at Caci Clinic. Pick from blue light (targets acne-causing bacteria and helps treat sun damage) or red light (helps even skin tone, boost collagen, and speed up healing). — LA
From $110 from Caci Clinic
7. Lorna Jane Love Lounge Stripe Shirt
Want an effortlessly chic gift that the stylish recipient can wear year-round? This lounge stripe shirt from Lorna Jane has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. I chuck it over my activewear, bikini at the beach, or even just around the house as an elevated PJ look. You can’t go wrong with athleisure wear this Christmas! - JM
$150 from Lorna Jane
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
For the Hard to Buy For
1. Monthly book subscription
Everyone has a hobby, interest or pastime, which you can easily tap into with a monthly book subscription. Simply detail the receiver’s preferences and the good people at Book Box will hand-pick a monthly book especially for them. You can even add a block of chocolate or bag of tea to complement the order. — AS
Starting from $35 per month https://bookbox.co.nz/
2. Air-dry Pottery Kit
If you know someone creative, loves trendy homewares or could do with a relaxing hobby, you can’t go wrong with a pottery kit from Modelletto. The only thing better than a cute clay candle holder is one you made yourself and these simple at-home kits give you all the tools to do just that. It’s an experience and a gift all wrapped into one. — SP
$89.00 from Modeletto
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
3. Fernweh Coffee Subscription Box
It’s hard to go wrong with coffee, making the subscription boxes from Fernweh the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy person. You can purchase a one, three or six-month subscription of 250g, 500g or 1kg of coffee and each month they’ll get a bag of specialty, single-origin coffee delivered to their door. — SP
From $25.00 from Fernweh
4. Cotton Stripe Beach Towel
It’s beach season and this large, stylish beach towel from Assembly Label is a brilliant gift no matter who you’ve got for Secret Santa. The trendy unisex towels come in several designs, all with bold, modern patterns and colours and it’ll be sure to last many summers to come. — SP
$70 from Father Rabbit
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
5. Endota Spa Voucher
Much like a big bouquet of flowers, being expertly kneaded into a state of bliss is something many of us deeply desire but deem too decadent. Give a weary friend or family member the gift they really need but probably won’t buy for themselves; 60 minutes of pampering at locations around Aotearoa. — SP
Any amount via Endota
6. Cam Barrett Art Lamp
If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone who is house proud, or maybe even setting up their first home, these lovingly made lamps by Kiwi artist Cam Barrett make a great choice. Made from 100% recycled PLA and paired with an LED E14 bulb, they’re also an eco-friendly option and create gorgeous mood lighting throughout a room. — JM
Prices start at $185 from Cam Barrett Art
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
7. Soap Rainbow Gift Box
These palm oil-free soaps are handcrafted by a small family operation in Kakanui, just south of Oamaru. Using natural ingredients such as essential oils extracted from plants and flowers, natural clays, and spices, each bar has a luxuriously creamy lather that will make a person feel like they’re getting a special treat after every wash. — Varsha Anjali
$46 at Honey & Spice
8. Nick von K Rings
The Auckland-based designer has a range of unique jewels for the style savant or accessory connoisseur in your life. From pounamu pieces to semi-precious stones and intricately wrought sterling silver, Nick Von K has a knack for stand-out designs that make a statement all on their own. — LA
From $75 from Nick von K
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
For the culture-lovers
1. Concert tickets
With a summer stacked full of events rolling into 2025, what better way to please your music-loving loved one than with tickets to see one of their favourite artists live! In January alone, Grammy winner Donald Glover will stop in Aoteaoroa for his last tour as Childish Gambino, Fisher will perform two exclusive outdoor shows in Auckland and Christchurch, Luke Combs plans to hold two record-breaking shows at Eden Park, the Summer Concert Tour celebrates 15 years with a world-class lineup, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hip-hop and RnB festival Juicy Fest begins its nationwide tour. — TR
Prices vary; find details of summer events here.
2. Google Chromecast
The perfect all-rounder gift for the entertainment junkie who subscribes to every streaming service, Google Chromecast makes it easy to stream movies, shows, and music from device to the TV. It’s a simple yet practical gift that will be appreciated equally by your tech-savvy friend or your less tech-attuned parent. — TR
$69 from Harvey Norman
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
3. Everyday Conversations Cards
This is one for the person who loves a deep and meaningful chat (or perhaps someone who needs some help starting those conversations). Everyday Conversations is a card game designed to foster communication and advance mental health through conversations. — SP
$34 via Everyday Solitude
4. Apple AirPods Max
The most stylish tech gift you can give this Christmas comes in the form of Apple’s AirPods Max. They come in 5 ultra-cool colourways and are super popular amongst celebs, meaning the recipient is also being gifted extra cool points as well as insane sound quality. — JM
$999 from Apple
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
5. One year pass to the arts
For lovers of theatre, film and art galleries, most major art institutions in New Zealand such as Wellington Film Society, Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Art Gallery have membership deals that offer exclusive access to shows, events, exhibitions and discounts. — VA
Prices vary.
Gifts that are good for the world
1. Recycle Boutique Gift Card
For the style maverick, a pre-loved gem could be a perfect gift this Christmas. Recycle Boutique has thousands of fairly priced second-hand goodies and a wide range of labels, from international fashion houses to boutique New Zealand brands. — LA
Any amount from Recycle Boutique
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
2. Bottle of 27seconds Wine
27seconds is a Social Impact winery that uses wine to fund work against human trafficking, which happens every 27 seconds, on average. All profits go to Hagar; an organization that provides intensive recovery care to survivors of slavery, trafficking & severe abuse in Cambodia and Vietnam and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. — SP
From $18.99 at 27seconds
3. Recycled Sari Pot Holder by Fair Trade Bangladesh
Buy a beautiful piece of homeware with character and a meaningful story when you purchase these vibrant placemats or heat mats. Made from colourful recycled cotton saris, the mats are woven by women at an enterprise in Bangladesh, which provides safety, stability and fair employment for former sex workers. — SP
$29 from Everyday Needs https://www.everyday-needs.com/products/recycled-sari-placemat
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
4. Buy a cow
Okay, no, you’re not buying your friend or family member an actual cow. Instead, you’re buying one on their behalf for someone living in poverty, via Tearfund’s Gift For Life programme. A cow is an extremely valuable asset that provides daily nourishment for a family and empowers individuals to build a sustainable source of income.
$75 from Tearfund
5. Give a Kiwi family a Christmas
Each year, The Christmas Joy Store provides over 10,000 children and their families with presents, treats and food to enjoy on Christmas Day. For $100 you provide another Kiwi family presents and food for Christmas Day. They’ll receive pantry staples, treats, food for Christmas Day and three toys for each child. — SP
$100 from Kindness Collective
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
6. Sucker Cocktails Reusable Glass Straw Set For Cocktails
It’s 2024 now; plastic straws have been banished into the past with a single-use plastic ban in Aotearoa. But still, a lot of people love straws for the ease and convenience they bring to enjoying a cold one. Enter New Zealand brand Sucker, which has rolled out a collection of quirky yet sturdy reusable straws for every occasion. — TR
$27-30 from Sucker
7. Ecostore Products
Combining practicality with sustainability, gifting a refillable eco product for an essential item like laundry liquid or hand soap is a thoughtful way to reduce waste for anyone looking to make greener choices. — VA
From $14.99 at Ecostore
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
