We asked Herald readers for their Christmas gift conundrums. Photo / Getty
Making a list, checking it twice, trudging to the shops – or trying to remember that three-digit code on the back of your credit card – then forgetting what you wanted to buy in the first place.
Shopping for Christmas presents is hard at the best of times, but when the recipient is maybe a little, uh, specific in their tastes, or you really just don’t know them all that well, it can be torturous.
We asked Herald readers for their tricky gifting situations and promised to try and help – so here we are, with (hopefully) some helpful ideas for making these last few weeks leading up to the big day a little bit easier.
I have a seven-year-old grandson who loves to play. But his parents don’t love plastic. What can I get him that will keep everyone happy? - Janine
Does this child’s love of playtime extend to puddles, perchance? I know, I know, we don’t want rain on Christmas day, but if the weather does get a bit sad, and your grandson doesn’t want to be cooped up inside all summer, let’s help things along with some cool gumboots. Theses ones come in fun, bright colours, are easy to get on and off, and the website has some clever tools to help get the perfect fit (or a 30 day free return policy if you miss the mark).
Bobbi kids gumboots, $99.95 merrypeople.com
Making memories is great, but capturing them on film is even better. This underwater camera uses real 35mm film (so grown ups might be needed to help with set up) but otherwise, it’s as simple as pointing and clicking. It has a detachable waterproof casing that lets little artists snap away with no fear of accidentally dropping their Christmas gift into the paddling pool or sea, and the fact the film needs to be developed gives an even greater gift – a lesson in patience.
Sunnylife underwater camera, $49.99 shutthefrontdoor.co.nz
Look, this one you might regret, but the chance to build your own cannonball launcher? Now that’s fun! The hands-on kit includes everything you need to make the ancient weapon – and some very modern, very safe foam balls to launch at will. It’s high-energy science that promises to be both educational (science!) and fun.
Cannonball launcher, $29.25 kiwico.com
My workmates and I do an anonymous secret Santa every year – and the gifts always suck. What can I give that is under $25, suitable for almost anyone and not so rubbish it’s going to end up in the bin straight after the party? - Stacey
A big topic of conversation in our team recently was the joy of a good pair of socks. Easily one of the more underrated items of clothing. Not sexy, not even particularly inventive – and honestly, maybe a little bit weird to get from a co-worker – but a gift that is actually useful. This pair of women’s socks will add a touch of interest to any 9-to-5 look.
Socksmith sock’s women’s toe-may-toes green socks, $24.99 ikoiko.co.nz
Now, this is not a recommendation for any manager to gift – it would read way too micro-managey. But, if you know your colleagues struggle getting through their to-do list, why not encourage them with a grown-up star chart? It’s a bit fun, a bit silly and maybe even a bit helpful as they head into 2026 – new year, new you and all that.
A4 Star chart, $7.95 fatherrabbit.com
Help your deskmate spice up their boring office lunches with something a little saucy. This cute, colourful caddy from Al Brown contains his famous kasundi ketchup and Old Yella habanero mustard. Both are absolutely delicious, and if they don’t want to risk them in the communal kitchen, they will certainly be the star performers at any barbeque this summer.
Old Yella and Simply Red sauce caddy, $19.90 albrown.co.nz
What do you buy an 88-year-old man who has limited sight and hearing? - Cherie
Not to make assumptions, but show me a man who doesn’t like a biscuit and I will show you a liar. So let’s lean into this and get the best bikkies you can buy. In Auckland, I’d argue those are made by Mor, a bakery in Remuera that often has lines snaking out the door on a Saturday morning. At this time of year though, they make shopping easy: packaging up their sweet treats and letting you pre-order them. Whether you want a beautiful box of shortbread ($16) or a big box – a total of 24 shortbreads, sugar biscuits and cookie sandwiches – for $60, the gift will be delicious.
Biscuit boxes, from $16 morbakery.co.nz
A bit of time spent in nature is good for the soul, but at this time of year, that also means being sun smart. A hat is always a welcome gift for a summer Christmas, and this one from Kathmandu is wide brim, has a neck sun shield and is made from UPF 50+ material for extra protection. Team it with a bottle of SPF 50 and you’ve got a great gift that shows you care.
EVRY-Day UPF 50+ wide brim hat, $41.00 (on sale) kathmandu.co.nz
And what about something to make him feel luxurious? You’re never too old to appreciate a gentle hand wash and hand cream combo, and Eco Store sells curated gift sets, including this coconut body care package that includes a body wash, hand wash (both with pump actions, so easy for older hands to use) as well as two soaps. Using soothing harakeke and the comforting scent of vanilla bean and coconut, it’s a little bit of something nice for someone who deserves it.
Coconut body care kit, $29.99 ecostore.com
Please help me find something unique for my 63-year-old sister. She started some gardening this year and has redecorated a few houses. I’ve always made Christmas a surprise, eg skydiving or dinner on the beach, but we’re older and poorer now, so I need help. - Chris
Have you considered murder, Chris? And by that, we mean solving one, of course. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been glued to shows like The Traitors UK, where the whole idea is to get the killer before they get you. Renting a castle and constructing an entire reality TV show might be a bit much, but an at-home murder mystery game could be just as fun. This one, set in Venice, contains everything you need: two deaths, four suspects and a lot of evidence to wade through. A perfect way for the family to bond after too much trifle.
Murder mystery: Venice edition, $49 paperplanestore.com
You say your sister has recently started gardening – so you could help her really nurture that green thumb. There are a number of classes and courses around that cover everything from introductions to compost and worm farming (free, compostcollective.org) to learning how to plant an edible garden ($67, selwyncomed.school.nz). Most are practical, and run throughout the year, so your sister can get her hands dirty whenever she’s ready.
But if it’s a new hobby she wants to try, pottery is having a bit of a moment right now. Sure, you could send her off to a ceramics class, but there’s an at-home version that might give her a taste of what it involves. NZ company Modeletto have ceramic and air-dried pottery kits that you can use to make your own bowls or coffee cups. They come with everything you’d need – and there’s something to use at the end of it.
Modeletto kits, from $89 modelettostore.com
I’m struggling to find something for my son-in-law. He’s 45, mad about sport and his kids, but has the money to buy himself whatever he wants. Help. - Colleen
I have one word for you … cheese. Assuming he’s not lactose intolerant – or a complete culinary monster – chances are, he likes cheese. He’ll like it even more if it arrives on his doorstep every few months. Barry’s Bay Cheese, based on the Banks Peninsula, make some of the best fromage and if you join their Year of Cheese Club, five cheeses will be delivered every season. Just in time for you to “visit the grandkids”.
Year of Cheese Club membership, $220 barrysbaycheese.co.nz
If rugby is his game, this print from Auckland artist Glenn Jones might make him smile. With a nostalgic feel, even non-footy fans can appreciate its charm. It comes in a range of sizes and can be framed as well. Perfect for the TV room or wherever he’s relegated to watching sport at home.
Rugby unions print, from $49 glennjonesart.com
Even if you’re not crazy about the action on the field, a tour of Eden Park is pretty cool. Taking about 90 minutes, this guided exploration of The Fortress takes you through the player’s tunnel, into the coaches box and onto the hallowed turf of Eden Park. If you really want to up the ante, you could add on a rooftop walk high above the stadium.
Eden Park guided tour, from $50 edenpark.co.nz
What can I get an 18-year-old woman who is not into traditional girl things or clothes. She has pretty much all of the techy toys already. Budget matters (to me). - P
Teenagers like incense. There’s no rhyme nor reason, it’s just a fact of ageing at this point. This incense holder, made in Japan, and an accompanying pack of the smelly stuff, would make a lovely gift for your 18-year-old – not girly in the traditional sense, but certainly chic and timeless.
Japanese brass ball incense holder, $29 (incense starts at $9.50) everyday-needs.com
You say she has everything she might need on the tech side of things, but what about the analogue? Perhaps she could be encouraged to embrace her inner artist with a set of watercolour pencils (just don’t forget the right kind of sketchbook and small brush). Team all of that with long summer days spent scribbling and drawing the world around her and you’ve got a season of #selfcare!
Faber-Castell albrecht durer watercolour pencil tin set 12, $33 (on sale) gordonharris.co.nz
If she’s a tech fan, let’s assume she’s someone who uses a laptop or gaming device in bed. A support pillow might sound like a gift for someone well over the age of 18, but no one who gets frustrated (or sore) balancing books and phones and kindles will be mad about this one. After all, you’re never too young to start worrying about your back health!
Comfeya inflatable gaming and reading support pillow, $44.99 frasercountry.co.nz
My son’s girlfriend is spending Christmas with us for the first time this year. I want to make her feel like part of the family – but I really don’t know much about what she likes, and doesn’t like. Any ideas? - Shane
Giving a candle might be a bit of a lazy gifting punchline by now, but these cute, retro ones have a bit of an edge to them that makes them fun. They are made from natural soy wax, scents include apricot jam, cucumber, and mint and fig and thyme, and the cool can packaging all scream “we’re cool parents”!
To:From Mercado candle, $45 rubynz.com
One thing you can never have enough of? Bags. There is always something that needs to be carried somewhere, and it’s always nice to do that in a chic way. Citta’s market bags (aka big old carry-alls that are perfect for shopping, the beach or lugging your lunch to work in January) come in a selection of colours, but why not show a bit of personality and choose this striped option?
Marra striped market bag, $95 cittadesign.com
And of course, if you want to play it really safe you can never go wrong with a voucher. Yes, it might feel impersonal, but is it impersonal to let someone shop for exactly what they want? No, it’s the pinnacle of thoughtfulness, don’t you think? Consider a voucher for a spa visit, a restaurant, book shop or maybe a Mecca or Sephora gift card and she will thank you – and think of you – as she stocks up on things she can use and actually enjoy.