Gift ideas for family in New Zealand

[user1471459444]

Just wondering if anyone knows of any unique online stores in New Zealand that deliver? My parents are on the North Island and I'm stumped as to what to get them! They've lived there for a very long time and we were meant to see them in March but obviously Covid put paid to that! They haven't seen my little boy since he was 4 months old (he's now 2) and I miss them desperately and want to organise something lovely for Christmas. They love food and wine so in the past I've found a French deli that put together a gift box, and I've done lots of creates of local wine and beers over the years. I've also done Asian cooking classes, and restaurant vouchers, and theatre vouchers - all of which went down well.

The challenge I'm having is that most online stores sell local NZ produce - which they could get anywhere, and I'm looking for something a bit different.

I'd love to hear if anyone on here can recommend anything!

[Chocolateteabag]

OP there was an "Etsy" type market place that someone linked on one of the previous Christmas bargains thread - it had loads of NZ based small shops & sellers. You might be able to google or have a search through the bargain threads from around 11-12?

We were supposed to be seeing family over there this Christmas - thankfully we only send presents for the kids so I use Mighty Ape and Toyco alot for them. Also Snapfish for cards with pictures

[Fivemoreminutes1]

Gifts Less Ordinary giftslessordinary.com/nz/personalised/art-photography

[mbosnz]

If they love food and wine, how about (okay, still Kiwi) but South Island wineries - e.g. Neudorf, Roaring Meg, and if they love their seafood, there's Kono for some kickarse kaimoana (seafood) - I actually gave my mother a gift basket from them, and she was rapt.

Neudorf in particular, is not in the supermarkets, so if you're in the North Island it's harder to get, and it's really rather lovely.

[user1471459444]

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I know the North Island very well, but not South so haven't heard of the wineries suggested. I'll take a look! I'll look at the seafood too - the most appreciated gift I ever gave my mum was a dressed lobster! Thanks for the toy suggestions too- I have a tiny new niece to buy for too, so that's helpful.

[ghislaine]

Something from the Chathams? There are two women who have recently set up a honey business there. I think the honey is freeze dried.

The NZ Etsy is called Felt (as in ‘felt like it’).

Book depository do free worldwide delivery. You could see if they have any novels set where you are currently living and have those sent. Books are so expensive in NZ. Local
teatowels as are another low cost postage option. Or a beautiful scarves from Kath Kath.com (friends of mine but I don’t get commission).

[ghislaine]

Local calendars are also nice and create a daily sense of connection as well as being cheap to post.

[ghislaine]

Small point of geography you may have missed in your eagerness to spam your business: NZ isn’t in the UAE....

[Fantail]

Do they like cheese?

I got some cheese from this company over our lockdown - www.crankygoatltd.co.nz/home

Was very yum.

They are doing Christmas boxes too from the look of it.

[Standrewsschool]

Can you do a photobook with pictures of your boy in it to send over?