It’s A Wrap
This season we’re making easy work of gift giving. From single malts and your must-have holiday fragrance to beauty essentials and the latest in appliances; discover our inspired guide for the best festive gifts to shop this Christmas
1. Bag- Lovers Dream
Saben has updated some of its favourites in time for the holiday season. The new Lily crossbody is a compact version of their popular bag Tilly. Featuring a luxe chain strap, it provides a dash of glitz for the party season. Saben’s Ziggy wallet is a petite version of the brand’s Zoey design, and is a streamlined update for summer living.
Saben ‘ Lily’ bag, $229, and ‘ Ziggy’ wallet, $169, from Saben.co.nz
2. Your Christmas Caffeine Hit
A hearty coffee on Christmas morning is essential, and Nespresso’s Gran Lattissima is the ultimate luxury gift. Available in white or black and offering a truly one-touch coffee experience and café- quality coffee at home. Simply select a preferred beverage and the Gran Lattissima will do the rest — from an espresso to a cappuccino, there are nine beverages available at the touch of a button.
Nespresso’s Gran Lattissima, $749. Nespresso.com
3. The Perfect Pinot Noir
An excellent choice for pinot lovers, John Martin Pinot Noir boasts an elegant bouquet of ripe fruits, exotic spices and finely seasoned oak. The fruit for this wine is selected from small parcels on the original landholdings of Martinborough’s founder and namesake, John Martin.
Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir 2018, $ 46, from FoleyWineClub.co.nz Tekairanga.co.nz
4. Artful Beauty by Ashley & Co
Spanish illustrator Blanca Deblas brings a sensual, summery palette to Ashley & Co’s festive offering this year. Hand painted with watercolours, Blanca’s beautiful, bespoke designs wrap up four new gift pairings destined to be on everyone’s wish list. Ashley & Co ‘ Twice as Merry’ Lip Punch and Tint Me Lip Punch $24.95; ‘ Duo of Cheer’ Lip Punch, Soothe Tube Blossom and Gilt $29.95; ‘ Spritz the Halls’; Room Mist $ 49.95; ‘ Carried Away’ Trip Kit, $ 19.95. Available from Ashleyandco.co and leading gift and homeware stores nationwide
5. Good for Stockings & the Planet
The latest, greatest trend in haircare, shampoo bars are the ultimate Christmas present for someone who cares. Made with New Zealand native botanicals, Good Cube’s super- concentrated shampoo and conditioning bars are a sustainable addition to a stylish bathroom (and the brand’s hemp storage bag keeps them fresh and dry).
Good Cube 120g, $29.95, Good Cube Travel Size 35g, $14.95, and hemp storage and exfoliator bags, $10.95, available from Goodcube.com and selected stores
6. A Toast to Festivities
Raise a glass in celebration with this elegant Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé — voted New Zealand’s best sparkling wine at the 2020 NZ International Wine Show. Encased in a stylish gift box designed by artist Flox, this is the perfect bubbles to enjoy on special occasions, as a gift, or to celebrate milestones.
Tohu Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé, $ 40, from Tohuwines.co.nz
7. The Scent of Summer
One of local designer Karen Walker’s sought-after scents, B is feminine and efflorescent. Lush, ripe, and delicious, it’s like a warm, balmy breeze after the heat of the day — a fragrance that is brimming with possibilities. A lovely, personal gift for this season, B 50ml also comes with a leather key ring. Karen Walker B 50ml and key ring, $145, from Karen Walker, Smith & Caughey’s, Farmers, David Jones, Ballantyne’s, and H& J Smith
8. Salute to a Fruity Sav
Ripe and intense with tropical notes of guava and passionfruit, this Sauvignon Blanc is a great gift option for the wine aficionado in your life. With 30 years’ experience, Grove Mill is also looking forward, prioritising sustainability — with a winery powered with the help of solar, a nurtured wetlands programme, recycled New Zealand glass bottles and labels made from sugarcane. Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $ 19, from FoleyWineClub.co. nz Grovemill.co. nz
9. Seasonal Skincare Pampering
Treat someone who deserves an indulgent experience. About Face’s range of gift sets feature RevitaLash, Pure Fiji, Ultraceuticals and Environ. All boxed up in beautiful packaging, these gift sets are ready to go straight under the tree for Christmas Day. Pure Fiji Tropical Christmas Cracker $ 22, The Beauty Chef Glowing & Gutsy Set $ 95, RevitaLash Lash Perfecting Gift Collection $ 199, and Pure Fiji Hydrate & Polish Kit $ 59, available from About Face
10. Luxury in a Glass
Hand blown crystal glasses by Buster + Punch are an elegant way to enjoy a splash of whisky. Whether you enjoy yours on the rocks or neat, these handsome glasses with a matching tray ( made from steel, brass or black metal) are the perfect set up. Buster + Punch glasses and machined plate tray, $ 270, from Ecc.co. nz
11. The Perfect Tipple
A sophisticated gift to unbox on Christmas, Glenlivit 12yo Whisky is a famously good single malt scotch whisky. Smooth, balanced and fruity, this classic malt is matured in traditional oak barrels. It can be enjoyed on the rocks, or as a festive cocktail. Glenlivit 12yo, $74.99, available from Liquorland, Glengarry and all good stockists
12. Hello Handsome
This ‘ Protect and Perfect’ gift set by Handsome Men’s Skincare is a thoughtful present for any of the men in your life. A combination of plant extracts and powerful antioxidants keep the skin fresh, young and handsome, and the gift set includes Charcoal Face Buff and Antioxidant Day Cream. Handsome Men’s Skincare ‘ Protect and Perfect’ gift set, $ 31.90, from Farmers, Ballantyne’s and selected pharmacies
13. The Gift of The Perfect Sleep
Drift off in peace these holidays (and all year long) with a luxurious Patney pillow. Designed to control snoring for those people who sleep on their back or side, a Patney pillow is non-invasive, anti-bacterial and nonallergenic — made from sustainable natural latex. Patney pillow, $ 329, available exclusively online at Patney.com