The need and desire to shop local and support local businesses and makers has never been as strong as it is right now. As the old saying goes ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone’ and 2020 has given us a taste of how dull and uninspired life would be without independent retailers and artists to support and pepper our lives with colour, creativity and something a little unique.
For many, this upcoming Christmas feels more about quality over quantity. Ethical and sustainable replaces speed and trends. And above all, this festive season the emphasis is on togetherness and gratitude, which not only applies to our friends and family, and how we spend our precious time, but also influences our gift buying decisions.
But where to begin? We’re still so busy! There’s still plans to coordinate! And we all know that the final weeks leading up to the festive season are lost in a whirlwind of social gatherings, errands, school obligations, and trying to tie up as many loose ends as possible.
Here at Art Wrap, are all about making your life easier.
No only do our beautiful Art Wrap books provide the perfect solution for your gift wrapping needs - no more awkward tubes, perilously balanced against walls, getting crushed in overstuffed wardrobes, only to find there’s a mere 5cm left of roll that is no good to anyone - Arts Wrap books make a perfect gift in themselves, with each book featuring ten local artists!
We’re also passionate about local talent, and are here to share with you the local collectives, gift and homeware stores that we love and know you will too - you’ll have your Christmas treats and gifts sorted in no time!
In each of our selections listed below you’ll find swathes of goods to suit every whim, style and personality - ranging from old favourites, who we could never imagine our high streets without, and new talent who are really flying the flag for exciting retail concepts and are true ambassadors for local makers.
Whether you want to visit in person, or shop online - these stores cater to whatever your shopping style, budget or need is.
Happy shopping!
Blackbird Gifts
Dunedin
Blackbird Gifts is a whimsical, candy-coloured store offering gifts and quirky items at really reasonable prices. Blackbird, which used to be based in Christchurch, and has relocated to Dunedin, sells cute, quirky and slightly unusual homewares for under $30. You’ll find perfect handmade and sustainable gifts like upcycled hottie covers, cot blankets, suitcases and pillows, as well as an array of New Zealand made wares.
Crushes
Auckland
https://www.crushes.co.nz/
Crushes is a concept store that offers lifestyle and giftware alternatives that are good to the earth and her people. The Karangahape Road and online store showcase hand-picked vintage and over 60 local suppliers from all over Aotearoa, New Zealand making Crushes the home of conscious consumerism.
Everyday Needs
Auckland
https://www.everyday-needs.com
Everyday Needs represents the eclectic and stylishly simplistic collection of homewares curated by Katie Lockhart. As the shop’s name suggests, the focus here is on items for the home that are practical and useful. The range is thoughtful and of high quality, with an emphasis on Japanese designed and made products.
Frances Nation
Christchurch
Nestled in the beautifully restored Christchurch Arts Centre, Frances Nation sells useful goods made by New Zealand artisans and manufacturers, all of which have been personally scouted out by owner Tessa Peach. From potato mashers to tool boxes, beeswax candles to fragrance, hand thrown ceramics to harakeke baskets and hand forged fire pokers, the shop is full of made-to-last goods of the very best quality.
HAPA
Christchurch
HAPA is a Local Design store with two locations in Christchurch - the Tannery and CBD. HAPA stocks a wide range of gifts, jewellery, artwork, craft and homewares, curated to delight customers. With a focus on local design, and Māori design, HAPA showcases more than 200 local designers and artists, including a range of exclusive HAPA designs. HAPA’s vibrant and friendly team will help you find the perfect gift.
Iko Iko
Wellington and Auckland
A Cuba Street institution, it just wouldn’t be Wellington without Iko Iko! The go-to place for all things bright, fun and kitsch, Iko Iko stocks homewares, books, toys, jewellery and everything you didn’t think you needed, but do now! They also have a great range of pop culture gift cards and a visit is sure to brighten up your day and cater for every gift need.
Little Beehive Co-Op
Nelson
Little Beehive Co-Op was founded in 2014 by two Nelson creatives, Paula Ossevoort & Rachael Brown. Both looking to connect & collaborate with other artists and have a place to showcase their work. Since then it has become Nelson’s go-to space for locally made art and gifts, including Nelson-area ceramics and clothing.
Shelf Home + Gifts
Christchurch
Tucked half way up the Port Hills, in Cashmere, Shelf is a beautiful bright and airy space, with the best views over the city! With a beautiful hand-picked selection of contemporary homewares, gifts, fashion and jewellery, there’s something for everyone - escape the hustle and bustle and grab a coffee whilst you browse from the Emperor's New Clothes cafe, which handily adjoins Shelf. If only all shopping could be this restful!
White Room Gallery
Wellington
https://whiteroomgallery.co.nz
The White Room Gallery located at the rear of the Empire Cinema, this one-stop shop is the perfect destination for those looking for a gift or wanting to treat themselves to something nice. With a penchant for unique, quality products and an emphasis on sustainability, you are bound to recognise many of the locally designed and made goods and guaranteed to come across something completely new in the same visit.
Follow our updates on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/artwrapNZ