What to buy for adults this Christmas, we asked our expert lifestyle team what gifts they’re eyeing up this festive season. Video / Carson Bluck
It’s been a big, busy year, and although it takes a good deal of effort to make holiday festivities happen, there’s also time to rest, relax and enjoy time at home.
That’s the theme of these gift ideas — good ideas for grown-ups who want to dabble in some self-care during their time off, get stuck into the kitchen and finally use that cookbook they got last Christmas, head to the beach, or simply park up on the couch with some fancy chocolates.
So, we asked our expert lifestyle team what gifts they’re eyeing up this festive season.
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
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
Who doesn’t love a snazzy coffee book table 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
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
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
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
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
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
For the home
1. Robotic Lawn Mower
Photo / Supplied
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
8. Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas Diffuser
Photo / Supplied
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Photo / Supplied
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
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
3. Recycled Sari Pot Holder by Fair Trade Bangladesh
Photo / Supplied
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
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.
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
6. Sucker Cocktails Reusable Glass Straw Set For Cocktails
Photo / Supplied
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
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
