At Viva we are in the middle of sorting our Christmas gift guide suggestions. This is like vicarious shopping, allowing us to see all the lovely things out there and to pass the word on to you. As well as checking out the shops we wade through a lot of emails and right know my inbox is barely coping with an influx of image files.
I'd rather be sorting out my Christmas cards - I like to stick with old-school rather than social media seasonal greetings - but unscrambling my computer will have to take precedence. Then it will to be side-tracked by another pre-Christmas panic, this about postal close-off dates for overseas parcels.
Luckily sometimes work and the personal coincide, so when it comes to deciding what to buy for those overseas or those visiting from there, I've already seen some lovely bits and pieces and know I will be choosing New Zealand-made items. In keeping with Viva's theme this week which is about entertaining (and with our gift guide due next week), a good place to start is by providing bodycare or home fragrance products with a Kiwi caress.
Here's just a handful of the many proudly local items which are ideal to display in your guest bathroom or to leave on the bedside table. Consider also packing these or similar items if you are travelling abroad this Christmas, because they will make thoughtful gifts for your hosts along the way.
Kio Kio Rosehip & Manuka Honey Hand & Body Lotion $29.90
New Zealand natural skincare is renowned, but does not always look as stylish as this, explaining how Kio Kio has found a place in spas and mentions in overseas magazines. The company uses New Zealand native botanical extracts and has four Pacific-inspired fragrances. For stockists see kiokio.co.nz.
