They’re the dream of male novelists who again-and-again pen manic pixie dream girls. The kind of friend who’s got a designer air-freshener over her car rearview mirror, one with a scent name along the likes of ‘Fresh Sheets and Harry Styles on the Bed’. A passenger getting in would be struck by their elegance. How chic and curated, they’d think.
But as soon as said passenger peers their head back, they’d also find: a mouldy KeepCup, three pairs of mid-height candy-coloured heels (Miu Miu, Nelson Made and then a freshly resoled $5 pair from the op-shop), boxing gloves, a slightly damp beach towel and… Wait, does this count as the 12 Days of Christmas?
This friend has the best of intentions. But simply put, no matter how many [new] to-do-lists they make in their notes app – the tasks just keep coming. They’re the ultimate contradiction. They run to maintain their stress levels. Of course, only in a colour-coordinated fit with Kim Petras blasting on full volume through their 2nd gen AirPods. In their right legging pocket is an inhaler; all the ‘weekend only’ vaping (for stress too) has caught up.
Perhaps it’s a mixture of their job, eldest-child syndrome, passions, or maybe they’re just a general magnet for chaos. Either way, they mean well. And they most certainly try to do it all.
Right now, they’ll most likely be running around Karangahape Road, trying to find a mix of corporate yet edgy gifts for their workmates. They’ll also be ringing NZ Post later today uttering, “Hey! Sorry to bother you, but I ordered my package yesterday… Will it come by Christmas? Please, it's for my Granny!”
So to manage their stress levels, this is a gift guide to lax them out, or any of our dear last minute shoppers. It’s thoughtful and specific enough to make it seem like – yeah, you have been planning for weeks…
Tiggy Anoesis belt, $75
A hot-girl antidote for clothing crises over the holiday period. Sick of that ol’ LBD? Looking to add texture to a uniform white shirt? Just chuck this belt on and your dear pal will be the star of any compliments. Even cooler – these beads have been either taken from old jewellery or thrifted.
Kowtow x Monarc Jewellery ‘Catena’ hoops, from $230
These sexy gold hoops will slot right into their forever jewellery collection, as seamlessly as Paul Mescal and Joe Alwyn have fallen into First Lady roles. The limited-edition collaboration is inspired by the works of Mid-Century sculptors Beverly Pepper and Clement Meadmore. A detail which your friend will just love mentioning when asked where their earrings are from.
Tekla x Jacquemus shorts, approx $250
Imagine the jealousy of fellow beach-goers as they watch your friend chuck these on after a swim. Fashion is an excellent vehicle for escapism and fantasy. So why not gift them the allure of a nepo-baby on holiday in Aotearoa? That’s the vibe collab gives me, and yet also the dream shorts my skin seeks to feel.
Coffee Pen Recipe Book Volume II, $70
I actually used to flat next door to the magical Auckland cafe, and many times, thought about starting a people-watching TikTok. Everyone en-route to pick up their daily latte from there was immaculately dressed and simply ethereal. What’s more chic than that?
Your friend has probably already bragged that the sold-out first edition is on their colour-coordinated bookshelf… Reward their good taste with Volume II, featuring a fresh set of recipes from Yas and Fumi Hisai’s beloved cafe.
A class with ceramics artist Debbie Harris, approx $80
Operating out of Tāmaki Makaurau’s Mud Studios, artist Debbie Harris’ world is pure whimsical joy. Her three hour clay candle holder class is the only chance you have at forcing your overloaded friend to make time for themselves. Oh and help them learn to actually be present. Slide in Debbie’s DMS to book an evening in the new year.
Ockhee Chilly Bag, $20
Local hospo merch is just the sexiest Christmas gift ever. We love this chilly bag from Ponsonby Road Korean eatery Ockhee. The design on it is also the perfect image of this gift guide’s muse. Let them say c’est la vie with a red or too many cans over the office shut-period – it’s chill. Knowing them though, this chilly bag will probably be transformed into a vase for their self-dried florals...
Notes on Heartbreak by Annie Lord, $35
Let’s be honest, your friend needs a damn-good cry to release all their pent up energy from the year. No better place to cry than the beach baby!
British Vogue dating columnist Annie Lord offers a stab-to-the-heart view in this book on the sudden death of her long-term relationship. Whether they’re in love or a single bee, your friend will definitely pass off wisdom from this book as their own enlightenment. PS yes, Annie Lord did write this viral essay from a few years back.
Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum 50ml, $265
Fragrance is as personal as one’s TikTok FYP. And equal to that of data-mining, my recommendations are rarely off. Created for all genders, Eidesis is the latest from Aēsop’s fragrance range, making it special enough for your friend’s niche needs. They hate nothing more than being grouped in with the masses. It’s a light, yet spicy summer scent holding warmth from the sandalwood base note.
