When it comes to holiday gifting, I can be a painful stick in the mud. I’d rather receive nothing than something I didn’t ask for. I buy plenty of unnecessary shit for myself, I do not need anyone else to contribute to my wasteful ways.
I like to receive practical gifts, things that’ll actually get used - ideally for a long time to come, and as you'll see, those are the types of things I like to gift too. In that spirit, , for the final of our niche Christmas gift guides for 2022, here are a dozen useful gifts that pass the muster, because apparently gifting cold hard cash is ‘not thoughtful’.
Black Estate Damsteep Pét-Nat 2022, $45, from By The Bottle
An extremely delicious bubbly. I once asked for help finding a 'fun wine' in a bottle shop and was sternly told, "wine isn't fun." This fizz is light, juicy, fresh and fun wine.
Citta Cabin Towel, $109
A bright towel with a nostalgic bent is a summer must have. This one falls into the category of 'slightly nicer than you’d probably buy yourself', which makes it an ideal for gifting.
Fish knife, $23, from Flotsam & Jetsam
Whether it's gifted to the couple who document tinned fish date night every single Friday, or that one friend who insists on doing bumps of caviar, this sweet wee knife is sure to enjoy pride of plaice in their kitchen.
Hard-Edge Lighters by Tsubota Pearl, $50, from Kiosk
For lighting incense or... all those scented candles you’re bound to receive.
Richard Beauchamp Large Stacking Mugs, $55 each, from Made Good
Mugs are strangely personal, everyone has strong, and individual thoughts on what makes a good one. But Canterbury potter Richard Beauchamp’s supremely beautiful versions have universal appeal.
Dariwallah Stripe Bags, $65, from Everyday Needs
These sturdy zip-top Nylon tote bags are exceptionally handy to have. Use them to lug stuff to the beach, use as carry-on holdalls or store clothes away between seasons.
Salt By Hendrix Eye Babe Under Eye Masks, $34, from Colleen
Even better than something they’ll use? Something they’ll re-use. The refreshing zing and plumping power of a silicone eye mask without the single-use dread.
Naibu textured chopsticks, $10, from Milly’s
Swap out the splintered sticks taking up room in your cutlery drawer for a pair of very cute pink lacquer chopsticks. They’re dishwasher safe (under 70 degrees).
Mini Japanese kenzan set, $30, from Garden Objects
Also called flower frogs, these tiny tools more closely resemble a torture device than the key to leveling up your at-home floral displays but that’s what they are. Use the pins to support woody or soft stems and tart up a bunch of dairy bought daisies.
Bookety Book Books gift card, from $20
The best gift is one they get to pick themselves and supports a locally-owned, indie bookshop.
D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain Auto Fragrance, $20, from Mecca
Breathe new life into a musty undie drawer, laundry cupboard or car interior. Smells like eucalyptus and wet wood (the fancy sauna type, not the pongy damp rental type).
CleanCleanClean Toothbrush shelf, $65
Made in Whanganui, these aesthetically pleasing and practical wall mounted shelves allow toothbrushes to hang up to dry, meaning no more slimy bathroom cups or mouldy handles.
