Acquisitions is like a gift store on crack. Seriously, it's packed with so many things to buy…read more Almost too much. You can find yourself walking around the store for way too long faced with too many options to choose from. First world problems, I know, and in many ways less is more. In saying that though, it's the perfect place to go for a present for someone who has everything as there is so much stuff to choose from. It's situated in the Albany Westfield Mall and there's an entrance right buy the store. This means you can park pretty much outside and save yourself running all over the mall. You just need to make sure you drive over to the Cinema side of the mall and enter from there. It's a great place to go if you need a present, something to cheer you up or an hour to kill while window shopping.

I'm probably sexist in believing that girls enjoy gift buying more than men, however men are…read moreprobably the better gift givers, it's the process we hate so much. Maybe we fear buying a bad gift, and that's what inspires us to spend so much time and effort. Shopping for gifts is a torture like no other, but I've narrowed down my gift-buying destination to one, Acquisitions in Albany. This shop caters for all ages, differing tastes and even crosses the cultural barrier with ease. No matter the occasion, or the person on the receiving end, the gifts you can get here are of high quality, and for most instances, inexpensive too. My birthday is coming up soon, please feel free to shop for my gift at Acquisitions, they've got my approval.

If you need to buy gifts for anyone, then this is the place to go. You can browse around, and there…read moreis nobody looking over your shoulder. The store is laid out for a quick stock turn around, leaving one item on show and the rest packed in boxes ready to become much loved gifts. I have yet to enter this store and not find a suitable gift for anyone and everyone. They stock vases, bowls and home decor pieces. During the Christmas period, they were selling the most beautiful decorations you could find, and they were cheap as chips. Initially I thought they were just opening up to cash in on the Christmas gift rush, but this outlet store's popularity is making them it the one stop gift shop on the Shore. The lady that served me offered to wrap my gift, a service that adds to the five stars they've already achieved.

There's always an occasion for a shop like this! Children's birthdays are a perfect example. Often…read moreI think WHAT THE HECK when I see people dishing out big bucks for kiddies gifts. I mean really, what child is going to appreciate the quality of their gift, which will more than likely get lost, broken or forgotten within a month? Enter: Mega Choice. Not quite the average/crappy $2 shop. This place has some really good stuff! Lot's of great gifts, cool dress ups, essential stationary, colouring books... everything. And it's all affordable. The name says it all really. Go inside and be faced with a mega choice of goodies!

This gift shop in Mairangi Bay gets a thumbs up for always having something new, you've got to be…read morequick if you see something. Beautifully stocked with decorative pieces for your home and things that ladies love - candles, jewellery, handbags. This is where I come for that special gift for a friend and maybe a little something for myself.

Even when I don't plan to have a browse at this shop I always end up stopping in for a quick snoop…read more The staff here cleverly arrange a display outside, which is guaranteed to catch your eye! There's funky cushions and tables and accessories and because of these things I'm always tempted inside. This shop isn't that big but inside is packed with lots of wonderful goodies. The prices aren't extremely affordable and I think it would be possible to find similar kinds of things elsewhere for a cheaper price, but if you wanted to treat yourself or a friend, or you were after something simply amazing and of great quality then head along to Spoilt and spoil yourself!

If you live on Auckland's North Shore, and you are in need of a gift for someone special, then I…read morecan recommend you stop at Bays flowers. The team there is helpful, friendly and creative. If you plan your order, then they will put together a bouquet that promises to score you tons of brownie points. But even if you just pop in at short notice, there is always plenty of arrangements to choose from. They do sell other gifts and cards in store, but it is the floral design that sets them apart from other florists in the area. They say that you should sometimes stop and smell the roses, I say that you should do it here.

I have just purchased $75 worth of flowers from Bays Flowers and I have to say they were very…read moreunderwhelming. These were not value for money and I ended up going to my local vege shop and adding another $15.00 (two bunches of the same flowers that were in the bouquet to try and make them look more substantial. I would not go back there again.

If I had to name my happy place, I think Living and Giving would be fairly high on the list. I…read morecould spend hours in this store pondering over the amazing products they have in there. There's so much I could happily get my credit card out and splurge on. Yes, it is a little bit more expensive than your average Briscoes but that's what I like about it. It's high quality, different but classic products that I know will one day be in my children's flats - it's that good. There's also loads of gift ideas in there. I did most of my Christmas shopping there because there's something for everyone. And they gift wrap, win! The staff are always really onto it and helpful if you're stuck with what to get. And every now and again (if you're lucky) they do a huge sale.

If you have overseas visitors taking them to an authentic New Zealand souvenir shop is a given. But…read moreI have to say there are some New Zealand souvenir shops around that really do no justice to the beauty and originality of the Kiwi culture. Nikau is a shop that seems to really understand and connect with that culture. Everything inside is authentic and stunning! There's a huge variety of things from expensive but awesome pounamu (greenstone) necklaces to quirky little aprons, candles, house decor accessories and cheaper trinkets and jewelry. If you're wanting to buy souvenirs for family and friends you are sure to find something that suits every one of them inside here!

I find NIkau superb. Lovely people, gift wrap beautifully, and an amazing array of superb…read moreproducts. Nic.

Love this place! Beautiful things for you or for gifts...from lavender products to amazing room…read morefragrances to fun hats to beautiful bags in all colors and sizes! And there is more! It is a must see shop -- great place to browse! I have been there 3 times in 3 weeks! We will be back on our next visit to NZ! Merci beaucoup, Alexis! Au revoir!