Unique shop in historic Puhoi! I was surprised at how close this great little town is to Auckland…read moreCity. We'll worth the drive. Amanda- the owner is a really lovely lady who is always sourcing new and interesting treasures to fill her shop with. Why not make this a stop when heading north for a break over summer! No doubt you will find something to take home!

This place is consistently on trend ! And you can find…read moregreat gifts here , they also have Seedling range for kids with a little bit of pocket money . I mentally pick out stuff to put in my house when I'm a grown up . Wait for their sales , really get that bargain you need . They also sell online .

I was so looking forward to going in and seeing lots of retro furniture and other stuff. I must…read moreadmit that there were a few bits but not as much as I hoped. Good for buying some unusual ornaments etc.

I think I may have just found my new favourite gift shop - introducing Matchbox Studios!…read more Matchbox Studios originally started up in Wellington three years ago, where they are a large art and crafts store plus an art gallery. I recently discovered them on Instagram and saw that they were opening a store in St Kevins Arcade on K'Road (full of exciting things). I was so thrilled because it is a seriously awesome shop! It is a haven for all things colourful, whether it be art, jewellery, stationery, books, candles or homewares! I loved everything I came across in Matchbox, but here is a taste of what you might find: - Funky colourful cards (for example the Koala dressed in a Hawaiian shirt) - Range of art prints, including skulls (yay!), famous people, grumpy cat, etc. - The Beatles tea bags (check out the picture!) - Candles and soaps (all with very nice scents) and - Colourful cups, straws, plates and napkins - perfect for picnics or parties at home, plus so much more! The shop assistant was friendly and she was really happy when I signed up to their mailing list. How could I not - everything at Matchbox is fabulous and fun! So, if you need a gift or want to decorate your room with bright colours, then I highly recommend you visit Matchbox Studios today - I am sure you won't be disappointed!

In a word: bunting…read more In a few more words: Netty P has a sign up at her stall that reads 'Freshly Crafted', and even with the resurgence of handmade, I think she still manages to get across a unique viewpoint. Netty P Handmade sells soft toys, from miniature to huggably large, cut to an old-fashioned design but sewn up with the best brightly printed cottons. She has bunting that mixes spots and stripes. And she sells hobby horses, which are so cute they nearly make me faint. In fact I often find myself wondering if she ever makes them in adult sizes...Giddy up.

On site at the Matakana Country Park, The Craft Co-op is an adorable little store filled with hand…read morecrafted treasures. The hard work of over 70 people from around New Zealand is sold here and you can find loads of art, pottery, knitting and wood work. It's all individually created and unique, perfect for gifts. Its ideal shopping for special souvenirs, as it's not too tacky. They also have an excellent range of natural cosmetics and locally made soaps; the proper chunky kind with dried flowers poking out the side. They have an adorable kid's corner, with colourful clothes and costumes and a really nice range of kid's beaded jewellery. The Craft Co-op is perfect for Nanas; take her in there and afterwards have tea and a scone at the Speckled Hen café, perfect!

Xpress Stationery is a proper stationery shop; it's not your usual chain store full of one type of…read morepencil or pen. They have things here you won't find in those places (good pastels; patterned papers), as well as a decent range of magazines. They're also helpful if you don't know quite what you'd like, and are happy to spend time with making sure you're getting what you need. Unlike those other chain stores, this place also has a small gallery space; whilst I've never seen any art here I really like, I applaud them for using their space for supporting artists.

Xpress Stationery has items that you can't get in the "mall" shops. The owner is knowledgeable and…read moreif they don't happen to stock what you need, they happily get it in for you. The personalised service is great and the art/craft supplies make gift buying very easy - gets those creative juices flowing.

I first discovered Little White Box at the Kraftbomb market. They sell a range of cute and dainty…read morehand crafted ceramics, mainly ornaments and kitchenware. They are all handpainted and made right here in Auckland. I have purchased a few hanging ornaments of birds and an angel and they are really special. I see now, looking at the products on their website there some cute bunny rabbit designs too. As for the pottery range, I really like the bowls/cups that have red hearts painted on them, and the polkadots and the blue stars. These would make a great addition to any kitchen. The Kraftbomb market is held every last Sunday of the month at the Grey Lynn Community Centre in Auckland 11am-2pm, and is the perfect way to spend a lazy sunday!

This shop is a hidden gem on Waiheke Island. My friends and I arrived for the weekend and realized…read moreour clothing was not suitable. This shop was a life saver as it stocked all kinds of clothes for the beach and also for our night out. The shop is tiny and busy but very cute and quirky with lots of lovely things and not overpriced like many tourist places. The assistant was very helpful with useful information about transport and places to eat. There is no tourist information in this village so this shop must be it. Well worth a visit ..

Summer dresses and accessories for sale at Salt. This beachy shop in Oneroa has racks of frocks…read moredisplayed outside, in many designs at really great prices. My girls cannot walk past without eyeing up the baskets of beaded bracelets, 3 for $5 and you can't beat that for value! Inside the store the choice goes on with a few more pricey options and lovely designs in the clothing range. There is much more jewellery, sun glasses, jandals, t-shirts, bandannas, sarongs and rompers. This store embodies the laid back holiday feeling that is Waiheke.