These holidays, where we might wish to show appreciation through considered gifts, things that we know will be used, are of a need, we find great pleasure in surprising those who are near and dear to us. When it comes to gift-giving, we adhere to the one-for-you-one-for-me approach, an endorsement of sorts. A genuine demonstration of the high esteem in which you hold the recipient. Gift what you wish to receive.
As our inboxes are overflowing with continuing Black Friday emails and gift guides, we’ve all reached maximum capacity for persuasive communications, but we highly recommend browsing ours. We cover various categories, price points and offerings—and these suggestions are either purchases we have made ourselves or what we currently have on collective wish lists. Dive in; there's something here for everyone on your list, including yourself.
Rinse and repeat. Normalise second-hand gifting
Anything really. With online shopping reigning supreme, scouring for thrift finds is still a viable option—given the time, commitment and perhaps an enthusiasm for eBay filters, you will find one-of-a-kind items that, today, the only way to acquire them is through the secondary market. That and the Internet holds no shortage of upcycled curators who have already done the work for you. We would highly recommend, in addition to online stores and Instagram accounts—browse Etsy. You can view our Etsy home objects list here.
Begin within. Gifts to nourish
Loco Love. Where cacao and healing herbs collide. Gift a box to them, one to you. The soul-soothing magic of this handcrafted chocolate is real.
Fix & Fogg. Everything about this brand. We all go through an immense number of Fix & Fogg jars in any given month. There aren't enough good things to say about Fix & Fogg nut butters. Trace is still eating their almond butter everyday. Find your flavour.
Storm & India Matcha. Drink your focus. Grassy, antioxidant rich, our afternoons are all the better with Power Matcha blended with oat or almond milk. Founder, Dooley Crighton upholds her values and quality to the highest order.
Seedlip. For those who don’t wish to feel distracted by discipline but aim to feel vibrant and present a bottle of Seedlip is a must. Trace will be sipping on Spice 94 this summer paired with East Imperial.
Rivsalt Salt. Like gemstones, this Himalayan salt encourages remineralisation, a high health option for cooking or finishing meals. This version includes a Japanese style stainless steel grater and stand made from FSC-certified oak wood.
A coffee subscription. For those who love coffee. There is no shortage of quality roasters with a higher level of ambition for raising ethical standards in the industry. Find out what they are brewing, and purchase their beans on repeat for as long as your budget allows!
Sun Potion. These potent mushroom blends and tonic herbs support Trace all day long, she reaches for her blend first thing in the AM. Fuel someone’s morning, afternoon.
Pineapple Collective ACV. Founded to create community and support the incredible women in food, this apple cider vinegar was created in partnership with Joanne Krueger using Gravenstein, Red Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious and Pink Pearls hand harvested from her orchard, Little Apple Treats. For whenever there’s a need for a hit of acid or something to elevate dishes. Even the non-practicing cook can take it as a tonic.
To wear and adorn
Monarch Jewellery. The Nico Ovo Bangle has been on my wish list since I borrowed it for a photoshoot. Metals are 100% recycled. Coloured gemstones are recycled from an alluvial source, and diamonds are certified carbon-neutral.
FARIS. This discovery was courtesy of some very late-night browsing. Designed by Faris Du Graf and handmade in Seattle, Washington, FARIS pieces are sculptural statements that aim to elevate both the every day and the occasion. The Onda Hoop in gold-plated brass is my pick.
Agmes. The boldness and organic curvature of Agmes pieces are inspired by urban landscapes, architecture and modern art. I love their Surrealist Collection. Inspired by Dali and Man Ray, artists who frequently incorporated hands in their work, these pieces can signify different things. For the founders, being female and working with their hands, the collection represents strength and empowerment. Surrealist is an enduring collection of heart.
Meadowlark archive sale continues. Possessing elegance and modernity, Meadowlark is an independent jeweller based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Select pieces are currently discounted.
Socks. If you are going to gift socks, consider these socks for the AM and these Francie. socks for when the sun goes down. Francie. socks are a beautiful merino and possum blend, sustainably knitted in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Also, Untouched World Rubbish socks. Made from an exclusive 50/50 blend of raw merino fibre and natural recycled materials. They are 100% natural fibre and made locally. *
Anything Jimmy Lion. Came for the socks, but could leave with the Goonies tee! Created in New York and made in Europe, Jimmy Lion does the coolest collabs. Perfect for this friend with more personality.*
Gloria scrunchie. Hair accessories that are both beautiful and functional. These scrunchies are made in Aotearoa, New Zealand from archival fabrics—Gloria is a project by New Zealand artist and designer Kristine Crabb. *
E Nolan scrunchies. Made in Melbourne with the offcuts of cotton poplin from their ready-to-wear shirt production and linen plain weave from their sample room and archives. The proportions are perfect and they are, for the holidays, available as a proper gift set. E Nolan has a temporary space in Collingwood until December 22nd. International shipping is available.
Skin and bathing rituals
Moro Darbon. A partnership between London-based designers Austin Moro and Eliza Dabron, Moro Dabron blurs interiors and gardens, and their waxed fragrances are now available as a discovery set.
Anything Curionoir. The 5 ml Pocket Parfums or 50 ml extraits are a beautiful gift and The Curiosity Sets are an economically sound choice. The handblown glass candles are also a serious gift. And one anyone would love to receive. I’m purchasing Pūrotu Rose for myself. The latest offering, Kihikihi. If your budget is slightly smaller, the Hard Soaps are a considered gift, or buy the Hard Soap Box Set, which returned last month with a new selection of soaps, including Ngutu Pā, Cellar Feels, Moon Moss and Tubereuse Noir.
Bar soap. A bath house staple reimagined. These bars bring the herbal botanicals straight to your shower sans the packaging. Wonder Valley Two Desserts Soap or the Hinoki Bar, anything Binu Binu. Also Orris Paris Bar Soap. Handcrafted in Paris and made from a healing, signature mix of nourishing botanical oils and butters to cleanse and decompress—no palm. Lather up!
Merben dry brush. Know someone who would be receptive to dry brushing? The benefits are immense—increased lymphatic circulation, improved appearance of cellulite, and sloughing off dead skin cells to encourage detoxification. Gift this one and combine with essential oil tinctures for additional extra credit.
Biotyspa, The Body Sculpt Kit. The clinically proven DIY French Lymphatic Sculpting rituals brought to you by massage therapist Deborah Levy. This product went viral in Australia for reducing the appearance of cellulite, smoothing uneven skin texture and toning the body. The hero product, the Body Sculpt Cup, mimics the 'palpate and roll' French massage, encouraging the release of fluids, toxins, and water retention. If you know someone who loves their shower routine, consider The Body Sculpt Kit.
Facial gua sha. This one has been covered a lot on the Internet, but our previous housemate Eden, who has beautiful skin, sold the practice to us. I purchased the by oli oli duo gift set, which contains the Cactus Face and a mini sculpt tool. I am one hundred per cent positive that anyone would be honoured to add this to their daily ritual.
Quiet Hours Facial Ice Roller. This is a contemporary ice roller, cold therapy for your face (or your friend's, mum's, or boyfriend's face). Keep it in the freezer to stay cool and collected. A quick run across your skin is sure to wake you up and hopefully reduce some puffiness and the appearance of acne and wrinkles.
UMA Oil Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil. An Ayurvedic and aromatherapeutic blend dominated by Frankincense and Juniper Berry Oils, intoxicating because of Neroli and Sandalwood Oils. Heavily herbal, UMA’s Absolute smells, well, interesting.
Bruxa Sensual Skin Set. Best of both worlds, Body oil of Summer and Winter. I have winter and am very tempted because one, I love this oil and second, as I write this, the set is offered at 20% off.
Go-To Face Mask. For the fatigued friend. Nothing could be more self indulgent than masking, where you do so little but can be rewarded so greatly. Gift better skin.
Foile Angel Eye Jellies. As we approach the end of the year, this might require more social commitments and tighter work deadlines, and you might look tired. Or your eyes might. You might know someone who feels the same. After buying my Foile Angel Eye Jellies earlier this year, I am using them. I pair mine with their Skin Sponge Serum, which contains cucumber oil. Help someone feel not tired these holidays.
Universal Balm by Monastery. You can read more about the formulation here (no expense was spared). Sourcing the rarest and purest botanicals, Monastery products are formulated in small batches at the founders' studio in San Francisco. Ask Google where you can purchase the Universal Balm in your region. This is for the multi-tasker in your life.
Everyday Oil (Mainstay Blend). A heady base of Coconut, Olive, Argan and Jojoba Oils that creates something that smells almost exactly like a hot summer night. Palo Santo and Clary Sage introduce grounding energy. A gift for everyday, everywhere.
Face Gym. Founded by Inge Theron, a former beauty and wellness journalist, Face Gym range includes vegan collagen booster spheres—the first brand offering vegan collagen. It is derived from fermented yeast. All FaceGym products are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol. For that friend who requires a pick-me-up throughout the day. In Ayurveda, the rose is used to balance all three Doshas and the heart and a mist instantly revives and rejuvenates the skin. Ideal for long hot days, coordinate with a 4 p.m. caffeine fix. Anything Aesop however, would suffice for those you care for.
HINU. Founded by Allie Cameron. Use her Hair Growth Oil as an overnight treatment for softer and amazingly fragranced hair and the Mist to tame flyaways, and during the summer months, avoid sun damage.
Winden Pre-Consumer Recycled Comb. Machine-made using scrap material from the factory that manufactures other Winden combs and barrettes—elevate someone’s hair care ritual.
The Wax Apple Comb Squiggle. If a deeper commitment to self-love is on your 2025 agenda, may I suggest the Scalp Comb Squiggle? Shipping is available globally.
Bare Hands. Well groomed hands and nails are an understated luxury. Bare Hands takes the art of nail care higher, with her kit that relies on just two steps for a clean manicure.
J Hannah Nail Polish. For friends who adorn their hands, J Hannah polishes are seven-free, highly-pigmented, cruelty-free and made in the USA. Mini Polish Sets are ideal for those undecided or concerned with wastage.
Typology. If you are looking for new products that are clean, efficace, and not tested on living creatures, Typology is the perfect brand. With concise formulations, certified B Corporation, Peta-approved and made in France, Typology also complies with the stringent European regulations for cosmetics. They also have a no-use list and ingredient priority is given to those that are the product of organic farming. Ship to most places.
Aleph beauty. For the friend who has a minimal make-up routine, anything from the brand really, mascara, gel liner, eye pigment for extra shine on the eyes, or concealer/foundation. The products are multi-functional; you can do a lot with a small selection. And this makeup also has potent skincare properties.
Fara Homidi. The lip-obsessed makeup artist behind countless campaigns who prioritises quality over quantity, made her debut earlier this year with her Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil, Lip Brush and The Essential Lip Compact, which is infinitely refillable. From conception, Homidi ensured that all products and materials were sustainably sourced and that waste was minimised. All Fara Homidi products are clean and cruelty-free.
Lip balm. The key step to getting your best lips ever is an ultra-nourishing clean balm. Ideal for Secret Santa and stocking stuffers, a balm. Everyone needs one. Our favourites are all here.
Stora Skuggan. For those comfortable gifting scent, part perfume, part object, Stora Skuggan fragrances were made in collaboration with perfumers Olle Hemmendorff, Tomas Hempel and Anna Barkne. They are all equally intriguing.
Tulita 100% Natural Eau de Parfum. A self-proclaimed modern fragrance house rooted in the enduring wisdom of Ayurveda, chakra energies and the connectedness of all things. Which I like the sound of. Each 50ml Tulita fragrance is adorned with a hand-carved crystal cap, positively charged to balance Chakra energy.
Grounding down at home
Henry Wilson. Sydney-based designer, Henry Wilson's concern for materials (glass, metal and stone) and manufacturing selection is motivated not only by achieving utility but also by considering environmental issues and sustainability. Each object is a marriage of pleasure, utility and expressiveness. I was gifted the Incense Burner last year. The Agata Bowl is on my wishlist. Select objects available in Aotearoa via Simon James.
softedge studio. The Rolled Rim Dinner Plates were (to much anticipation) restocked this October. Slow and sustainably handcrafted from Australian clay, softedge ceramic objects are (mostly) for your table. Tactile curves and crevices, founder and designer Layla Cluer termed her brand from the boundaries in which she operates, architecture, fine and curatorial practice. Her pieces are, understandably, briefly in-stock online.
Hale Mercantile Co. Tutto Linen Tea Towels. I own a few of these, they look lovely and actually dry your dishes. Produced in Europe from fine individually dyed linen yarns spun from premium French and Belgian flax, these tea towels are excellent quality.
kobn towelling. Created by Sophie Matson, kobn towelling is made from BCI-approved cotton, crafted by a family-owned mill in Denizli, Turkey—a region synonymous with high-quality textiles, ensuring impeccable fabrication and ethical production. The towels are reversible, with one side a soft terry pile and the other a plain weave.
Autumn Sonata. A Los Angeles-born, Amsterdam-based homeware brand, I first discovered Autumn Sonata via Ssense while searching for towelling. Founded in 2021 by Lilli Elias, the trained archivist turned her lens to historical textiles, and you’ll love the result.
Baina x Estudio Persona. Baina’s limited-edition four-piece towelling collaboration with Estudio Persona is one of my purchase priorities but the set would make a wonderful gift. Umbra is a tonal colour palette of Stone, Sand, Rust and Bark, crafted entirely from cut pile, 100% organic cotton velour reminiscent of Joshua Tree. Even if you have not been, upon viewing the towels, you will understand.
towel.studio. I found the perfect towels to add to my bathroom. Knitted in Germany from 100% organic cotton this terry cloth fabric is ultra absorbent—the patterns are contemporary. Made to order, towel.studio manufacturing is nearly zero waste, a partnership between software designer Roman and knitwear developer Mariko that began during lockdown, a demonstration of how collaboration solves problems and provides hope for the industry.
Gohar World Bean Pot Mitts. I have reached a point in life where I am excited about purchasing some quite mundane items, you probably know people who like receiving such things. Pot mitts being one such item. I did however find these from Gohar World—the navy brown combination is a vibe and I’m also really on board with the brands’ manifesto.
TSU LANGE YOR Aromatic Candle Art Set. This released, last month, a collection of aromatic candles placed together, contained within the work of artist Jane Guthleben. This would make a beautiful gift, or buy them for yourself. TSU LANGE YOR candles are hand poured in Australia. They are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of paraffin, parabens, phthalates, and lead. Shipping to most countries is available.
Iron Candle Stand. A perfect stocking filler, this minimal KOMA cast iron candle stand is ideal for any home. And the candle size makes for a non-intrusive table setting.
Situ Linen Throw. Perfectly simple, Situ carefully selects linens from mill over-runs and designer end stock (all sustainably produced), then manufactures each piece locally.
Material’s kitchen tools. Material Kitchen offers “elegant and engineered” cooking products to play around in the kitchen, and of the highest quality. How cool is this Salt Sphere? Gift to your favourite chef.
Aesop Room Spray. Elevate a friend’s space. Scent has always had the ability to ground people, so in addition to all the incense she burns, I keep a bottle of this around. Always. Vibrant, floral and smoky.
flâner. There are never enough candles in our home. Do you know someone who feels the same? Made in Melbourne, all flâner fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-gendered.
Iris Hantverk Dustpan and Brush. Making the chores less so. Invigorate a friend’s cleaning rituals with a dustpan and brush that can be left out of the cupboard.
Marimekko Puteli Candlestick Holder. Make the everyday mystic. This beautiful candle holder is everything we need to unwind. Pair with unscented tapered natural candles and make candlelit dinners the new evening ritual.
Binu Binu Marble Soap Dish. Find us a better soap dish than this. We’ll wait. Hand-polished marble, designed as a platform to partner with large bar soaps—consider this a solid investment for someone committed to hard soap.
Cold Picnic. These bath mats.
Future heirlooms. Sarah Espeute’s brand, Œuvres Sensibles, is the artists' form of visual communication. Independent Marseille artists are tasked with creating minimalist embroidery works on antique and ecological fabrics that are human and Mother Earth respecting—a future purchase. Budget dependent, start with the napkins.
Bodha. Their latest offering, Moon Vibration Perfume Oil—described as smoke and wood, reflective and meditative is calling me. Bodha incense has been on my list for some time; however, I only recently discovered the brand now offers international shipping. Someone who knows me please read this.
LOEWE Tomato Leaves Incense. Trace bought these on a whim and had zero regrets. Anything from their home range would be wonderful to gift or receive.
SUTRAM. In many ways, this was a suggestion from Instagram. SUTRAM bedding could be the gift of a good rest. If you understand your recipients' interior situation well, Pillow Cases would probably never go amiss. Their bedding is GOTS-certified, Fair Trade certified cotton with a 300 thread count—a modern colour palette, breathable and crisp.
Anything Fourth Street. Located in Auckland and Sydney, this online store is filled with things you’ve been looking for but are yet to find. One Trace would recommend if you are searching for that person who has everything. Fourth Street’s enviable wares didn’t end with the egg sculpture.
Ludattica puzzle. Original wooden puzzles that are different as each piece has an organic form and they do make a bigger animal together! To play for hours and stay occupied, from all ages, alone or with others.
Moon Lists. Journaling, if that is a daily ritual you know a friend engages in, or might consider, then this workbook allows you to document your days thoughtfully.
Noa Blanket Co. Wool throws, beyond adding interest to a space and immense comfort, they are easier to launder than a duvet or sofa cushions. Wool is also anti-microbial. Noa Blanket Co., is a beautiful business offering blankets crafted from 100% pure wool sourced from various farms and regions, drawing on Māori design. All blankets are either limited edition or made-to-order, working with a small mill in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington and their Toitū Envirocare Mark accredited manufacturer in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Houseplants. Plants are living. And life fuels a healthy home—cleaning the air, vibrating with growth, bringing the outdoor world indoors. Amandine’s friends are plant procurers, their home a suburban jungle with listings on Trade Me or your local marketplace (online and off)—the Internet provides no shortage of small sellers and Instagram accounts. Gifting for those looking to hop into the plant game? Find a plant that’s not too fussy, your local plant dealer should be able to assist.
Sunnup mat. For the friends that go outside. Made from 100% recycled polypropylene plastic, SUNNUP would encourage anyone for a leisurely outdoor ritual—a subtle reminder to connect yourself to the present and to unplug.
Gumboots. Some years back, Amandine’s partner Benoit asked for a pair of gumboots to work at ease in the garden, so we thought to share the results of the investigation. Two options adapted to your wallet possibilities. Made in New Zealand, the Bata Industrial are sturdy and practical, or the Muck Boot, breathable and built to last, made abroad. And both are gender-neutral.
Seeds for the garden. For those who managed to have a plot of land, or soil in a pot, seeds are the gift of abundance. We used to source ours from Koanga Institute and Kings Seeds in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Check your local reseller, try to opt for those who promote plant diversity and heirloom varieties.
Gifts to uplift and empower
Books. Gift someone their next nightstand read. Our wishlist on Bookshop is an evergreen well of suggestions.
Print magazines and zines. Always seeking inspiration in words and imagery, Stack Magazines is a great place to start.
Digital magazines/subscriptions. For when their reading cap goes beyond one free article per day. Give the gift of access. Our favourites include The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Guardian and The New York Times.
Subscription to an interesting newsletter There are talented writers worldwide, sharing their passion topic and yet not employed by mainstream media. God bless there are newsletters from them to express their talents, and us to put our money towards something of value, improving our brain and their livelihood. If you are willing to broaden and challenge your views on the food industry, consumption and capitalism, one Amandine loves is Alicia Kennedy’s newsletter—US$30 per year to support her.
Lagom Substack subscription. May we suggest you gift ours too? Only US$26/year.
Subconscious Mind Reprogramming coaching. The holidays are a time when we often reassess everything. Where we are and how we feel. What we want and do not want for ourselves. If you are feeling stuck or stressed, follow Elaine So, Trace has forever. Her Instagram posts are the kind of content we should all be consuming on the Internet—like this post on our relationship to freedom, providing a starting point for important self-communication. Private online sessions are available to book via her website.
Local blooms. Either a one-off offering or on repeat for the year ahead, you can and should buy others (and yourself) flowers. Occasionally we buy ourselves flowers. We like supporting our local Florist and Floral Artist. Find yours.
A volume of Atmos magazine (or several!). We discovered Atmos through Instagram. Expect in-depth stories put together by an eclectic group of adventurers, creatives and journalists, exploring climate and culture, the keys to project into a more sustainable future. There are so many incredible independent publishers to support platforming essential conversations, some of our favourites include It’s Freezing in LA, and Lux Magazine.
Organic veggie subscription. Support the shift toward a sustainable and regenerative food production system by participating in a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) model. In Auckland, we used to have a subscription to Organic Market Auckland CSA. Ask Google what growers and gardens you can support!
Give. And let's not forget that giving is the greatest luxury. For a useful, and low waste gift, The Good Registry is an online platform that reunites charities in need of support. It makes it easy to give and gift funding to those who need it the most.
Here are some Aotearoa-based conservational causes to support: Project Jonah, Lifewise, Youthline, Kokiri Marae, Papawhakaritorito Trust.
Internationally, and dear to our heart: Native Organic Alliance, Oxfam, Ocean conservation research, Virunga National Park, Lion Recovery Fund, Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd, Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation. Also look for your local animal sanctuary, here we have The Animal Sanctuary or The Black Sheep. Reach out if you know others!
Everything we create is an effort to participate in a culture shift. All products featured are independently selected and curated by the authors, and we only feature items we use or would use ourselves that align with our values. As part of our business model, we do work with affiliates such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to purchase through our links. The price would be the same to you either way, but if you find value in our work, then these affiliate links are a way to support it. We only recommend brands, makers and products we use — that we support. Transparency is important to us, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us.
