Back Local These Holidays with Our Christchurch Shopping and Gifting Guide

With sustainability, locality, and functionality at the core of its ethos, Abode is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. Thoughtfully curated pieces fill the shop - from gorgeous summer-ready attire in bold patterns to thoughtful homeware sure to delight any homebody -and the two women behind Abode are ready to help you shop this holiday season.

If there’s an art aficionado on your list, look no further than The National. With a specialisation in jewellery and objects by mostly New Zealand artists, the gallery provides a wide range of contemporary curiosities and one-of-a-kind gifts. Artfully arranged in a stunning gallery, shopping in this space doubles as a gift for you, too!

Give a curated gift of charm and sophistication from Addy & Lou, a special Sydenham store that’s essentially a collection of gorgeous things the mother-daughter owners love. The goods are beautifully displayed in the space, from small gifts (think sunglasses, books, jewellery, fragrance) to statement furniture and luxurious linen. If you’re having trouble deciding, gift cards are also available.

Not your run of the mill gift shop, Frances Nation is thoughtfully curated with handmade New Zealand wares, chosen for their practicality and durability. For a thoughtful gift, we suggest the pressed steel toolbox. Made in Christchurch, these toolboxes are a great size and weight for favourite tools and easy portability. Finished with a quality grade powder coating in your choice of classic red, lemon yellow, silver or electric blue. A perfect stocking stuffer is their rimu bottle opener, made in Nelson by hand. Crafted from native rimu, a nail and a couple of magnets: one to hold onto the fridge door and one to hold onto the cap once released - no bending over to pick it up! Finally, the ultimate practical gift is the kitchen knife by SVORD. A traditional Japanese Santoku design is perfect for slicing, dicing, and mincing. The stainless steel blade makes for easy care and the black poly handle makes it perfect for an everyday kitchen knife.

A haven for skaters, Embassy is now an essential stop for streetwear lovers. Stocked to the brim with collectible sneakers, boards, and more, the friendly staff will help you navigate the collections whether you love to skate or just want to shop for someone who does.

Like stepping into the closet you always dreamed you’d have, Indigo & Provisions is a delightful shop of heritage fashions and workwear. With hard-to-find brands and pieces, from Christchurch made card sleeves to gorgeous army blankets and practical work backpacks, the stylish urbanite who hankers for the mountains will be over the moon with your findings here.

 Quality magnificent wares and gifts fill the shelves, cases, and corners of Henry Trading's gorgeous little shop on Lyttelton’s London Street. Between delicious smelling candles, indulgent beauty finds, and eclectic homewares, you’ll quickly tick off your whole list in one fell swoop. Our favourite picks include their sustainable beeswax candles, which come in all shapes and sizes for the perfect stocking stuffer or main gift. Or try their Zay market baskets, handwoven in Myanmar from recycled packaging tape, which can be used as a sturdy shopping bag. For a uniquely New Zealand gift, we suggest the Kōura pin by New Zealand artist Turumeke Harrington. This adorable crustacean pin is part of the Kōura Collection 2020, which features bags, tea towels, and more. 

For the stylish on your list, Infinite Definite is your must-stop. From home goods to fashion-forward clothing, you’ll be a gift-giving favourite with a few of their most coveted items. For the home we suggest Habitual Goods folded bookends. Designed and made in Christchurch, these functional pieces of art will add architectural lines to any bookshelf. Socks are a wanted item again with Daily Socks, designed in Christchurch and made in New Zealand and South Korea. Featuring a delicious colour range and classic style, you can tick both the men and women off your list with these. Finally, for those who appreciate quality, consider Hasami Porcelain. Simplistic usability and designed to fit into the next piece, Hasami Porcelain is a true minimalist’s dream. Made in the pottery-heritage historic town of Hasami in Nagasaki Prefecture.

One peek inside Mrs Bottomley’s Flowers in the Tannery and you’ll want to move right in. With whimsical designs and stunning arrangements, you’ll be sure to delight anyone on your list with a Mrs Bottomley’s. An obvious choice is their Christmas bouquets, featuring New Zealand grown seasonal flowers and foliage for a festive feast of the eyes. You shouldn’t forget yourself this Christmas, and there’s no better way than a festive wreath, made of either fresh or everlasting ingredients, perfect to welcome in your holiday guests. Finally, a Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant is a classic white orchid, a thoughtful gift to last long after the tree is put away.  

Rekindle aims to breathe life into traditional craft and share it with the community. From workshops that teach tī kōuka (cabbage tree leaf) weaving and hand darning to a small selection of practical household items for sale, nothing at Rekindle is wasteful. Consider gifting a Resourceful Workshop, where the recipient can experience creating and making useful items from the items that surround us. Or, if your gift-receiver prefers to practice at home, gift spoon-carving tools. Rekindle stocks Mora sloyd and spoon knives, and axes, the only three spoon carving tools they’ll need. Finally, for the person who has everything, handmade hazel wood pegs made from local wood provide a multipurpose delight. 

Featuring a hand-picked selection of Aotearoa inspired gifts without the kitsch, Shopology is a safe bet for a local find. A great place to find beautifully made and nostalgic children’s gifts, plus a one-stop-shop for the eco-conscious, you’ll be finished shopping before you even check out the jewellery, homeware, or attire.

A Christchurch institution since the ‘70s, Scorpio Books provides hours of entertainment in its cosy nook in central Christchurch. With an extensive collection of New Zealand literature, cookbooks, and children’s books, any reading style will be satisfied here. What’s more, the incredibly friendly staff are poised and waiting to help you select the best book for anyone on your list.

Located in The Tannery, Sollos offers a tasteful alternative to hectic holiday shopping. You’ll find the finest selections of sustainable, locally-made gifts, with every piece truly made with love. Shop their homemade kitchenwares, vibrant jewellery, eco-friendly nail polish, and more.

J’aime les macarons crafts handmade bites of luxury inspired by owner Bridget O’Sullivan’s decade spent in Europe. Their special Christmas collection includes gift boxes big and small, from the 2020 Festive Deluxe Collection with 48 macarons, to their Merry Christmas Collection which comprises 12 mouthwatering macarons for under $50. They ship nationwide and take Christmas orders through the  21st December, making this a perfect option for someone who may or may not have left holiday shopping to the last minute.