Damask is a sweet little shop in Matakana, with a nice range of well-priced items that would all…read moremake for very special, unique gifts for a daughter, mother, grandmother or friend. Much of the stock seems to be rose themed, which ties in well with what is printed on the window: 'a rose is a rose is a rose', and is both internationally and locally imported. I was greeted in a very friendly way and asked if I was looking for anything in particular, which was very helpful as there are so many nice things you don't really know where to start, especially if you are looking for something specific. Beautiful looking and charmingly smelling shop.

At Taste it's all about the kitchen. It's well stocked; everything from Scanpan pots and pans,…read moredesigner glassware, a big range of Maxwell and Williams to quirky aprons and oven mitts. They have a great baking section, with loads of decoration tools. They also do a brilliant range of kiwi cookbooks. Because it is designer, it is on the pricier side, but I've always found it perfect for gifts. They also do a great gourmet food range of sauces and dips. My Uncle loved the Tamarillo jelly we gave him for Christmas; he used it for pork glazing, yummo! It's a large, well laid out store...the kind you just pop into but then manage to spend 30mins browsing in.

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!

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!

Quintessentially Kiwi is a superb display of the creativity we have in NZ. It's a gorgeous little…read moregift store filled with handmade jewellery, ceramics, wall art, sculpture and clothing. It carries work from designers all over New Zealand, and it's cool to see such a funky mix. I've found it the perfect store to buy house warming or engagement gifts in. I bought a cool set of ceramic heart wall panels and a funny little brass sheep. The jewellery is also really nice, although perhaps a little old for my taste, but great for mum or aunty. A lot of the stuff would be good for souvenirs or to send overseas; it's very kiwi but elegant and fun, not tacky and plastic.

Mooi mooi is a gorgeous little store tucked away at the back of Matakana. It was originally an…read moreonline shop and they sell a variety of things for the home. The children's section is very cute. Most of the clothing is the Sticky Fudge range; littler hipster hoodies for boys and floral prints for girls. It's good quality all-natural fabrics and averages about $30 an item. There are a few bits of furniture and the Wonki Ware kitchen range which I love. They also do a nice rage of bird and flower jewellery. Mooi Mooi has a natural but contemporary feel to it; lovely for gift buying or to pop into and have a browse

The store sign says Japanese souvenirs and gifts but there's definitely more to this store than…read morethat. I am a huge trinket and ornament person and if I had infinite funds to spend on junk my house would be filled with... well, crap. Cool crap that is. The kind of dinky stuff you find in this shop. Quaint little ornaments, cool wall hangings and some cool Kiwiana stuff. The prices are pretty inexpensive. I know there are some places where you pay an arm and a leg for some plain wood thing to hang on the wall but here everything seems pretty tame. Besides that though there's nothing particularly special about this place but it's definitely worth a nosy if you're wondering past.

Great gift shop with so much packed in to this small store. The owners are friendly & willing to…read moreorder in stock if you have something special in mind. Lots of handcrafted knicknacks, signs, ornaments, along with all the typical kiwi souveniers. Definitely give this place a go if you need ideas for gifts.

I'm no real gardener, I just pretend. I do like gardening though and always enjoy popping into…read moreTumbleweed. They are a well stocked garden centre that has a bit of everything. I've picked up quite a few seedlings for the vege garden here, they have some good specials. They also do a good range of fruit trees and natives. I think what I like best is the advice they happily dish out. I always have oodles of questions, but they are only too happy to help me out. It's also a good place for inspiration (which I need a lot of) you can get some good ideas from a quick wander through