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 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!

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.

Upcycle Waiheke is gorgeous. Bursting with community spirit, creativity, and ingenuity, it's a…read moremust-see if you're on the island. Not only is it packed with inspired, locally-made goodies, the prices are incredible. I would have gone completely overboard on my last visit, if not for the thought of hauling it all back home on the ferry! Artsy presents and decorative items for the home abound, but my absolute favourites were the recycled-fabric hobby horses and the beautifully made three-tier cake stands, made with none other than vintage plates, of course! The quality of the upcycled goods is ever so slightly uneven, but on the whole most things are very professionally finished.

This place is cool! On many levels. It is a shop made up of a collective of textile artists,…read moreworking to create clothing, jewellery, gift ideas, woodwork, wall art and much more. The small group all live on Waiheke Island and exhibit their wares for sale in the shop, and I am told, they all help out in different ways running the business. Many take turns shopkeeping, some work behind the scenes on a more business level, basically everyone supports in some way or another. It is a great example of a community working together. It is cool because of what and how they produce this art. As the name suggests, the art is all created from recycled materials and the quality is high. My friend, a visitor from overseas, bought a wonderful wall hanging of a Tiki, carefully stitched and created with care. This is a great place to buy a unique gift if you are looking for something outside the square. Don't go to Waiheke without checking this place out.

Super helpful staff, a great array of things that you just don't find anywhere else. Takes me back…read morein time which is fun. Always my first choice for materials, wools, sewing notions, so the list goes on. I am a repeat customer and will stay that way. Cheers to Ikes! Lin.

Sure they sell a wide range of homewares, sewing supplies, dress up costumes and everything in…read morebetween. Ikes used to be the place to go if you needed a proper sized flag of your home country. For $10 they had a huge selection of international flags behind the counter. When I was there last week I couldn't see any indication they were selling these anymore. The place looks quite run down and messy, I'd rather shop at the Look Sharp Store in Albany for costumes, party & craft/sewing supplies.

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.