This is a great gift store in Newmarket which sells things mainly for males, hip flasks, hunting…read moregear, wallets, that sort of thing. It is only a small shop, but they have some great items inside, and it all looks like really good quality. Of course you have to pay for the quality, but there's no need to be a cheapskate on your gift giving. They have quite a few chess sets for sale here, really beautifully crafted pieces and boards, especially the full table set. These chess sets are actually at quite a good price too, considering how it's so hard to find a good quality one in New Zealand. For the ladies there are some things, but like I said it is a small shop and unless your mum is keen on hunting and/or drinking whiskey I'd probably go somewhere else for her birthday present.

As gifts shops go, this one has little something special. Quirky is how I'd describe it. Inside…read morethere are a ton of presents for people (as described on the shop window) who have everything. This is pretty accurate I thought. The gifts were the kind of cool things that could brighten up someone's day but certainly weren't essential. My absolutely favourite were the money tins. Each tin specified something that warranted paying a fine (putting a coin in the tin). I very nearly bought the farting one for my brother-in-law. Now that I'm home I wish I had. I might have to go back and get it - they were only $7!

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.

Askew is the epitome of designer goods: hand-picked items including children's school bags, Alessi…read morekitchenware, timeless gift cards, luggage, clutch purses, jewellery, moleskin notebooks etc... When I want a unique or quirky present, I always go to Askew. On the quiet, I have purchased a lot of secret gifts for myself too (love my kimono key ring). Great, personable service, who talk to you like a human being. Hurrah! Parking all around, open long hours. I encourage YOU to check Askew (Ponsonby) out if you haven't already...super stylish store that offers luxury, and you 'feel' valued! Quite uncommon in modern life.

I'm a fan of Trade Aid, and the High Street shop is a tiny peace of ethical heaven in the middle of…read morethe CBD. They seem to have crammed everything they fit into the larger shops in this tiny one - namely jewellery and hair accessories, cards and giftwrap, musical instruments, soap, ornaments, toys, gifts, cushions, rugs, bags...the list seems endless. Some of my favourite things to buy from Trade Aid are the chocolate bars, which have a delicious and distinct flavour, and the coffee and spices. Much-appreciated gifts I've given from Trade Aid have included platters and placemats.

Growing up in a home decorated with sculptures, rugs and artsy items I love trade aid. One day…read moreafter uni I was walking to Britomart with my bed on my mind then I saw these basket items in a shop window. I decided to go into the shop because I suddenly remembered that I needed something. Whatever it was I was certain this store with awesome baskets in the window would have it. I walked into the store and it felt like I was back home in the markets as I was surronded by so many cushion covers, beads and essence. I was in heaven and all my thoughts about my bed faded. After I browsed around the shop I learnt that the shop was all about fair trade! It only felt right to walk out with a few coin pouches and chocolate, you never know when it might come in handy. This place is perfect when you are struggling to find a present for that one friend who is hard to shop for.

In a word? Hankies…read more Hankies for gentlemen. Hankies for ladies. Hankies singularly or in pretty packs. Tucked away in the Howick Village Square, this shop is like a piece of nostalgia wrapped in a bundle of retro. It inspired me to start sending birthday cards with a hanky tucked inside as the present; humble, heartfelt, and deliciously vintage. They also have an excellent range of greeting cards at incredible prices, and a range of books and toys, even some exquisite hand knitted items. The ladies that work there are so sweet, and the proceeds go to charity, so I recommend picking up some extra hankies for yourself while you're at it.

Located in an old black villa in the middle of the Kingsland shops, is one of my favourite shops in…read moreAuckland. Full of fantastic, eclectic gifts, furniture, jewellery and cards, The Cat and the Fiddle is the perfect place to find a gift for that special person, or just treat yourself! I've been shopping at this store for years and am still in awe every time I step through the door. The owner is a friendly woman who is happy to tell you about each of the pieces. The whole Cat and the Fiddle experience is a delight. From the creative arrangement of scarves, jewellery, furniture, candles and fairy lights, to the soothing foreign music that wafts around the store as you shop, you'll never have a bad or boring experience in this store. Tip: Get your gift beautifully wrapped at the store for free.

The Cat and The Fiddle is a Kingsland gift store making the most of the converted villa businesses…read morein Auckland that are supposed to create a warm, welcoming environment. They use almost every available space to display their wares in this dazzling display of trinkets. The amount of candles and jewellery and religious iconography is intense and I was hoping for a little respite in a courtyard or garden after the assault on my senses. The store feels like a library of monotonous authors: after browsing everything you're disappointed nothing actually tickled your fancy. You also have the typical Kingsland retail shop greeting where the staff don't want to be the first to break the silence. My partner described it as "Just another old lady shop".

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 bet that you won't find a long list of male names when you compile the people who actually enjoy…read moregift shopping, I know I don't, and you are more than welcome to remove my name from any such lists. I don't mind receiving gifts, I don't even mind giving gifts, it is just the shopping process I detest. Fortunately Elements at the Glenfield Mall is the perfect place to buy gifts, as they have something for everyone, and the price falls into the affordable category. From cups with your name on it, to T-Shirts and barbeque aprons. This is a quick stop, get-your-gift-and-go kind of store, and even the most reluctant shopper will find something here.

So many great things to feast my eyes on. At first I thought this was a shop I'd enjoy looking…read morethrough but would probably come to find a lot of the stuff I've seen elsewhere or just a lot of generic stuff. This was sort of true for the first part of my exploration, but I soon discovered a unique corner, which spiked my interest. It was like a medi-evil nook filled with dragons and darkness. There were lamps covered in dragons, big statues, HUGE wall ornaments and little baby dragonet figurines. I grabbed one of the small dragons for my boyfriend. I thought he'd appreciate the little guy, and he did! I also got a little plaque for my mom. It had some special words on the front and was only $15. I just couldn't resist!