If you’ve been trawling shops and scrolling online only to end up empty-handed, take a breath… we’ve done the hard work for you. Our handpicked Christmas gift guide brings together the best gifts your loved ones will actually want. Think feel-good treats, thoughtful picks, and gifts that spark joy the moment they’re unwrapped. No matter who you’re buying for, this guide is here to help you shop smarter, stress less, and find presents that make this Christmas feel a little more special.
Salon worthy hair
$599.99 at Shark
Shark Beauty™ has unveiled its most glamorous colourway yet – the Shark FlexStyle® Air Styling and Drying System in a limited-edition Frosted Diamond Sparkle finish, encrusted with more than 20,000 shimmering crystals. Dynamic and dazzling, it’s an incredibly adaptable tool that transforms between a powerfully fast hairdryer and an ultra-versatile multistyler that allows you to style while you dry with no heat damage. One twist is all it takes to flex from one to the other. Unlock the ability to curl, volumise, smooth and dry. The Shark FlexStyle is for any hair type and any skill set.
Two page-turning reads for the holidays
Gone Before Goodby from $38, Soldier’s Daughter from $28 at Penguin Books
For the book lovers in your life, Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben is a high-stakes thriller of secrets and survival. Soldier’s Daughter by Fiona McIntosh is a heart-stopping new blockbuster about courage, love and second chances.
Gift of Gin
$68.99 at Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire is the perfect spirit to gift this season, thanks to its versatility in crafting classic cocktails. Whether it’s a refreshing gin and tonic, an elegant martini, or a zesty negroni – its smooth, aromatic flavour creates the perfect balance. Made with 10 botanicals, including juniper, lemon peel and almond, Bombay Sapphire is a great addition to any festive celebration.
Give the gift of imagination with the new Toniebox 2, an innovative audio player which provides screen-free entertainment and enjoyment for children. Designed for little hands and built to last, Toniebox 2 lets kids engage in a world of stories, songs and adventures. Simply place a Tonie figure on the box and the story or music comes to life, sparking curiosity and creative play. The excitement doesn’t stop there. Tonieplay introduces all-new interactive games, quizzes and challenges, featuring some of the world’s most beloved characters, such as Winnie-the-Pooh and the gang from Paw Patrol. Children can actively shape the story in a safe audio gaming format and play together with family or friends – like a digital board game without the screen. The Toniebox 2 is perfect for ages 1 to 9+, and promotes a child’s independence and self-confidence as they learn to play and grow.
Give a gift of hope
Donate to Salvation Army
Please give what you can this Christmas. Every gift you donate to The Salvation Army will help bring a little joy, comfort and renewed possibility to someone in need. Your Gift of Hope, no matter how small, can still bring long-lasting change in a person’s life.
Wellness ring
$699 from Samsung
Stay on track this festive season with the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the perfect gift for wellness lovers. Crafted in sleek titanium, it tracks sleep, heart rate and activity with AI-powered insights. With Energy Score, Cycle Tracking and wellness tips, it keeps health goals shining bright through Christmas celebrations and beyond.
Holiday reads
The Secret of Secrets from $60, The Impossible Fortune from $38 at Penguin Books
Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets sees Robert Langdon racing through Prague’s dark heart to save the woman he loves and uncover an ancient conspiracy. Richard Osman’s The Impossible Fortune brings the Thursday Murder Club back for a wedding filled
with danger, secrets and clever twists.
Breakthrough bestseller
$39.99 from all major bookstores. Three copies for $99 plus postage at JacindaBook
Finally, a fair and fearless look behind our most fascinating leader. With more than 100 interviews and two years of research, Jacinda: The Untold Stories reveals the real personalities behind the performance in a way no memoir or documentary could. The landmark biography that both admirers and critics can’t put down – and the gift everyone will be passing around Christmas Day.
Fan favourite
$249.99 at Shark
The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Portable Fan is the powerful, ultra-portable corded and cordless fan that delivers personal evaporative misting both outdoors and indoors. With a built-in misting tank, you can lower the temperature in seconds. With up to 20 metres of portable cooling power, up to 12 hours of run-time and an easy carry handle, you can bring cooling and misting on the go.
Kitchen class
$180, at Ironclad Co
Ironclad Co’s satin-enamelled cast-iron cookware is easy to care for, nonstick, soap-friendly and is made to be handed down to generations of cooks. Suitable on induction, gas, ceramic, barbecue and ovens to 300°C. Available in three stunning colours – Salt Stone, Olive Leaf and Antique Black – the range is steady on the stove, reliable in the oven and beautiful on the table.
Top entertainment
$1,699 at Samsung
Binge-watch your favourite shows this holiday season with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 – sleek, smart and made for entertainment. Its brilliant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, long battery life and AI-powered Google Gemini make streaming effortless. Slim, stylish and portable, it’s the ultimate Christmas gift for movie lovers and multitaskers alike.
Clear the air
$220, at Goodair Nosebuds
Breathe better with Goodair Nosebuds – a Kiwi innovation using world-first technology clinically validated to help relieve nasal congestion and allergy symptoms. These small, drug-free devices sit comfortably inside the nose, using gentle, breath-powered vibrations to promote clearer nasal airways. Rechargeable and easy to use anywhere, they fit seamlessly into daily life.
Uplifting reads
Strong Ground from $55, Always Remember from $55 at Penguin Books
Brené Brown’s Strong Ground is a powerful guide to courageous leadership and connection in uncertain times, while Charlie Mackesy’s Always Remember reunites the boy, mole, fox and horse in a tender tale of love, and finding light through the dark.
Tea-rrific cuppa
$19.90, at OKU
Give the gift of wellness this Christmas with OKU, a premium range of New Zealand native herbal teas crafted with care and purpose. Each blend combines powerful native botanicals to support wellbeing and connection to nature. Beautifully presented and made in Aotearoa.
Heaven in a cone
$449.99 at Ninja
Soft serve just got a seriously sweet upgrade! The Ninja Swirl by CREAMi brings the ice-cream shop to your countertop, whipping up dreamy swirls that look as good as they taste. With its show-stopping swirl function, enhanced Creamify™ technology and 13 one-touch programs (including six soft-serve modes), this must-have frozen treat maker turns everyday ingredients into silky-smooth creations in no time. Whether you’re after a decadent frozen custard, a light fruity whip or a high-protein, low-sugar dessert with the CreamiFit™ program, the Ninja Swirl is your ultimate summer gadget, serving up pure frozen joy at the touch of a button.