Your annual roundup of beautiful, sparkly, delicious and silly things from Māori and Pasifika-led brands.

Stuck on Christmas gifting ideas? Here’s our guide to what to buy for almost any kind of person – your hard-to-please aunties, your way-too-cool-for-you cousins, the people who already seem to have everything and even the distant whānau who show up on Christmas Day – from a lineup of Māori and Pasifika makers.

Marketplaces

Where to go if you’d prefer to peruse independently.

Oyster & Moon offers a bewildering array of wares made by creatives across te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Helpfully, you can search the offering by category, origins and makers to help focus your search. Their under $100 gift edit, in particular, is a fabulous resource at this time of year.

Moana Fresh, a perennial fixture of this guide, offers a similarly expansive assortment. Its range, made by emerging and established artists from around te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, span all manner of budgets, personalities and ages. If you happen to live in Tāmaki Makaurau, their Avondale shopfront is worth a pilgrimage.

Toi Matarau, which is housed within the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki village, is both a gallery and an online treasure trove of unique art, jewellery, accessories and other taonga that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

InnoNative is an online (and if you live in Whangārei, bricks and mortar) destination for gifts by Indigenous creators from around Aotearoa. Their selection spans a seemingly infinite range of jewellery, clothing, art, homewares and food, which is a total joy to browse – so set yourself a time limit or risk getting carried away.

And in Ōtautahi, Hapa – a whānau-run design shop with a Māori and Pasifika emphasis – makes the task of ticking off the Christmas gift list easy. Their online store is abundantly stocked with books, homeware, jewellery, kai and other fabulous, festive knick-knacks. 

Kāinga

In times like these, a little extra colour can go a long way. That’s why these tivaevae pillowcases, which have appeared in previous instances of this guide and are available in an array of cheery hues, make for an especially appealing gift this year. There’s also a beautiful and vibrantly coloured range of Pasifika- and Māori-led blankets to choose from. This blue and yellow piece from Noa would add a terrific burst of colour folded at the end of a bed, while this emerald taaniko-inspired design from Awhi would look ātaahua draped over a couch. Or how about this striking double-sided Pele throw made from recycled cotton? For an entry-level pop of vibrancy, these handcrafted masi bark cloth flowers come in a trio of colours. Hang them on your tree, weave them into a Christmas table setting or display them on a wall year-round.

The kitchen and dining table, of course, is a wonderful and seasonally appropriate place to focus your gift-giving attention. A beautiful tablecloth is an ideal starting point, especially one as lovely as this hand-printed design from Fiji. Imagine how gorgeous Christmas Day potatoes and kamokamo would look piled on top of this curvaceous platter by Avara Studio or this kōwhaiwhai plate by Fiona Bryant. Most of us have a cousin who would appreciate this Vailima jug which, ingeniously, comes with a compartment for ice. And while these kōwhaiwhai bento boxes are geared toward kids, most adults in your life would probably also be thoroughly pleased to upgrade their work lunches into one. It’s worth keeping a few of Wiks’ stocking stuffer candles on hand too – especially if you’re likely to have distant relatives or Christmas stragglers showing up. The candles come in four scents inspired by the seasons – go for Raumati. Also thematically appropriate are these cookie cutters inspired by native birds and plants, developed by and for kaumātua to support the work of the Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust. 

For the revered ringawera in your life, one of these fantastically striking aprons by crochet artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole would go down a treat. Drying dishes, much like treaties, can be very good for bringing people together, and drying up has never felt more purposeful than with the Together for te Tiriti tea towel by Action Station.

Kākahu and accessories

Buying clothing for someone else, even if you feel that you know them well, can be risky. If you’re still tempted, Nichola Te Kiri’s apron-inspired dress would be a dream to wear throughout the humidity we’re about to endure. Lucky Dip’s reworked short-sleeved shirts are another great option, especially this bright, sun-yellow number.

A slightly less risky gift is a T-shirt. Browse Popo Hardwear’s website and take your pick from their range of nostalgic, political and always crack-up prints (though order as soon as possible as they can take a while). Pasifika Strength does T-shirts emblazoned with magnificent, celebratory Pacific-influenced artwork. And any goth angels you’re gifting to would be thrilled to unwrap an Anahera T-shirt by Awatea.

In the realm of accessories, consider an open-top woven pōtae, a frilly balaclava, a handcrafted Sāmoan fan or a perfectly on-trend neck tie. Oh, or a hand-printed tote by Numa MacKenzie – ideal for carting togs, towel and snacks to the beach throughout summer. And though whoever receives them may have to wait a few months to wear them, these 70 denier tights with unfurling kōwhaiwhai will add a whole lot of oomph to future outfits.

An intricately woven kete is no small gift, and many could just as easily sit within the “art” section of this guide. But if you’re on the lookout for something special, here are five stunning options that are sure to impress: 

1. A gorgeous tonal kete by Pip Devonshire
2. A rope-handled kete by Robin Thomas and Kahurangi Carter
3. A monochromatic kete by Kiriana O’Connell
4. A dainty little kete by Manuariki Te Puia-Proctor
5. A yellow and purple kete by Riperata McMath

And if you’re in the fortunate position of being able to really splurge (in this economy – lucky you!), consider one of the breathtaking, heirloom-worthy pieces by either Jude Te Punga or Isaac Te Awa. 

Speaking of kete, the budding weaver in your life would probably adore a pair of raranga scissors, hāpine gloves or one of these shockingly cool 3D-printed kūtai. You could even give them their own harakeke for the garden so they have a constant supply to harvest. 

Taonga and jewellery

Is the person you’re shopping for someone with a penchant for the big, bold and brilliantly coloured? If so, you might opt for a hypnotically zany hei tiki with diamante eyes, a pair of these graphic ribbon earrings, or, equally striking, the heru hair comb in the the colours of the tino rangatiratanga flag. Perhaps they might like to wear their politics on their lobes with a pair of Never ceded or Toitū te Tiriti hoops?

There are options for those who like dainty, too. Among them, this glitzy but tiny pātiki pin, elegant muka earrings, a pair of mānuka drops or this especially sweet set of kīwhai seed and pearl sleepers.

For the Raukura Huata super-fans, a pair of kina earrings – whether rendered in a more literal or impressionistic style – will surely delight. There’s an ocean of other kaimoana- (or kai awa)-inspired treasures too: perhaps a little kōura brooch, or a pair of pūpū studs?

And move over, Labubus – there’s a new wave of bag tchotchkes in town. Miriama Grace Smith’s gleaming plushie taniwha bag charms and Tuakiri Collection’s La Hoa Tiki (which drop weekly on Instagram) are fantastically fun accessories for anyone who gets a thrill from accessorising their bag.

Entertainment

When it comes to giving books, it feels almost essential that every household should own a copy of Toi Te Mana: An Indigenous History of Māori Art. It’s a beautiful and foundational account of Māori artistic practice from the time of tūpuna to the present day, spanning weaving, carving, contemporary art, film and beyond. 

In an age dominated by internet recipes, there’s something incredibly relieving about cooking from a real, physical book. You can’t go wrong with something from the modern Māori cookbook triptych that is Monique Fiso’s Hiakai, Christall Lowe’s Kai and Naomi Toilalo’s Whanau Kai.

Audiophiles would surely be delighted to receive the gift of sound by way of Māori artists on vinyl. There’s an entire sonic universe to explore, so follow your taringa, of course – but recent releases from Geneva AM, Theia, Mokotron, Troy Kingi or Marlon Williams are good places to start. 

We should all be going to the theatre more. And someone you know would almost certainly love an excuse to do exactly that. Treat them to a couple of tickets to an upcoming theatre show like WET, which opens in March at Te Pou Theatre in west Auckland.

A consistently reliable, last-minute gift is to set up a NZ Film On Demand account for your loved one and shout them a few films to watch on Boxing Day. Think, Ngāti, The Orator and Poi E. Pair it with something snacky from this guide or a pack of microwave popcorn and no one will even know that you left everything until the last minute.

Mahi toi

Do you know what’s even better than summer fruit? One of Devon Made’s uber cool coloured glass fruits. Act promptly if you’re hoping to give one – they’re in high demand, and, from my experience, tend to sell out quickly. Equally beautiful (and just as breakable) is this Peara at Sea vase by Olivia Asher which looks like it belongs in a mermaid’s grotto.

Another brilliant piece of art to give is this zany print by crochet artists Lissy and Rudi depicting Tupuārangi – the star in the Matariki cluster associated with everything that grows up high in the trees: fruits, berries and birds. If prints are your gifting go-to, take a look at this wonderfully juxtaposed doily-meets-handprint piece by Numa Mackenzie, or give a not so subtle reminder with this “pick up a teatowel” print.

A miniature iridescent wharenui that you can hang on the wall and store tiny trinkets in is something that we’re unlikely ever to buy for ourselves – so why not buy it for someone else this Christmas? And this Wai Drodro wall hanging has such an elegant, organic form – it’s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t immediately be charmed.

Heilala Kahoa by Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows is on the pricier end of the gifting spectrum but it’s utterly gorgeous. 

Pēpi

Take a personal stand against the reign of beige baby clothing with these kimono-inspired rompers and sets from House of Aroha which are printed with all sorts of fabulous native wildlife – the mānuka romper is a personal favourite. Mine Collective also make adorable rompers, but in kōwhaiwhai-patterned fabric. 

The newest member of the family might also appreciate a ridiculously soft mink blanket of their own, a Matariki teether (which can be popped in the fridge or freezer for additional relief from incoming teeth) or a sun-smart swimsuit from Island Pepe.

Tamariki, games and toys

For the budding chefs in your whānau, you could assemble a charming little playtime pantry from a range of felt foods – fairy bread, coconuts, strawberries, dumplings – all made from local wool.

For the outdoorsy set, Paku has reimagined Māori gardening tools for tamariki, producing sturdy, brightly coloured Toki and Timo made from recycled nylon. Pair them with a set of kōwhaiwhai gumboots and this embroidered trucker cap, and you have the most stylish miniature gardener this side of the māra.

For the slightly older kids, Pōtiki Poi offers make-your-own poi kits that contain everything required to produce a set of poi tailored to whatever look, length and feel you’re after. Add in a few printable colouring bundles or this colouring book celebrating te Tiriti o Waitangi and a sheet of stickers for even more wholesome fun.

Keep the older kids occupied with a 1,000-piece puzzle designed by either Theresa Reihana or Miriama Grace Smith. Both are gorgeous. Both are terrifying. And both will keep them busy well past Boxing Day.

Kai

Sweet tooths, rejoice: the season of edible opulence is upon us, and the chocolate options are near endless. Here are some favourites: Ao Cacao’s 60% New Zealand coffee, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt dark milk chocolate block; Kōkō’s milk chocolate bar imbued with karengo and Torere macadamias; Kāko Chocolate’s four-piece box of passionfruit hearts; Ka Kā Wā’s OG 70% 115 Gram Bar; Aunty Tommy’s Koko Samoa drinking pods – which are tiny, potent pucks of chocolate goodness.

Stock up the cellar with a bottle of Huntress Wines’ Matiti 2024, a pétillant-naturel born of a collaboration between six wāhine Māori. There’s also Tawhiti Wines’ gamay noir drop, Ōwhiro – best drunk chilled on a blisteringly hot afternoon. Or pick up a bottle of gin from the country’s first Māori-owned gin company, Tahu. Their rēwena gin (which uses bread from Jacksons Rēwena Bread in Whanganui) is currently sold out – but you can sign up for the restock, or opt for their signature gin.

If there was ever a time to buy a jar of truffle-infused honey, it’s Christmas. In the same sphere of luxe, delicious non-necessities: dark chocolate-covered Torere macadamias; an effervescent horopito, blackcurrant and boysenberry beverage; instant kawakawa latte powder, a bottle of Wai Mānuka sparkling mānuka honey water; horopito and garlic sauce; squeezable Fijian-style coconut caramel sauce; or a bag of freeze-dried honey and berry sherbet which would be an ideal flourish for pavlova, ambrosia or any festive cocktail in need of a little extra magic.

Health and beauty

Scent is one of the most powerful senses tied to memory, so if you want to give something that people will remember, get them a perfume. A particularly lovely option is one of Curio Noir’s pocket parfums: tiny vials that look tiny but, because they’re so concentrated, actually last for yonks. Their latest scent, Kihikihi, is a swirl of tarata, lemon, pepper, rose, smoked wood and a whole lot more. Of Body, which describes itself as “a Māori-owned olfactory design studio based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara”, also does remarkable things with scent, but its online shop is out of stock at the moment. Its “handsani”, which is available, is both functional and very sleek to look at. 

If you’re feeling generous, a visit to Wai Ariki Hot Springs might be the dreamiest gift money can buy. Sending someone a pot of good skincare is the next best thing. Āe Botanicals offers vegan, cruelty-free skincare in the chicest of chic packaging. To enhance the spa-at-home effect, add the Purea cleansing spray, a room mist described as “a cleansing tool for your aura, your space, and your spirit”. Sadly, there’s still no bottle big enough for the whole country.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to maintain a stash of some universally pleasing stocking stuffers – just in case. Good options include: kawakawa body oil; lime-scented haircare bars; a face mask made from local clay; a little bottle of traditional Tahitian monoi oil made by a small family enterprise keeping the tradition of monoi making alive. And should the holidays pass without you needing to hand any of them over, consider it a small seasonal miracle – they’re all yours to pamper yourself with. Meri Kirihimete to you!