Where to get the hottest hand-picked gifts for your loved ones in Hastings.
We're baaaaaaaack! And just like that one relative who starts playing Christmas carols uncomfortably early- we're here to talk about the festive season.
Let's be real – Christmas is your annual shot at proving you're not just the person who forgets birthdays and doesn’t return text messages. It's your chance to show the people you love that you've been secretly taking notes all year, studying their interests like a detective on a case. Because nothing says "I totally get you" like nailing the perfect pressie.
If you are feeling the pressure, put down that box of Cadbury Roses and breathe easy. We've brought back the Hastings City Gift Guide, your personal cheat sheet to gift-giving greatness. Consider us your present-picking wingman – we've done all the hard yards so you can strut into Christmas like you've got this sorted.
Whether your loved ones are obsessed with an obscure hobby or they're about as beige as a waiting room playlist, our city's got you covered. From local collectives to beautiful boutiques, national chains to specialist stores, Hastings City is packed with perfect gifts for every and any one. Also, bonus - every dollar spent here is basically a boomerang of goodness, coming back around to keep our slice of Hawke's Bay humming.
So, whether you're shopping for your eco-warrior brother or your outdoor adventure mad partner, we've got something that'll ensure you close out 2024 on a gift-giving high.
Ready to become the gift-giving guru of Hastings? Let's go!
1. For the Sustainability Superhero
We all know that one person who'd rather hug a tree than a human. They're the ones giving you the stink eye if you complain about the usability issues of paper straws. But don't worry, we've got some gifts that'll make them green with envy at your gift giving abilities.
Soo’s Garden Handmade Organic Skincare from Coco and Co: They'll get to lather up with more plants than a greenhouse, all while feeling smug about their eco-friendly glow. Perfect for the friend who wants their skincare routine to be as green as their lifestyle.
Locally-Made Beeswax Wraps from Cornucopia Organics: It's like giving Mother Nature a high-five and your leftovers a stylish makeover all at once. They'll be the envy of every potluck, wrapping their artisanal cheese with the smug satisfaction of saving the planet one sandwich at a time.
A Stanley Thermos from Blackbird Goods: This green machine's been keeping trampers' tea toasty and forest guardians' flat whites fresh since 1913. Built tougher than a DOC ranger's boots, with a lid that doubles as a cup because who doesn't love a 2-in-1 that'll outlast the lifespan of your average plastic bottle (by about a century).
2. For the Home Chef
We all have that friend who thinks they're the next MasterChef contestant. They're the ones who bring "deconstructed pavlova" to the family BBQ. Here are some gifts to feed their culinary ego.
Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher From Stevens: Meet Gracula, the kitchen vampire that sucks the life out of garlic cloves (and ginger, nuts, and herbs) faster than you can say "I vant to cook your dinner!" This BPA-free beast turns meal prep into a monstrously good time.
A spice collection basket from MP Foods: Spice up their life with a selection of MP Foods' finest spice blends – an international exploration into seasonings that'll turn their kitchen into an aromatic adventure.
A BBQ apron from Creative Treasures: Gear up for the summer sizzle with Moana Road's black and grey apron. Choice for the bloke who treats his BBQ like a prized possession but also always loses his tools.
3. For the young (or young at heart)
Whether they're mastering finger painting or still practising the art of never growing up, this is the group who believe ice cream is a valid breakfast choice. We've got gifts that'll have them bouncing off the walls with more excitement than a kid who's just discovered where Mum hides the lolly stash.
How to Draw Manga Heroes from Plaza Books: Level up from stick figures to superheroes with this manga masterclass! Yishan Li's guide turns basic shapes into epic battles faster than you can say "what exactly is manga?".
A gaming headset from EB Games: For the gamer who's living their best virtual life. With noise-cancelling powers that could block out a zombie apocalypse these headsets are built for those marathon gaming sessions when dinner is just a concept and bedtime is merely a suggestion.
Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll from the Baby Factory: YouTube's most famous pyjama-wearing superstar is here for snuggle time! This squeezable JJ comes with his teddy pillow and bedtime playlist – perfect for mini fans who need just one more song before dreamland (because even the Sandman's a CoComelon fan).
4. For the Workout Warrior
You know the type - they're up at 5 am for a run while the rest of us are still dreaming about breakfast. Here are some gifts for those who think burpees are fun (weirdos).
Gift Cards for a Hatha Yoga Series at the Yoga Space: It's like handing them a ticket to zen and a chance to perfect their warrior pose in style. They'll get to stretch their limits, find their inner calm, and maybe even discover muscles they didn't know existed.
Get some new gym swag, for less at from Stirling Sports: Because even workout warriors need to look good while conquering the treadmill. Choose between two mystery items for $80 or a duo of sweat-wicking tees for $60
Swoleys Creatine Monohydrate Sour Gummy Bears from Xplosiv: It's muscle-building candy that'll make their taste buds and biceps pop. They'll be the envy of the gym, getting swole with a side of sour watermelon fun.
5. For the Art Lover
These are the friends who think a blank white canvas is "profound" and will spend hours staring at a dot on the wall. Here's how to impress them (or at least make them think you're trying).
A voucher for adult art classes with Margaret-Mahy Farr: Let them learn to create their own masterpieces and maybe even discover their inner Picasso. Perfect for budding artists or those looking to add some creative flair to their gallery-hopping critiques.
Art Supplies from Humanity Books: Arm your art-obsessed pal with a set of fancy supplies – because nothing says "I support your creative vision" like gifting them tools to splatter paint on everything they own.
A piece from a local artist at the Te Toa Shop: Not only do they get to support the arts scene, but they also have something new to analyse endlessly during their next wine and cheese night.
6. For the Outdoor Adventurer
These are the friends who think a good time involves 50,000 steps a day, preferably uphill. Here's how to support their possibly undiagnosed agrophobia.
A solar powered Goal Zero light from Kathmandu: Perfect for those who want to minimise their carbon footprint while still enjoying the convenience of lighting on the go.
Camo gear from Rivers to Ranges: The ideal gift for blending into the wilderness or standing out at the local café. They'll be ready to disappear into nature or dominate their next "extreme" bird-watching expedition in style.
Gift them the 45 best tramping tracks in NZ from Whitcoulls: The ultimate guide to getting lost in New Zealand's wilderness (on purpose). With 45 popular tramps and shiny new maps, it's like a GPS for their next adventure – minus the risk of dead batteries in the middle of nowhere.
7. For the Music Enthusiast
You know, the friend who thinks they're a music critic just because they own a vintage record player. Here's how to score some points with these audiophiles.
A ticket to a show at Toi Toi: Gift your music-loving friend tickets to a live show – it's like bottling up pure sonic joy and handing it over with a bow. They'll get to bask in the raw energy of live performances and maybe even discover their next favourite band.
A melodica from Music Works: A keyboard-harmonica lovechild for the wannabe Beethoven who's full of hot air. Give them a chance and they'll be composing quirky tunes faster than they can flip a vinyl record.
Music Lessons at Massive Music School: Perfect for when they want to move from air guitar to actual guitar. The neighbours will be thrilled.