This festive season, we’re celebrating the spirit of shopping local by speaking with some of the Shore’s best-loved stores and brands. From surf gear to homewares and gift-wrapping must-haves, you’ll find thoughtful ideas for everyone on your list, right here in your neighbourhood.
Jane Francis is the director of Ribbon & Blues alongside her husband, Tim. The company specialises in premium gift wrapping and packaging solutions for individuals, events and businesses, and previously Jane was in the fashion industry. Jane says she always loved creativity, fashion and gifting, and enjoys bringing that creative flair into everything they do at Ribbon & Blues.
Channel Mag: What are your fresh new spring and summer drops this season?
Jane Francis: Spring is always quick for us as Christmas arrives early at Ribbon & Blues, but we love bringing in new wrapping papers, ribbons, and embellishments in soft pastels and vibrant prints to match the season.
What are your top three in-store picks for Christmas gifts?
An early favourite is our new edition of the Kiwiana Advent Calendar jigsaw puzzle. This year’s big trend is bow mania; everyone is loving the velvet ribbon colours and the endless styling options. And of course, high-quality wrapping paper so you can choose your perfect theme.
Do you have plans for the long, hot summer ahead?
After the Christmas rush, we take a few weeks to relax, recharge, and plan to enjoy the long, hot summer we’re promised.
How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?
Christmas Day itself is always slow and relaxed for us after our busiest time of year. It’s all about family, good food, and just enjoying the day down in the South Island.
Looking ahead to the new year, what are you looking forward to?
I’m excited to explore new creative wrapping trends, bring fresh ideas into the business, and keep inspiring people to make their gifts feel extra special.
235 Archers Road, Wairau Valley
09 479 3070
ribbonandblues.co.nz
Lu Chen is the new owner of the much-loved Birkenhead homewares store, Cravehome. Originally from China, Lu has called Auckland home for over 17 years, meeting her husband here and becoming a mum to her two kids, who are now nine and seven years old. Lu says she’s always had a creative streak, which led her to study fashion design. Over time, Lu developed a strong sense of style, an eye for colour and detail, and a love for making things that are both beautiful and useful.
Channel Mag: What are your fresh new spring and summer drops this season?
Lu Chen: Saben sunglasses are in; they are stylish and perfect for sunny days. I am also loving the latest pieces from Zafino Jewellery, a beautiful and affordable range from Australia. For the little ones, the Lucky Days collection from Crywolf has you covered with swimwear, sandals, t-shirts and sunhats.
What are your top three in-store picks for Christmas gifts?
The Christmas collections from Glasshouse and Ecoya have just arrived. Their candles and fragrances smell amazing, and the packaging is stunning. Porcelain serving dish and bowl collections from Pampa Bay, which have been designed for entertaining. Dock & Bay beach towels, which are compact, fast-drying, and made from recycled materials.
Do you have plans for the long, hot summer ahead?
We’ll be spending plenty of time by the water. It’s also a great time to catch up with our family and friends and enjoy a few barbecues. Summer gives us a chance to slow down and make some great memories.
How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?
We normally gather with extended family for Christmas lunch, which usually means a barbecue packed with seafood, lamb, and lots of Christmas mince pies - more than we probably need. By the afternoon, we’re at the beach or the park.
Looking ahead to the new year, what are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to continuing to build on what we’ve created at Cravehome and expanding our range, refining our collections and offering thoughtful, well-made homeware for beautiful living.
30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead
cravehome.co.nz
Damian Dobb has been with lifestyle brand, Wallace Cotton, for a few years, and says he loves everything about the pace, creativity and ultimately, the team and people at the company known for their timeless bedding and homewares. When Damian, who is Wallace Cotton’s CEO, is not at work, you’ll find him by the water, surfing, paddleboarding and spending time with his family at the beach. Wallace Cotton has recently celebrated 20 years in business and has a range of beautiful gifts for the upcoming festive season.
Channel Mag: What are your fresh new spring and summer drops this season?
Damian Dobb: Our upcoming summer drops feature plenty of nods to the beach, too. Blues, greens and fresh whites. We’ve got a blue European linen duvet called Coast, palm tree motifs across bedding and sleepwear, and one of my personal favourites, a duvet called Tidal that features bold, classic blue stripes.
What are your top three in-store picks for Christmas gifts?
Our Christmas range has just launched, and the hero print, Festive Flora, is a standout. It’s inspired by pōhutukawa flowers and leaves, and features across tablecloths, aprons, wine bags, tea towels and oven gloves. It’s perfect for gifting or dressing up a Kiwi Christmas table. My three picks are: one of our wine bags (perfect when gifting a bottle at a dinner party), a Christmas Spice candle, and a Festive Flora tea towel set, all under $35.
Do you have plans for the long, hot summer ahead?
Can’t beat Auckland in summer, so my family and I will be making the most of it. Long weekends at the beach, catching up with friends and enjoying dinners in the warm evenings.
How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?
Being English, Christmas has always been a big deal to me. Now, I’ve swapped snow for sand, and it’s hard to beat! I love a traditional Christmas meal paired with a swim after lunch. Best of both worlds, I think.
Looking ahead to the new year - what are you looking forward to?
This year, we celebrated 20 years of Wallace Cotton. I’m looking forward to what’s next. Finding new ways to connect with our customers and bring our designs to even more homes.
156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna and 2-4 Parkway Drive, Rosedale
wallacecotton.com
Jackson Shields is part of Wettie, a true family business that started in the rumpus room of the family home, and is now leading the way in the spearfishing, diving, snorkelling and wetsuit industry in New Zealand. The team is super knowledgeable on their products, with five family members in the business and three generations of experience diving and spearfishing in New Zealand and around the world.
Channel Mag: What are your fresh new spring and summer drops this season?
Jackson Shields: This spring season, we have a series of unique and innovative products, such as the launch of our new ‘Green Knight’ camo through our wetsuit range, along with the new innovative ‘Hardtop’ float boat.
What are your top three in-store picks for Christmas gifts?
We have some great Christmas picks for the whole family. Our kids' mask and snorkel kit and ocean kid wetsuit come in a variety of colours and sizes to keep kids protected, warm and comfortable in the water this summer. I also recommend the Wettie 12L chilly buckets, available in five colours - there is one for everyone in the family. Great to keep your catch cool, or use as a lunch box or beer cooler!
Do you have plans for the long, hot summer ahead?
Summer plans involve plenty of diving for the entire Wettie team, mostly in the Hauraki Gulf, as summer is a very busy time for work as well as play!
How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?
Being a family business, it’s all hands on deck during the Christmas period, working every day apart from Christmas Day. So Christmas Day is for relaxing and getting all the grandkids together to play and get ready for Boxing Day through to New Year's Day!
Looking ahead to the new year, what are you looking forward to?
Looking forward to a Kiwi summer at the beach and in the water through to the New Year, and seeing what 2026 has in store for our family and business.
6 Arrenway Drive, Albany
wettie.co.nz
