My Favourite NZ Handmade Websites

Painted stones from Mousewhisker Studio

NZ themed prints by RJ Clusker

Shopping for presents can be hard! Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries all come around like clockwork each year and pose the usual question – what to buy? The best gifts are thoughtful and personal and there is always that extra special touch if they’re lovingly handmade. I’ve put together a list of my favourite local handmade websites to help you come up with something for every occasion. 

Cosy Critter Earrings by Sarah Potton

'Road Trip to Raglan' by Raglan Candles

1. First, the site that has almost everything. Felt NZ is an amazing curated collection of the work of local artists and makers. From potters to sewers, printmakers and soap makers, Felt has a huge range of local talent to choose from.

2. There’s nothing like the warm fragrance of a candle. Scent evokes memories and feelings and can be a truly special gift. Raglan Candles has a range of gorgeous candles made from eco-friendly, ethically sourced ingredients. My favourite candle is Road Trip to Raglan – it’s a warm blend of neroli, geranium and cassis, with top notes of lime and bergamot.

3. For the art or animal lover - Mousewhisker Studio! Take a look at Sarah Potton’s adorable, detailed rock animals, pebble pets, cozy critters and wildlife prints. Sarah takes inspiration from the animals on her own little farmlet to create a cute and colourful array of creatures as well as incredible original paintings.

Red band gumbooties by Creative Aertz

Whale cross stitch pattern from Tiny Kiwi

4. For gorgeous hand knitted gifts Creative Aertz is the best. She sells tea cosies, hats, baby sets and very cool tiny Red Band gumbooties. This maker even created an amazing custom order for me to give to someone special.

5. NZ jeweller Adele Stewart makes exquisitely crafted jewellery that is modelled after tiny flowers. She has a selection of jewellery made from silver, gold and natural gemstones. 

6. Tiny Kiwi sells prints of New Zealand wildlife and landscapes in a signature geometric style as well as wildlife cross stitch patterns for crafty people.

Tulip teacups set by Luni & Sprig

Rewarewa honey from Kai Ora

7. Autumn Art Doll’s art is a delightful mix of girly pastels and dreamy dolls with a gothic flair. Her Etsy shop has stickers, silk prints in gorgeous vintage frames and original oil paintings. 

8. For a yummy gift, Kai Ora Honey has a delicious range of native New Zealand honeys. Kai Ora are a Māori owned business which is run from a family homestead located in the small settlement of Awanui. Kai Ora also sell skincare, soaps and candles with the vital ingredient of honey.

9. ​Luni and Sprig have a wonderful range of handmade creations on their website. I love their exquisite embroidery, cute crocheted creatures and pretty pottery. 

10. Looking for something special for little ones? Alesha and Jenna from Expressions of Winter craft wooden toys from NZ pine and recycled native woods. Their educational and imaginative toys use all three official NZ languages – NZ Sign Language, Te Reo Māori and English.

I hope this list helped you come up with some gift ideas for the special people in your life. Thank you for supporting small, local makers in New Zealand and happy handmade shopping!