A post covid Christmas

~ When you buy from a small business an actual person does a happy dance ~

We’ve blinked and it went from March to November and the big C is just around the corner. And while I know there will be a few of you smug so and so’s out there already done and dusted, if you’re anything like me this year you’re starting to panic about how close it is.

This Christmas, more than any other, it feels really important to be putting our hard earned dollars back into the local economy. And after visitng Auckland recently and seeing the effects of the drought (pre summer!) it’s the perfect time to think about the impact you want your Christmas to have on the planet.

It’s undeniable, we live in world full of convenience. With the click of a button packages from around the globe can show up on your doorstep within a few days. It’s easy to forget the carbon footprint of these items, the conditions endured by the people in the factories making them, and the unfathomable profits being made by a select few huge corporations. This Christmas you can still click away and shop, but maybe take a minute to think about where the items you’re buying are coming from, and who is making them. Many small businesses rely on this busy time of year to simply stay afloat. So I thought I’d share a few of my favourite small NZ businesses and alternate ideas for gifting this holiday season.

An experience to remember

One sector that really took a hit during lockdown was personal care - hairdressers and beauty therapists were closed, or working at lower capacity longer than many other industries. A hit like that can be hard to bounce back from! An easy way to support them during what is their busy season is to buy a voucher for a loved one, that person who deserves some TLC but would never splurge on it for themselves. A massage or facial voucher is my idea of winning the lotto. We all have that person in our lives who is oh so hard to shop for, so rather than buying them that thing they probably won’t like and end up putting on Trademe, get them something they can enjoy either with you, or on their own.

The hospitality and performing arts sectors also took a beating this year. Grabbing a voucher for a loved one that you can use together is a great way to say ‘I want to spend time with you’ and support our local econmony. Last year my husband and I bought tickets to Ben Harper for each other for Christmas (and while their won’t be any international acts this year) tickets to an upcoming show or concert is a great way to support NZ artists that are going to be on the road trying to earn a living this summer.

Make something, or buy from someone who did

There are always people in your life who you’d like to show appreciation to at the end of the year. They aren’t the big gifts you would get for your nearest and dearest but smaller things to say thank you, we care, e.g. the amazing teachers, coches etc. This is a great opportunity to get creative! Last year I made body scrubs with the kids by using very simple ingredients. Coconut oil, brown sugar or sea salt and some essential oils. Pop them in a nice jar with a ribbon and boom you have a lovely gift! Pinterest and YouTube are full of tutorials on these and other homemade gifts - here’s a good compilation of 20 ‘gift in a jar’ ideas I found. Its also a great activity to do with the kids who feel extra special about handing over something they were part of making.

If you’re feeling time poor, stressed out, or just simply can’t be bothered, then finding someone local who makes their own products is a great way to go. A great place to do this is The Seaside Market, you’ll find lots of small businesses who create a variety of products from skincare to clothing and everything in between. As most of you know I got my start there selling furniture and homewares, so I know firsthand how amazing it feels when someone comes by to purchase a gift for a loved one from you! I’ve listed a few of my favourite NZ small businesses below, some local, some who I’ve just discovered. Go check them out! You can also see a range of local businesses if you check out ‘Taranaki Small Businesses’ and ‘The Collaboration’ on Facebook and Instagram to get some great ideas of new places and people to support.

shop local, buy NZ made

Hera Fitness - What better gift for your fit friend than workout gear from local Taranaki label Hera Fitness?! Activewear giants step aside, this awesome brand are all about empowering women of all sizes and have quality and comfort top of mind.
Mo Cullen Shirtsmith - Extraordinary, New Zealand made, unique men’s shirts. From size S-4XL. I adore that her mission statement is ‘ To eradicate the navy check one shirt at a time’.
Taatahi Merchants - Beautiful beach umbrellas which have been created to last and designed with the environment in mind using materials and processes that are better for the earth.
Pohutukawa Books - If you’re in New Plymouth and looking for childrens books then look no further than Pohutukawa Books (Devon Street in Strandon just past Federal Store) it’s an absolute treasure trove! You’ll be supporting a small local supplier who specilizes in childrens literature from 0 to teens! One of my favourite shops in town!
The Boob Batch - Know a new or expectant mum? This time of year is chaotic enough without adding in a new baby, get her some yummy supply boosting treats!
Eden Zoe - Beautiful handcrafted, handstamped, jewellery made by Nicola Bell out of her studio Papamoa.
The Avo Tree - I’m not sure I’d love anything more than fresh avo’s showing up on my doorstep every fortnight! Subscriptions are a great way to treat a loved one with an ongoing gift throughout the year like this.
Rawr Petz - Don’t forget the fur baby! Rawr Petz specialises in raw pet food, using locally sourced food for their products, they incorporate a large variety of wild NZ meats and have a passion for ensuring our fur babies receive the best quality diet.
Adi Star Creations - Net produce bags upcycled from discarded net fabric in Hamilton. Adi Star Creations also make a range of other sustainable craft items including tote bags from recycled fabric.

support a cause

Taranaki Womens Refuge are holding their annual art auction this month. For almost 20 years local artists have put their works forward to support this outstanding organization. Its a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on some fabulous local art and contribute to the ongoing work refuge do in Taranaki.

Another way to support a local not-for-profit is to make a donation on behalf of a loved one. This is a great way to put much needed funds into community organizations who have struggled extra hard this year trying to fundraise with events being cancelled, or just being lower in annual donations due to the circumstances.

New to you, shop secondhand!

When we think gift shopping we tend to think new and shiny, but buying secondhand is a great option! Our girls are obsessed with LEGO so we’re currently watchlisting kits of it being sold on Trademe, not only can we buy much more for cheaper its getting a new life with our family, bonus it’s not coming in all the plastic packaging. Facebook marketplace, pages like the kids market and of course TradeMe are a great place to get new to you items especially for the kids. Big ticket items like bikes are much cheaper and can be found in great condition. We got our eldest daughter some awesome secondhand roller skates last Christmas that she’s absolutely loved having and using them all year - especially during lockdown! You’d never know they’d been worn before she got them and they’ll last long after she’s outgrown them.

Christmas tends to be a time of excess. We eat a lot, drink a lot, and spoil each other. And that is great! Don’t get me wrong, I love everything about Christmas! But when you’re thinking about that spoiling part take a minute to think how long that item is going to last? How much plastic am I bringing into my home, or forcing upon someone else. Where is this item coming from?

There are so many small businesses here in Taranaki, and throughout New Zealand, who would not only appreciated your hard earned dollars, but put them back into the local economy. We can’t all be perfect, but we can try to be more conscious of choices we’re making when it comes to gift giving. I could have mentioned another dozen local makers and shops but didn’t want this blog to go on forever, instead I’d love to hear who you’ve discovered who is doing amazing things in our wee country. Comment here or on the socials, I’d love to hear from you!

Candace SchraderNovember 4, 20201 Comment