Christmas gift ideas: Support local creators and artists by gifting something unique

06 Dec 2023

Short on Christmas present ideas? There’s always last-minute shopping to do or someone on the Christmas list a little tricky to buy for, so here are some unique, handmade gifts from local creative artists and businesses. 

Whimsical play

If you’re looking for something unique and colourful to gift the kids, then Emma Andrew’s wooden Folk dolls are a great choice! Emma draws inspiration from various sources, including nature, magazines, clothing and illustrations in children’s books. For her custom Folk dolls, she is directly inspired by her customers and their unique submissions. By recreating their personal style in miniature, Emma brings an added layer of connection and emotion to her creations.

Her dedication to capturing the essence of the individuality of each customer shines through each doll. This mini adventurer Folk doll is painted in Resene Poppy, Resene Half Dutch White, Resene Milk Chocolate, Resene Pizza and Resene Paper Doll!

See more of Emma’s creations at www.instagram.com/folk_nz/

Tides Out

The perfect gift for a Kiwi bach, coastal home, or anyone who appreciates the ocean. Combining an engineering background and a fascination with our waters, Matt Peacock started crafting these beautiful maps, reflecting the local coastline in a multitude of beautiful Resene blues, ranging from the light and bright Resene Sail through to the depths of Resene Space Cadet. “I loved being in the water when I was young, and more recently discovered scuba diving, kayaking and spearfishing,” Matt says. “The more time I spent exploring our beautiful coastline the more my appreciation grew.”

Find more of Matt’s work at www.tidesoutmaps.co.nz

Mesmerising mandalas

The unique pointillism style of these mandalas is both captivating and calming, ideal for a gift to an artsy or zen person. When Lynsey Watts stumbled across a little kindness rock hidden in her community painted in mandala style she was instantly drawn to the design, the symmetry, the elegance and the detail. That little stone sparked a creative journey that has led her to pursue her own creative passions through her business, Purple Daisy Art. “I find my inspiration in nature. My family and I love being outside,” says Lynsey. “I love trying to capture the contrasting colours of beautiful flower petals, the colours and tones from a day at the beach, and the harmony and symmetry from leaves and trees in native bush.”

For more of Lynsey’s work visit www.instagram.com/purpledaisyart/

Wooden wonderland

When Elizabeth Dittmer’s long-time love of interior design, beautiful fabrics, and vibrant Resene paint colours came together with Barry Dittmer’s love of woodworking and their combined passion for creating and making, Jemima + Jeremy was born! The couple specialise in whimsical home décor and toys for children and their spaces. Handcrafted in their home studio and workshop nestled in the thriving Manawatu-Rangitikei town of Marton, Elizabeth and Barry use a range of colourful Resene paints that are non-toxic and safe for children.

This gorgeous little VW Beetle is painted in Resene Glamour Puss, capturing the fun and quirky shape of the vehicle with a colour that is enticing to play with!

Check out the amazing array of colourful toys at www.jemimaandjeremy.felt.co.nz

Plant lovers

Plant pots are a great gift for plant lovers, especially when they have colourful and trendy designs! Based in Auckland, Celine’s business, The Plant Kit, was seeded in the country’s first lockdown. “I decided to invest in an iPad, which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I found a passion for drawing, plants in particular, which started my plant obsession.” Celine’s pots are painted with vibrant colours. The warm-toned pots (above) are painted in Resene Korma and the green pots are painted in Resene Forest Green.

Find more designs at www.theplantkit.com

Tiny world

A whimsically rustic and charming gift is what you’ll find at House on the Hill Design. ‘French vintage with a Scandinavian influence’ is how artist, designer and Resene colour consultant Jackie Nicholls describes her artistic style. Jackie specialises in tiny ornamental wooden houses, artfully decorated in a range of Resene paint colours. “As long as I can remember, I have always been creating things and learning different crafts like sewing, drawing, calligraphy and photography and when I was at home with young children I started painting little houses,” says Jackie.

See more of Jackie’s designs at www.houseonthehill.co.nz

If you or someone you know has a local business using Resene paints, stains or wallpapers, get in touch at [email protected]

Published: 06 Dec 2023