HELENE RAVLICH: TIS THE SEASON

HELENE RAVLICH:

TIS THE SEASON:

THOUGHTFUL GIFTING

Christmas can be a polarising season – for many it’s a time of great joy, to others a riot of commercial excess.

It is a wonderful time to acknowledge those you love however, and that can be through acts of service or beautiful gifts. ‘Buy less buy better’ is always a good motto to keep in mind whatever you choose, so here are some ideas for inspired, thoughtful gifting this silly season.

The gift of fitness – or for the fitness freak For those that love to watch their steps and track their heart rate, or who wish they could, Fitbit is here to help. The company recently unveiled its new range of new devices – Inspire 3, Versa 4, and Sense 2 - to choose from for gifting your loved ones this Christmas.

Whether they are focused on improving their mental health, gearing up to run a marathon, or starting a new health and wellness routine, Fitbit lets you choose from a range of easyto-use devices that are bound to not only delight your loved ones, but provide them with information about their body to better understand how to manage their holistic health.

For the foodie Who doesn’t have a much-loved foodie in their life, a person who never fails to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the best and brightest in the hospitality world? For this giftee I recommend a dining voucher, either to their favourite spot, or a fresh, new opening that they’ve been wanting to try.

With that in mind, may I suggest a voucher or two from KOL, Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s third establishment, which opened its doors in Ponsonby in early November. Especially for Christmas, they have created some very special gifting options in the form of a KOL candle and $150 gift voucher bundle ($200), a KOL candle ($69.99), and a KOL Gift Voucher to the value of your choice, available in both physical and digital format. The gift of great food and cocktails will never disappoint!

Photography: Joss Griggs

Bread & Butter DIY Gingerbread House Decorating Kit

The gift of Christmas treats For those with a sweet tooth, Christmas is most definitely one of the happiest times of the year. This year, local favourite Bread & Butter have created a delicious Christmas hamper made up of Marzipan stollen, mince tarts, ginger shortbread and Chocolate Crinkles for $75. They have also brought back their hugely popular DIY Gingerbread House Decorating Kit ($55), which comes with the house parts, a cake board, icing, two piping bags, lollies and assembly instructions. Fun for kids and big kids, and the best part is you get to eat it when you’ve finished.

For the fragrance lover For those that love the iconic Diptyque fragrance house, gifts don’t come much more luxe that their Holiday Advent Calendar ($748). Dressed in a deep black and adorned with a dazzling Milky Way, each day corresponds to a new constellation, vibrant with stars and dancing letters, and reveals a new Diptyque treasure inside (in full or discovery size). This year, for the first time, the Diptyque Advent Calendar includes their three limited-edition Christmas scents: a small Sapin candle and miniature Neige and Étincelles candles.

Glasshouse Fragrances also offer a 24-Days-of-Christmas Advent Calendar ($279), which contains daily scented surprises presented in a luxuriously foiled tartan gift box. With mini versions of 24 of the brand’s most indulgent products, there's a little bit of something from each fragrance family. It's a no-brainer gift for those who live for fine fragrance, or a clever way to discover new fragrance as a gift to self.

Diptyque Holiday Advent Calendar

Glasshouse Fragrances 24-Days-of-Christmas Advent Calendar

The gift of good hair Once again, the ghd brand has hit one out of the park when it comes to beauty tool gifting. The ghd Grand-Luxe Limited Edition Deluxe Gift Set ($750) is made up of a truly iconic duo in the form of the brand’s platinum+ styler and helios hair dryer - luxurious gifting for those looking to create lust-worthy holiday styles. Another great pick is the ghd Grand-Luxe Limited Edition Glide Hot Brush ($310), which is the perfect solution to second day hair in need of a little transformation and perfect for summer trips away.

A more sustainable Christmas Let’s face it, for many, the average Christmas celebration is the farthest thing from sustainability there is. Even those who are conscious consumers throughout the rest of the year can fall into the trap of excess gifting from less-than-ethical sources after those first few notes of Michael Bublé start coming out of the speakers.

However there is a way to keep living along the lines of reuse, recycle, and re-purpose when it comes to the silly season, and shopping smart, utilising the latest technology while thinking about traceability is key. In a time of such heavy consumption like Christmas, the impact we have on the environment and its workers is vast. This makes it a no- brainer to buy organic, natural and fair trade products where you can, and to always gift with purpose. You can also choose to give to a charity of your choice on behalf of your friends and loved ones, especially at a time when so many are in need.

Organisations like Oxfam make it easy too, offering unwrapped Christmas cards, which allow you to gift everything from sanitary pads to girls in need, the gift of education, and to even a goat! (www.oxfam.org.nz/unwrapped)

And to wrap up… Opulent wrapping paper can elevate even the most basic present, but what many of us don't realise is that many rolls contain non-recyclable elements like foil, glitter or plastic. Even if the actual paper element is recyclable, if it has pretty embellishment then chances are it’s not.

One way to know if your wrapping paper can be recycled or not is to use the scrunch test. Scrunch up the paper in your hand and then let it go. If the paper stays scrunched up then it’s likely it can be recycled but, if it unfolds by its own accord, then it likely contains non-recyclable elements.

Why not opt instead for recycled wrapping paper, brown paper or tissue, or, try your hand at furoshiki knot wraps - colourful fabric squares that can be re-used again and again. (HELENE RAVLICH)

SUMMER HOLIDAY ESCAPES

The Zebra’s Great Escape Celebrated children’s author Katherine Rundell has a new adventure for ages 4-8. The story begins with Mink, a girl kicking high on a swing, surprised by a zebra in the bushes. She learns that the zebra’s parents have been captured by evil Mr Spit. Mink wants to help, and the rescue broadens to include a whole menagerie of animals…an engrossing story of friendship and bravery.

A History of New Zealand in 100 Objects Historian Jock Phillips references a wonderful variety of objects from when humans first arrived here (although a crocodile jaw reminds us of an earlier New Zealand millions of years ago). Objects/images from early Maori settlement include a small stone god linked to the Arawa canoe, and a carved cave kuri. From the 1800s there are objects from both European and Maori culture, but the main emphasis is on New Zealand life since late Victorian times. Phillips is nothing if not versatile: he brings in the everyday, the personal and the eclectic, including Kiwiana, Happy Families card game, nuclear-free badges, the thermette, even Helen Clark’s trousers, to make broader observations about our social history in an intriguing and engaging read.

Lessons by Ian McEwan McEwan’s latest novel starts in the 1960s when the protagonist, Roland Baines, is 11 years old. The descriptions of his piano lessons are highly charged and shocking, and the experience has a lasting effect on his life. Roland, who has drifted along, missing many opportunities, reflects on his seven decades, constantly questioning the veracity of his memories, his intentions, his desires. This is a gentle, compassionate, and beautifully written novel, expertly switching between decades, in which Roland tries to make sense of his life.

Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka This is a remarkable re-telling of the myth told from Kurangaituku’s, the bird woman’s, point of view rather than that of Hatupatu. The novel has two equal halves which can be read from either end, the traditional myth separating the sections. Kurangaituku is a complicated being who is formed and re-formed by the language of those around her. She is a powerful, enquiring, and frightening creature, who feels intense rage and grief at her betrayal by Hatupatu. The writing is poetic, visceral, and exquisitely imaginative.

Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor Set in a remote Australian town, Esther Bianca disappears on her way home from school. The community is devastated by the news but soon cracks begin to appear in a seemingly idyllic town. Secrets are exposed, suspicions aroused. The story unfolds from the perspectives of several characters but the use of a chorus “we”, the town’s children, is particularly poignant. Grappling with issues of family violence and social dynamics, this is a gritty, tense, and heart-wrenching novel.

DEAR READER, 436 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 0383. www.dearreader.co.nz

Dear Reader is West Lynn’s independent bookshop, owned and managed by Grey Lynn locals.

The shop provides an eclectic mix of new books in a variety of genres and caters for a range of interests and ages. The staff are passionate about books and are happy to help with particular requests.

VINYL IS FOOD FOR THE MIND - AND CHRISTMAS

Looking for the perfect gift for someone that has everything? Or that gift for an avid vinyl collector?

Look no further; the team at OnVinyl has a great selection of records and accessories ready to go. All come gift wrapped with eco-friendly paper and ribbon. Give the gift that looks good and is good for our planet. Records are, after all, the music that really does last a lifetime. Choose from the selection below, all classics and a great place to start, or jump online and browse the full range.

Depeche Mode - Violator, 1990, $54 UK New Wave stars, still sounding great today. Peak Depeche power.

George Michael - Older, 1996, $72 A mature expression of the power, and emotion, that defines George’s voice.

Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest, 2011, $60 Truly one of the finest Audiophile records, from the wonderful Gillian. Americana Folk at its finest.

Pearl Jam - MTV Special, 1992, $50 One of the standout bands from the 90’s still cutting it today. A very special album.

Sade - The Best of Sade, 1994, $50 Glorious voice, and magical musicianship. Fall in love with Sade all over again.

Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973, $52 Remastered and lovingly pressed on Vinyl, comes one of the defining albums of the 70’s.

David Bowie- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, 1971, $55 Fantastic Half speed Master reissued at 50+ Years. A must for any record collector.

Massive Attack- Blue Lines, 1991, $48 The album that showcased Trip Hop to the world. Make sure you have great speakers.

www.onvinyl.co.nz

View the full collection at 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn or online at ligne.nz

DRINK’TRAY available in 4 colours T vases

ASATA candle holders

PAN PAN rabbit TORE bookend

ASSOULINE coffee table books just landed GEORGE & EDI limited edition cardamom candle 20% off all George & Edi stock until 23 Dec 2022 (in store only)

BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING...

Recommended by Carole Beu from The Women’s Bookshop

Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus - $37 This hilarious novel has become an international sensation. Elizabeth Zott, a scientist in 1961 USA, forced out of her job at a research institute, ends up running the most popular programme on American television - a cooking show! She teaches cooking through chemistry and empowers her female audience. Delicious!

Demon Copperfield - Barbara Kingsolver - $37 Based on Dicken’s David Copperfield, this brilliant novel is ‘up there’ with Kingsolver’s famous Poisonwood Bible. Exploring white poverty and the opioid crisis, this engaging story is upbeat and often amusing. Demon has some appalling experiences, especially in foster homes, but he is resilient, talented at drawing superheroes, and you love him to bits!

Eddy, Eddy - Kate De Goldi - $30 This tender, subtle story of 19-year-old Eddy finding his feet as an adult, is brilliant. He has been brought up by his erudite Uncle Brian (Brain!) and runs a pet-minding business through which he befriends quirky pet-owners as well as their pets. Set in Christchurch after the earthquakes, it is full of empathy and gorgeous language. The Axeman’s Carnival - Catherine Chidgey - $35 From one of New Zealand’s most versatile authors comes something different - a clever comic novel, much of which is narrated by a talented magpie, Tama, who becomes a social media sensation. Set on a South Island farm that is failing, the human tension builds beneath the humour of the delightful bird, and the reader is gripped until the end.

Gaylene’s Take: Her Life in NZ Film - Gaylene Preston - $40 Dame Gaylene can tell engaging stories on the page as well as on film. Despite the difficulties of working in a male-dominated industry and the frustrations of getting some of her films onto the screen and into cinemas, she is upbeat and often very funny. Resilient, forthright, sometimes outrageous - this is a joy to read.

Little Tales of Hedgehog and Goat - Paula Green, illustrated by Kimberly Andrews - $20 Renowned New Zealand poet Paula Green has created a delightful, charming chapter book for 5–8-year-olds. This unexpected friendship, full of adventures, kindness, and wisdom, will warm the hearts of kids and any adults who might be reading it to them.

Sylvia and the Birds - Johanna Emeney and Sarah Laing - $40 How the real Auckland bird lady saved thousands of birds, and how you can too! Part graphic memoir, part practical guide to protecting our birdlife, this remarkable book is both informative and highly entertaining.

Annual 3 - Edited by Susan Paris and Kate De Goldi - $45 A delightful miscellany of fiction, comics, poems, essays, art, creative activities, and high jinks for 9–13-year-olds. Employing the talents of many New Zealand artist and writers, this will provide hours of absorbing fun for the whole whanau.

Gift-wrapped Books

for Christmas

105 Ponsonby Rd Auckland 09 376 4399 books@womensbookshop.co.nz online shopping womensbookshop.co.nz

THE WOMEN’S BOOKSHOP, 105 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4399, Online Shop, www.womensbookshop.co.nz

@ ECC

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1. Piper Sofa by Roda

2. Conix Round Dining Table by Royal Botania

3. Follow Me by Marset

4. UF Pot by Atelier Vierkant

5. Orson Director Lounge Chair by Roda

6. Fynn Armchair Outdoor by Minotti

ECC, 39 Nugent Street, Grafton - just off Khyber Pass, or shop online at www.ecc.co.nz/store

SUMMER READING GUIDE

Gotcha! by Clotilde Perrin – $41.99 Gecko Press In this monstrously funny and original lift-the-flaps adventure, a child finds hiding places in three famous fairy tale houses before turning on their hide-and-seek pursuer. And when the hero of our story finally stands up to the monsters, they may be the ones to flee, because this child has read the tales before and knows how to vanquish a villain. Ages 4-10

The Raven’s Song by Zana Fraillon, Bren MacDibble – $18.99 Allen and Unwin A wonderful children’s novel by two stellar writers featuring Shelby and Phoenix, living 100 years apart yet unexpectedly joined across time – and each make the discovery of a lifetime that has the potential to upend their worlds. An intriguing and moving story brilliantly told. Age 8+

Get Outdoors: Brilliant Boredom Busters for Kiwi Kids by Paul Adamson – $35 Random House NZ This book has so many ideas to get your body moving and your brain inventing, you’ll be out the door and off on adventures before you know it! From the author of the award-winning Beginner’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand, Get Outdoors is full of fun ideas to get your body moving and your brain inventing.

As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh – $18.99 Penguin Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. Now she volunteers at a hospital, helping the wounded who flood through the doors. She thinks about leaving, but who will help the people of her beloved country if she doesn’t? Then she meets Kenan and decisions about love, family and country become even more complicated. Ages 13-18

The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist by Juliette MacIver – $29.99 Gecko Press An exuberant rhyming picture book about a school trip to the hills, where no one sees the danger—apart from quiet Liam, who pays attention and saves the day with his particular skill of hiding.

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor – $19.99 Affirm Press It’s 1871, and in the heart of Melbourne, Paddy’s market is loud, smelly, and marvellous and 12-year-old Billy is delighted to work at the book stall there for the eccentric Mr Cole. But a sinister magician called the Obscurosmith is causing magical deals to go horribly wrong and Billy realises something: if he wants the Obscurosmith stopped, he’ll have to do it himself! Ages 8-12

THE DOROTHY BUTLER BOOKSHOP, 1 Jervois Road, Ponsonby T: 09 376 7283, Email: shop@dorothybutler.co.nz, www.dorothybutler.co.nz

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5. 1. Henry open bookcase, $1995

2. Portofino 4dr Bone inlay cabinet, $3595

3. Nelson dining table, $3595

4. Adler bar cart, $1395

5. Newton dining table, from $2395

REPUBLIC HOME, 3 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, T: 09 361 1137, www.republichome.com

Saving the world from boring since 1999

3 Pompallier Terrace Ponsonby republichome republic_home 09 361 1137 republichome.com

CONSIDERED CHANGES AT CITTÀ

Città embraces a slower change of pace across its thoughtfully designed furniture, lighting, textiles, and accessories.

Città has long been a favourite for design aficionados. With a history dating back more than three decades, the familyowned-and-operated design company has firmly cemented itself as a beloved go-to for local design.

It has been an exciting, pivotal year for Città as it made the conscious decision to buck the fast-fashion trend. Instead of getting caught up in the pressure of seasonal releases, Città has shifted its focus to small, considered capsules. The slower, intentional approach to production has been a welcome change for Città’s in-house designers, who work from a vibrant studio based in Mount Eden.

“Long before Covid, we’d been talking about refining our offering,” says Città’s Head of Textile Design Imogen Tunnicliffe. “At that stage, we produced everything from bed linen and handbags to cooler bags and toys in six-monthly product drops.”

Then—like most other businesses—Città was affected by the global pandemic with disruptions to releasing the anticipated collections. However, the adaptive brand saw it as a unique opportunity to change tack—narrowing the range, slowing the releases, and prioritising thoughtfully designed pieces.

“It forced us into doing what we’d always wanted to do but hadn’t yet managed,” says Imogen. “It’s much better to spend more time designing one product and getting it right than splintering your time and effort trying to deliver a multitude of different products to tight deadlines.” The intentional approach to production also keeps the brand’s environmental impact in mind—and this isn’t where Città’s efforts end. The brand prioritises natural, sustainably sourced materials, including New Zealand lambswool, organic cotton certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), feathers certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and OEKO-TEX-certified flax linen.

Eco-conscious design decisions can also be seen across Città’s furniture. The newly released Acre Chair is made with an industry-leading ‘eco-plastic’ derived from renewable sources, including straw fibres. Most recently, the brand is in the process of receiving a sustainable timber certification.

While not only being more environmentally conscious, the curated drops have helped create harmony across the product offering, which encompasses furniture, lighting, textiles, and accessories.

Città founder and CEO Margot Acland welcomes keeping longevity in mind. “We have refined our product offering over the last few years, both in design and quality. The step back from the traditional seasonal approach provides more time to deliver lasting products. We want to ensure they will be cherished by our customers for life.”

The thoughtful designs can be discovered in-store and online at cittadesign.com. There are four design stores across Auckland with locations in Grey Lynn, BLOC Mount Eden, Newmarket, and Takapuna. For further inspiration, visit Città’s social channels @citta.

@ CITTA

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1. Albers No.1 Cushion Cover $119

2. Point Floor Lamp Modular $1,690

3. Fossil Vases from $49.90

4. Tatamu Coffee Table $2,790

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@ MELUKA

Christmas is nearly here, shop our wide range of homewares online and in stores now.

Shop the full range online now www.meluka.co.nz

B Y D ANSK E M ØBL E R Furniture. Simply.

20% OFF

ALL MELUKA

SHOP ONLINE OR IN STORE

meluka.co.nz

Specialists in hand-made Cuban products and gifts for men.

Havana House also carry a wide and vibrant range of Habanos, humidors, cutters, lighters, ashtrays, leather carry cases and fine Single Malt Whiskies.

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1. Siglo 50-Stick Humidor in cobalt blue

2. Siglo V cutter in grey

3. Siglo Opulent ashtray with gold 4. Siglo Snake print leather cigar case 3s in blue

5. Siglo Ashtray by Christian Develter, Jack Nicholson

6. Siglo CC Cutter in gold with silver

7. Siglo Twin flames lighter, year of the rat

HAVANA HOUSE, 59-67 High Street, Auckland Central, T: 09 357 0037 Facebook: Havana House The Cigar Shop, www.havanahouse.co.nz

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