Gifts for her: 9 unforgettable gifts she’ll actually love

Best for: Those celebrating a significant milestone

A custom-made photo book is a reminder of precious memories and doubles as a stylish coffee table accent.  

If the photo book is a gift for your girlfriend or partner, it’s a wonderful way to immortalise your love story through pictures from date nights and relationship milestones.

A bespoke photo book is also the perfect keepsake for marking significant events in her life, such as the birth of a child, an engagement, or graduation.

Shop here:

• From $130 at MILK Books
• From $44.99 at VistaPrint
• From $65 at Etsy

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Best for: People who prefer experiences over material possessions     

Does she have an inclination for adventure or value quality time with loved ones? If so, she’ll appreciate a spontaneous weekend getaway or an experience like wine tasting or hot air ballooning. After all, there’s nothing better than the excitement of being whisked away to an unknown destination — although if she loves planning, you may want to let her in on the surprise.   

Book here:

• Adventure experiences, from $95 at Red Balloon
• Food and wine experiences, from $35 at Red Balloon
• Accommodation at Red Balloon, Booking.com and Airbnb

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Best for: Self-care enthusiasts who love to be pampered

If she loves a pampering skincare routine or she’s always experimenting with makeup, a beauty gift set will allow her to try new products and indulge in some well-deserved ‘me-time’.     

If she rarely treats herself to perfume, gifting her fragrance is another way to make her feel special.

Shop here:

• The Evening Ritual Trio, $67 at Emma Lewisham
• The Essentials, $153 at Emma Lewisham
• Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Hydration Set, $78 at Sephora
• Jasmine & Magnolia Fragrance Gift Bag Set, $39.95 at Circa
• Pleasures In The Moment Fragrance Set, $161 at Estée Lauder

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Best for: People who take pride in decorating their living spaces

Give her the gift of wall art — whether a photograph of her favourite New Zealand destination or a print reflecting her interior style. You’ll show her you understand her deeply; and each time she admires her art, she’ll think of you.   

Shop here:

• Landscape and nature art, from $34 at Shop Your Home and Garden
• Photography art, from $33 at Shop Your Home and Garden
• Abstract art, from $41 at Shop Your Home and Garden
• Floral & botanical art, from $24 at Shop Your Home and Garden

Best for: Those who cherish sentimental keepsakes

Jewellery is a timeless gift; when personalised, it’s even more special.

Whether you purchase a necklace adorned with her birthstone or initial charms, or a bracelet engraved with a significant date or meaningful words, you’re gifting her an everlasting symbol of your bond. 

Shop here:

• Letter charms and chains, from $98 at Mejuri
• Little letter necklaces and bracelets, from $68, at SOPHIE store
• Zodiac and initial jewellery, from $26 at Lovisa

Best for: Gourmet foodies and dessert enthusiasts

If she’s a foodie, partial to sweet treats, or appreciates the finer things in life, a gift box filled with premium chocolates or gourmet delicacies is the way to her heart.

You could even gift her a case of her favourite wine varietal, particularly if she’s hard to please or you’re looking to impress.

Shop here:

• Tea gift packs, from $15 at T2
• Gift baskets, from $74.95 at Paddock to Pantry
• Cookie gift boxes, from $29.95 at Hello and Cookie
• Wine cases, from $168 at Laithwaites

Best for: Homebodies who value quiet time

Does she love spending a night at home curled up on the couch, getting lost in a book, or relaxing in the bath? For those who value solitude, an affordable luxury like a scented candle or room fragrance is an excellent gift idea. To enrich her relaxation, we recommend selecting a soothing lavender, warming vanilla or invigorating citrus scent.    

Shop here:

• From $14 at Shop Your Home and Garden
• From $20 at Sephora
• From $19.95 at Circa
• From $25.95 at Glasshouse Fragrances

Best for: The caregiver always thinking of others

If you’re buying for someone who gives all their energy to others and never takes time for herself, don’t underestimate the value of an hour or two of pampering. Whether it be a powerful clinical facial to prep her skin for holiday season soirées, or a relaxing hot stone massage to work out kinks and knots from the year, a spa treatment is a fabulous gift for anyone.

If she wants to enter the new year fresh and glowing, the Dermalogica Proskin 30-minute and 60-minute treatments include exfoliation, deep serum treatments and add-ons like hydra dermabrasion and LED therapy.

Shop here:

• Proskin skin treatments, from $90 through Dermalogica
• Spa and wellness experiences, from $14 at Red Balloon

Best for: The woman who has everything 

If she appreciates romantic gestures or public displays of affection, she’ll adore a surprise flower bouquet delivery. Send her a bunch of her favourite blooms or an arrangement featuring her favourite colours to brighten her day.   

Shop here:

• Fresh flowers and flower gift boxes, from $45 at The Wild Rose
• Flower gift boxes, from $55 at The Gift Shop

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