Find the perfect gift

Independent homewares gift shop Tea Pea bursts with colour. Filled with textiles and beautiful objects, it’s hard not to feel a surge of happiness when you walk in.

The carefully curated collection of independent brands and designs is sourced from New Zealand and around the world. You’ll find exquisitely designed things on its shelves. Look for stationery, clothing, beauty products, jewellery, childrenswear, and homeware.

Tea Pea prides itself on its outstanding customer service. The staff will help you find the perfect gift or something special for your home.

You can’t miss Iko Iko. The Cuba Mall shop is a riot of colour and whimsy. From its pink plastic flamingos guarding the front doors, to the giant inflatable T-Rex above the threshold, Iko Iko makes an impression. Since 1997 the shop has been providing solutions for those searching for the perfect gift. You can find sunglasses, socks, candles, cushions, ceramics, books, toys and so much more. The shelves are brimming with possibility. Iko Iko is known for its shop window displays. They are often funny, vibrant, and full of life, just like the gifts inside.

It’s a place where beautiful pieces of contemporary furniture share a stage with homeware and art. The Axe has a large range of well-designed, quality pieces — perfect for gift-giving or spoiling yourself. Expect anything from linen, glassware, candles, rugs, bags, ceramics, and jewellery. These coexist alongside abstract artwork and furniture. Combined, the effect gives you a taste of how everything would work in a home. Completing the ensemble is a selection of specialist beauty products, cookbooks, and artisan food items. It’s a one-stop shop for the home.

Part retail store, part dispensary, and part clinic, Wellington Apothecary is an island of peace on Cuba Mall. The shelves are stacked with glass bottles of aromatherapy oils, herbal remedies, and botanical skincare. From the dispensary, you can purchase beautifully packaged tonics, teas, and remedies. There’s also a natural therapy clinic offering therapeutic massage, holistic facials, naturopathy, and Ayurveda medicine. It’s a great place to pick up something special for yourself or a gift for a friend. The staff are always happy to lend advice and help you test out the scents, smells, and tea flavours. Grab something from the shelf, or a voucher for later.

Creativity can be found in spades at this cosy Cuba Street shop. 

Established in 2015, Cre8iveworx stocks a range of products. Find fashion, accessories, homeware, ceramics, art, and more. Much of the range is made in New Zealand, with a small selection of works from overseas artists. 

Owner Mel Smith is an artist and photographer. Inspired by the creativity of local artists, she wanted to fill a small space with beautiful things. After starting in a converted garage, Cre8iveworx has found its home in the heart of Wellington’s creative Cuba Street.

Step into a world of stylish interior design. Small Acorns is full of beautiful fabrics, vintage and contemporary design, and personal treasures. It’s a bit like walking into your favourite lifestyle magazine. Everything is beautiful, infused with colour, and highly desirable.

The team at Small Acorns has a contemporary approach to styling a room. They believe in personal style, designs that stand the test of time, and a room that tells a story. You are sure to find that perfect gift for someone and also learn how to transform a room at home.

Local art and craft talent is on display in a gift store wonderland. Welly Collective is a vibrant shop stocking a huge array of handmade wares made around the city and wider region. Browse displays from individual makers, each with a table dedicated to their craft. You’ll find candles, jewellery, cards, house plants, clothes, soap, and toys. There’s also a selection of clothing and food items. The store’s owners carefully select each creative vendor to ensure all offerings are special and high-quality. With multiple locations spread around the region, Welly Collective is a convenient one-stop gift shop.

If you’re looking for the largest range of handmade ceramics in Wellington then look no further than Vessel. The potters stocked are refined practitioners. They produce bowls, cups, plates, and general homeware. You’ll find earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain, either hand-built or wheel-thrown. The knowledgeable staff can talk to you about the processes the potters use and how to care for each piece. Vessel is also a go-to for New Zealand-made woollen products and other household accessories. All of it is carefully selected and beautifully presented in the Victoria Street store.

A hidden gem in the heart of Wellington’s shopping district. The Vault, one story above the Plimmer Steps off Lambton Quay, is a treasure trove. You’ll find a carefully curated range of designer gifts made by New Zealand creatives. Vault proudly supports the work of artists and small artisan manufacturers around the country plus some from abroad. Its gallery-like layout displays ceramics, glass, homeware, jewellery and accessories. It's been in the gift trade since 1992 so the staff have plenty of expertise in helping you choose something special.

Enter the serene world of design from Asia. Orient: Homewares & Gifts has an ever-growing range of consciously curated products. The shop has an emphasis on tableware exclusively imported from Japan. You’ll also find homeware, artwork, jewellery, hand-blended teas, fragrances, stationery, and games and puzzles.

The Japanese ceramic tableware is the true star of the collection. The processes and techniques used today are the same as they have been for generations. The clay is sourced by local makers from the Gifu Prefecture on the island of Honshu. Each piece is unique and is made and glazed by hand.