Welcome to Capsule’s Favourite things, our carefully curated mix of epic stuff to gift your nearest and dearest! Below is a classically Capsule and very eclectic mix of Christmas gift ideas that’ll help you nail that perfect Christmas present for… well, just about anyone!
This year we have categorised our picks into price points, so you can head directly to your budget, or scroll through the entire thing for more inspiration.
Capsule’s gift guide has been carefully curated by our co-founders, with some items featured being specially picked by us from our partners and advertisers. Like all of our content, we only feature items we genuinely adore or recommend ourselves.
UNDER $50
Villa Maria Private Bin Cans
$7.99
Why we love it:
There’s nothing better during a Kiwi summer than getting out and enjoying all we have to offer in Aotearoa – and now we can bring our favourite wine with us in a veeeery easy, portable way! New Zealand’s most trusted wine brand has released three of their favourite varietals – Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Rosé and Pinot Gris – in cute little cans for the ultimate picnics, beach days and barbecues. These will be coming veerrry soon to retailers across the motu
Who else would love it:
Grab a few for the girlies, wrap them up, pop them under the tree and organise that often-talked about but never organised girls’ summer picnics – the gift of a catchup! Also, these are perfect stocking stuffers, or family Secret Santa pick.
Mānuka Phuel Collagen Buzz 250ml Four Pack
$10.99
Why we love it:
We can’t stop guzzling these delicious energy drinks down because one, they actually taste like something real – berries and honey, unsurprisingly – and because they contain added marine collagen to support hair, skin and joints. We adore something so multi-functional, and there’s no synthetic ingredients.
Who else would love it:
This is the perfect office gift, or Secret Santa prezzie, that any beauty-loving pal who also loves to get stuff done would appreciate.
Mecca Max Cherish the Moment Marbled Blush Duo
$25
Why we love it:
I – Kelly – have just embraced my blush era because until very recently I was convinced that it made me look like a chipmunk BUT it turns out it’s quite key for a snatched face. This set is perfect, with two shades for both pigment and dimension.
Who else would love it:
Anyone who, like me, is trying their best with makeup – or anyone who loves fantastic value and fun packaging.
Why we love it:
I adore a good bottle of red wine and personally, think it’s up there with the most perfect of presents (assuming its intended drinks, of course!). A Central Otago red, like this Rua pinot noir, is a very safe bet for most people – in my humble little opinion, it’s the most gorgeously balanced red that can be drunk ON most occasions (including Christmas day!).
Who else would love it:
Your Christmas Day host, your neighbour who brings the bins in for you when you forget, your cousin who you don’t *really* know, your foodie pal with whom you hope to share it!
J’aime Macarons Christmas Collection – Box of 6
$29.40
Why we love it:
Who doesn’t love macarons!? This might just be the perfect little Christmas gift – a great price point, six delectable macarons in flavours such as Florentine, scorched almond, rhubarb rose trifle and Champagne, and a stunning gift box.
Who else would love it:
Your sweet-tooth buddy who always reaches for a biccie at 3pm – or else, this is the perfect teacher pressie that’s a little different from the usual mug/candle/wine.
Why we love it:
Board games are such a good gift – and Articulate is a great one for lots of different ages and abilities. This is my absolute favourite, where you have to guess as many card entries as possible in 30 seconds.
Who else would love it:
I’ve given board games as presents a lot when I’m buying for a whole family – eg aunts, uncles and cousins – and it’s always gone down so well.
Why we love it:
Chelsea’s newest cookbook is a return to meat, eggs and dairy, and to the type of recipes that made her a household name. But these new recipes are a little more balanced, a little better for you, and include heaps of ways to modify for dietaries – great for households balancing different needs.
Who else would love it:
Home cooks who are always looking for new recipes for their families, especially parents trying to cram as much goodness into their kids’ kai as possible!
Apostle Hot Sauce Holy Trinity Gift Box
$45
Why we love it:
I cannot get enough hot sauce, and at last count we had about 15 different kinds in our pantry. But why not, load up some more! These Kiwi-made hot sauces are delicious and look beautiful as gifts (don’t sleep on the Mango, Turmeric and Ginger!). This box lets you pick what three you’d like to include, too, which is great.
Who else would love it:
Your foodie pals who are always looking for jazzy new pantry items.
ecostore Luxury Peony & Rose Gift Box
$49.99
Why we love it: A beautiful collection of body care products, featuring the floral fragrances Peony and Rose. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a touch of luxury for their skin. We love ecostore’s whole range, and this gorgeous set, which features the ecostore Moisturising Body Butter, Extra Moisturising Hand Cream, Peony & Guava Body Wash, Peony & Guava Hand Wash, and an Exfoliating Sisal Mitt, is made from plant-based ingredients and naturally-derived fragrances, and is enriched with a range of nourishing and hydrating botanicals, such as New Zealand harakeke and shea butter.
Who else would love it: Anyone in your life that loves to keep things natural and chic… and is a fan of an Everything Shower!
Ninja SipPerfect Insulated Travel Bottle
$49.99
Why we love it:
Man, if I could buy one of these for everyone I know I would, because I truly didn’t know the value of the perfect reusable cup until I got one of these. This little gem of a thing cools your hot drinks down to the perfect drinkable temperature – no more burnt mouths – and keeps it there for HOURS. It was my best friend during winter, and in my summer cold coffee testing, it’s doing a great job of keeping things chilled, too.
Who else would love it:
The person in your life who has a wicked commute, who is always on a sport sideline or is obsessed with tea or coffee, and deserves to drink it at its perfect temp. It’s also great if you have a $50 limit for secret Santa!
MAC M.A.CXIMAL Silky Matte Lipstick
$46
Why we love it:
It’s one of the hardest things in the world to find – the perfect nude lipstick. You’ll be pleased to know then that we found it, guys – it’s this one. It’s the best blend of silk and matte – not drying, not too shiny, 12 hours of wear and amazing shades.
Who else would love it:
Your nude lipstick devotee who is always lamenting about the above – congratulations, you just solved one of their pet peeves!
Cotton On Personalised Beach Towel
$49
Why we love it:
One word – personalisation. We love to be chic at the beach and at the pool, so gift someone a thoughtful, practical and stylish pressie that they’ll use for years.
Who else would love it:
Anyone who loves a personalised monogram or anyone who loses their shit a lot and needs their name on it?
Circa White Fig & Cedar Candle
$51.95
Why we love it:
Capsule’s candle obsession isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, and trust us when we say it really peaks this time of the year! As somewhat of a self-appointed authority on festive candles, this one is right up there – it’s a bold scent of florals, white orchard, pine, juniper, cardamom and sandalwood – perfect for any holiday vibe.
Who else would love it:
Your bestie, your mum, yourself – anyone who you think deserves something lovely, special and indulgent. And while this scent IS festive, it’s also delicious enough to be lit at any point of the year – so also it’s great for those people who never light their fancy candles until the power goes off!
UNDER $100
Lab Brow Bar Voucher
From $59
Why we love it:
For me, the ultimate act of self-care is always a brow appointment because when your brows look amazing, you feel *that* much more put-together, and who wouldn’t want that in their life? If your gift intended is in Auckland or Hamilton, grab a voucher for a brow shape and tint, lamination or a lash lift and tint. (Email your chosen clinic directly to secure a voucher!).
Who else would love it:
This really is a lovely, practical gift for a mate who could use some self-care time – think new mums who haven’t given themselves a single thought for months, your teenage niece who is discovering her own style, workaholic pals who would love half an hour lying down, or yourself because it’s the silly season and you deserve good brows.
Bobbi Brown Mini Shadow Stick Duo
$59
Why we love it:
Bobbi Brown is always the leader in minimal, fuss-free makeup and these mini Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Sticks in the perfect neutral hues will be your new best friends in your makeup bag. I have these and they’re pretty much the only eye makeup I’ll wear now – and they’re great for travelling.
Who else would love it:
A make-up lover who likes good foundational products that last, and won’t date.
Noel Leeming Satechi Magnetic 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
$77.97
Why we love it:
Charging cords are the bane of so many people’s lives – this is a gorgeous way of keeping your phone and ear pods organised and it looks lovely on a nightstand.
Who else would love it:
Your mate who loves to be organised (or your mate who is never organised and whose phone is perpetually on low battery mode?).
Knead on Benson Gingerbread Tree
$80
Why we love it:
Simple but oh-so-impactful, this stunning gingerbread Christmas tree is such a chic gift for your Xmas party host (and crucially it’s already assembled for you – just grab and go!)
Who else would love it:
This is a great gift for your Christmas-obsessed pal who loves to embrace everything wonderful about the holidays!
Jeuneora Hormone Hero
$88
Why we love it:
This has been on our own wish-list for some time because we love a supplement that ticks many boxes in one go! This is the ultimate hormone-balancing support to add to the daily routine, designed by women, for women, to support hormone balance, energy, mood, mental clarity, and stress – especially during perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal transitions. It helps with metabolic health and normal weight management, and boosts mood, mental clarity, and energy.
Who else would love it:
This is a thoughtful gift for the wellness girlie in your life – or treat yourself to something that’ll help you with your own wellness goals.
Warehouse Stationery Jackson Frameo Smart Frame 7 Inch White
$99
Why we love it:
Memories are the most precious things we have, but so many of our photos just live on our phones. Digital photo frames have come a long way – this one from Warehouse Stationery lets you display your pics and short videos from your phone, no matter wherever you are in the world. Using the app, you can update the frame as often as you like – surprising whomever has it!
Who else would love it:
It’s got grandparents written all over it, doesn’t it!? Stay connected with your whānau no matter where you are by uploading photos and videos wherever, whenever.
Fable Hotels Gift Voucher
From $100
Why we love it:
A hotel gift voucher truly is the perfect gift because it tells its intended that you want to treat them to a truly special, memorable experience. Fable has hotels around the country and you can grab one for any of them, starting from $100, or else check out their hotel-specific packages if you’re wanting to treat someone special with something truly incredible.
Who else would love it:
Obviously, it’s the perfect present for your partner (assuming they’ll be bringing you, everyone wins!), but a night away with your mum, or bestie, is always a thoughtful and memorable gift.
A Donation to Look Good, Feel Better, the Cancer Society or The Kindness Collective
Whatever $ you can spare
Why we love it:
These three charities hold a special place in the Capsule whānau for the incredible mahi they do, week in and week out. Of course, the holidays are an exceptionally tough time for those doing it tough, whether that’s with health, with the cost of living or any other reason. Helping others through the festive period is always an exceptionally thoughtful, and heart-warming, gift. Head to their pages to donate – and in the case of Look Good, Feel Better, you can bring a moment of joy to your loved ones or yourself with their Kiwiana-inspired crackers, filled with a mix of full-sized and deluxe sample products from leading cosmetic brands. Perfect as table toppers, stocking fillers, or gifts for colleagues, friends and whānau during the festive season, every cracker contains its own unique mix of products for just $30, and your purchase directly supports free cancer support programmes through Look Good Feel Better for those facing cancer, at every stage. Donating to The Kindness Collective’s Christmas Joy Store will ensure those who are doing it tough this Christmas can still go Christmas shopping for their family and put food on the table. And, of course, a donation to the Cancer Society is a fabulous way to help fellow Kiwis. With a sobering one in three NZers facing cancer at some point in their lives, your donation can be far reaching and so very much appreciated by many.
Who else would love it:
Literally anybody, but especially those who already have everything!
Casetify Mulberry Ripple Case
$102
Why we love it:
Our Casetify cases are, after almost a year, as perfect as the day they were popped on, so we reckon they’re a fab option for a practical but stylish gift – and we adore this festive but also very on-trend mulberry shade.
Who else would love it:
Your fashion-forward pal or cousin who maybe isn’t the best at looking after their stuff, so this case will surely save them a contents insurance claim AND they’ll loo fabulous at the same time.
UNDER $200
Osmosis Summer Cooling Enzyme Mask
$126
Why we love it:
Skincare remains one of our biggest priorities, and hydration is, and always will be, one of our biggest priorities – so what better to give someone special in your life? It’s infused with Citrullus Lanatus, Niacinamide, and Lactic Acid, and this gentle exfoliating mask will refresh and soothe the skin while calming signs of heat and sensitivity.
Who else would love it:
It’s soothing, refreshing, and glow-restoring – the perfect pick-me-up as the summer months heat up. This is perfect for someone in your life who pays attention to their skin, but who is also a sun and water baby who might need some extra support with their regime during the hotter months.
Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely Eau de Parfum for Men
$139.99
Why we love it:
I was given this fragrance as part of a Chemist Warehouse goodie bag and gave it to my husband – he loved it so much that when he realised I was writing this gift guide, he insisted it be included, so here we are! This scent is musky, masculine, and rich – think spices, musk, sandalwood and vanilla.
Who else would love it:
You… if you want your partner to smell wildly sexy? But also any man in your life who loves a good scent.
Dermalogica Home for the Holidays Gift Set
$139
Why we love it:
This pack genuinely contains four of my absolute favourite Dermalogica products, in fact, these four currently make up my exact skincare routine. A gorgeous travel bag holds the set of perfectly travel-sized products, including Special Cleansing Gel, the famed Daily Microfoliant, Circular Hydration Serum and Stabilizing Repair Cream.
Who else would love it:
Anyone?! This is a fab all-round skincare routine. Buy it yourself for the value (it’s more than $60 off) but it’s also great for anyone who travels regularly, or who is heading off to the bach for the holidays.
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
$145
Why we love it:
We adore a facial in a bottle – and this is literally IT. This genius little tube is like a microdermabrasion treatment at home featuring physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants, with the added benefits of gold-stabilised Vitamin C. If you want to truly treat someone and give them the gift of actual glow, this is it.
Who else would love it:
This is a great gift for your sister, your mum, your brother… anyone who would appreciate some pampering, but perhaps doesn’t have the time to pop into clinics to treat themselves.
Boring Oat Milk Subscription
$27 a week (6x 1 litre bottles)
Why we love it:
Some of the Capsule team much prefer a non-dairy milk alternative for their morning coffee, and the idea of your delicious oat milk turning up at your door ready for your flat whites is, quite frankly, genius.
Who else would love it:
This is a gorgeous gift for your hard-to-buy-for mate who absolutely froths (no pun intended) an alternative milk. It’s quirky and thoughtful, as well as insanely practical. Win!
The Face Place Skin Revival Facial
$170
Why we love it:
This is a luxurious facial that requires no preparation time or down time – a sequence of masks that gently exfoliate, stimulate, and hydrate, accompanied by relaxing neck and shoulder massage. This facial incorporates an enzyme exfoliation, stimulating oxygenation mask, revival mask, and finishes with a hydration mask, to leave a fresh, glowing appearance. What more could your face want?
Who else would love it:
This is a fab one for your hard-to-buy-for friend or family member because you know if you buy them an actual thing it’ll just get returned or shoved into a draw. Repeat after us – a facial is always a good idea! Email info@thefaceplace.co.nz or call 0800 267 633.
Why we love them:
Tramping in summer is a hot business – so we love to ditch the boots and enjoy our nature walks with these awesome sandals that are sooo comfy, but also cute. Inspired by tree frog grip, the outsole features a unique design that maximises surface area contact and allows ample water dispersion underfoot. This sandal is the ultimate river day companion, ready for whatever your route – coastal or otherwise – demands.
Who else would love them:
The perfect gift for the outdoors lover in your life, the Teva Hydratek Sandals are designed to deliver water-ready traction, featuring innovative technology geared for adventures in wet environments. Buy these for anyone who’s wanting to get amongst nature more, or someone that you’re trying to convince to come on more hikes with you!
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Open Ear Buds
$189.95
Why we love them:
I have a pair of these and they are super-comfy, super-easy to use and the sound quality is awesome – unfortunately for my neighbours who have had to hear me warbling Pink Pony Club acapella many a time. Crucially for all us busy gals they have 28 hours of battery, are fab for phone calls and can handle getting a little damp in that lovely NZ weather.
Who else would love them:
Honestly, most people in your life but especially those who are always on the move, who are never apart from their music or podcasts or who just love to shut out annoying co-workers.
Tom Ford Private Blend Discovery Set
$198
Why we love them:
Tom Ford’s fragrances have been lauded for their complex, bold and deep scent and trust me, there is nothing more confidence-boosting than knowing you smell absolutely incredible as you go about your day. This discovery set is a lovely gift to help someone find their own signature scent.
Who else would love them:
Your fancy friend who always seems so put-together but you have no idea how.
LUXE
Goodair Nosebuds
$220
Why we love them:
We are joining the (probably heaps of people) who are determined that 2026 will be the year of health, and with so much chat around the power of nasal breathing, these little babies might just be the key. Goodair Nosebuds are a Kiwi innovation and a world-first technology, clinically validated to relieve nasal congestion and hay fever symptoms. These small, wearable devices sit just inside the nose and create gentle, breath-powered vibrations that stimulate the nasal passages to clear mucus, reduce congestion, and enhance natural airflow – helping you experience easier breathing. Just 20 minutes a day (10 minutes morning and night) has been shown to make a noticeable difference in breathing.
Who else would love them:
Better breathing is increasingly linked to broader wellbeing benefits, including reduced stress, improved sleep quality, and greater mental clarity – so anyone in your life that could use a little boost in their health journey.
Girls Get Off Deedee Thrusting Rabbit Vibrator
$229
Why we love it:
Rabbit vibes have been having a real comeback over the last year or so – and this one surely has to be the crème de la crème of bunnies for your collection. Dubbed an “absolute game changer,” DeeDee is here to sleigh (yes, pun intended). This waterproof vibe is the perfect size, eg, not too big, and definitely not too small, and, like Santa, it’s committed to hitting every spot, inside and out.
Who else would love it:
Whether you’re treating yourself to a little solo sparkle or gifting your partner something that’ll benefit both of you, this thrusting rabbit will have your full attention faster than Mariah hits that high note. Or treat your bestie because gals don’t let gals be *unsatisfied*.
Hue Go Portable Table Lamp
$279
Why we love it:
We’ve talked about how obsessed we are with Hue smart lights before – I have a house full of them because lighting is ESSENTIAL for a cosy home because we never, ever use the big light, of course. This lamp from Hue is portable – just pop it off the cord charger to take it outside or anywhere else you need it sans power, and once it’s connected to the app, you can have any colour, or any strength, you want.
Who else would love it:
This one is for the entertainers – those people in your life who love BBQ’s, beach days and outdoor parties (you can even synch it to Spotify so your light pulses with the beat!).
ghd Gold Hair Straightener Cherry Chic
$390
Why we love it:
It’s an iconic brand for a reason, but this new release of ghd holiday tools has us gagged – the colourway, Cherry Chic, is STUNNING. The classic straightener even comes with this gorgeous case you’ll want to have on display, and if you buy it at the link above, you’ll get a free hairbrush, too.
Who else would love it:
The gal in your life who is still rocking straighteners from more than 10 years ago and deserves an upgrade (or just send this to your partner with a circle around it, we won’t judge).
SO/ Auckland ‘The Only Gift They Need’ Voucher
$399
Why we love it:
Sometimes you don’t want to think about anything – whether that’s when you’ve been given a gift, or when you’re doing the gift giving! This present – a gorgeous city break at the SO/ Auckland which includes one night in a Collection Room for two, bubbles on arrival and a couple’s 30-minute treatment in the spa – is fabulous if you’re planning on coming to Auckland for an event and want to make it special, or if you love a city stay-cay and you want to do it in style!
Who else would love it:
Whoever you’d like to spend some quality time with, and whoever you’d like to make some memories with! Or, treat your parents to a night where they’ll have no worries or cares.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 80th Anniversary Edition Over Ear Headphones
$599.99
Why we love them:
I have a pair of these bad boys, and they are my pick for my daily at-work headphones. These are for if you’re serious about sound, comfort and absolutely shutting out the entire world – and I have tested this exact model for almost a year, living next to the most annoying construction site on the planet and these babies are absolutely elite with wild noise cancelling tech, an insane 60 hours of battery and awesome sound.
Who else would love them:
Anyone who hates distractions, loves music – perhaps one of your pals who use to love drum and bass back in the day, why not, take them back to the doof doof – or anyone with audio processing issues who loves to be in their own world. Featured here is the Sennheiser 80th birthday edition colourway – perfect for someone who loves a bold look – but they do also come in black, grey and white.
Le Creuset Flamme Dorée Signature Round Casserole Dish
$690
Why we love it:
It’s like something happens to you when you turn 30 – all of a sudden you love a trip to the garden centre, get really invested in, well, investments, and you develop a passionate longing for a piece of Le Creuset kitchenware. I treated myself to a casserole dish this year after moving into my first home and it’s one of my favourite things in the kitchen, so I can attest to how great a gift they are (even if it is for yourself!). The Flamme Dorée collection celebrates the brand’s 100th anniversary, so this colourway is even more special.
Who else would love it:
Homebodies, the ones who love cooking, the ones who love displaying their fancy things on shelves, and those who love collecting timeless pieces that can be passed down through the generations. There’s no getting around the fact that something that’ll last a lifetime does cost a bit more – so our recommendation is going in with the rest of your friends or whānau and collectively treat someone who will appreciate this gorgeous legacy gift.
Why we love it:
GOD it’s been fun to play around with Samsung’s new iteration of flip phones – it took us straight back to the mid 2000’s where having a bright pink one (with phone charm of course) was the coolest thing you could do (wait… are we back there!?). Samsung’s AI game is STRONG, making your phone into a mini personal assistant, and the camera? Out of this world.
Who else would love it:
Anyone who peaked in 2005 and wants to reclaim some of that flippy magic again? But seriously, this is a brilliant phone for anyone who creates content of any kind – whether that’s professionally, or you have kids and just want some epic family selfies that’ll stand the test of time.
