Don't worry we have ideas, and you don't even need to leave the house to buy them! 

We recognise times have been tough lately as we’ve all felt the uncertainty of a world with COVID-19, and experienced restrictions and lockdowns. While some areas have fared better than others, wherever you go, local businesses are definitely still feeling the long-term impacts of the pandemic.

How well local businesses are doing is a real indicator of how well a whole community is doing - they’re a way to gauge the health of a district’s economy. These businesses provide employment and services, and so if they are thriving, our communities thrive too.

Even if getting out and about isn’t an option, and shopping online is the preference, it’s a great idea to spend time looking for local business websites that offer online purchasing and delivery options. Having items delivered locally is far quicker and more economical, as well as being better for the environment. And you’ll still be supporting your local community to boot!

www.welovelocal.nz

One great option is online gift boxes and We Love Local is offering gift boxes with regional flavours and championing other local businesses by featuring their products; it’s a win-win!

Their ethos is gift intentionally and support small New Zealand businesses, by sending curated gift boxes from local companies across the country.

Pick from a range of gift boxes including the Hearty Hawke's Bay, Tasty Taranaki, Abundant Auckland to mention a couple. 

There gift boxes include goods from up and down the country, see below for a short list:

Man O’War Wines, Rangihoua Estate Olive Oil, Waiheke Herbs Native Organic Herb Salt, Garage Project, Shining Peak Brewing, Potter Brothers, Beer Belly Jellies, Escarpment Wines, Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, Ritual Tea leaf blend, Six Barrel Soda, Totara Cottage Balsamic Cheese Crackers, Greytown Honey.

www.shopkiwi.online

For a list of over 2800 local business selling online, visit Shop Kiwi. Here they offer everything from clothing and footwear to arts and craft. 

This great if you need inspiration, as you can  spend hours browsing through the different websites.

A favourite of mine on this website was Skeinz (Click to View), which does beautiful yarn of multiple colours. 

I also really liked the idea of Give Plants (Click to View) – why give flowers, when you can give plants that last; they're a living gift.

www.thegoodregistry.com

You don’t just have to give gifts, The Good Registry is a great alternative if you are buying for someone who just doesn’t need more things.

You can purchase gift cards with donations that can be made to over 65 NZ charities. So buy a $20 gift card for your grandchildren and let them pick a charity to donate it to. They can pick from those that focus on the environment, children, health or animal welfare. There is sure to be something there that they are passionate about.

Lifetime Asset Management Limited or its parent company the Retirement Income Group Limited does not endorse or recommend the services or products of We love local, Shop Kiwi, or The Good Registry. The Retirement Income Group Limited has no commercial relationship with We love local, Shop Kiwi, or The Good Registry and receives no remuneration or compensation from any of these companies.