Celebrate a little luxury with these practical gifts under $50 – Viva Gift Guide 2024

What can you buy your loved ones for less than $50? Lots! Consult this gift guide for little luxuries they’ll cherish.

These are not dust-collecting trinkets that can be tossed into the back of the closet once the decorations fall off. Instead, these options will fill your daily routine
a bit of luxury, much of it drawing on the expert craftsmanship of local Aotearoa producers.

Here you’ll find a list of gifts under $50 that will suit a variety of personalities, from fashion enthusiasts to aspiring chefs to beach lovers. Some seasonal gifts also take inspiration from the sun—think sunscreen and sand-proof bags.

Although popular culture constantly rejects the gift of socks, they remain a very practical gift. The main thing is to pay attention to high-quality materials – refuse more patchwork ones in favor of luxurious, high-quality ones that will last a long time. This cozy pair of “Rubbish Socks” are made by New Zealand brand Untouched World, upcycling waste to make soft thread.

Buy this for the busiest people in your life so they don’t miss scheduled meetings. Created by Crushes on Karangahape Road, this diary is also available in green, brown and blue.

This soy candle is made in Paeroa. A blend of figs, peaches, passion fruit, coconut milk and caramel creates a musky-sweet aroma. You can also check out his other offerings, like smoked lavender, banana toast, and rose crumble.

This striped bag is made for sunny summers. It is also designed with this in mind and has a removable zippered pocket for valuables and drainage holes for sand and water.

Earlier this year in VivaWine Awards magazine editor Jo Burzynska noted that the bottle was “a richly textured and stunningly aromatic expression of the variety, in which time fermenting the skins has revealed aromas of jasmine, herbs and bergamot.” It will also look beautiful on a shelf.

If your loved one considers himself a chef, this sleek apron will make him feel like he’s a part of it. Hopefully this will also convince them to make a few more dishes for you next year.

These cute and lightweight earrings were created by Ōtautahi jeweler Mel Brown, who found inspiration in the “graphic and simplistic forms” created by Henri Matisse. Pick them up for the art and fashion lover.

Made in New Zealand by honey brand Mānuka Activist, this bag is made from fabric scraps. This is a handy gift for the warmer months, perfect for storing skincare, makeup and sunscreen.

Humidity, UV rays, and salt water during the summer months can make it difficult to maintain healthy locks. This wide-tooth comb is a gentler option for wet hair.

Soft and cushiony, this great towel will add extra comfort to your everyday days.

This series of works by Shawn Hill demonstrates a method the artist calls “doodle art.” Sean uses brushes, spray paint and bright colors to create a kaleidoscope of colors. Avondale’s Moana Fresh has 12 of these pieces worth checking out.

Give this mini cup of coffee to a caffeine lover and promise them more breakfasts and brunches. Or better yet, serve them a holiday breakfast and tie a bow on their new favorite mug.

This soothing balm is a great addition to your skincare routine or to your beach bags on the go.

Treat your trendiest friends to this eye-catching scrunchie, created in Auckland by Gloria designer Christine Crabb. It comes in a wide variety of colorways, from dreamy speckled lilac to peacock blue and dramatic black.

To make these summer bowls, ceramicist Mary Shollum presses real flora into wet clay to create an impression. They are then fired and painted in Maria’s studio in Otepoti.

This little purple book is a thoughtful visual and historical exploration of Māori and Pākehā representations. It is curated by artist Aisha Green (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Kai Tahu) and also features work from other writers and creatives such as ceramicist Jess Nicholson and curator Matariki Williams.

This is a great gift for avid foodies. You can also pair it with ingredients for their favorite smoothie or smoothie.

It’s summer! This means some essentials will likely need refilling—you can’t go wrong with a bottle of sunscreen.

These wonky cups are perfect for those who prefer organic and quirky designs. They are handmade by Sofia Santos in New Zealand and are one of a kind.

Fabienne is wearing a Twenty Seven Names dress and Cotton On Novelty socks.

Photographer / Jerome Warburton. Fashion Director / Dan Awa, Model / Fabien Distelzwei from N Model Management. Hair and Makeup / Anna Goh from An Era Creative.

From party wear to year-end wellness.