You have a million and one things on your mind and, let’s be honest, you could do with some help. Thankfully, we happen to know Auckland well to lend a helping hand. If you’re chasing your tail doing some last-minute Christmas shopping, then we have the perfect solution for you. Admittedly, we can’t do the shopping for you (the hard yards of muscling through crowds still must be done in person), but we can give you this – an itinerary to help you get through a last-minute Christmas shopping day in the central city.
Gear up now.
Morning
It’s gotten to a stage where you have had to skip your usual morning workout to make the most of the few hours you have for shopping. You even skipped your coffee that keeps your sanity levels stable. In our opinion, that makes you a bit of a hero, so head on over to Espresso Workshop in Britomart for your morning fix in the form of a single-origin coffee. If a caffeine crash during this important day simply must not happen, then lighten up with a smoothie blend from the team at Goodlife Juice Company on Fort Street. Their Superlife Smoothies options include The Goodlife, a delightful blend of blueberries, cinnamon and almond butter, giving you a refreshing fruity boost and a protein injection to help you power through your mission.
Shop Tip: Head to the big department stores like Smith & Caughey's and Farmers at the beginning of the day for the best picks of the best deals before the late risers. Plus it’s a good chance to tick off the bulk of your list with everyone covered from kids to grandparents.
Mid-Morning
Thanks to the goodness of your morning fix, you’re probably feeling aye-okay by middle of the morning. But slow down – remember that the shopping process is just as much of a celebration as the opening of presents, and be mindful of trying to do too much too soon. Par back the energy you’re firing by taking ten in Albert Park, surrounding yourself with some greenery before heading back into the shelves and racks. If you’re feeling a bit lethargic, deal to that snacky, sweet tooth that’s rearing its head at No1 Pancake on the corner of Wellesley and Lorne Street, where a bit of sweetened carbs never goes amiss. Soon, you’ll be good to go again. For a similar boost without the sweetness, head into Sushi Pac or Kushi before the lunch line starts for some of the freshest and best value sushi around.
Shop Tip: Take a break from the department store scene (where it can get a bit chaotic) and wander your way to the quaint, decorated courtyards of Chancery Square. Head to Edit., for example, for luxurious European clothing for men.
Midday
You’re half way there. Is this elation or sweet relief you’re feeling? Regardless, your stomach is calling out to you for something substantial, and we’re here to suggest Ima Cuisine for their delicious Middle Eastern selection and cool, atmospheric interior, it’s a good spot for a lunch break. Or duck into healthy eating haven, Revive Café, where you will find a continuously evolving menu of food that looks as appetising as it is good for you.
Shop Tip: Wander the boutique shops of Victoria Park Village for the more discerning and hard to please on your list, and then take a quick dive into Platinum Sports Co. for all the sporty ones, you’ve been scratching your head over what to get them.
Mid-Afternoon
The munchies have arrived. You’ve browsed and you’ve deliberated, um-ed and ahh-ed at more items than you can possibly imagine, so it is understandable if you are feeling rather ‘over it’. And what do most people do when they feel ‘over it’? Eat ice cream, of course (or is that just us?). Whether you’re a sweet or sour person, the Kapiti Store on Shortland Street has the flavour to tickle your tastebud’s fancy. Fig and Honey has us licking our spoons, whilst Blood Orange and Cranberry has us convinced that maybe select few tangy sour flavours are not so bad after all. You’re also in luck because The Raw Kitchen has opened another location in a more central part of the city at The Strand Arcade, meaning raw food extraordinaire Olivia Scott’s health-fueled delights are more accessible as your afternoon pick-me-up.
Shop Tip: It’s still hot and you’re still looking for shade. If you’re visiting The Raw Kitchen, stay a while along The Strand Arcade, a historical shopping site in the central city, for gifts that are a little bit left-field and unique.
End of Day
Research ahead of time to see how late stores are open in the lead up to Christmas, and that will help ease the time pressure throughout the day. We’d like to say it’s time for that wine, but you’ve got to drive home and put that wrapping paper from Kikki.K, decorative accessories from flo & frankie and Glassons new homeware range to good use.
Shop Tip: The easy, glamorous atmosphere of Britomart perfectly accompanies your day’s wind down shopping, which might involve some splashing out at designer stores, such as Karen Walker, Service Denim, E. Von Dadelszen and Fabric. After all, Christmas only comes around once a year.
A busy day, a fulfilling day. What are you waiting for? Get on it!