Don't let lockdown bring you down! Treat yourself, or someone else, to something special while you're in your bubble for a little pick-me-up.
Have a self-care day
Although we can't go to the spa while in level 4, you can try bring it to you, with many of the city centre's health and beauty establishments either shipping or sharing their self-care beauty tips.
Want to do an at home facial? Why not start by getting a free bespoke at home facial programme from the team at Beauty Refinery? Shoot them a message via DM or email outlining your skin goals along with pictures of the beauty products you currently have at home and they'll create a skin care routine just for you! If you don't have anything on hand, do a little online shopping and get your essential skin care items delivered right to your door. Beauty Refinery, Lash Noir, Skintopia, and The Facialist are all shipping during level 4. Plus, keep an eye out on their social channels for at home self care tips from their beauty specialists.
Get Crafty
What could pick you up more than that feeling of accomplishment after completing a work of art. Why not join a virtual art class with Paintvine? If you don't have any supplies at home, Paintvine have you covered with their art kits that can be delivered to your bubble. This would also be a great gift for a loved one during lockdown! Grab a kit for yourself, purchase one to send to a friend, then get together via video call and join one of Paintvine's virtual painting classes. Shop online, and see the classes, here.
Or if you have some knitting needles and some yarn on hand, then head to the New Zealand Fabrics & Yarn Facebook page for tips, tricks, and inspiration for your next project.
Surprise someone with a gift hamper
Scarecrow have an amazing range of gift hampers filled with local & sustainably sourced items that you can get delivered (contactless) to a friend's door. Their range includes gifts for baby, for your culinary friend, for personal care & wellness, wine lovers, chocolate aficionados & anyone else you want to show some love to! Go for one of their specially curated hampers, or get in touch and let them know your bespoke requirements. Check out all the hampers, and make your order, here.
Send a sweet treat to another bubble
Wanting to brighten someone's day? Why not send a sweet treat to a loved one's bubble. We know that a surprise box of chocolates on our doorstep would have us smiling from ear to ear! Honest Chocolat are sending out their specialty chocolates during lockdown. From bonbons to chocolate tablets, hot chocolate powder and homemade goodies like marshmallows and hokey pokey, there's heaps to choose from. Or how about a cupcake or macaroon delivery from The Three Words. And if that isn't enough sweat treat options, Bohemein Fresh Chocolates and Delish cupcakes are both offering contactless delivery too!
Get some online shopping in
How about a little retail therapy? Since we can't go out and browse the shelves of all the great city centre stores, a little bit of online shopping won't hurt! And with the new season collections hitting the racks, it seems like the perfect time to get a few new wardrobe essentials that scream spring. Need some inspiration? Check out our round up of spring fashion must-haves, here.
Send a gift card to a friend
Shopping for yourself feels good, but sending a gift to someone feels even better. Although a physical gift may not be possible right now, a gift card would be a great way to bring some joy to your friend's bubble, and it could be something that you can both enjoy together once lockdown lifts. How about a voucher to their favourite cafe or restaurant? If you're not sure what your friend might like, a Britomart Black Card or Commercial Bay gift card as they both have a great selection of retailers and eateries you can spend up at! See all the participating Britomart venues here or for details on Commercial Bay's gift cards, here.
For the artsy friend, a membership to the Auckland Art Gallery is sure to be a wonderful surprise. Or, plan for a fun night out once we can leave our bubbles and purchase a gift card for Holey Moley where you can get together for an afternoon of silly mini golf excitement.