Auckland Fair is on next Sunday at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf from 10 to 4pm. Entry is $5, kids under 12 free.

For those who haven’t been before, it’s a huge collection of carefully curated local makers under one roof. There will be jewellery, homewares, art, ceramics, textiles, snacks and heaps more.

I’m looking forward to picking up locally made goodies for Christmas presents. Even applying a lot of self restraint, I ALWAYS end up buying some gifts for myself. I can’t help it. There’s so much awesome stuff. Buying locally this Christmas, even for a few gifts means your loved ones receive something unique and it supports small local businesses meaning this Christmas will be a little brighter for your community.

I’ve rounded up a few gifts for foodies you will find at Auckland Fair. If you are not in Auckland, this list can serve as an ideas to find similar items in your area.

Top gifts for foodies

Ceramics

A home cook can never have too many lovely bowls and plates to display their food in! Claybird make beautiful ceramics including bowls and plates. www.claybird.co.nz

Textiles

Since starting a food blog, I’ve become a person who drools over nice table linen. Napkins and tablecloths really give a meal an extra nice touch. The Fabric Queen and Smitten Design Textiles offer a range of table linens such as napkins, tablecloths and tea towels in elegant modern prints on natural fabrics.
www.alidavies.co.nz and www.smittendesign.co.nz

Edible garden

I have a small, easy garden at home and it’s super satisfying picking a few greens for a meal. SowFreshNZ are garden kits that contain herbs or salad veggies, markers, planter boxes and more. The Herb Homage comes with herbs, herb scissors and recipes. The Bruschetta Box includes tomato plants, basil an olive oil. A thoughtful gift for foodies that are low on garden space or would appreciate a mini garden they can keep near the kitchen. www.sowfreshnz.co.nz

Tea set

There’s nothing more soothing than a comforting tea after a big feast and Betty Chung’s beautiful tea sets will be welcome in any home cook’s kitchen. www.bettychung.com

Foodie art

This print by Bron Alexander with a Julia Child quote is the best! She also has another very cool foodie themed typography print called Dolce!!! Bron Alexander is the designer for Waikato based Nourish Magazine and it is clear she is a passionate foodie too.

 

This gold foiled print from Crushes will also appeal to the average foodie. crushes.co.nz

Fragrance

I love gourmand fragrances and Fleurs Du Mal make small batches of perfume right here in Auckland. I have Honesty which is fresh and citrusy with coriander, bergamot, grapefruit and lemon head notes. www.fleursdumal.co.nz

Food

Possibly the most obvious gift for foodies is the gift of food. Limon & Coco are a subscription service that deliver clean eating snacks on a weekly or fortnightly basis. They also sell packs of their treats including a $28 Tasting box with 14 snacks inside. www.limonandcoco.co.nz

Auckland Fair tips

1. Go with a buddy or go alone. This is not the place to shop with a group.
2. Bring cash. The EFTPOS line can grow to dizzying lengths. There will not be market money this year so your regular real life dollars will be fine.
3. Browse online to build a list of sellers to see so you don’t miss out.
4. Make a list of names for Christmas gifts or better still, make a list of gifts.
5. Be patient.
6. Enjoy and be inspired.

For more tips and info, visit the official tips page here.

 

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