Hola Mi Amors,
This Christmas, we're crushing hard on small, mainly female-owned businesses and beautiful experiences, mostly from across New Zealand, with a sprinkle of our neighbours in Australia and further afield.
Some of these businesses have expanded to more than one outlet, whilst others are nestled away in coastal towns and provide inspiration to holidaygoers.
It has been such a turbulent year for retail trade, with many forces coalescing with devastating effects - whether from rising oil prices impacting shipping, trade war tariffs, or overseas retailers exploiting import loopholes and flooding the market with cheap goods. There is no doubt that this is a risk to local brands who already face the tough reality of being in business in a small country that is far away from big markets.
Yet these businesses continue to inspire us with their creativity, resilience and ability to bring beauty, joy and meaning to their communities. It would be an absolute shame to see any of these brands disappear, and I sincerely hope they all thrive this holiday season. When you shop at these places, you make a meaningful impact on their families and the people they employ.
So, we've rounded up some of our favourites: friends, brands and boutiques we admire, alongside experiences guaranteed to make someone feel special. Of course, there are many more we couldn't include, but we're thinking of them too. xx
Honestly, it might just be our own wishlist.
Feliz Navidad to you and yours. Wishing you the happiest of holidays. xxx
Con amor,
Catalina Wilkinson, Founder San Margo
Clockwise from top left: Radiante Collagen + Vitamin C – San Margo, Photography Session – Hue & Lux, Extraordinaria Firming Body Oil – San Margo, Noche Balancing Scalp Sérum – San Margo, Bakuchiol Super Elixir Facial Oil – San Margo, Glorioso Botanical Intimate Oil – San Margo, Sea Sponges – The Lost + Found Department, Eddie Sunglasses – Isle of Eden at AC Homestore, Boundary Sandal – Commonplace at City Hall, Fouta Towel – Saint James at Karen Walker, Bring It Bag – Sophie at City Hall, Bakuchiol Super Elixir Facial Oil – San Margo, Extraordinaria Firming Body Oil – San Margo, La Clara Pearl Drop Hoop Earrings – By Tonin, Silk Sarong – Same.
Clockwise from top left: Claw Clip – Maggie Marilyn, Day Spa Experience – Hana, Sisal Oval Basket – Città, Botanic Sparkling – Anthea Blanc at Farro, Bakuchiol Super Elixir Facial Oil – San Margo, 2027 Horizontal Planner – Fox & Fallow at Nought & More, Natural Incense – Soen, Salted Caramel Shortbread – Loco Love at Tonic Room, Yin Flare Pants – Pinky & Kamal at THE ICONIC, Willis Pool Towel – BAINA at Sunday Home Store, Radiante Collagen + Vitamin C – San Margo, Glorioso Botanical Intimate Oil – San Margo.
Clockwise from top left: Bistro Ceramic Candle – Designworks at The Bay Tree, Lactation Bars – Lila Jasmine at Nought & More, Noche Balancing Scalp Sérum – San Margo, Woven Leather Maxi Tote – Alémais, Radiante Collagen + Vitamin C – San Margo, Increíble Beauty Sleep Hot Chocolate – San Margo, Undated Daily Planner – Dear Joe at Sunday Home Store, Ombra Top – Marlow, Jervis Sandal – a.EMERY.
Clockwise from top left: La Clara Pearl & Topaz Station Necklace – By Tonin, In-Residencia Hydrating Shampoo – San Margo, In-Residencia Hydrating Conditioner – San Margo, Stella Bikini Top – Bondi Born, Rayas Collective Basket – Rayas Collective at Best Before Store, The Reloader Film Camera – 35mm Co., Extraordinaria Firming Body Oil – San Margo, Noche Balancing Scalp Sérum – San Margo, Textured Earthen Pot – Smith & Western, Deep Sleep Mask – Dore & Rose, Instant Matcha Latte – Thea at Farro.
Clockwise from top left: Two-Tone Oval Tray – Leopold Hall, Refillable Bronzing Powder – Fluff, Oasis Necklace – By Nye, Extraordinaria Firming Body Oil – San Margo, Glorioso Botanical Intimate Oil – San Margo, Flower Beaded Bag – La Tribe at Sisters & Co, Sabine Marcelis: Material as Master – NZ Design Week, Dana Cami – Camilla and Marc, Italian Sphere Drop Necklace – Scanlan Theodore, Terracotta Ball Trim Vase – Magpie Home, Liv Velvet Sandal – Camilla and Marc.
Clockwise from top left: Massage Body Brush – The Lost + Found Department, Studio Gift Voucher – Sala, Marilyn Crew Socks – Maggie Marilyn, Rise Women’s Daily Multi Active – element3, Chocolate Labrador Cap – ’47 at Karen Walker, Everyday Tote – Kowtow at Island Orewa, In-Residencia Hydrating Conditioner – San Margo, In-Residencia Hydrating Shampoo – San Margo, Deodorant – Dulesé at Jing Organics, Bala Bells – Bala, Radiante Collagen + Vitamin C – San Margo, Greeting Cards – Best Before Store.
Clockwise from top left: Bistrot Cutlery Set – Sabre at Re:form, Agni Cup – Kayu, Casa de Palm Art Print – Magpie Home, Belgian Fouta Throw – Libeco at Leopold Hall, Como Cushion – Warwick Fabrics at City Hall, Como Cushion – Weave at City Hall, Athena Urns – Leopold Hall, Bennett Dress – Marle, In-Residencia Hydrating Conditioner – San Margo, In-Residencia Hydrating Shampoo – San Margo, Raffia Bucket Hat – Assembly Label at Smith & Western.
