Share the spirit of Christmas

As the summer holidays approach, the Hibiscus Coast community is once again invited to share the true spirit of Christmas, one of giving, kindness and connection. 

While this season brings joy and togetherness for many, it can also be a time of struggle for others. Hibiscus Matters is running its annual Christmas Appeal to help make the season brighter for families and individuals doing it tough. By donating gifts or food, readers can bring hope and relief to people in our own community. A small act of generosity can make a big difference,  reminding someone that they are cared for and not forgotten. This year, Hibiscus Matters has partnered with two local charities, Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge and Gutter Kitties, to collect donations on their behalf.

Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge

Hestia provides a safe, confidential and supportive space for women and families across North Auckland and the Rodney district who are experiencing family violence. Its advocates are trained to support women to plan their next steps and live lives free from abuse.

New, unwrapped gifts are needed for children, teens and mums. Please avoid toy weapons and include batteries if required.

Gift ideas:

• Babies & toddlers: soft toys, blankets, board books, bath toys, musical toys, nappies, baby clothes
• Preschoolers: picture books, puzzles, Play-Doh, art supplies, dress-ups, outdoor toys, dolls
• Primary school: books, LEGO, board games, craft or science kits, sports gear, stationery
• Tweens & teens: young adult books, art supplies, self-care items, tech accessories, gift cards, room décor
• For mums: skincare and beauty sets, pyjamas, jewellery, candles, towels, books, supermarket or clothing vouchers
• Universal gifts: swimwear, beach towels, hats, drink bottles, movie or supermarket vouchers, Christmas treats

A detailed list of items is below. Donations can be made at givealittle.co.nz/org/Hestia

Gutter Kitties

Gutter Kitties is Auckland’s largest no-kill cat rescue, run entirely by volunteers. The charity relies on donations to care for stray and abandoned cats, covering costs such as veterinary care, food, litter, desexing, and microchipping.

Needed items: cat and kitten food (wet and dry), cat litter, toys, beds, scratching posts, and flea or worm treatments.

Monetary donations help cover ongoing care costs. Donations over $5 are tax deductible – receipts can be requested by emailing fundraising@gutterkitties.co.nz

All gifts and donations can be left under the Hibiscus Matters Christmas Tree, 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa, weekdays from 9am to 4pm.

Let’s come together this Christmas to spread joy and kindness  and make sure no one in our community feels forgotten this festive season.

Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge full list:

Babies & Toddlers (0-3 years)

• Soft toys and cuddly blankets
• Board books and touch-and-feel books
• Stacking toys and building blocks
• Musical instruments (drums, shakers, xylophones)
• Bath toys and bubble bath sets
• Push-along toys and ride-ons
• Nappies and baby care essentials
• Baby clothing (sizes 0-2)
  
  Preschoolers (3-5 years)
• Picture books and story collections
• Art supplies (crayons, markers, coloring books, paint sets)
• Puzzles (12-24 pieces)
• Play-Doh and modeling clay
• Dress-up costumes and accessories
• Outdoor toys (balls, bubbles, sand toys)
• Dolls, action figures, and toy vehicles
• Educational toys (alphabet/number games)
  
  Primary School (6-10 years)
• Chapter books and age-appropriate novels
• LEGO sets and construction toys
• Board games and card games
• Sports equipment (soccer balls, skipping ropes, frisbees)
• Craft kits (jewelry making, painting, sewing)
• Science kits and educational games
• Dolls, collectibles, and figurines
• Outdoor adventure gear (torches, binoculars, backpacks)
• Stationery sets and school supplies
  
  Tweens & Teens (11-17 years)
• Young adult books and graphic novels
• Art supplies (sketchbooks, quality markers, paint sets)
• Beauty and self-care products (age-appropriate makeup, skincare)
• Sports gear and equipment
• Headphones and tech accessories
• Journals and stationery
• Craft and hobby kits (knitting, embroidery, model building)
• Gift cards (clothing stores, bookshops, entertainment)
• Room decor items (fairy lights, posters, cushions)
• Board games and puzzles (complex/strategic)
• Universal Gifts (All Ages)
• Pajamas and sleepwear (all sizes)
• Summer clothing and swimwear
• Sunhats and sunscreen
• Backpacks and lunch boxes
• Water bottles and drink containers
• Towels and beach towels
• Movie vouchers and entertainment passes
• Supermarket gift cards for families
• Christmas treats and selection boxes
  
  TEENAGERS CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
• Personal Care & Grooming
• Deodorant and body spray
• Body wash and soap
• Skincare products and moisturizer
• Makeup kits and palettes
• Lip gloss, lipstick, and lip balm
• Mascara and eyeliner
• Nail polish and nail art kits
• Face masks and spa kits
• Hair straighteners and curling wands
• Scrunchies and hair accessories
• Shaving cream and aftershave
• Body sprays, perfumes, and cologne
• Technology & Entertainment
• Wireless earbuds or headphones
• Portable Bluetooth speakers
• Phone chargers and power banks
• Prepaid phone credit/vouchers
• Tablets or laptops
• Accessories & Jewelry
• Crossbody bags and purses
• Wallets
• Sunglasses
• Necklaces and bracelets
• Earrings (studs and hoops)
• Hats, caps, and beanies
• Belts
• Keychains
• Planners and organizers
• Art supplies
• Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, netballs
• Sports equipment (cricket bat, tennis racket)
• Gym bags and sports backpacks
• Water bottles
• Skateboards and scooters
• Swimming goggles
• Fairy lights and LED strip lights
• Throw pillows and cushions
• Cozy blankets and throws
• Candles and diffusers
  
  Hobbies & Activities
• Art and craft supplies
• Sketchbooks and drawing materials
• Journals and diaries
• Puzzle books and brain teasers
• Board games and card games
• LEGO and building sets
• Model kits (cars, planes, etc.)
• Musical instruments or accessories
• DIY craft kits
• Self-Care & Wellness
• Bath bombs and bubble bath
• Face masks and spa kits
• Essential oils and aromatherapy
• Reusable water bottles
  
  Gift Cards & Vouchers:
• Clothing stores (Cotton On, Glassons, Supré, H&M, Hallensteins, Connor)
• The Warehouse
• Kmart
• Farmers
• JB Hi-Fi
• Rebel Sport
• Sephora or Mecca
• Movie Vouchers
  
  MUM
• Personal Care & Beauty
• Quality skincare sets (cleansers, moisturizers, serums)
• Makeup and cosmetics (neutral palettes, mascara, lipsticks)
• Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, treatments)
• Hair styling tools (straighteners, curling wands, hairdryers)
• Perfume and body sprays
• Nail polish sets and manicure kits
• Bath and body gift sets
• Luxury soaps and bath bombs
• Face masks and spa treatments
• Deodorants and body care essentials
• Clothing & Accessories
• Comfortable sleepwear and robes
• Handbags and wallets
• Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets)
• Scarves and accessories
• Wellness & Self-Care
• Journals and beautiful notebooks
• Quality pens and stationery
• Meditation and mindfulness books
• Adult coloring books and art supplies
• Candles and essential oil diffusers
• Relaxation and sleep aids
• Herbal teas and wellness products
• Stress relief tools (fidget items, stress balls)
• Inspirational books and self-help resources
• Entertainment & Leisure
• Books (fiction, biographies, self-development)
• Magazines
• Puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku)
• Craft kits (knitting, embroidery, painting)
• Movie vouchers and entertainment passes
• Bluetooth speakers and headphones
• Phone accessories (cases, chargers, pop sockets)
• Board games and card games
• Practical Essentials
• Reusable water bottles
• Quality towels (bath and beach)
• Bed linen sets
• Storage solutions and organizers
• Reusable shopping bags
• Stationery and planners for organization
• Technology & Communication
• Phone credit vouchers
• Prepaid mobile phones
• Phone chargers and power banks
• Gift Cards & Vouchers
• Gift cards provide choice and dignity:
• Supermarket vouchers (New World, Countdown, PAK’nSAVE)
• Clothing stores (Kmart, The Warehouse, Farmers)
• Chemist Warehouse or pharmacy vouchers
• Petrol vouchers (BP, Z Energy, Caltex)
• Cafes and restaurants
• Bookshops (Whitcoulls, Paper Plus)
• Special Treats
• Chocolate and confectionery gift boxes
• Coffee and tea gift sets
• Gourmet food hampers
• Photo frames and albums
• Decorative items
• Christmas treats and festive goodies

Size inclusive – We support women of all sizes, please consider sizes 8-22
Culturally appropriate – We support women from diverse backgrounds
Alcohol-free products – Please avoid gifts containing alcohol
Sellotape and Wrapping Paper

Important Guidelines
New items only – For safety and dignity, we can only accept new, unused items. Unwrapped  – This allows us to match gifts appropriately to each child’s age and interests
No violent toys – Avoid toy weapons or aggressive-themed items
Include batteries – If your gift requires batteries