By Rochelle O'Loan

You’d be surprised what you can find in the city centre for under $20!

To be honest, I went into the challenge not expecting much for my buck, but I was pleasantly surprised. And it was refreshing to have my pick from a variety of shops rather than the blanket monotony that I’m used to in malls. If it’s an original gift you’re after, consider a trip into the city centre to uncover these little gems, all within walking distance.
 

First stop was Bay Barbers. Once I had stopped cooing over the cute toddler sitting in the aeroplane getting his first haircut, I found these. Not only is there a cool range of grooming products for men like these unique Marvis toothpastes for $9.50, but there are plants too… and a range of secondhand books for $8 each. Who knew!

Once inside Tauranga Co-op in Picadilly Arcade, I saw so many things that were beautifully packaged and gift-ready for a foodie, a lover of all things natural, or just someone that appreciates ‘hard-to-find’ food gems. These bottles of honey were a winner and affordable at under $20.

Books a Plenty never disappoints. I loved this beautiful collection of classics at $15 each. And, with a lot of these stories being remastered on Netflix lately, they’ll pique almost anyone’s interest… including my teenager daughter.