Your December Sorted

The gift list is growing. The summer break is coming. And somewhere between finding presents for everyone else and restocking the beach bag, The Crossing has you covered this December – not just with shops, but with a way to actually enjoy the process.

Keep Them Busy While You Browse

Here’s the thing about shopping with kids: it works better when they have their own agenda.

The Jamie Kay Snuggle Bunnies Treasure Hunt gives them exactly that. Soft-eared bunnies are tucked away in stores throughout the precinct. Collect a map from Jamie Kay (ground floor, next to Coffee Culture), find each bunny, write down where it’s hiding, then return your completed form for a prize. You’ll also go in the draw for an 80cm snuggle bunny! Jamie Kay is open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.

While they’re hunting, you’re free to explore. Summer wardrobes need refreshing: Country Road and Seed Heritage for the family, Barkers and Rodd & Gunn alongside Ruby and Juliette Hogan for the adults, H&M and I Love Ugly when you need range. Workshop cover the elevated basics, Witchery handles versatile pieces, and FreshChoice City Market stocks the everyday essentials you’ll run out of over the break.

The Gift Edit

Then there’s the actual gifting. The Gift Shop is the obvious starting point, but look further. Flare Art Co-op for something original from local artists. Sunglass Hut for summer essentials with style. Most fashion retailers stock accessories – scarves, jewellery, wallets – that solve the “what do I get them?” problem without overthinking it. Or go the experience route: Lovoir Day Spa and Kess Hair and Beauty both do gift vouchers that actually get used.

Built for Lingering

The layout helps. Contemporary buildings sit alongside restored heritage facades from 1901, connected by laneways that make the whole precinct feel navigable. You can grab coffee at Coffee Culture, stop for something more substantial at Bar Franco or The Chicken. Let the kids set the pace and still accomplish what you came for. It’s the only central Christchurch spot where shopping, food, and parking exist in one place – practical when you’re juggling bags and people.

Arthur the oversized bear is lounging in Santa’s sleigh this year (when weather allows), and Santa’s footprints will guide you there. It’s worth the quick stop for a photo that doesn’t require queuing.

When the List Defeats You

Gift cards get a bad reputation, but The Crossing’s Gift Card looks intentional. Head to Customer Service on Level One near the car park entrance. They’ll load your chosen amount onto a card and present it in a black envelope that’s genuinely giftable. Sometimes the smartest present is letting someone choose.

The Crossing opens 9am-6pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends. Come for the treasure hunt, the summer wardrobe refresh, or the gifts you’ve been putting off. Stay because it’s designed to make December shopping less of a chore and more of an outing.

Happy shopping, and have a great summer!