The D*List’s Cripmas gift guide 2024

1) The Lucy Foundation coffee pack 

The Lucy Foundation provides work opportunities for disabled people in Aotearoa and Mexico to produce one of our favourite products: Coffee!! The coffee produced by local farmers is processed by disabled team members and their whānau in Mexico. After being exported to Aotearoa, The Lucy Foundation partners with organisations who also support disabled Kiwis into training and employment.

2) Ruby Jones print 

Ruby Jones is an illustrator based in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. Her drawings explore themes of mental health, body image, love and community. She has illustrated work for The D*List giving insights into her disability identity journey and the ‘joys’ of travelling with a vision impairment. You can find more of her art on her Instagram or purchase a print from her online store.

3) Kylee & Co shop voucher 

Founded by Kylee Black based in Kirikiriroa, Kylee & Co sells accessibility and mobility products. From wheelchair wing mirrors, printed ostomy bag covers and uterus earrings, there’s a wide range of products you won’t normally see in the MoH or ACC catalogue!

4) Kaia DLV - art on canvas

Kaia is a self-described “queer/Māori/neurodiverse/disabled” artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Their bright and colourful styled-art features on canvas and in print; they also personalise bespoke work on tool boxes, tins and trays. Check their art on Instagram. 

5) Tempest Corner - sticker pack

Annabelle is the artist behind Tempest, a self-described “bubbly hurricane of colour and darkness” whose work focuses on breaking boundaries. From cute crochet mythical creatures and quirky stickers that read “Abandonment Issues” and “I love lizards and hate feelings”, you’ll find the perfect gift for the bright-colour-lover in your life. Check out their online store here or Instagram page over here.

6) Articulations by Henrietta Bollinger

Henrietta is a Pākehā writer and activist based in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. They often write about being a twin, queer and growing up disabled. Their book Articulations, features poetry and personal essays about their disabled experience in Aotearoa.

7) Garden planter box by Max Cussell

Max builds wooden planter boxes with his dad Geoff. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, you’ll find him selling wooden planter boxes at local markets. The boxes come painted or unpainted, and empty or filled with soil and fresh plants. Check them out! If you’re interested in growing your own kai in one of Max’s planter boxes, get in touch with Max and his whānau maxfactorie@xtra.co.nz

8) Hey Scaredy Cat - sticker pack

Cat Atkinson is the artist behind Hey Scaredy Cat. They sell stickers and t-shirts with original designs, including a “social cues: file not found” t-shirt and a zine titled "neurodivergent pop-ups". Their drawings explores the themes of anxiety and being queer. 

9) The Savage Coloniser by Tusiata Avia

Tusiata Avia is a poet and author who won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Arts in 2024. In Here we are, read us: Women, disability and writing, she says: “Epilepsy is not what I would choose if I was ordering what to have in my life, but it is what I have.” However, writing helps her express that “epilepsy is not shameful”. Her 2020 book The Savage Coloniser explores the histories of violence and she offers many voices that offer hope. 

10) Sani Happy Goodies - key ring and pin

Sani is a trans and neurodivergent creative who’s a regular at craft markets and Zinefest events. Their creations are colourful, furry creatures with quirk and character. They sell handmade soft toys, key rings, stickers and zines - and they also create custom designs! Check them out on Instagram! 

11) Noēll Ratapu art - tote bag

Noēll Ratapu is a queer, Māori artist born in Aotearoa who is now based in California. Specialising in digital art, clay work and photography, she says her art allows her to express different facets of her identity and experiences. Her work has been showcased at galleries in New Zealand and in the US, and she sells totes bags featuring her art prints. “I believe that art is a powerful tool for change, and I use my creative expression to advocate for social justice, accessibility, and the rights of marginalised communities,” she says. 

12) Iceland by Dominic Hoey

Dominic Hoey is a poet, author and playwright based in Tāmaki Makaurau. He has written and performed two one-person hit shows about his bone disease and his inability to get arts funding. In his book Iceland, Dominic lays bare the reality of a generation trying to find their place in a city being reshaped beneath their feet.

We also want to tautoko the Auckland Down Syndrome Association who have also created a gift guide featuring their members. Check out the list here.

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