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Magnetico: interesting gifts that you don’t see every day

Mike says, “The idea for Magnetico came from my great fondness for most things vintage – old school, retro and my experience in creating rock and roll clocks from old album covers. A bit later, I started making magnets and selling them off an old fridge at the Aotea Square, Saturday market in central Auckland”. The beginnings may have been humble, but the range of amazing Magnetico products is anything but unassuming.

Mike describes his eclectic ‘output’ as interesting gifts that you don’t see every day. Always something for anyone, whatever the occasion.

Kiwiana, Retro and Vintage Clocks, Coasters, Luggage tags plus a huge selection of magnets – which when coupled with a simple, yet clever little Framing-Kit double up as wonderfully inexpensive mini – works of magnetic Wall or Fridge Art. (Framing-Kits are supplied gratis with every magnet ordered on-line)

Images from the 50s, 60s, 70s, old school movie posters, re-worked N.Z. stamp scenes, lots and lots of humour and a superb array of classic Café Art, especially suitable for the framing treatment: everything and more is available on-line.

Mike’s customers cover the planet. “Almost every day we hear from someone, somewhere who has read or heard about us, and because no one is currently travelling, there’s an awful lot of posting going on.

Originally from Mt Victoria in Wellington, Mike Gregory came back to N.Z. from the U.K. in late 1997 after 25 years in London, working mostly in advertising and publishing.

He remembers arriving late in the week, to a sparsely furnished house he had rented out for many years, and a fridge full of food and drink – no magnets though. After four days of ‘torrid catching–up’ he woke heavy of head and a small extensile crisis brewing….what to do, what to do?

He was sure he didn’t want a regular J.O.B. From that first thought and a couple of aborted start-ups, a unique, small N.Z. business emerged, with a range of fun, ever-changing products that are as easily deliverable across the world as they are across town.

Mike also does custom items, corporate gifts, prizes, promotional items, local interest merchandise for local retailers/tourist attractions, and museums.

Mike’s favourite haunts are Non Solo Pizza in Parnell -“you could almost be in Rome” or the Corner in Remuera, especially when you absolutely have to walk home!!

You’ll find an extremely articulate and amusing chap who has retained London’s essence, with many a tale to share.

Check out Mike’s range of very uncommon goodies at www.magnetico.co.nz

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