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Housewarming Gift Ideas NZ: Bottles That Beat Another Candle
Housewarming gift ideas for NZ: bubbles to open on the night, a Pinot Noir for later, a dry gin, a Negroni starter set and a gift box that looks like you made an effort.
The best housewarming gift is a bottle they will actually use: bubbles to open on the night, a red to keep for later, or a spirit for the new drinks cabinet. A gift box works when you want it to look put together.
Pick by what you know about the host, then check the card. The picks below are in stock now.
Quick answer
Open on the night
Hunters MiruMiru Brut 750ml
Dry New Zealand sparkling. Pop it while everyone is still carrying boxes.
For the gin drinker
A classic dry gin that works with tonic and a slice of lemon.
Looks like you tried
Choose a bottle and we add a chocolate, a savoury nibble and something sweet.
What is a good housewarming gift?
A bottle they can open, keep or share.
A bottle of sparkling wine is the safest answer, because it is made for a toast and it suits most tastes. If you know the host likes red or gin, buy that instead. Skip anything that needs a recipe or a special glass.
Hunters MiruMiru Brut
Dry sparkling to toast the keys.
Brut means dry, so this is crisp rather than sweet. Serve it well chilled.
- Style
- NZ sparkling, brut (dry)
- Good with
- A toast, nibbles
- Per glass
- About $5.40
Chard Farm Pinot Noir
A red for the first quiet night in.
Black cherry and violet with dried herbs and a hint of spice, with velvety tannin. Pinot Noir is a safe red when you do not know their taste.
- Grape
- Pinot Noir, Central Otago
- Good with
- Roast chicken, lamb, a cheese board
- Per glass
- About $7.00
Curious Garden Dry Gin
Dry, herbal and easy to mix.
Fresh juniper and herbal notes with a crisp finish. Pour one part gin to two or three parts tonic over lots of ice.
- Style
- Dry gin
- Try it with
- Tonic, ice and lemon
- Per nip
- About $1.96
What can I give for a new drinks cabinet?
The three bottles of a Negroni.
A new home bar usually has no bitter or vermouth. Gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in equal parts make a Negroni, one of the simplest cocktails there is, and each bottle lasts a long time.
How do you make a Negroni?
One serve. Equal parts, stirred.
- Add the gin, Campari and vermouth to a glass filled with ice.
- Stir for about 20 seconds until the glass is cold.
- Squeeze the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.
A starter drinks cabinet
Gin, Campari and vermouth.
Housewarming manners
Three small things that help.
- Bring it coldIf it is bubbles, chill it before you arrive, or say it needs chilling. Reds and spirits do not.
- Write a cardA line about the new place tells them who it came from.
- Do not expect it openedThe host has a house to sort out. The bottle is theirs to enjoy when they like.
The Classic gift box
Wrapped and delivered NZ wide.
Pick the bottle, then we box it with treats to go with it. It can go straight to their door.
- Includes
- Chocolate, savoury nibble, something sweet
- You choose
- The bottle, plus up to 3 extras
Quick answers
What is a good housewarming gift?
A bottle they will use. Sparkling wine suits the night, and a spirit or liqueur suits a new drinks cabinet. A gift box looks more put together.
How much should I spend on a housewarming gift?
Most people spend between $20 and $80. A good bottle of wine or gin sits comfortably in that range.
What should I bring to a housewarming party?
Something you can hand over and leave, such as bubbles or a gift box. Avoid anything the host has to do something with.
Is it okay to bring alcohol to a housewarming?
Yes, if you know they drink. If you are not sure, a Liquor Library gift card lets them choose, and it is emailed in minutes.
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