10 Quirky Gift Ideas For The Wellington Shopper - The 2021 Edition

Whether it be a birthday, office secret santa or a treat for that special someone, Wellington’s got you covered. Catering to a range of budgets and tastes, Wellington is home to a huge selection of awesome local businesses, offering a variety of unique presents and experiences.

Wellington is an ideal place to shop for that original gift idea, but with so many options where do you begin?

This guide uncovers our top picks for unique gifts in Wellington, as well as where to find them.

Coffee Supreme

The go-to Wellington gift idea for the coffee connoisseur in your life!

Okay, so maybe we’re biased seeing as this is the Aro office brew of choice...but  Coffee Supreme is definitely a stand out name here in the coffee capital of Wellington. It’s a well known fact that there is a cafe on nearly every corner of this windy city, with more cafes per capita than the likes of New York! As renowned coffee lovers, what local wouldn’t love some deliciously roasted fresh beans from Coffee Supreme or even some sweet socks for the die-hard fans? 🧦

The local gift: Check out these gifts under $50 here OR gift your caffeine loving pal an epic bean subscription here!  ☕️ 

Where you can visit them: Coffee Supreme Midland Park, 31 Waring Taylore Street, Te Aro, Wellington

We Love Local

The go-to gift for the local foodie in your life 🧀  🍩 !

We Love Local is the passion project of Kāpiti-based couple Valerie and Timo Reitnauer, offering up gorgeous gift boxes packed with artisanal goodies that celebrate the craftsmanship of our regions. You can shop by location, diet, or even occasion, which makes finding the perfect option a piece of cake! Not only are they the posterchild of the #lovelocal movement, they also set aside 1% of every sale to donate to New Zealand charities. On top of that, their gorgeous wooden boxes are made by The Shed Project — a community space in Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast, providing opportunities for people with disabilities.

The local gift

‍Our pick just happens to be their most popular box – check out the Wild About Wellington Box here!

Where you can visit them

‍Online at welovelocal.nz

Wellington Apothecary

The go-to spot for the scent enthusiast 👃 or pamper lover 🛁 .

Born in 2014, Wellington Apothecary is the brainchild of three friends and health practitioners Jemma Scott, Chantal Cropp and Laura Jansen. A holistic paradise on Cuba Street, their products are natural and handmade using the finest herbal ingredients, most of which are presented in stylish lab-like glass containers, environmentally and stylistically on point. For more of an experience based gift, there’s also skincare workshops, massage treatments and holistic facials, ideal for those longing to be pampered. If you’re not sure what they’ll prefer, there are gift cards available too. Not to mention the gorgeous gift wrapping options!

The Local Gift: Shop their 2021 gift guide here (packed full of goodies priced as low as $9)! 

Where you can visit them: 110a Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 

The Occasional Brewer

The go-to gift idea for the beer snob or the get-your-hands-dirty type in your life!

Occasional Brewer is a brewery based in Wellington’s central suburb of Newtown. With their own professional equipment, ingredients, facilities and expertise you can make your own great craft beer from scratch – no experience needed 🍻 ! An Occasional Brewer ‘brew station ticket’ entitles up to three people one 40L brew that you can make yourself with the help of their brewing experts. You can choose what type of brew you want, and even print custom labels for the bottling process. This is a really cool day out, and results in a fridge full of around 10 dozen of your own 300ml bottles of custom brew – a dream come true.

The Local Gift

‍A brewing session costs around $159.00-$200.00, however this experience can be shared by up to three people – gift cards available here!

Where you can visit them

‍85 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington

Float Well

The go-to gift for the person in your life that could do with a chill pill. 

Entrepreneurs Kevin and Samantha set up Float Well in Wellington after being absolutely mesmerised by their own experiences with floating – a form of sensory deprivation, where the water is largely made up of Epsom salt, enabling you to float effortlessly in a heated, soundproof pod. Floating offers every individual something different and the benefits range from muscle recovery, relaxation, stress relief, sports recovery and magnesium absorption, right through to enhanced creativity and a better night’s sleep. This gift is a unique and unforgettable experience. There’s even the option to float with a friend or partner!

The Local Gift: A casual float will set you back $95 – grab a gift voucher here! 😎

Where you can visit them: Level 1, James Smith Building, 65 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 

Smack Bang

The go-to spot in Wellington to shop for the cat dad or dog mum you love.

Is your office secret santa the one who always pulls out their pet photos at the lunch table? Or maybe the person you need to buy a birthday gift for has a dedicated Instagram for their fur baby? Smack Bang combines all the coolest brands and styles for your furry friend. We’re talking bow ties, halters, cute sunglasses, and snacks galore. They even stock a bunch of products designed locally in Wellington – so buy online or go instore and pamper that pooch! 

The local gift: Check out these purrrrfect 😻 gift ideas on a budget under $25 right here!

Where you can visit them: 23 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington 

Zealandia Ecosanctuary

The go-to Wellington gift idea for the local bird watcher.

Are you gifting for a nature lover? Get them a Zealandia Membership! Your native wildlife lover can catch all the action with the Kākā, Tuatara, Takahē, and more! This not-for-profit bird & wildlife sanctuary is the world’s fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary with plenty of beautiful walks through the bush. Most importantly, friends of members get up to half price on general admission - which means everyone wins. 🐦

The local gift: See all the membership benefits here!

Where you can visit them: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington

The Garden Factory

The go-to Wellington gift idea for the green-thumb you know!

The Garden Factory is an online garden centre – specialising in all kinds of rare and unique varieties of fruit, vege, and even some flowers! Started by Leanne and Andy – a couple of local gardening enthusiasts – the aim is to provide Wellingtonians with seedlings that they either grow themselves, or source from other propagated plants from the Wellington region. They also get bonus points from us for the cute illustrations that make the site so fun to navigate! 🥕

The local gift: These seedlings are well-nurtured and super affordable, with prices starting as low as $2.50 – get your hands on a few here!

Where you can visit them: Online at gardenfactory.co.nz 

Welly Kai

The go-to for the gifter who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of their couch!

Introducing an online food directory packed full of all the local food goodies that make the Wellington region such a scrumptious place to live! Explore over 130 local businesses who all deliver their tasty noms straight to the door of the person you’re buying a gift for (hey, we won’t judge if that person is yourself). From traditionally made baklavas, to handmade tortillas, there’s something yummy for everyone!

The local gift: Check out the pantry section here for a range of gift ideas that won’t spoil if you’re buying in advance!

Where you can visit them: Online at wellykai.nz

Haven’t found the perfect gift?

If none of these tickles your fancy, try our 2020 and 2019 editions! Most importantly, share love and take the time to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones. We'll see you next time for the 2022 edition!