Apart from tweens, there are probably few people who wouldn’t love a basket, bucket or box full of their favourite foods tucked under the Christmas tree with their name on it.
Food hampers are great for gift-giving and you can spend as little or much as your budget allows. Plus, if you’re a keen shopper, putting one together yourself is heaps of fun.
Whether you want to put together a thank-you gift for the in-laws who’ve agreed to host you and your fur baby over the Christmas weekend, or want to remind your uni-bound son that there’s more on the food pyramid than one-minute noodles, here’s a guide on where to go to find a great selection of edibles in Rotorua.
A trip to the Med
Vetro Mediterranean Foods is a gourmet grocery featuring a huge range of imported and local ingredients, perfect for spoiling your favourite foodie who loves creating regional dishes that require ingredients that aren’t run-of-the-mill. So many products (and not all from the Mediterranean) are available – oils, sauces and marinades, herbs and spices, deli products, chocolate and other confectionary delights, to name just a few – so keep an eye on the size of your gift basket versus the items in your shopping basket!
If you get a bit stuck on how to narrow down your choices, head to Vetro’s website before shopping to find a recipe that sounds good and then shop the non-perishable ingredients. Add a personal touch by writing the recipe onto a cute little recipe card and tuck it into the gift basket for your recipient to try.
For your convenience, Vetro has gift crates available for purchase, or you can pop next door where Grace & Glory | The Living Room Collective often has gorgeous baskets available.
For the coffee lovers
What caffeine fiend would be disappointed to receive a basket of beans and other coffee-related items under the tree? At least three Rotorua businesses roast coffee right here, and one of them offers free delivery via e-bike!Revolver Espresso sells their beans and coffee accessories from their cosy little café in the corner at Vetro, convenient if you’re already there shopping! You can enjoy a cuppa and slice while finding your own cooking inspiration from one of the culinary magazines and books stacked along the communal farmer’s table.
Family-owned Boasters Coffee Roasters has been selling their beans and coffee at events around the bay of Plenty for a while now, and recently opened a bricks-and-mortar café on Haupapa Street. Pick up some beans, keep cups, Harney & Sons tea in gorgeous tins, and more. Or, grab an AeroPress coffee maker for the person who loves to travel but doesn’t love waking up to coffee bags.
If your time for gift-buying is limited, let Mourea Coffee Company do the leg work for you. Simply order online, choose whether you want their beans in a bag or a swappa jar, and your order will turn up at your doorstep (Rotorua, Ngongotahā and Okere Falls only) via lime-green e-bike. The most work you’ll have to do is choose which coffee variety you want and get out your debit card. They offer coffee vouchers, too, for Rotorua deliveries.
A bit of everything
Capers Café + Store is another great place to shop for food baskets. The store is stocked with loads of Kiwi artisan and organic products, with a bent toward fair trade and sustainable businesses.
Again, if you’re short on time, the Capers team will put together a gift basket for you, you can order online to Click & Collect, and they’ll even deliver nationwide (conditions apply).
Fresh from the oven
What even is Christmas without fresh home baking? Be sure to visit some of our local bakers and package up some of their goodies for your food hampers. Traditional treats like Christmas mince pies, hand-crafted “Oreos”, gingerbread persons, biscotti, a box of slices, a whole cake, or a fresh loaf of sourdough or ciabatta bread will not disappoint.
Some of our favourites are Guidough’s, Ciabatta Café & Bakery, and Pantry d’Or Boutique Bakery.
