How much should I spend on a housewarming gift in Australia?

Housewarming gifts in Australia sit in a narrower range than birthdays — the rule is 'thoughtful and useful', not 'expensive'. Most recipients are mid-move, exhausted, and don't want more decorative objects to find space for.

Casual friend, coworker, or new neighbour: $20–50. A really good bottle, a quality candle from a brand they'll know (Glasshouse, Ecoya, Trudon), a single serious kitchen tool, or a houseplant from a decent nursery.

Good friend or family member: $50–120. A premium bottle plus something consumable, a pair of nice glassware, a quality cheese board, or a gift card for somewhere they'll need to shop (Bunnings, Kmart Home, IKEA, Provincial Home Living).

Close family or contributing relatives: $100–300+. A real homewares piece (lamp, vase, artwork they've chosen), a serious kitchen item, or a contribution toward something on their list.

What actually works: consumables (wine, olive oil, coffee, fancy salt), one quality item rather than several mediocre ones, gift cards to home retailers they'll definitely use, and plants. What doesn't: decorative objects with strong style opinions, anything bulky/breakable they didn't ask for, and 'house rules' wall art.

If you don't know their style, default to consumables or a homewares gift card. You can't get the style wrong if there isn't one.