Great Housewarming Gift Ideas

Few things rival the excitement of moving into a new home, except perhaps the housewarming party that comes after you get settled in! When your friends and family members invite you to their first party in their new home, deciding what to bring them to celebrate this momentous occasion can be quite nerve-wracking. You want to get them something they will totally love and/or actually use, something that stands out from all of the bottles of champagne or run-of-the-mill house plants everyone else typically brings.

Some people say gift cards to home stores are a great housewarming gift idea because the recipient can get whatever they want for their new place. However, these are very impersonal, and no fun at all to present to the hosts, and they give the message that you just couldn’t be bothered to find something they would like. For a housewarming gift idea that goes beyond ordinary and is sure to please, consider these:

A gourmet gift basket

Sure, it’s not the most original housewarming gift idea, but if you choose one that is filled with useful products that match their tastes and interests, a gift basket will be much appreciated. A quick way to find just the one you’re looking for is to shop online, where you’ll find thousands of baskets filled with everything you could imagine. If you want to go the extra step, consider getting a fancy basket and make it unique by filling it with special goodies you know they will love. Some ideas include specialty teas, cookies, spices, chocolate, pasta, gourmet foods, biscotti, crackers, a set of heart-shaped measuring spoons, or go the non-food route and get one filled with pampering items such as fancy soap, lotions and bath products.

A distinctive plant

Although a traditional houseplant is a somewhat boring housewarming gift idea, there are other plant gifts that are more unique. A windowsill herb garden will be a big hit with anyone who likes to cook. They can have fresh homegrown herbs within easy reach to snip as needed for cooking, and can enjoy the enticing scents of rosemary, thyme, mint, basil, parsley and other herbs all year long.

An exotic Orchid Plant will add a colorful touch to any home’s dÃ?©cor, and the blooms last for several months. The sculpted, artsy look of a hardy Bonsai Plant is great for those who love aesthetically interesting shapes. A Lucky Bamboo Plant is a great gift because it symbolizes good fortune, is very attractive, and one of the easiest of all houseplants to keep alive.

Backyard and garden gifts

Whether they are into outdoor entertaining or just relaxing with the family in the backyard, getting them something for their garden is a great housewarming gift idea. How about a bird feeder, bird house or bird bath for their feathered friends, or a garden sculpture, cozy hammock or wind chimes? If you have a little more to spend, consider a water fountain, patio fire pit or custom-made address sign. If they are avid gardeners, why not put together a custom gift basket with seeds, shears, plant markers, fertilizer and other things they’ll need to get growing in their new space.

Housewarming gifts for do-it-yourselfers

Home ownership equals ongoing maintenance and repairs, and if your friends don’t have the best selection of tools, they’ll really appreciate a cordless screwdriver, a top-of-the-line wrench set or skilsaw. These may not be the most glamorous of gifts, but will come in handy when they need to hang pictures, install shelves or build bookcases.

Miscellaneous housewarming gift suggestions

A desktop water fountain brings the soothing sound of moving water into their office or den. Scented papers for their dresser drawers, in pleasing fragrances like lavender or rose, always appreciated. And a nice set of picture frames, a high-quality throw or blanket for the couch or a beautiful new doormat is sure to please.

Have fun shopping for the perfect housewarming gift!