Gift Ideas For Moving
So your friend or family member just moved into a new place. And now you want to get them a great, unique, awesome housewarming gift that they’ll love — and that you can actually afford. But as anyone who has ever had a housewarming party knows, there are only so many house plants in the world. And if you’re anything like me, that thoughtfully selected plant has got about a month to live, tops.
So what can you give someone that will show you care that isn’t a plant and won’t have you shelling out money for a new flat screen TV? Do you make a pie or a casserole? What if you can’t cook or bake? What do people actually want or need? There are so many questions — College Hunks is here to help!
Amazing Housewarming Gifts:
Something Personalized. There are dozens of places online where you can find adorable and useful personalized or monogrammed items that would make great housewarming gifts. And who doesn’t love to have something that is clearly just for them because their name or initials are on it? Consider something like a personalized cutting board, monogrammed towels, or a doormat with the new occupant’s name or initials scrawled across it. If you know the person well, you could also take a favorite photo and enlarge it on canvas for a great surprise.
Something Alcoholic. Yes, this could mean an actual bottle of wine or a case of beer. If you know their taste in alcohol, this is a surefire hit with most new homeowners. Find a great bottle of their favorite red or white wine, or a six-pack of a their beloved craft beer as a way to say congrats on their new home. Not sure what they drink? You could always go with a bottle of your favorite, a gift card to a local store so they can pick out their own, or you could go with a high end bottle opener so they will never have to struggle with a cork again. You’ll be the hit of the party with a gift like this.
Something Delicious. Moving is such a stressful and time consuming process, that anything food related will be appreciated. Just make sure you are aware of any special restrictions the new homeowners may have. Find out any allergies, sensitivities, diet restrictions, and even just foods they don’t like before making, baking, or buying any food. If you want to go the food route, but aren’t sure what to get or make, a gift card to a restaurant is always a great option. You could even give the homeowners a gift card to the grocery store so they won’t have to worry about buying food next week. Cookbooks are also a great option especially if the homeowner enjoys cooking or baking. Or has plans to start.
Something Beautiful. Now, we aren’t talking jewelry or expensive artwork — unless you’re into that kind of thing, in which case I’ll be inviting you to my next housewarming party. Beautiful and soft blankets make excellent housewarming gifts, as do pretty frames (especially if you put a photo in it for the homeowner). You could give them an inexpensive print or piece of artwork, but you’ll want to make sure that the homeowner will like it before you buy it. If you know their tastes as well as your own, or happen to be paying attention when they mentioned they like a certain piece, then trust your gut and go for it.
Something Handmade. Handmade gifts are such a great, personal way to show you care. Can you bake? A homemade plate of your famous cookies might do just the trick. Are you crafty? A handmade ornament for the homeowner to celebrate their first holiday season in their new home is a great option. Can you knit or crochet? It might be a little more time consuming, but making them a blanket for their bed is a very thoughtful way to welcome someone to their new home. You could even make one in the homeowner’s favorite colors.
Something Useful. This might not seem like the most exciting gift, but it might be the most memorable. You could give the homeowner a small toolkit to help them with small projects around the house. You could even make your own little toolkit for a personal touch. You could find a fun and funky fire extinguisher to help keep them safe. Or how about a wall outlet that comes with a plug for a USB cable so the homeowner can charge their phone in any room they want. A useful gift is always appreciated, and can even help make the moving process easier.
Something Helpful. Still not sure if any of these ideas are hitting the mark? Then the best thing to give the new homeowner is help. This can come in a variety of forms. You can give them an IOU to help out with yard work or a house project in the future. You could also give them a gift card to a home improvement store so they can buy the supplies they need. Or hand them a gift card to a home goods store so they can pick out the perfect wall art for their living room or pillows for the bedroom. You know what would be really helpful? A gift card for a massage, or maybe a night away from the kids. There are an unlimited number of ways you could help your new homeowner friend or family member. You could even get them a plant, if they’re into that kind of thing.
Picking out the perfect housewarming gift can seem like a herculean task, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider what you would like if you were the one moving into a new place, and you can’t go far off the mark. And if all else fails, you can always ask what the homeowner needs or wants to make their house feel like a home.