House Warming Gifts
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family member, friend or co-worker has just bought a new home and they’ve invited you to their housewarming party. We all know this is an occasion for them to receive gifts to help furnish their new location. It almost seems a selfish act but in most societies it’s a custom that‘s accepted.
So, what to buy? It all depends how much of a relationship you have. Are they close family or just good friends? Or (worse) do you barely know them? In all cases getting them to use gyftit.com's GyftBuddy service would help you out enormously.
When invited to a housewarming party one should first know whether it’s a house, condo or apartment. In each case different gifts are involved. Most often it's a house. Did they move to their new home from another house or from a smaller space? Are they newly married or a long time married couple and have they accumulated a lot of stuff? Hopefully, you’ll be informed by a friend or relative of some things they need. Use this information.
Be aware of the space they have. Nowadays people are downsizing and want less space — small gifts might be more appreciated.
The worst thing that could happen at the housewarming is a duplication of gifts, so being creative is strongly encouraged. How much should you spend on a gift? Again, this all depends on the relationship you have with the recipients. Checking the Internet, the consensus is between $20 and $50 dollars.
There are two kinds of gifts you can consider giving — the practical kind (thinking of their needs), or something whimsical, drinkable or edible. Gourmet gift baskets along with a special bottle of wine to inaugurate the house will always work, even if duplicated.
Today's couples are more and more environmentally oriented and anything that contradicts their lifestyle is not desired. If you go the practical route be sure they really need or want the item. Kitchen items are usually safe bet — you can never have enough of them. You can also go the personalized route and find interesting gifts online. Check out: housebeautiful.com
Normally you wouldn’t give furniture as a housewarming gift. Décor is up to the owners' tastes and could be uncomfortable for both of you if it doesn’t fit in with their style. Instead, give a gift card like a pre-paid Visa or MasterCard or to an on-line retailer like wayfair.com so they can pick out what they want.
Here are a few gift ideas that can be brought to a housewarming: a wine rack (plus a bottle or two of their favorite vino), a set of kitchen dishtowels (always needed), a cactus dish garden, an essential oil diffuser, a “Welcome” door mat, an oil and vinegar set, a Bodum French coffee press, an automatic electric corkscrew, a beverage chiller, and a personalized family name sign.
Have a look at some of these products:
If you want to stick to a traditional gift, try this hand-finished bamboo chopping board with a personalized touch. You can have it monogramed with the family name and even have a message added. The custom engraving is free and is personalizationmall.com
This is perfect for those with eclectic tastes. It provides the visitor with a warm, soothing sound as mallets hit the wire when moved. Hand crafted from maple, padauk and canary wood, it is truly eye-catching. Find it at uncommongoods.com
Why not give an original cartoon print of the family? This is personalized artwork by an artist and comes framed in black Bonanza Wood on enhanced matte paper. You even get the hanging hardware. uncommongoods.com
If you want to bring the new homeowner some wine, why not with special wine labels attached? What a way to congratulate them! Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements