How To Shop For Housewarming Gifts
It’s not always easy to know what someone needs when they move into a new home. Although practical, asking the person directly isn’t always an option either - leaving the decision up to you.
- Is it their first home?
- Are they upsizing or downsizing?
These are some questions you can ask yourself to help you find the perfect housewarming gift. For the sake of this article, let’s say our friend Sarah is the one we are shopping for.
First Home
Sarah just bought her first home. She decided it was her time to move out of her parent’s house and venture off on her own. Chances are, she will have the necessary basics in preparation for her big move – all the things needed to survive. If you’re looking to jump in there with a gift right away, never underestimate the appreciation of food. It’s tough to stock the cupboards and fridge when you first move in. Having someone come over with a casserole ready to pop in the oven is a gift of warmth, deliciousness, and efficiency. As an added bonus, buy a new casserole dish to prepare the food in with the intentions of gifting it. Now you’ve given the gift of food and a staple item needed in any kitchen.
Other gift ideas could be more generic things that may be wanted, but not necessarily needed, or items where multiples are encouraged. Going this route helps avoid duplicates. Another way to go is to get gifts that aren’t necessarily in season, but will be needed at some point.
Some examples would be:
- Cutting boards in a variety of sizes
- Dishcloths
- Baking sheets, muffin tin
- Pizza stone
- Measuring cups or spoons
- Tupperware
- Bath towels
- Toilet paper/paper towels
- A cozy throw
- Cleaning supplies
- Gardening supplies
- Snow shovel or rake
- Basic tool kit
- Personalized door mat
- A subscription to a favourite magazine
- Gift card to a nearby grocery store/hardware store
Upsizing or Downsizing
If Sarah is upsizing, take a look at what has actually been upsized. What rooms were added in comparison to the original home? Is the kitchen bigger? What is the reason for the upsize? Answering questions like these could help you come up with the perfect housewarming gift.
If there are additional rooms, such as a spare bedroom or office, Sarah will be looking to furnish these. Some gift ideas could be artwork, plants, or office supplies.
If there is a reason for the upsize, perhaps the addition of a little bundle of joy, your options just became endless. A new parent generally needs a whole world of things and may prefer a housewarming gift that could be used towards the 18-year long expense. These items could be clothes – babies grow so fast – diapers, wipes, toys and so much more.
If Sarah is downsizing, chances are she will be selling some of her existing furniture or giving it away to friends and family. The last thing you want to do is add more items to the pile of items Sarah is trying to get rid of. If this is the case, consumables are always a great choice, or gift cards to local places.
Whatever you decide to get your newly moved friend or family member, gifts are always an appreciated gesture during a usually hectic time - a gesture that won't go unnoticed.