Molly Amilson
Your dear family member, favorite couple or best friend decided to move to a new place. No matter if they are throwing a housewarming party or not, a small gift from you will show that you wish them all the best in their new home.
There is a way to show your appreciation for the host without spending insane amounts of money. What counts is that you thought of them, their special tastes, personalities and hobbies, as well what they might need for a fresh start. You’ll agree that a small handmade piece carries a lot more meaning than a thoughtless expensive gift. Here are some of the ideas for the best housewarming gifts you can easily afford:
Small necessities
Everyone who just moved in somewhere new would tell you, “Forget about the cactus plants and bottles of wine. What we need are paint brushes, nails and trash bags.” Moving in doesn’t mean that you only need to unpack your cardboard boxes and figure out where you left what. It also entails a lot of remodeling, as well as a paint job. So, make a stop at your nearby hardware store and pack everything in a ribboned bucket. Buy some DIY essentials like measuring tape, anti-scratch pads for furniture, glue and extension cords. Or concentrate on a single room, like bathroom, and drop in some scented candles, soaps and other toiletry essentials.
Pillows, throws and towels
Bedding, quilts and linen are usually the first items to get crossed off the “to pack” list if your storage and mobility options are limited. These items are bulky and sometimes you have to leave them behind. However, you’ll realize just how important these actually are when you have to sleep on a bare mattress and without a warm blanket. Pleasantly surprise your friend with a fluffy fake-fur bed throw, some quirky-patterned pillows, or embroidered towels and kitchen linen. These items aren’t necessarily expensive, and if you know your way around a sewing kit, you can even make some yourself and add that personal touch.
Kitchenware
A cutting board, a set of knives, jars, cups, dishes, cutlery, measuring cups and all kinds of kitchen utensils – here you can get really creative because kitchen is the heart of every home, and there are no surplus gifts. The items don’t need to be practical either – a framed handwritten message or a nice aquarelle artwork are great decorative pieces. Think about your hosts. Are they happier with a good cup of joe or tea? Select a nice Japanese-style teapot, Italian coffee percolator or a portable beer cooler.
Gadgets and appliances
Only when you start living in a new home, do you begin to appreciate the little things you owned in your old apartment. Things like an egg-timer, garlic press, electric chopper, measuring scales or smoothie-mixer. Who knew they were, in fact, so essential? If you really want to put a broad smile on your friend’s or family member’s face, opt for a quality powerhouse kitchen gadgets like the ones from KitchenAid. Depending on your budget, choose from items like mixing bowls, wire whisks, hand mixers and food processors. The best and the most wanted housewarming gifts are definitely kitchen utensils.
Food baskets
Avoid the stereotype of a home-cooked casserole, and try something new this time. Bake a big loaf of banana or pumpkin bread and wrap it together with some other gift, like a cutting board. If you’re still thinking a food basket should be a food basket, forget that. Bake a nice batch of your special cookies, cupcakes or donuts and stack them inside a colander or a salad bowl.
Hobby supplies
A set of shelves for your friend’s large book collection, a compact spices kit, nice clothes hangers, board games, a favorite magazine subscription or gardening supplies are all winners when it comes to choosing a personalized housewarming gift. By buying your host a little something they’ll actually use, you’ll show them just how well you know them.
