It is always nice to give housewarming gifts to a new homeowner, whether they be in the neighborhood you live in or a co-worker or friend you know just purchased a house. The main problem for many people is that housewarming gifts can get pretty expensive very quickly. The best solution is a bit of creativity and personalization in the gift. A gift that involves time and thought will outshine many higher priced ‘quickie’ gifts that are standard fare for many people today.
Here is a list of 7 housewarming gifts that you can give that will not break your budget. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, so feel free to use these ideas or build upon them. While you read, think of other ways you might be able to do something inexpensive but memorable and inviting. Be creative and let your creativity and ingenuity shine through when creating your personalized housewarming gifts. The unique quality and the personal touch will go a long way with the recipients. Many of the best gifts people receive aren’t necessarily those that cost the most money, rather they are the gifts that touched them in a personal way.
- Recipe Book – Get an inexpensive 3-ring binder at an office supply store and some plastic sleeves that come with the holes for the binder on the edge. Print off your favorite recipes and put them in the binder. Take the time to make it look attractive as well as functional. If you have the time, you can take pictures of some of your favorite meals after they are prepared and include the photo on the recipe page. Talk to neighbors or co-workers and ask them to make up some of their favorite recipes as well to include in the book. You can even take a picture of the entire group of contributors together and place it in the jacket of the binder. The new homeowners will think of you every time they use a recipe.
- Old World Gifting - In years past it was customary to give the gifts of salt and bread to new homeowners. Salt was given with the intention of wishing their lives to be filled with flavor and spice. Bread was given as a way of showing your wishes that their home never be filled with hunger. Print up the meanings on a nice piece of parchment type paper with some old world scripting fonts and make it look nice. The bread and salt can be given in a basket and jar that they can use to decorate or use functionally at a later date.
- Coupon Organizer – Most people today appreciate saving money. If you know the new homeowners are the frugal type, then you can purchase a coupon organizer online or at a local store for them. A nice touch is to find out what types of items they purchase on a regular basis and fill the organizer with some of these coupons to give them a head start.
- Herbs – An inexpensive, easy to care for, and practical gift is herbs. Purchase a small planter large enough to fit 5-6 herb plants at your local garden store or use one you have lying around unused. Fill it with potting soil mix and either start some cuttings from your herb garden or purchase the plants. If you have a spare planter and your own cuttings, this is a 100% free gift for you. It might also be a good idea to include some small hand tools with the set. If you are not sure of the individuals’ experience with herbs, you could include a small paper containing basic care and use instructions.
- BBQ Gift Basket – This may sound expensive but in reality it isn’t. Go to a thrift store and find an apron with large pockets. Fill the pockets with grilling and BBQ utensils from your local dollar store. Include things like tongs, spatula, sauce brush, and wooden skewers in the pockets. Print out marinade recipes on 3 x 5 cards, and also include some small sample sized seasoning rubs and BBQ sauces in the apron as well.
- Tool Kit – A new homeowner will likely need to make minor repairs from time to time. You can purchase inexpensive tools and put them in a small toolbox or metal pail as a gift. Items to include could be things like a standard and Phillips head screwdriver, a small hammer, an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers. Small odds and ends like assorted screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and nails would be useful. If you are handy around the house, you could also include some homemade ‘coupons’ exchangeable for minor repairs if they need help on a project. Other items could also include duct tape, masking tape, paint brushes, or glue.
- Kitchen Basket – A kitchen basket is a great idea for a housewarming gift. Include scented candles, dishwashing detergent (there are some great recipes for homemade detergents online), dust spray, anti-bacterial hand soap, glass cleaner, napkin holder, paper towel holder/dispenser, and sponges and/or dishrags/towels as items for this. Place them all nicely in a basket and print up a card. If you don’t like the kitchen kit idea, think of things that could be used in a bedroom basket, laundry room basket, or a living room basket. Pick your room and be creative. All the items can be purchased at your local dollar store or thrift store.
Helping to welcome someone into their new home is a great way to make friends or have a memorable impact on existing ones. The time you take to be creative and unique will be representative of who you are. Taking the time to go the extra mile in creating a pleasing and heartfelt housewarming gift doesn’t have to create a black hole in your budget, but it will create a warm smile of the face of the new homeowner.