Practical Housewarming Gifts

Housewarming gifts need not be expensive but instead practical and unique. When buying for a new neighbor or a friend who recently moved to a new house, make sure it fits the occasion and that they will love it.

Housewarming is a tradition way back many centuries ago. Though during those time, people were more appreciative and neighborly. Some people are still like that today more so if they grew up with the tradition. I believe that it’s an essential part of a good community, knowing your neighbors beyond their names.

There may be new neighbors that are too shy to mingle with new people. Some would just stay indoors thinking that other people might not be as welcoming compared to where they previously lived. Sometimes, it takes the courage of one neighbor, usually the one next to you, to get up and welcome you. Depending on how it turned out, other neighbors will come knocking on your door soon.

It’s kinda scary moving to a new city, a new place where most often than not, you don’t know a single soul. It’s a start of a new chapter in our lives and we have to make the most of it because that may be the last time we are moving.

So, what kind of housewarming gift ideas can you give a newly moved in neighbor?

There are lots of ideas in mind but surely it’s something that won’t break a hole in our pockets. As the saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts”.

Here are a few great ideas:

• Simplicity – A simple kitchen gift is always welcome because it helps fix in the mind of your new neighbor that there is investment in making their new location a home. A cooking gift may well be used on a regular basis and the recipient of the gift may conclude that they are indeed amongst good neighbors. The addition of a kitchen gift is almost assured to leave a favorable impression with new neighbors. Cooking gifts are well received housewarming gifts as well. Because we spend so much time in the kitchen, receiving a gift that either enhances cooking techniques or makes cooking easier remains a memorable token. Your gesture should indicate that you believe your new neighbor is a great addition to the neighborhood and that your hand of friendship remains extended.

• Practical – The hallmark of a housewarming gift is their practicality. While other celebrations may call for an unusually high degree of creativity, housewarming traditions have always erred on the side of common sense.

• Suitable – If your friend has just moved in to a flat which means a condominium unit, don’t bring a huge tall indoor plant or garden materials, if they don’t even have a balcony to plant small flowers. Find something that they can add to their bathroom toiletries or perhaps a small art decor they can hang in their living room.

Housewarming traditions have changed over the years. Where eggs and cherry pie might have been the primary gift in times past, small practical kitchen gifts coupled with a home produced gift will be an appealing combination to new neighbors in the 21st century. This may be why some good neighbors may choose to implement a two pronged approach to housewarming traditions. For instance they might provide a glass oil lamp that provides elegance and an inspired aroma, but they may also provide a secondary gift of home grown produce or home baked goods. It might also be a combination of gourmet oil and vinegar cruet coupled with a potted plant or flower bulbs. Perhaps, you can give them personalized gifts like “his and hers”. A friend who just got married can be given a “heartwarming gift” for a couple, a wind chime or doormats.

I was once in the same situation where I don’t really know what to give to my best friend who just got married and moved to a new city. What I did was I scoured the net to find something more appropriate. It was different from a wedding gift, I wanted it more personalized, so that they will remember me forever.

Lemme just give you a sample site so you’ll have an idea what I’m talking about here. I saw this awesome site called Personal Creations. My other friend and I were tweeting and I asked her if she knew a site where I can get some ideas on what to give. At that time, I was frustrated because I wasn’t at all satisfied with what I have seen so far. She told me to check the Personal Creations Twitter account. Indeed, problem solved. So you see, instead of getting in your car and checking each store in the nearby mall, you can just browse online and look for something that would make you leap in excitement.

Your housewarming gift should communicate a genuine joy in meeting someone new. New neighbors should understand your wish for a quick adjustment and that it is your intent to remain a good neighbor while contributing to the warmth and charm of the newest ‘home’ on the block.

You may have many neighbors over a lifetime or you may have very few. Please remember, sometimes the greatest neighbors are discovered when housewarming traditions are observed and implemented. A new best friend might be waiting – just next door.

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