The spring real estate market is already here. Despite the strong competition, it's a great time for home buyers to score their dream home because of high market inventory. And soon, there will be fresh batches of buyers who have just finished closing and will soon be moving.
Purchasing a new home is a big milestone for anyone, so welcome your friend or loved one to their new life with a thoughtful housewarming gift. It could be something practical, sentimental, or anything in between. Remember that they can have a list of things they are going to need for their new home but they might have a tight budget after paying the down payment and other costs, so a nice thoughtful gift will be appreciated.
In case you need help in coming up with ideas, we’ve collected some of the best gifts you can give to new homeowners. If you’re still in doubt about what to choose, remember that it will always be the thought that counts.
1. Fresh flowers or a plant in a beautiful vase
Who wouldn't love smelling a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers, especially if you’ve been surrounded by boxes and packages in the last few days? Brighten up their new abode with some colorful blooms that will be more attractive if you put them in a beautiful vase that new homeowners would love to keep. Studies have long established that flowers can help decrease anxiety and worries, so they can definitely help reduce moving-related stress. If you want to give something that will last longer than a bouquet, pick out a plant that is low-maintenance but could still add life to an otherwise empty space. Gift a succulent (which is a growing trend nowadays) in a cute vase, or go for a good luck bamboo or a snake plant.
2. A welcome mat
A welcome mat can certainly make a new home feel pleasant and welcoming. Perhaps this is something they were planning to buy later, so you'd be doing them a nice favor by giving this simple yet thoughtful gift. You can always get something plain and basic. But if you want to make a lasting impression, go for a custom-made mat with their initials, a fun saying, or a quote that you know the homeowner would love. Yes, it will be better to pick up something beyond those that say “Welcome!”
3. Gift certificates or gift cards
There's nothing more wonderful than receiving gift certificates for a certain restaurant or service. Since a new homeowner may still be overwhelmed with a lot of things to do, help them take a break by giving them a gift card for a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. It will allow them to get more acquainted with their neighborhood and discover new weekend favorites. Since packing and moving all require hard work, you could give them a certificate for a massage and spa to help them relax after all the hard work.
4. Tool kit/toolbox set
Being a homeowner means getting ready for important home maintenance and repairs (as well as the costs!), so give them a set of essential hand tools, including a hammer, measuring tape, screwdriver, wrench, pliers and such. A toolkit can be especially useful for those who are moving to their very first home and have not immediately thought of acquiring most of these basics. You could also gift a humble set of gardening tools if you know the new homeowner has a green thumb and is now itching to tend to their garden during this spring season.
5. A spa-like gift set
Scented candles and oil diffusers are one of the best housewarming gifts due to their aromatherapy properties. Candles can evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation and can be a nice addition to a new home. Choose a fragrance that the new homeowner loves and could help them relax, like lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus. You can even personalize these candles by attaching a card or putting a lovely rustic packaging for that stylish look, then bundle them with a nice set of bath towels and aromatic soaps to complete that perfect spa-like gift set.
6. A fun household game
There's no stress a fun game couldn’t relieve, especially for a young family who just moved in. It’s especially perfect for anyone who’s invited friends over to their new place. Bring in fun card games like Cards Against Humanity and Uno, or classic board games like Scrabble and Monopoly, that will surely be loved by the new homeowner and enjoyed by everyone.
7. A trinket dish or any lovely home decor
Because not all gifts should have a functional purpose, why not give a trinket dish or any stylish home decor for a new homeowner who also aims to make his/her home “instagrammable.” Trinket dishes, decorative plates and bowls, and even marble coasters would look beautiful on a tabletop, mantel, or desk. Choose a decor with a natural but elegant design, and perhaps made out of unique materials like exquisite wood or marble.
8. Freshly baked goods and sweets
Who can resist the smell of freshly baked goods and sweets? Especially if the homeowner has a sweet tooth, you can bake a fresh batch of sweets yourself and bring them over. Or, if you're not the type who loves to bake homemade goodies, head to a local bakery near their new place or pick up something from their favorite bakery in their old neighborhood. The aroma of those baked goods can certainly evoke special memories and make everything slightly better.
9. Cooking spices
Since cooking spices and herbs are a staple in every pantry, why not give a starter set for the new homeowner, especially if he/she also enjoys cooking. It's both a flavorful and essential gift for any home cook. There are spice gift boxes already available in major supermarkets, so you can just wrap them up in lovely ribbons before giving them as gifts. If you’re a lover of homemade gifts, you can also get ideas online to help you create the perfect DIY spice mixes.
10. Cozy blanket
A home wouldn't be complete without a cozy blanket. And since a first-time homeowner can never have too many of those, it can still be appreciated especially on cold nights where you only want to snuggle down and relax with friends and loved ones. Include a decorative or trendy pillow and you’ll be wishing a good night’s sleep to the homeowner who, after what could be years of house-hunting and surviving the stressful closing, finally have a place they can really call their own.
If you're a home buyer or a new homeowner, you might as well share this with your family and friends, too! That way, they’ll have an idea of what to give you on your future housewarming party. Cheers and Happy Housewarming wishes in advance!
