Housewarming gifts are a great way to wish your friends and family well as they start the journey in their new home. Whether someone is moving a few stories up to a new apartment or across the country to a new house, a new home is always something to celebrate. Plus, the best housewarming gifts help make an unfamiliar house feel like a home.
While there’s not one perfect housewarming gift, some items prove more useful than others (yes, we’re looking at all those knick-knacks that end up in the junk drawer). To help you find the most thoughtful gift, we’ve rounded up some traditional housewarming gifts as well as a few suggestions on flowers to complement home decor styles.
Origin of Housewarming Presents
While you may think the “warming” part of housewarming refers to filling a home with good feelings, the origin is a bit more literal. Before homes had electric or gas heat, people burned wood to keep warm. When someone moved into a new house, friends brought over wood and lit fires to warm up the house.
As houses changed, so did housewarming gifts. People ditched the firewood and opted for gifts that symbolize good fortune such as pineapples and bluebirds. Today, housewarming gifts tend to be items that residents can use in their new homes.
Traditional Housewarming Gifts
Since you know the new homeowner best, you know what gifts they’ll love. However, if you’re in a pinch about what to get them, you can’t go wrong with one of these traditional gifts for a new home.
Bread
By giving a new household a loaf of bread, you send the wish that their house will never go hungry. Plus, bread is just plain delicious.
If you’ve taken to whipping up a batch of weekly sourdough, bake a handmade loaf to help people settle into their new home. And if you don’t quite know the difference between flour and sugar, just hit up your local bakery. If you want to make this gift extra special, include some jams to go along with the bread.
Houseplant
Is a house a home without any plants? We don’t think so. Houseplants brighten up a home and make spaces feel a bit more alive…especially during the seemingly never-ending process of unpacking and arranging furniture.
Fortunately, we have quite a few indoor plants for you to choose from. A low-care succulent is perfect for busy people and a money tree sends good luck. Plus, we can ship plants across the country, so you can send a green pal to friends all over.
Wine
One of the most classic housewarming gifts, a bottle of wine sends the wish that the new homeowners have joyful nights ahead. Plus, a good glass of red or white is a welcome treat after a long day of unpacking and walking around the new neighborhood.
Salt
Ahh, the simple yet useful gift of salt. While salt may not seem exciting, can you imagine your life without it?
Salt is a traditional housewarming gift since it wishes people flavor in their life ahead. If you want to mix things up a bit, look for smoked salt or salt that has been blended with spices.
Honey
Wouldn’t it be great if every day was filled with sweet moments? When you give someone honey, you’re wishing them just that.
In case you didn’t know, honey varies in flavor depending on the type of flowers bees visit. So look for a honey sampler that contains varieties like buckwheat, orange blossom, and tupelo. Your friend will think you’re the bee’s knees.
Wood
When you give someone a wooden gift, you wish them stability and peace. If you’re doubting us, have you ever tried to topple a redwood tree?
Some popular wooden housewarming gifts include hand-turned bowls, cutting boards, and picture frames. If you’re looking for a unique gift, check out the local woodworkers in your area. Many craftsmen can engrave objects with the move-in date or new address.
Candles
Burn, baby, burn…welcome to your new home! While you surely don’t want your pal’s new home to burn down, you do want it to be filled with light. Candles send the message that the home will always be well lit even in the darkest of times.
Scented candles are a great choice to mask dusty scents while eclectic candles are perfect for the cautious homeowner.
Olive Oil
If you cook even a little bit at home, olive oil is essential. If the new homeowner is like most people, they rarely splurge on the good stuff. By purchasing a good quality bottle of olive oil, you give the new homeowners a simple way to elevate meals at home.
Plus, olive oil comes with the promise of health and well-being.
Flowers for Different Types of Homes
If you choose flowers as a housewarming gift, chances are good that the residents will appreciate any bouquet. But if you really want a really cool housewarming gift, match the flower arrangement to the homeowner’s home decor style!
Beach House
If sand and waves aren’t enough of a retreat from the real world, you can welcome the new homeowners with a tropical bouquet. These flowers liven up the home with bright blooms and encourage relaxation with luscious greenery.
Rustic Chic
Who says rustic means outdated or dull? Whether your parents are moving into a cabin in the woods or your friends just bought a craftsman with rustic charm, they deserve a nice welcome.
Send the new homeowners a bundle of sun to help them channel the vibes of bright flower fields and forest greenery,. Yellow sunflowers bring happiness while green tulips and eucalyptus remind everyone to take a deep breath.
Bohemian
If the new home has a relaxed, free-spirit vibe, you want to choose breezy flowers that fit right in with rattan furniture and bright embroidery. A mixture of white feathery anemones and delicate ranunculus is the perfect choice for a boho house or apartment. And if you want something just as whimsical but a bit bright, choose a bouquet of matthiolas.
Modern
If the new homeowners are going for a decor style with sleek lines and minimal furnishings, give them flowers that will fit right in. Bold colored blooms provide a contrasting pop to the metal and glass furnishings. A bouquet with interesting textures and vibrant primary colors is a perfect choice.
Industrial
Exposed brick and visible pipes combine with cozy rugs in industrial homes. A bouquet that has a bit of color without looking too cheerful is the perfect choice. Eucalyptus, white alstroemeria, and purple succulents combine for a splendid yet understated arrangement.
What is the Etiquette for a Housewarming Party?
If you’re invited to a housewarming party, your job is to help the hosts celebrate and welcome them to their new home. It’s a good idea to bring a small gift and complement the new space. DON’T give yourself a tour or critique any disorganization — remember that getting settled takes time!
If you’re the one hosting a party, congrats are in order! A lot of the etiquette that applies to other parties goes for housewarming parties. Don’t host a party during mealtime unless you plan to feed everyone and always provide a few snacks. Set a clear date and time, and make sure to provide guests with at least a few weeks’ notice. While it’s okay if your home isn’t in perfect order at the time of the party, make sure guests will have access to the basics like a clean bathroom and drinking glasses.
And while housewarming gifts are great, don’t comment if a guest shows up empty-handed. We all know that it’s people rather than things that make a house a home.
If you’re looking for a flower shop online, browse through our housewarming section for a specially curated collection.
FAQ
What is the best housewarming gift?
The best housewarming gift is the item that’s best for the new homeowners! Something practical yet a bit special or something the new homeowner wouldn’t buy them themself make outstanding gifts. Think bouquets of flowers, serving bowls, or a nice bottle of wine. Of course, the best gift varies from person to person, so choose according to the new homeowner’s taste. And remember, it’s the thought rather than the monetary value that matters.
How much should you spend on a housewarming gift?
There’s no one correct answer to this question, but $15-$75 is a good range to keep in mind. A good housewarming gift should show the new homeowners you care without making them feel like you’ve gone overboard. Of course, you might want to spend a bit more on a sibling or close friend than you would on an acquaintance or co-worker.
What is a good housewarming gift for a woman?
You have lots of options when it comes to housewarming gifts for women. Cut flowers, a bottle of wine, candles, or a home decoration all make great gifts. While you may be tempted to buy jewelry, stay away from this, as housewarming gifts should be something she can use in her new home.
When should you give a housewarming gift?
If you’re invited over to the new home for a welcome party or simple visit, this is the perfect time to bring a housewarming gift. When you show up for the first time, don’t go empty-handed!
We know that not all your friends and family live nearby, so it might be a while before you get to see someone’s new home. If this is the case, you can mail a gift so they receive it as they’re settling into their new space. A good rule of thumb is to send a housewarming gift within six months of the move-in date.
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