Purchasing a first home is an exciting part of life’s adventure. When it’s time to celebrate this milestone with friends or family members, it can be challenging to come up with the right gift. To make the task less of an ordeal, below are a few points to consider, as well as a few examples to keep in mind when shopping around for housewarming gift ideas.

Housewarming Gift Etiquette

There isn’t a set list of dos and don’ts when it comes to housewarming gift ideas. That being said, it is customary to go with a thoughtful, house-related item. Said item could be something which helps the home to feel warmer and more welcoming, like a scented candle or decorative photo frame. Another go-to option is a practical gift that will serve a function or fill an essential role throughout the house. This could be in the form of a collection of cookware, new towels or even a power tool for all those upcoming home repair projects.

There’s also no set of rules on pricing. The budget depends on the giver, and while it may be tempting to be extravagant, it typically isn’t an expectation. As such, it’s recommended to determine a price range at the outset of shopping. The key is to remember that no matter what ends up in the gift bag, the recipient is sure to appreciate the gesture.

Examples of Practical, Yet Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas

Serving Tray

If the new homeowners love to host, consider presenting them with a serving tray. Available in a variety of styles, these dining accessories can feature an elegant design, modern aesthetic or even be made one-of-a-kind through customization. Companies around the Internet offer personalization options to add names, anniversaries and even the location of the new house. This idea is also great as a means to complement a dining room or coffee table for those who don’t have company often.

Barware 

Do the new homeowners like to partake in a drink now and again? If so, that opens up a world of gift ideas. One they may really appreciate is a handy bar tool set complete with all the essentials to make cocktails. Such sets may include a double-sided jigger, strainer, bottle opener and possibly a stand to store everything neatly on the new bar. Consider opting for one that is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.  

Charcuterie Board

Another great gift idea for those who love to entertain is a charcuterie board or tray. Designed to hold assorted cheeses, meats, spreads and fruits, these party staples make a wonderful offering as they can also be customized with a heartfelt message. Depending on the source, they may also be sold as a set with all the accessories needed for throwing the perfect soirée, like cheese knives and labels.

Fancy Cutlery

How about enhancing the dining experience with gorgeous tableware? Having a nice set of serving utensils and cutlery that homeowners can bring out for company and special occasions could make the new home feel more distinguished. There’s a lot of diversity out there when it comes to design, but there are ways to play it safe, such as the always stylish stainless steel Italian flatware. 

Salad Bowl with Serving Utensils

Sticking with the food-related theme, up next is an extra-large salad bowl. Typically made of wood, these serving vessels can bring a classic quality to the table with natural elements, or they can give off a more modern look with stainless steel. When shopping for the right bowl, go for one with coordinating serving utensils and an easy clean-up.

Helping Friends Make a New Home Their Own

While a gift card to a home improvement store is a quick and easy route, there are more thoughtful gift ideas waiting to be found. A final word of advice would be to take a step back and imagine what is needed from the homeowner’s point of view. Doing so may help identify a necessity yet to be checked off the list or help add a personal touch to the new home.

Author bio: David Wachter is a small online retail business owner with a luxury boutique store named All The Rage Beverly Hills. Based in Beverly Hills, California, he is passionate about providing uniquely inspired luxury goods from top U.S. and European suppliers. Wachter creates fun and insightful content focused on “All The Rage” products from around the world.