What do you get someone for a housewarming?

Question

I got a friend that just bought a brand new house. What is a good idea for something to get them for their new house?

It is a couple that got the house not an individual.

Answer 1

What about an emergency power outage kit (flashlight, lantern, radio) all battery operated or a nice candle lamp.

Answer 2

Obviously you would want to purchase a household item, something to help them as they move into their new home. Housewarmings are always a little difficult to chose for for me, too, because if someone is already established, they may already have many of the things they need for a home, making the decision more difficult. If you know of something the couple wants or needs for their home that is within the price range you want to spend, then go for it. Or if you've seen the home and you know the decor is different from their old home, you might help them get started if they will need different colored towels, kitchen linens, etc.

If completely in doubt, a gift certificate to a department store, linen store, kitchen store or department store would be nice. When I give gift cards, I always like to "jazz" up the present a little if I can, for example, if I were giving a gift card to a kitchen store, I might buy a spatula or another inexpensive gift, tie it with a pretty ribbon and hang the gift card from the ribbon.

Answer 3

You usually get people something for the house (practical or decorational) as a housewarming gift. Depending on how well you know them, and whether they already have most household items. If they do, then something decorational such as a vase, candles, candle holder, ornament, etc. I would also check colour schemes so you don't get something that is not going to go with their style. If you can't find all this information out, maybe a pot plant?

Answer 4

You probably know your friends' tastes so you might want to get them a good bottle of wine, if they're wine drinkers. Maybe some pretty flowers or a fruit basket. Some bbq items, a picnic basket? Better yet a gift card to Home Depot or Bed and Bath or Canadian Tire or Pier 1. Although personally I think physically getting them something for their house is a better idea.

Answer 5

If they haven't mentioned anything that they absolutely need for the house, then you are better to stick to something simple, and that you know will be used. It is hard to buy something specific for a couple because they will likely have different tastes and god knows you don't want to give them something that sits in the cupboard for the next 20 years.
Go with a nice bottle of wine or porto. You can give them a romantic night for two package, a bottle of wine, two glasses, some scented candles, and a nice bottle opener.

Answer 6

The big question is if this is their first house or not. First timers need all sorts of little convenience things that make good gifts. If the people have been around a while and are already stocked with that sort of thing, then give them the same thing you would bring if you were coming to dinner.

Answer 7

If they were living together before they bought the home, then they probably have furnishings, appliances, etc. Ask if they have a gift registry anywhere, otherwise give a gift card to a place like Home Depot or Bed Bath and Beyond

Answer 8

Is there some activity you normally do with these people? Like do you often have cook-outs -- maybe get them a nice new grill set for the new place. Do you have dinner together a lot -- a nice decorative platter for the kitchen. Set of matching dish towels and pot holders (our family always "loses" pot holders). Gift certificate to Home Depot/Lowe's type place.

Or you could do something like get their last name done in wrough iron ($$$) for them to place outside. "The Smiths"

A wreath for the door.

Or, just help with moving in and getting settled if you don't have a lot of $$ to spend.

Answer 9

If this is the first time they are buying a place to live then anything and everything you buy is needed. ie kitchen accessories, gift card to bed bath and beyond. If they are moving from one home to another then I would suggest bottle of wine or some type of small decoration for the backyard (only if you know their taste well enough though).

Answer 10

An invitation to a block party and more info on everyone than they really want to know! Give them infra red night vision goggles with long distance parobolic microphones to listen from afar! Or infrared listening devices! The police use them on everyday people all the time. They watch you right thru your walls and they know what your saying as well!