Whats a good house-warming gift, friend's first apt.?

Question

So it's her first place and I want to get her something nice but nothing too expensive.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

I like to give a small practical gift like dish towel set and a gift card.

Answer 2

I like to go with a room in the house and then think of practical things--like a basket with beautiful sheets and some candles for the bedroom; a shower caddy and some nice soaps for the bath, etc., but since you are on a budget, some of those ideas are out.

I would go with kitchen stuff--that is a must have! Start with a couple of pretty dishtowels and wrap them around a couple of basic utensils--like a spatula, rubber scraper, ladle, etc. Don't get too fancy with the utensils unless your friend is really into cooking--she'll just need the basics right now. You can tie it up with a pretty ribbon or stick it in some type of container (pitcher, pottery, etc.) that she can also use. You can find all of these things at Walmart, Kmart, Target, etc. and the whole thing should run between 10-25 bucks depending on how much stuff you include.

I would stay away from anything decorative unless you are really sure of your friend's taste. The way they decorated their bedroom or dorm room is not necessarily the way they will want to decorate their first home. Stick with practical stuff.

Other ideas would be a doormat, a potted plant, or candles (but don't get the scented kind unless you know she's into those--they really bother some people!)

What a nice friend you are!

Answer 3

I like to get as a housewarming set... A nice sheet set in a neutral white/ beige and towels are a nice gift ! If you know her taste than even better. Or just stick with neutral. Or a nice picture to hang on the wall... Many people forget to "decorate" the walls of their first place... Maybe something that you took or created yourself would be a great/personal gift ! I love to give photography photo's as gifts.... Take some pictures of flowers, fall foliage etc... Enlarge to 11x14 and frame ! VIOLA a nice/personal and homemade gift !

Answer 4

I have a great house-warming gift for you! I have traveled around the world and now provide many of my photos for sale framed. One photo in particular was taken at a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. It is of wine glasses half-full during sunset. Or, if the person has traveled to a certain part of the world, you could select a photo from there. I have many mountain, ocean, and sunset photos that are beautifully framed! You can view my work at www.sevenscapes.com. My work is designed for the budget-conscious. You can email me at [e-mail] and I can arrange to ship a piece that is already in inventory or provide something special-ordered. Good luck!

Answer 5

A basket full of different candles and diffusers are always nice. A gift card to Target, they have great inexpensive home stuff. A seasonal flowering plant in a lovely pot.

Answer 6

We often make up a basket of the things first timers often forget until they need them. It includes:
Salt and Pepper shakers
Salt and Pepper
Can Opener
Bottle Opener
Toothpicks
Matches
Baking Soda (for the fridge)
Cheese Slicer
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Paper Towels
Baggies
Dishwashing Liquid
Scrubbies and sponges

Well, you get the idea.
Wrap it all up like a gift basket.

Bert

Answer 7

How about a canvas transfer print of a nice photo. It makes for a personalized, unique and great decor gift. You can upload an image and get your print or canvas at this website: http://upload.posterunlimited.com/UploadSingle.asp?username=
The gallery and museum wrap options come ready to hang, no frames needed.
Good luck!

Answer 8

Congratulations on your friend's new apartment!

If you check in a local discount store, you might be able to find some nice inexpensive urns. Or you could try plants, as someone else suggested. Or a nice inspirational plaque or throw.

Answer 9

Bert C has the answer.
Also, go to Salvation Army, Goodwill, Flea Market, etc... and get your basket, and some non food items. Then, go to discount/dollar stores for must have stuff. If adding dish liquid, etc.. buy the sample sizes.

Answer 10

A nice coffee table book (be it about architecture, interior design, travel or something that she's interested in). A good cookbook would also come in handy.