Housewarming Gifts

Need a housewarming gift? The possibilities are endless depending on who you're buying for. When in doubt, stick to something simple and practical. Food, wine, and spirits are always a safe bet. Maybe try a gift basket  or even a cookbook.  Plants  are always a welcome addition for giving life to a new home, but be careful with people who have allergies. Don't buy any large gifts unless you know the person very well and if you know they want something particular. The same rule goes for appliances. Remember that housewarming gifts are meant to be a small token to make the home feel more comfortable. If choosing home decorating goods, remember than simplicity is most adaptable to a variety of styles.

Contents [Hide] 1 Quick Picks Suitable for Anyone 2 Kitchen Must Haves 3 Practical Needs For A New Home 4 Fun Gifts For Friends 5 Fenging Your Shui 6 Gifts for Men 7 Gifts for the Wine Lover 8 Close Friends and Family 9 External Links

Quick Picks Suitable for Anyone

The best plant to give, one that promotes prosperity and good tidings, is a money tree.  Bonsai trees  are another option.	Candles  are a great addition to most homes, just be careful to choose as subtle a scent as possible.	Picture frames  and photo albums  are perfect. Just choose the style that would suit the recipient's personality.	Guest soaps  and other small bath and body gifts are inexpensive gifts and are great for women.	Champagne flutes  or other glassware for the homeowner's favorite drink is always acceptable.

Kitchen Must Haves

Kitchen Utensils	Coffee Press	Kitchen Tools	Oil and Vinegar Set	Salt and Pepper Shakers

Practical Needs For A New Home

Chenille Throws	Cleaning Tools	Basic Tool Kit	Gardening Tools  and Seeds	Picture Hanging Kit

Fun Gifts For Friends

Magazine Subscription	CD  or DVD	Disposable Camera (for the party!)	Gift Certificates  for products or services	Board Games

Fenging Your Shui

Chimes	Feng Shui Kit  or Book	Aromatherapy Oils	Lotus Lanterns	Lunaria  a.k.a. Silver Dollar Plant

Gifts for Men

Weather Station	Portable Speakers	Lawn Games	Barbecue Tool Set	Poker Caddy and Chips

Gifts for the Wine Lover

Wine Stoppers	Corkscrew	Wine Charms	Decanter	Stemless Wine Glasses

Close Friends and Family

If the gift is destined to a close friend or family member, your best bet is to find something that is cohesive with the host's personal style. This is easier since you know them well and because you will already have an idea of what style they had in their old home.

• Look and listen for clues.
• Listening. Often people will drop hints about things they need or plan to buy. For example, "These pillows are so outdated. Maybe I'll get new covers for them since I can't bear parting with them." Bingo.
• Looking. Check for labels and brand names in a person's home. It may lead you to their favorite store. If you ever go shopping together, or hear about the person's shopping ventures, remember the shops the person likes best.
• Remember what they are picky about.
• Colors. Beware of choosing a bad colored item. I've known people who wanted their entire house to be all white (talk about having an intensive cleaning regimen).
• Fabrics. Luxury fabrics can be nice but not always appropriate. Vegetarians probably wouldn't appreciate anything in leather, but my cowgirl mother would love a rawhide lampshade.  Silk is nice, but wouldn't go well in a rustic home.
• Details. Some people are highly organized, while others not so much. Organizational items can help clean up a living space and make it easier to store, sort, and organize things -- especially when moving in for the first time. Things from the Container Store or Hold Everything are good for keeping every item in its spot.

Here are some ideas based on a person's personal style. Mainly these are home goods and they can be applied to everyone. The key is to finding what style best suits them and then find an accessory that would match it. Use your imagination. You can stick to something for the kitchen or roam into the living or bedroom. Picture frames, vases, throws, pillows, book ends, baskets, and wreaths are all options that can easily be adapted to a variety of styles.

Contemporary	Country	Bohemian	Minimalist	Traditional

Want to find out what type of style you or someone else might have? Try one of the quizzes at about.com.

External Links

• About -- Additional tips and suggestions on what makes a great housewarming gift.
• Essortment -- Top ten housewarming gift ideas.