A simple gift to help new homeowners (or renters), break in a new home, housewarming gifts can range from something as simple as a candle, or as elaborate as an appliance.
More than likely, if you’re preparing a housewarming gift, you’re hoping to put a smile on your friends’ or new neighbors’ faces — and make a meaningful impression as they embark on a new chapter of their life together!
I think it’s important to remember that your gift needn’t be expensive to make an impact. When packaging up a gift, the most important thing is that you show you put thought and effort into curating something they’ll love. If they are close friends of yours, you probably already have something in mind, but if you have yet to meet your new neighbors, you’ll want to give them something that shows them you’re the kind of neighbor who will always loan a cup of sugar!
To start, pick a theme for your gift. Something like food, cleaning supplies, household items, laundry supplies, garden tools, etc. Then head to the store to pick out a few items. Like I said, you don’t have to get fancy to make an impact! Follow this formula: something useful or necessary (think hammer, laundry detergent), something pretty (candle, potted plant, hardware accessories), and something handmade. I like including a handmade item to show that extra thought was put into the gift!
If you are going the food route – I suggest including everything to make one recipe! For this basket I threw in some spaghetti, a thyme plant, wooden spoons (buy them in bulk to always have on hand), a kitchen towel (again, I love buying in bulk!), San Pellegrino, a baguette, olive oil, some lemons, and some handmade recipe cards (which you can download here for free!). The olive oil was the most expensive part of this basket, coming in at about $6, the rest of the items all cost less than a dollar – with the exception of the thyme which is a few dollars at most grocery stores.
Lastly, one of the most important parts of a housewarming gift (any gift really), is a thoughtful note. To really let your new neighbors know how much they mean to you, include a note sharing some of your favorite memories of the neighborhood, or maybe some of the neighborhood activities that go on throughout the year. I suggest sharing your phone number, and maybe even the name of your favorite takeout restaurant. It’s also nice to extend a helping hand – let them know a specific date that you’re available to help them move any heavy furniture or maybe even invite them over for dinner!
Neighbors can truly be such a blessing, and giving a thoughtful housewarming gift is the perfect way to introduce yourself and start building a foundation for a lasting friendship.
How do you like to make a house a home?
Images via Chloe MacKintosh
2 comments
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Thank you Chloe! that is a fantastic idea … and pretty easy as well 🙂