Definitive Guide to Housewarming Gifts.

Housewarming gifts are traditionally given to someone who recently moved into a new home. These gifts usually congratulate homeowners on their new dwelling and help them settle into their new space. Housewarming gifts can range from practical items for the home to decorative pieces that add a personal touch to the new house.

Using a universal wishlist for housewarming gifts is best for the gift giver and the recipient. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Avoids duplicate gifts: When multiple people are giving gifts, it can be helpful to have a universal wishlist to ensure that the recipient does not receive redundant items. Using a universal wishlist, everyone can see what gifts have already been purchased and choose something else that the recipient needs or wants.

  2. Helps the recipient get what they need: Moving into a new home can be expensive, and there may be items that the recipient needs but cannot afford. By creating a universal wishlist, the recipient can indicate what they need the most, and gift givers can choose to contribute to those items.

  3. Saves time and effort: Gift givers don't have to spend much time and effort trying to guess what the recipient wants or needs. Instead, they can look at the universal wishlist and choose something they know the recipient will appreciate.

  4. Provides more personalized gifts: Even when using a universal wishlist, gift givers can still choose more personal or meaningful items for the recipient. By knowing the recipient's preferences and style, gift givers can select the merchandise they know the recipient will love.

Popular Housewarming Gifts

Using a universal wishlist for housewarming gifts can make the gift-giving process more efficient, practical, and personalized for both the gift giver and the recipient. Some popular housewarming gift ideas include:

  • Plants or Flowers

  • Decorative Pillows or Throws

  • Kitchen Gadgets or Appliances

  • Candles or Diffusers

  • Wall Art or Picture Frames

  • Personalized Doormats or Signs

  • Coffee Table Books or Cookbooks

  • Bath Towels or Robes

  • Gift Cards to Home Goods Stores

  • Wine or Champagne

It's important to remember the recipient's taste and preferences when choosing a housewarming gift and the style and decor of their new home — yet another reason to ask the new homeowner for their universal wishlist. 

The History of Housewarming Gifts

The tradition of housewarming gifts dates back to ancient times when people believed that evil spirits could inhabit new homes and cause misfortune for the occupants. To ward off these spirits, friends, and family would bring gifts to the new homeowners, such as firewood to keep the hearth burning, salt to represent good luck, and bread to symbolize abundance. Over time, this tradition evolved into congratulating the new homeowners and providing them with valuable items to help them settle into their new homes. Today, housewarming gifts are common in many cultures and are seen as a way to welcome friends and family into their new homes.