Moving can be a stressful life event. So stressful in fact, it makes the American Institute of Stress’s Stress Inventory List.
Between coordinating logistics and nervously watching movers handle fragile and prized possessions, any mover deserves a little diversion at the end. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 most practical and considerate housewarming gifts!
1. New Doormat
Great for first-time homeowners, a new welcome mat is an easy gift to pick up. It’s almost a no brainer to have but you’d be surprised as to how many people overlook getting a new doormat after relocating to a new home especially after apartment life.
Get creative by adding a custom phrase that resonates with the personalities of the home’s occupants or keep it simple with a classic “Welcome”.
2. Wine Decanter with Glasses
A wine decanter is ideal for wine connoisseurs and friends who enjoy hosting parties and guests. After a handful of get-togethers, and especially after a move, it’s very likely that a wine glass or two needs to be replaced. You can never have enough glasses in the house so it’s a perfect gift idea to bring if you’re attending a housewarming party—break in the new house with a welcoming toast!
3. Plants or Flowers
An easy way to brighten up a new space and make it feel like home is by adding flowers or plants. A colorful and unimposing option (ideal if you are unsure of the new mover’s decor and esthetic), we recommend getting a nice flower arrangement.
If you want something that will last a bit longer and know your friends or family wouldn’t mind the added responsibility, then go with an indoor plant. Both plants and flowers can tie a room together and their mere presence can help alleviate stress.
4. Decorative Pillows or Blankets
There’s nothing like a soft blanket and comfy pillows. Help add warmth to the a new home by getting a soft throw blanket or a couple of couch or floor pillows. If you don’t know the color scheme yet, it’s wise to select a neutral color blanket. As always with gifts of personal taste, it’s courtious to include a gift receipt so your new mover can exchange your gift, if needed.
5. Robot Vacuum
If you’re working with a larger budget we suggest splurging for a robot vacuum. By letting the vacuum roam room-to-room, you’ll save your loved ones from an ongoing household chores and give them more time to do what they love. Take it from us, we’re experts in the realm of chore alleviation!
6. Knife & Cutting Board Set
We love this combination because it’s very likely something that no one else will bring, while also a helpful, and potentially beautiful gift. Because cutting boards are so easy to store, and extremely useful when hosting larger groups, it’s an item that’s okay to have multiple of. In terms of knives, if your loved ones already have a set there’s no harm and upgrading them to a sharper one. It’s also very practical for a housewarming party - easier to cut and prepare the snacks!
7. Aroma Diffuser
Help relieve post-moving stress with an aroma diffuser. An aroma diffuser uses essential oils and retains their therapeutic properties as opposed to diffusers or fragrance that burn them away. There are several options when it comes to color so you’ll be sure to find one that matches the interior decor.
8. Bluetooth Speaker
Bring the music to the housewarming party by getting your loved ones a Bluetooth speaker. Nowadays, you can pick one up for under $50 and even Amazon’s Alexa-compatible 3rd generation Echo is fairly affordable. With multiple uses, it’s one gift we can’t recommend enough.
These are just some of favorite housewarming gift ideas. All-in-all, it’s hard to go wrong with a gift for the heart. In the case of housewarming gifts, it really is the thought that counts.
