If a close friend or relative has recently moved into a new home, a forthcoming housewarming party is almost guaranteed. A housewarming party is an ideal icebreaker event for homeowners to welcome their nearest and dearest into their new space. However, showing up empty-handed could land you in an awkward position. Bringing a gift to a housewarming celebration has long been considered a thoughtful gesture of goodwill – but what should you bring to such an event? Here are some excellent ideas to spark your imagination.

Refreshments

Although the host may already have refreshments on offer, there is no harm in giving them a helping hand. Catering for a large number of guests when you’ve only recently moved into a property, can be tricky, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with your new kitchen and most of your dining ware is still packed away in boxes. You don’t need to bring anything too extravagant, but some nibbles or cocktail-making ingredients will make your host’s job much more manageable. 

Personalised Doormat

A personalised doormat is an excellent finishing touch to any new home. There are numerous online services that will help you personalise a doormat with names, slogans, pictures and more. You could keep it simple with your host’s name or order a doormat depicting a likeness of their pet. Either way, you can find plenty of high-quality, customisable doormats perfect for making your host’s new house feel like home. 

Personalised Plaque

On the subject of personalised gifts, if a doormat doesn’t take your fancy, a plaque for your host to display in their porch, hallway, kitchen, or any room they like is another excellent option. Furthermore, with so many options available online, you can choose a plaque that aligns with your host’s aesthetic. For instance, if they enjoy quirky, unique trinkets and treasures, you could get a plaque resembling a street sign featuring their name. 

Flowers Or Plants

A beautiful bunch of flowers is an ideal failsafe gift option for any occasion. However, if your recipient is a keen gardener, perhaps something they can nurture and maintain would be more applicable. Succulents, snake plants, orchids and bonsai trees all make excellent housewarming gifts, as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep healthy. However, if your host owns pets, keep in mind that some flowers and houseplants are highly toxic to cats and dogs, so do your research before purchasing. 

Wine And Accessories

Showing up to a housewarming party without a bottle of wine is a rookie mistake. A bottle of high-quality white, rosé or red wine is an excellent last-minute gift guaranteed to impress. If you’re unsure of your host’s wine preferences, stick with crowd-pleasing varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel or Pinot Grigio. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you could even buy your host a set of stunning wine glasses so they can enjoy their favourite beverage from the correct receptacle. 

Scented Candles

We all enjoy the luxury of a soothing scented candle. Scented candles have remarkable mood-boosting effects, ideal for creating a tranquil atmosphere in a bathroom or bedroom. Choosing the perfect candle for your host is easy if you are familiar with their preferred fragrances. However, when in doubt, opt for a universally-loved scent like lavender or vanilla. Alternatively, consider purchasing incense sticks or wax melts as an alternative to candles.

Kitchen Gadgets

For enthusiastic amateur chefs and fine food and wine connoisseurs, there is nothing more exciting than new kitchen gadgets. After all, a new home is an excuse for new things all around. If your budget allows, you could treat your host to a new air fryer or rice cooker to make meal prep quick and easy. Alternatively, you could grab them something cheaper but equally as useful, such as an electric wine opener or multi-functional vegetable cutter.

Produce Hamper

A hamper full to the brim with high-quality, fresh, local produce is an excellent gift for new homeowners. You could either purchase a pre-filled hamper from a local supermarket or delicatessen or buy an empty hamper and fill it yourself. Choose exceptional, hand-crafted goodies, from seasonal vegetables fresh from a local farmer’s market to homemade jams, pickles and chutneys. Remember to add plenty of void fill to protect your individual components from damage.