I’ve been toying with the idea of a post about giving little gifts to people that aren’t scented candles, wine/champagne, or pulled from everyone’s re-gift stash. The idea struck me when I was trying to decide on thank-you gifts for my bridal shower hostesses and came back to me when I was thinking about housewarming gifts! We never had a housewarming party, but our family and friends were so sweet about gifting us little things when we bought our home.
Move-in day for our besties last year!
Here are some fun gift ideas for new homeowners or someone who just bought a new house:
1. Giant glass jar full of metal cookie cutters.
Storing cookie cutters is so difficult, in my opinion. They’re so bulky! Find a large enough jar, like this one or this one, or even better, an antique jar! I spotted a bunch of large glass jars at T.J.Maxx this week and started thinking of all the great things you could fill them with and a great set of metal cookie cutters (like this fun set) would be so cute. A family friend recommended homemade cookies, so if you’re not into the cookie cutter idea start baking and include the recipe you used. 🤗
2. A FLAG.
My mom’s best friend got us an American flag when we moved into our home and it has been the gift that just keeps on giving. It’s a purchase that’s not top-of-mind for new homeowners and that gets plenty of use. Our flag makes our white home and red door so much cuter. Since we received our flag, we’ve gifted one to our best friends when they bought a home, too!
3. House numbers!
I would only recommend going this route if you know the people’s taste very well. OR pack a gift receipt along with them. House numbers could be cute attached with a ribbon around the neck of a bottle of champagne, wine, liquor, etc., if you want to go that route. They could also be tied with a ribbon around a pretty throw blanket!
4. Low, beautiful pot with a live plant in it.
I asked the roomie which plant in our home was his favorite recently and he chose our fairly new jade plant. So far, I think it would make a great, non-fussy gift to bring over to someone’s new house! I suggest picking out a very neutral pot and if you don’t pot a jade plant in it, pick a different low-maintenance plant like a snake plant.
5. Gift card to a nearby business.
Do your research on this one. We spent plenty of money at our local hardware and home improvement stores when we moved into this house, which I think is pretty common. A gift card to any of those places would have been a wonderful gift for us, but keep in mind that we did move into an old home. If someone is moving into a turnkey home or new build, a gift card to a cool restaurant or coffee shop near them would be just as great to help them ease into a new neighborhood.
6. Custom drawing of their new home or their old one.
This is a great gift for anyone sentimental. I think it would be so special to receive a commissioned piece of art showcasing our first home (where we live now) when we eventually have to size up. Truly, I think I would cry. I tried to make a home illustration myself last year, but as you can see below it was very elementary and difficult to DIY. Sydni Moran is a wildly talented local artist that does these so beautifully and is a joy to work with. If she’s booked, try searching ‘home drawing’ on Etsy and shopping around.
7. New wooden spoons, “state” cookie cutter, and nice dish towels.
This would be a super simple gift for anyone who enjoys the kitchen. You can find packs of wooden spoons for cheap at TJMaxx and Dollar Tree, I think. The state-themed cookie cutter (like this Iowa one) implies a big move and this gift is one that can be easily packed up and mailed to a friend. 💌
8. Shovel.
It snowed the first day we worked on the house and started moving everything in. My dad showed up with a shovel for us and did our walkways for us, while a friend arrived with salt (snow melt) for us to make sure everyone was safe while carrying in boxes and furniture. If someone is moving into a new home in winter, a new shovel and a bag or small bucket of snow melt could be a really thoughtful (and useful) gift. Add heavy-duty gloves and a beanie if you want to win friend of the year. 😉
These are just some ideas I’ve been thinking about as I will my little brother to have a housewarming party. 😂What’s the best housewarming gift you’ve ever given or received?! Let me know in the comments. I love hearing about thoughtful gift-givers.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy from an Amazon link, you are helping support our little family.