Do people bring house warming gifts anymore?

[maslex]

I just found out that my cousin's daughter & husband just bought their first house. They've been married about 2-3 years now and have lived in their apartment for a few years. I also found out that they're moving in on the next street over from me.

I'm not sure if they're having a house warming party or not (actually not sure if it's the new owners that throw the party or do their parents? friends?) But anyhow, once they move in I'm sure I'll pop over to see the new place. I'd like to bring over a gift but not sure what I should bring. Since they've lived together for a few years now it's not like the "need" anything. And I'm not sure if she's a "plant" person, I know I'm not.

So what are your suggestions?

 

[Janepod]

I just found out that my cousin's daughter & husband just bought their first house. They've been married about 2-3 years now and have lived in their apartment for a few years. I also found out that they're moving in on the next street over from me.

I'm not sure if they're having a house warming party or not (actually not sure if it's the new owners that throw the party or do their parents? friends?) But anyhow, once they move in I'm sure I'll pop over to see the new place. I'd like to bring over a gift but not sure what I should bring. Since they've lived together for a few years now it's not like the "need" anything. And I'm not sure if she's a "plant" person, I know I'm not.

So what are your suggestions?

Alcohol - something fancy, like to stock the bar. St. Germain, Hendricks gin, a small batch whiskey, that sort of thing.
Good foodstuffs - e.g., Williams-Sonoma type. Not marshmallow fluff and Jolly Ranchers.
Napkins (paper) with their name printed on them. American Stationery sells them. Can also do plastic cups if they are younger/have an outdoor pool.
Penzeys Spices gift box
Printed stationery with their new address
Custom jigsaw puzzle of a map of their new neighborhood with their home in the center

 

[*JoGo*]

I love buying things for people so I look for any excuse to buy a gift.

We just moved, bought our second house, and have been married 14 years. Things I would appreciate- Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, and Target gift cards. We have recently spent a lot buying new curtains, rugs, lamps, shelves, and other things we didn't need or have room for at our last place. We've also been to Lowe's several times to buy items to replace, fix, or update something at the new house.

Another idea is a board game.
Wine and glasses are nice.
If you know what colors they're using, new kitchen towels and dish cloths.
Or put together some nice paper plates, cups, and napkins. They can use them when they have friends over or use them while getting settled.

 

[low-key]

nope, I just give the new people the "man nod"

 

[christineann]

I like to give bird feeders as housewarming gifts (with a bag of birdseed). This is a good gift for someone who already has the necessities.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I generally give alcohol if I know they're drinkers. If they're not drinkers, then a gift card.

 

[kirstenb1]

I buy something decorative like from Pottery Barn.

 

[AndreaDM]

I think a personalized address stamp would be nice, we have one something like this that we use for Christmas cards.

http://www.simplystamps.com/Executi...ampaign=feed&gclid=CJjjkYTlibgCFcc-MgodixAAbA

 

[FlyingDumbo]

A Yankee candle or a bottle of wine!

 

[NFLDERS]

A Yankee candle or a bottle of wine!

Forgive me, What is a Yankee Candle?

Curious Canadian!

 

[Bob NC]

I think a personalized address stamp would be nice, we have one something like this that we use for Christmas cards.

http://www.simplystamps.com/Executi...ampaign=feed&gclid=CJjjkYTlibgCFcc-MgodixAAbA

Wow!!!

That is an awesome housewarming gift.

(Unless of course you think it's somehow rude to be expected to bring a gift to a housewarming party, or, unless it's not really a "party" because you received the invitation by text, or, if there's all kinds of food at this party, but no green salad which you eat exclusively...otherwise, great idea!!!)

 

[kimblebee]

Forgive me, What is a Yankee Candle?

Curious Canadian!

It's just a brand name.

 

[Bob NC]

It's just a brand name.

I've found that rather than being simply a 'brand name', to many Yankee Candle is a way of life.

 

[Snoozan]

My 'go to' housewarming gift is a decorative fire extinquisher for the kitchen! Something most people don't think about buying for themselves, but will be glad to have it if they ever need it. Some of the ones I've bought are white so matches kitchen decors better.

 

[scbelleatheart]

I like to give bird feeders as housewarming gifts (with a bag of birdseed). This is a good gift for someone who already has the necessities.

Oh no, inviting birds to poop on your cars and sidewalks!!!

 

[luvsJack]

Oh no, inviting birds to poop on your cars and sidewalks!!!

I have 3 birdfeeders and no poop on my cars. Just lots of happy birds.

I give birdfeeders and hummingbird feeders

 

[esk]

If we know the actual day they are moving in, we bring over a plate of cookies or banana bread or muffins that morning so they have something to snack on while unloading the truck.

If we missed that day, we bring something edible the next day or so, because nobody wants to cook while unpacking....our last move, it took 5 days to find the silverware, because it was packed in a box marked "office"....

As with teacher gifts, I always give something "disposable", such as food or a candle because then it is used, appreciated, and gone from their house. I try not to give anything permanent because they may feel obligated to keep it even if they don't like it. If they don't like the candle, they can easily regift and if they don't like the food, they can share it with the movers or toss it, without feeling like I'll expect to see it if I stop by in the future.

 

[indimom]

I would like flowers or a wind chime, but not bird feeders or candles.
I would love a gift of food/snacks, but don't drink alcohol often.
Others would have the exact opposite opinion. So, if you don't know them well, I'd go with something safe like the gift cards or the address label - what a neat idea! Gift cards are easy because you always need a few things when you move (curtains at least).

 

[beaucoup]

I do Home Depot gift cards. There are so many things they may need to fix or add. It all adds up, so any amount is always welcome. Plus they have tools for yard, power tools, lawnmover, gas grill etc, things they didn't need in an apt.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

A nice Yankee Candle Jar in a gift bag is my go-to housewarming gift.