House Warming-Do You Have to Bring a Gift?

[KandiB47]

I have an etiquette question about house warming parties. Let me preface this by saying I can be socially inept and I think housewarming parties are just an excuse to get stuff for your house. Just call it a party.

I went to a house warming party for a coworker yesterday. They have lived in their house for 3-4 months. I thought about buying them a bottle of wine but I recalled that they make their own wine so I thought a $10 bottle wouldn't be good enough. I honestly didn't know what else to bring so I went without a gift. I walked in and only saw three bottles of wine on the table so I thought I was okay. Later on, people were talking about what they brought (Flowers , dishes, etc. Why didn't I think of that?) and I think I'm the only one who didn't get them anything.

I'm embarrassed and wondering if I should give my coworker something at work tomorrow or just drop it? They had a nice spread of picnic food and I ate a plate. I feel like I owe them.

Is it excepted that you bring a gift to a housewarming like you would for a wedding, baby shower, or bridal shower?

 

[mrsboz]

Hi. Yes, I would bring something. I always do when we go to a house warming party. I think that seeing that most people brought a gift you might feel kind of funny every time you see him. I would probably tell him that you forgot to bring your gift when you were at the party. A nice inexpensive gift is some kind of shrub or perennial for their yard. you can get one for $15.00 or less.

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, you should bring a gift.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would bring a gift.

 

[mom2d&b]

had our housewarming party 4 years ago we received plants, and home depot gift cards.

Lisa

 

[disneychrista]

Yes you are right a house warming party, just like a wedding shower or baby shower are thrown for the party 'person' to get gifts.

 

[ducklite]

I hate the term "house warming" because it screams "bring gifts."

While I think it's a great idea to throw an informal open house when you move into a new home in order to meet your neighbors and give friends the opportunity to visit, I do'nt like calling it a "House Warming."

Even for a "Meet the Neighbors" open house, I'd still never arrive empty handed. IMHO unless the person was a recovering alcoholic, a bottle of wine is always appreciated. A houseplant, candles, gift set of party napkins, bar ware, cheese board and spreaders, anything along those lines is a great gift.

I think about it this way--I wouldn't go to any party empty handed, and an open house/housewarming is the same.

OP--I'd bring a plant or a little gift with you to work for your co-worker with a card thanking her for inviting you to see her new home.

Anne

 

[canwegosoon]

OP--I'd bring a plant or a little gift with you to work for your co-worker with a card thanking her for inviting you to see her new home.

Anne

ITA-this is what I would do now.

 

[disneychrista]

IMHO unless the person was a recovering alcoholic, a bottle of wine is always appreciated.

In my home, while all gifts are thoughtful, a bottle of wine would go unopened because we don't drink. You really have to know the receiver when you buy a gift. Unless you know the people drink I personally would never bring alcohol.

 

[lila]

Definitely a gift. I always bring a gift of some form when invited to someone's home for a party or meal, regardless of what they title the party.

 

[CEDmom]

I'd get them something. Since you've seen the house and color scheme you can run to Target and get a few nice kitchen towels with matching potholder or some bathroom hand towels or even a few fun kitchen gadgets. Those are always things that can be used even if not right away.

 

[ducklite]

In my home, while all gifts are thoughtful, a bottle of wine would go unopened because we don't drink. You really have to know the receiver when you buy a gift. Unless you know the people drink I personally would never bring alcohol.

The nice thing about wine is that it's easy to regift--bring it along to the next event you're invited to if you don't want to drink it.

Anne

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

A nice herb plant in a Dollar Tree pot would cost about $4.00 total, and they could use it for it's beauty and flavor..I love the look and smell of Rosemary..

Making their own wine doesn't necessarily mean that is what they drink exclusively. A moderately priced bottle would be appreciated, actually probably would taste better than their home brew!!

 

[Dina]

Yes you are right a house warming party, just like a wedding shower or baby shower are thrown for the party 'person' to get gifts.

Yeah-- I always thought a house warming was sort of like having a bridal shower-- it's mainly about the gifts. I've never had one, but I always thought that was sort of the point. I'd also say you got to the party and realized you forgot your gift--- you didn't want to make a big deal of it then, but bring I'd bring a small gift into work.

 

[Gillian]

OP--I'd bring a plant or a little gift with you to work for your co-worker with a card thanking her for inviting you to see her new home.

That's such a nice way to handle it!!

When I was growing up I don't remember bringing things to parties. Maybe it was my parents, maybe it was their friends/expectations. DH, OTOH, learned to always bring at least a little something, so we do that as a family now. It always feels good to show up with full hands.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I doubt they are sitting around thinking about you not bringing a gift. Even so I would probably do something. How about some recipes or something like that?

 

[i3utterfli82]

I doubt they are sitting around thinking about you not bringing a gift. Even so I would probably do something. How about some recipes or something like that?

LOL...about this, we have had functions where we have not received gifts, our wedding for example, and believe me, I remember, and there WAS a discussion!! LOL

But seriously, I would bring something small to work with a note thanking them for their hospitality.

 

[Kellydelly]

Yes you are right a house warming party, just like a wedding shower or baby shower are thrown for the party 'person' to get gifts.

I don't agree with that statement. The reason most housewarming parties are thrown are for people to show off their new digs! Nobody registers for them so why would you think that they are for the owners to get gifts? You should take a gift, like a bottle of wine, home depot gift certificate or something like that, but housewarming parties are not done for the gifts. We waited till 10 months after we moved in to throw ours, I wanted our kitchen remodel to be done so we could show off dh's handiwork. We got an ugly vase, some ugly candle holders, a candle, a banana hammock, and I don't remember what else. I really could have done without those ugly gifts but it's the thought that counts!

To the op, I would get your coworker a gift. Nothing big, but a token gift would be nice.

 

[disneychrista]

I don't agree with that statement.

You disagree with the statement but still believe that a gift should be given?

 

[Kellydelly]

You disagree with the statement but still believe that a gift should be given?

Yes, I do! I think it is proper ettiquette to bring a gift, no matter how large, to a housewarming party, but I do not feel that is the reason anyone throws one! They are really two different things. Showers, now those are definately to get gifts and everyone knows that!