Along with Escapes, this month we're also blogging a sub theme: moving. Now, not all of you may be moving, but you might know someone who is, and there may soon arise the need for the inevitable "housewarming gift."
The housewarming gift can be such a tricky thing. I've always felt uncomfortable giving an actual decor item because a) I haven't seen the new space, and b) I know I'd hate to be given something that wouldn't match my tastes or something I know I would never actually use...
So, I usually go for non-permanent items, such as food or some fresh cut flowers. But since that's kind of boring, I'm always looking for new and different ideas.
Martha Stewart Living had another idea that I really liked, which was a bucket of practical items. What I liked about Martha's suggestion was that they included things I always end up needing when I move, but forget to buy - things like extension cords, Goo-Gone, or those self-adhesive pads that go under items so they won't scratch your surfaces.
One of my friends also gives a bucket of cleaning products as a housewarming gift. He even goes as far as making sure they are all eco-friendly.
Have any of you given a gift like this? What are your housewarming gift dos and don'ts? What housewarming gifts have been your favorites?
Also check out this post on some more housewarming gift ideas!
Image from Martha Stewart.com
(Re-Edited from 2007.8.15 - CB)
Where to Squeeze a Home Office into a Full House?
Juan's Garage Turned Modern Guest House
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Commercial Flour Sa...
Yuck: A Fourth Grader Reveals What School Lunches Really Look Like
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
Home depot or Bed Bath Beyond gift card with a bottle of bubbly. I know gift cards aren't very imaginative, but they get used.
I've done this numerous times, and if I can get the gift there on moving in day, I try to include a package of light bulbs, rolls of T.P. and paper towels, and a few garbage bags.
A bit boring maybe, but I've never gotten an insincere thanks.
God, I love this idea. I wish I could move just for someone to give me this bucket. I don't know if it's 'right' or not but I like to bake something for people, like a bundt cake. This way they have something fun to eat and it doesn't clutter up their new place.
Danny Seo published this idea a few weeks ago, but he used Method cleaning products in a reused can. I think he said his inspiration was the Martha Stewart Living magazine as well (I would pull the link, but I can't do that at work).
my friend brought a big hemp shopping back - looked like a paper sack with handles made out of burlap - filled with cereal, snack/protein bar type things, canned food, etc. - all organic and from health food stores - plus the wired magazine with beck on the front. swoon. beck.
Heloise published this tip years ago. I've done it numerous times since and it's always been appreciated. I normally use a laundry basket instead of a bucket. You can fit more in it and everyone can use an extra laundry basket.
The last housewarming gift I gave was a copy of the AT book.
If they've just bought a new home and are planning renovations, I like to give them a list of reliable tradespeople - electricians, plasterers, etc. It can be hard to find someone good just using the Yellow Pages, a personal recommendation is much more useful. Otherwise I stick with food :)
I recently purchased this housewarming gift basket for a friend who absolutely LOVED it. This is definitely a great idea and catching on :)
The day my parents moved house when I was 13, one of my dads colleagues brought over a casserole dish with a stew, real plates, real cutlery (all returned of course).
I dont think any of us had even had time to think about food, there were SO many boxes(damn books!). It was brilliant.
When I used to work for a custom homebuilder, we gave a large basket of cleaning supplies as a closing gift. The basket also included a gift certificate for one month of weekly maid service, personalized moving announcements and stationery with the new address, custom postage stamps with photos of the new house and a subscription to Angie's List. The gifts always were warmly received.
Such a fantastic idea. Even if you once had these items, undoubtedly they are packed in an unknown box or they got used and abused at your previous place and never made it to the new one.
P.S. - a bottle of wine and some paper cups are a nice addition to this kind of "moving day" housewarming to take the edge off any tension created when your favorite whatever got broken in the move and you can't find the box with your sheets...
I JUST moved a few weeks ago and i would have loved it then. if someone gave it to me now though i'd be bummed that i already spend the $50-$100 on this stuff!
my idea? moving is so stressful that i need a massage! spa gift card! or a bottle of wine/champagne...especially to celebrate moving from one bad living situation into an amazing one! (before: 2 inconsiderate roommates. after: a beautiful one bedroom, all mine!).
or a few roll of quarters...i moved from a place with laundry in unit to having to go to a laundromat. all my friends know this because i have been lamenting the change in my lifestyles for a month now!
Oddly enough, I've just spent the day putting together a gift just like this, for someone who is moving this weekend. I bought a lot of stuff - pretty much what is listed above - and I packed everything into a good quality, reusable grocery bag and a nice looking waste basket.
A pair of strong arms and a strong back. And plants. Every home needs a little green in it.
Gift certificates to favorite take-out / delivery places or even new spots to try in their new neighborhood. Who cooks, or even has much food i the house, the first few days after you move?
Yeah, as someone who is moving in 10 days (gasp! I need to pack more!) it was weird to read that I wasn't supposed to pack most cleaning supplies. Of course I'm moving myself and I'm going 10 blocks, not across the country, so I can throw some windex and paper towels in the 'open me first' box. But most moving companies won't let you do that.
We're making offers on houses.....so hopefully soon!
Strange costco food also makes a good/quirky gift for good friends. We gave friends of ours a three pack of cans of premade pancake mix - you spray it out like you would whipped cream. And it's a quick fix for hungry kids!
Flowers are never a boring gift as far as I'm concerned! But the bucket is nice too.
Ohh did you get the brand of pancake called "batter blasters" i know what i'm taking to the next baby shower w/a sense of humor.
fantastic idea....my best friend is buying her first home and this would totally work!
I did something along this line when my niece got married many years ago. I went shopping and bought staples to set up her first kitchen: paper products, sugar, flour, basic spices, catsup, mustard, mayo, dish soap, tin foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, pot holders, kitchen towels, baking mix (Jiffy), Crisco, vanilla, tomato sauce, variety of pastas, etc. Budget was $100 and I was surprised how far it went then. I really like the idea of the housewarming bucket too; something to keep in mind for future reference.
Deja vu to come across what I wrote 2 weeks ago - a couple of days after, my son announced that he and his girlfriend had rented a little house and he was moving out (boo - I'll miss him. yay - he's striking out on his own). I did both the bucket of cleaning supplies and basic food staples. And helped haul furniture in 105 degree temps. I'm exhausted!!