apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

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.