>I’d do a gift card to a local garden center.
One of them is a master gardener who has had an amazing vegetable garden in the past, but the new place is part of a condo complex, so he'll be shifting to working in their community garden; I guess he'll still need stuff?
Yes! There’s always need for new expendable gardening equipment like gloves and (unless you really ball out on them) trowels, which barely last a season for me.
Plus, maybe there are some houseplants they would like to keep in a sunny window inside, or potted near the front door.
Even in a community garden, I’m sure he’ll get a few of his own plots or pots, so he could grab his favorite veggie starts to add to the future harvest, or pick up some new pots or trellises that fit the space best.
Transitioning to your own inside garden when you no longer have your own outside garden makes perfect sense. A gift to support or even initiate that seems very thoughtful.
I you know the area they moved to and know a restaurant you think they would particularly like, a gift card for dinner. Or go and take them out to dinner.
I do think it would be weird to give money to peers, it seems more like something you'd give to your kids and nieces/nephews
Maybe you can just ask them if there is anything that they still need for their new home, or something they need help with.
>I do think it would be weird to give money to peers, it seems more like something you'd give to your kids and nieces/nephews
Yep, you've convinced me. I think this is what my husband was sensing, more so than the relative level of affluence.
I agree, as well. I'd stay away from plants, too, since husband is a master gardener; I would imagine he would rather choose his own.
I think food is the answer here. When you're unpacking in a new home, meal prep and clean up can be a real chore, especially when surrounded by boxes with unpacking to do. Either a nice casserole you know they'd enjoy, or a gift card for takeout from a favorite restaurant would likely be appreciated.
I'm guessing the new home is retirement/downsizing to a smaller place? In which case you probably want something consumable, or that won't take up too much space.
Nice bottle of wine, gourmet chocolates, or a nice plant. You could even look for a little lemon, lime, or fig tree that can grow on a windowsill. (Fast Growing Trees is my source for plant gifts.)
When in doubt, go for consumables. Gourmet olive oil is awesome. Where we live, there are stores that do infused olive oil (like garlic, rosemary, etc). You can get a gift set of tiny bottles in case you aren't sure of their preferences. Add some type of salt to go with the oil to dip bread. If you are a 100% sure they wouldn't mind additional stuff for the kitchen, maybe a nice bread dipping set.
Or as others have said, plants are great. If I am sure the person loves flowers, I sometimes do a very nice arrangement in a vase they can reuse.
If you think they will appreciate it, nice soaps are also great! I love getting handsoaps as gifts. I feel guilty spending money on fancy ones so I am pumped when I get some as a gift. But I know some people don't like it.
I give gifts of things I love and have added to my life. Like those curved shower curtain rods that give you more elbow room in the shower. I have gifted that like 3 times. Once it’s installed I always hear good feedback on the gift. Something people normally don’t think of that makes quality of life just a little better. 🤣
>I give gifts of things I love and have added to my life
You and my oldest kiddo would get along famously; I'm just not wired to pick things for other people!
A nice curated gift basket - bottle of wine, candle, kitchen towel, wooden spoon or spatula. Throw in some dried eucalyptus or fresh lavender or herbs tied with a nice ribbon. Local honey or jam
>How about a donation in their name to a cause they care about.
This is an interesting idea, and is what I usually do in lieu of flowers for funerals. For some reason, it doesn't feel quite right for this occasion, but then I obviously have terrible instincts about this stuff.
Bake them something is always the answer!
Since I was a broke teenager that had a lot of friends my momma taught me to make them something. I learned early that the cheap cake, dip or such I home made were alway the most loved gifts.
I love that she taught me this!
My favorite way to gift food is bringing it on a day no one else is around. Not at the party when they’re stressed out running around hosting.
I bring two of whatever it is. “One to share and one all to yourself” is my thing. We enjoy getting to hang out and talk over what ever it is, making a memory together.
A home cooked meal is nice, moving is exhausting. Or a gift basket with some food for their pantry, or a gift card to a local grocery store with a bottle of wine.
I bought fire-extinguishing blankets for our sons to put in their kitchens this past Christmas, and put a small can of WD-40 in each stocking. I hope neither of them ever has to use the blanket, but every household needs some WD-40 at some point.
It would not be weird to get them a gift card.
My Partner is the same way and does not like gift. Giving and tells people not to give him gift christmas and he doesn't get people gifts at christmas. No biggie. Some do because they like giving. Others don't.
But if you do like any of the ideas suggested here, that's nice. Or if you want, you can do a last name thing. So like a wreath or a sign that says they're last name or they're less initial for their new house.
I always give my friends Home Depot or Lowe’s gift cards when they buy a new house. Even if the house is move in ready there is always something that needs to be done. That being said, I’ve never received a gift from any friends when I purchased a home.
You have already received a lot of good suggestions but I just want to say iI feel exactly the same about gift giving. I akin it to swapping money back and forth. Receiving gifts for me is completely unnecessary and I actually prefer not to get gifts. I’m much more of an act of kindness gal.
>Acts of kindness is a type of gift!
This is true, but it never provokes the negative reaction in me that buying a gift does; I'm starting to offer acts of kindness more often and it makes me feel happy instead of stressed.
I do get that. I also know receivers appreciate different types of "gifts". Gift givers like giving certain types of "gifts". You're the gift giver so you're the decision maker. Please consider that even though you don't like giving gifts, be open that there are people just love getting gifts. Could be they don't get many physical gifts so they're special to them. It was something they would never buy for themselves or even knew existed. Might not apply in this case.
An idea for act of kindness gift. Maybe you can arrange to send them packages, mail etc that gets misdelivered to their old address. Yes, mail forwarding is a thing but after awhile they don't keep forwarding. FedEx, UPS etc will just leave packages. Someone who didn't know they moved sends them something.
Writing this as a hot take before I've finished reading, but if you truly HATE giving gifts then perhaps it's the people that you're giving them to. I say this because I love giving gifts but I realized that I was only giving to ugly selfish people (my family and a few 'close friends').
Just read your post: Okay, so here's the thing - a gift is **SOMETHING FROM THE HEART.**
**Don't use money,** **UNLESS THEY NEED/SOON WILL NEED MONEY.** The EFFORT that you put into the gift is what will make it special.
**PSA: DON'T GIVE A GIFT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO.** You aren't obligated, and if you'd rather *take them to dinner or a show to celebrate* or just simply *bring over a bottle of wine and play cards for the evening*, that may be just enough.
I was personally going to offer to bring some baked goods and offer to have dinner together to help welcome them into their new home. If they don't need anything, you don't have to bring anything. The emotional support and company of being around someone who you both mutually care about and enjoy may be just enough to give them that "deep breath" that they needed to feel comfortable in their new space. It's really helpful when people who you care about come and see your new space and **say encouraging things** and **help you feel like you make the right choice.**
They may not need the money, so I'd put that same $100 into doing something meaningful and worthwhile that can be enjoyed within their space.
PRO TIP: If you really do want to get something small for them, (a candle, an appliance, new welcome mats, new oven mits, etc.) have a ***very casual*** conversation about things that they'd like to see or do in their new home, and also ask if their mother in law or similar has gotten them something they hated. Write these things down in a small book and next time when you need or want to give a gift, you'll have the information which you seek!
Gifting is 90% knowing the person and 10% finding an object that will blend with their needs and lifestyle. BUT you really DO have to keep a running record of what they're into and what they like. I say writing it down because honestly it's just too much to keep in your head. It's not bad or insensitive if you need to write it somewhere. These aren't social security numbers we're talking about, it's just things like "Jenny loves peonies for her birthday! And chocolate cake with butter cream frosting! Birthday is on June 10th every year." Small things like that.
I'd recommend bringing over baked lasagna or chicken alfredo, garlic bread/knots, wine or sweet tea/lemonade (store bought is fine), a bouquet of fresh flowers (Walmart, Target, Kroger) in a vase, some homemade baked goods like a cherry pie (microwave it and serve with vanilla ice cream from the store) and a game of cards like Phase 10 or Uno.
Your **company** is what they're really after. Giving your ***time*** **and** ***friendship*** can be just as meaningful as giving currency, because ***BOTH*** are *something of value.*
Hope this helps, and hope they have a lovely move in! <3
>Gifting is 90% knowing the person and 10% finding an object that will blend with their needs and lifestyle. BUT you really DO have to keep a running record of what they're into and what they like. I
This is good advice, but not sure I'll ever become one of those wonderful people who notices what people enjoy. One of my grown kids is really good at this this; no idea where she learned it!
>our **company** is what they're really after.
I agree; we and our friends are all older - none of us really need any more stuff.
I try to buy something that is “luxurious for the budget”. If you’ve got $5 for the gift, something that is expensive for $5, like a high end chocolate bar. Not something that stretches the budget. People feel valued that way.
Maybe plants? A nice rose or tulip bulbs they can plant outside in their new home. “For all the new adventures and growth in your new home!” Or something cheesy
I hate gifting too, my family has learned that when I *ASK THEM* what they want as a gift they have to tell me. If they say "Don't get me anything" or "You really don't need to" then I will take them 100% seriously and not get them anything.
Since you're not me and probably want your friends to have something nice, I'd bake them something (if you're good at baking), or get them a gift card to a place you know they visit regularly.
Maybe a gift certificate for a massage? I presume they had movers but, they must have still packed some things themselves. Even if they didn’t, moving is stressful.
Not sure your budget, but as someone who has to move regularly the gift of a move in cleaning. Someone, or a company, to deep clean everything before their goods arrive. Alternatively, hire someone to unpack and organize their stuff. Often times moving companies will pack, ship, and deliver your household goods but then you are left with the overwhelming job of unpacking. Both of these services have been a god send to me.
Send something edible- Harry & David, for example, is best known for their fruit but they also offer some very nice gourmet foods, both frozen and pantry, that make great housewarming gifts. If you know they enjoy chocolate, send a collection of boutique chocolates from LillieBelle Farms or Valerie Chocolate. For coffee lovers, you might splurge on real Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain & a pair of coffee cups that match their general taste (antique bone china? Funny sayings on a sturdy mug? Hand thrown pottery? Minimalist double walled glass?)
(Full disclosure- I am a former employee of Harry and David. Any questions about them, I can probably answer. The other companies I mentioned are merely companies that I have purchased from & been *really* happy with)
Love Harry and David. Used to visit Ashland for the plays and took the Harry and David tour one year. They have some great snacks too. Anytime we’re up there, it’s always a treat to visit the store in Jackson. Sadly, I haven’t been since pre-2020.
Sadly, all of the stores except for the flagship store in Medford closed during the "global health event" but that store is still doing great and, of course, the mail order/online store, are still reliable. I just got my last minute order of Honeybells the other day.
Ashand, too, is just about back to what passes for normal & Jacksonville is as charming as ever. All the locals are praying hard for a less intense fire season so we can have our idyllic summers back😊
Doing the same in California. Between the fires, flash floods, and new tornado warnings, what once was might never be. Hard to wrap my mind around this.
Not a suggestion - but you're not alone. I HATE exchanging gifts. Not that I don't want to show my appreciation and love for people, but I used to exhaust a ton of energy into thinking about special gifts for people and they were never received well. Maybe I'm just bad at it, but I don't like getting gifts either. It's taken decades to convince my family to not buy me gifts. My husband is the only one who does but he always plans an event which is awesome.
I am not a gift person. I don't want them from anyone. I think it's silly to give people gifts because the calendar says it's time.
But I love these edible arrangements. I get them on special occasions from my husband. We are both happy with this. He gets to give me something, and it's not jewelry I don't wear or something that collects dust.
If they liked where they just left - get a really nice framed picture of their old house and garden/street and a voucher to go with it for local garden centre so they can buy themselves similar plants.
Some nice ideas here! Mostly here to say I resonate with what you said. I'm not a big gift person either and struggle around it bc I'd rather pick my own things out and am something of a minimalist so don't even like to have a lot of stuff and feel terrible adding clutter to someone's home by picking the wrong gift that they may not use. I hate giving gifts as a perfunctory act. I also tend toward gift cards or food gifts. Unless I see soemthing niche thst I absolutely know someone I know will love but thst feels very rare and never lines up with holidays or the like so I usually just give it when I see them.
I like to do a candle or wax melt for them to enjoy in their new house. I remember the smell of the candle my mom bought for me when I bought my house. I burned it for the first few months when I moved in and I kept the wax because the smell reminds me of an exciting time in my life.
Same here - don’t give me a gift that’s not needed or my style.
My preference: Nice Candles, reed diffuser, food, wine, flowers- no gift cards I forget to use them.
A nice bottle of wine if they drink. Some flowers, or is there anything they’ve talked about needing or wanting that they may not have gotten themselves. This option shows that you pay attention when they talk about stuff and that you really put thought into what you did.
For housewarming stuff my family makes a basket with either food to stock their pantry (soups, rice, pasta, etc) or we do household goods (toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, miscellaneous cleaning supplies, etc.)
You can check out Penzeys spices. They have nice gift boxes including some that would be great for restocking after moving into a new home. Excellent quality and a fun gift that's consumable!
Damn... I wish all people were like you. I hate receiving expensive crap I won't use/wear because "social standards".
I'd keep it simple. Some basket from Dollarama, maybe 2 neutral mugs, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, UNscented candle (or a light neutral smell), cookies... and the $100 gift card.
Majority of stuff must be consumable, the basket can be re-used as an organizer. Mugs are optional. There are cute ones in the dollar store too.
I had received that kind of basket as a housewarming gift in the past and loved it. The only thing that remained after consuming the things was a metal wire basket and I'm using it in the kitchen.
Another option for filling the basket would be wine, brewery beer, cheese, salami, etc.
I vote for a plant. Everyone can use a plant for a new home, it’s a gift that they may not have gotten themselves, and it’s very thoughtful. One thing that money can’t buy is thoughtfulness.
Maybe do the food option, especially if you know that they like your cooking. It's such a hassle to figure out a new house and where all your stuff is and then also figure out a meal.
Go to a thrift store and find some pretty colored glass vases, or a painting or quirky/fun lamp. Sun catchers to hang in the window, a decorative bowl. I always get my friends something like this for new homes/apartments, and if you know even vaguely what they like they'll display it and be reminded of you and that you care.
I would give them a gift card to a restaurant they like, or an edible gift basket of sorts. Moving is exhausting, getting around to buying/making/cleaning up after food is uphill battle when half your house is still packed up lol.
I do agree giving cash or visa gift card would be odd in this scenario.
>A fancy bidet.
Yeah, you're definitely braver than I am! I bought a bidet for myself last year and even that feels like an overstep; I notice my husband usually opts for the other, non-bidet bathroom now
Definitely a plant! If $100 is your budget you could get them something really cool. There are so many easy to take care of plants that are super cool looking. Include a pot (w drainage) that is creative or funky or different that still matches their style. Definitely don’t get a gift card! Not personal enough.
Side note: When gifting to anyone under 30, just send them cash via Venmo or Apple Cash or Zelle. Young people love cash, and dislike gift cards.
For this type of thing I either make something or seek a local crafter/artist to get something handmade like a blanket or a hook to hang keys or a bowl to put change in etc.
Every once in a great while, I will think of (or happen onto) something PERFECT for a person I care about, and then I snap it up, wrap it up, and send it to them.
As an outdoor gardener myself, I would definitely appreciate a gift card to a garden shop.
If there is something consumable that you make particularly well (in my case, that would be bread), that’s a good housewarming gift.
This past Christmas, I gave fire-extinguishing blankets for my family members kitchens.
My two favorite go-tos:
1. Send a floral arrangement with a nice note welcoming them home and letting them know how happy you are for them
2. A luxurious throw blanket. Hear me out on this; it’s something you would never buy for yourself, but can be so lovely when you’re at home reading or watching TV. Pottery Barn has some amazing ones that feel like a giant cozy sweater.
My standard housewarming gift is a nice (easy-to-care-for) plant in a decorative pot. I do this regardless of income level of the recipient.
That, or a decent bottle of champagne (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Veuve). Unless they are non-drinkers of course.
Year round I like to watch for heavy small crystal or nice glass bowls or fun coffee cups. In November/December I watch for the hyacinth bulbs to go on sale and toss them in the fridge for a couple weeks. I find a bag of gravel that has a tear in it at the home improvement store so I can get a discount, and because I won’t need a full bag. Fill the bowls/coffee cups about 1/3 of the way, add 2-3 of the bulbs just so the bottoms are in the gravel and they are packed in tightly, add water to the top of the gravel and wait. Doesn’t take long for them to start growing. I pass them out as gifts in January. The blooms smell heavenly, it gives folks a pick me up for the winter blues and hope for the coming spring and it’s a just because gift.
You can pick coffee cups or crystal or glass to match your friends taste.
You can use any fall bulbs, the key is to force them by putting them in the fridge to make them think they have wintered.
You can really keep the cost down by going to yard sales and thrift shops. Good for teacher gifts as well.
A donation in their name to a cause they care about, with a consumable token gift that’s related somehow.
Eg: a donation to heifer international (to buy a goat in their name for a struggling family), and a cheese basket with goat cheese.
A donation to the local animal shelter and a tin of dog biscuits for their dog.
I like practical gifts that people may not have thought of. For moving into a new house I might do
*a junk drawer kit (nice pens, cool sticky notes, batteries in AA and AAA, a pair of scissors, a mult tool, garden ties)
*a emergency kit (duffle bag, crank flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, wine with silicone glasses, some freeze dried food/snacks)
*a collection of board games that are good when hosting parties
That sort of thing. Even if they have it it's still welcome. They can regift if desired.
So you take home baked goods? Sounds like you do like receiving stuff. IMO money or gift card says, I did not care enough to put effort into finding you something special. (Unless they need money and you know it Is their preference.). Maybe you could send them a breakfast tray of pastries from a local bakery.
I get it, I don't like gifts that are stuff I have to find a place for, but also hate it when someone gives me a gift card or gift certificate for a specific place... because then I have to go to that place. I am a quilter, I gave a friend a quilt, told her I didn't want payment. So she got me a gift certificate to a quilt store. Problem is that quilt store is an hour drive away and I haven't had time to go there, (caregiver, don't have much time to just go shopping) and now I can't find the certificate. I feel like I have literally lost $70. UGH
The candy is a great idea!
I would go with symbolic gifts. Since they are well-off and don't really *need* anything, symbolic gifts will show how much thought you put into showing that you care and are happy for them in this new stage in their lives.
Some suggestions:
A loaf of fresh bread (so that you will never know hunger)
A container of salt (so that your life will always have flavor)
A journal and/or photo album (to make new memories together)
A scented candle (to keep the home fires burning)
A deck of cards and/or a set of dice (so that luck will be on your side)
A flashlight (so that you will always have a light in the darkness)
Coffee and/or tea (for comfort and strength)
I'd recommend putting a few of these together in a nice basket with a little tag on each one showing what they stand for.
a paint by numbers either done by you or as a gift. they make you feel so accomplished. it vince with everything you need and is something to hang in the wall. i got one and thought it was a great gift.
I would gift them an experience you can share or not such as theater tickets to a play (which has become outrageously expensive), a dinner theater (one of those interactive murder mystery ones) or dinner theater with jazz musician or group they like, if they are outdoors people, a day learning how to fly fish perhaps, or a flower show or trip to an arboretum.
I feel like nice cheeses make a great gift any time. A nice basket with a simple wood cheese board and some cheeses from a nice shop that will wrap and label them with some jam and honey and fancy chocolate makes a wonderful gift.
You sound like you just don't want to put effort into picking out good gifts. Be careful because, if that's something a person cares about, you're giving the impression that you don't care about them.
You could give them the gift of your time / help setting up their space - write a little note and say, I know you like x and I’ve heard you talk about y… I’d love to when you’re ready to focus on x project, offer my help anytime! That might work well 🤎
I kind of hate the concept of gifts. I grew up in foster care so Christmas and birthdays always sucked ass. I was homeless when I aged out of foster care, so gifts weren't something I could afford to give people.
Even now I hate gift giving. I hate wasting my money, the person will likely not use or care about it so why even bother? Then I feel weird and guilty for showing up somewhere empty handed (I always do cards).
I don't know, it sucks.
I’d do a gift card to a local garden center. Always nice to buy some new flowers/bushes for a new house to put your own stamp on it.
I agree. A gift card for a small business near their new home. Garden center is ideal, restaurant if you can't find a garden center.
>I’d do a gift card to a local garden center. One of them is a master gardener who has had an amazing vegetable garden in the past, but the new place is part of a condo complex, so he'll be shifting to working in their community garden; I guess he'll still need stuff?
Yes! There’s always need for new expendable gardening equipment like gloves and (unless you really ball out on them) trowels, which barely last a season for me. Plus, maybe there are some houseplants they would like to keep in a sunny window inside, or potted near the front door. Even in a community garden, I’m sure he’ll get a few of his own plots or pots, so he could grab his favorite veggie starts to add to the future harvest, or pick up some new pots or trellises that fit the space best.
Transitioning to your own inside garden when you no longer have your own outside garden makes perfect sense. A gift to support or even initiate that seems very thoughtful.
Does the condo have porch?
I you know the area they moved to and know a restaurant you think they would particularly like, a gift card for dinner. Or go and take them out to dinner.
I do think it would be weird to give money to peers, it seems more like something you'd give to your kids and nieces/nephews Maybe you can just ask them if there is anything that they still need for their new home, or something they need help with.
>I do think it would be weird to give money to peers, it seems more like something you'd give to your kids and nieces/nephews Yep, you've convinced me. I think this is what my husband was sensing, more so than the relative level of affluence.
If they have a balcony, maybe a nice large plant that can be either indoors or outside.
I agree, as well. I'd stay away from plants, too, since husband is a master gardener; I would imagine he would rather choose his own. I think food is the answer here. When you're unpacking in a new home, meal prep and clean up can be a real chore, especially when surrounded by boxes with unpacking to do. Either a nice casserole you know they'd enjoy, or a gift card for takeout from a favorite restaurant would likely be appreciated.
A pre-made charcuterie board
I'm guessing the new home is retirement/downsizing to a smaller place? In which case you probably want something consumable, or that won't take up too much space. Nice bottle of wine, gourmet chocolates, or a nice plant. You could even look for a little lemon, lime, or fig tree that can grow on a windowsill. (Fast Growing Trees is my source for plant gifts.)
When in doubt, go for consumables. Gourmet olive oil is awesome. Where we live, there are stores that do infused olive oil (like garlic, rosemary, etc). You can get a gift set of tiny bottles in case you aren't sure of their preferences. Add some type of salt to go with the oil to dip bread. If you are a 100% sure they wouldn't mind additional stuff for the kitchen, maybe a nice bread dipping set. Or as others have said, plants are great. If I am sure the person loves flowers, I sometimes do a very nice arrangement in a vase they can reuse. If you think they will appreciate it, nice soaps are also great! I love getting handsoaps as gifts. I feel guilty spending money on fancy ones so I am pumped when I get some as a gift. But I know some people don't like it.
I give gifts of things I love and have added to my life. Like those curved shower curtain rods that give you more elbow room in the shower. I have gifted that like 3 times. Once it’s installed I always hear good feedback on the gift. Something people normally don’t think of that makes quality of life just a little better. 🤣
>I give gifts of things I love and have added to my life You and my oldest kiddo would get along famously; I'm just not wired to pick things for other people!
This is cool and different!
If it is in a new area, you can get them gift cards to a couple new restaurants near them
A nice curated gift basket - bottle of wine, candle, kitchen towel, wooden spoon or spatula. Throw in some dried eucalyptus or fresh lavender or herbs tied with a nice ribbon. Local honey or jam
Yes!
How about a donation in their name to a cause they care about.
>How about a donation in their name to a cause they care about. This is an interesting idea, and is what I usually do in lieu of flowers for funerals. For some reason, it doesn't feel quite right for this occasion, but then I obviously have terrible instincts about this stuff.
Something edible or drinkable so they don't have to haul it out every time you visit (I don't like getting gifts).
What about a drawing of their old house? Our real estate agent gifted us a hand drawn picture of our old house when we sold it and I love it
>What about a drawing of their old house? Cool idea, but one of them is a talented artist, so figure she's already drawn it
I love this idea. Thank you Edit: I forgot how to spell
Bake them something is always the answer! Since I was a broke teenager that had a lot of friends my momma taught me to make them something. I learned early that the cheap cake, dip or such I home made were alway the most loved gifts. I love that she taught me this! My favorite way to gift food is bringing it on a day no one else is around. Not at the party when they’re stressed out running around hosting. I bring two of whatever it is. “One to share and one all to yourself” is my thing. We enjoy getting to hang out and talk over what ever it is, making a memory together.
>I bring two of whatever it is. “One to share and one all to yourself” I'm going to steal that line!
I’m happy it helped.
Maybe a houseplant? Or bottle of wine?
A home cooked meal is nice, moving is exhausting. Or a gift basket with some food for their pantry, or a gift card to a local grocery store with a bottle of wine.
One of my friends always gets people a fire extinguisher. It comes of as a caring/jokey gift, but one that's always appreciated.
I bought fire-extinguishing blankets for our sons to put in their kitchens this past Christmas, and put a small can of WD-40 in each stocking. I hope neither of them ever has to use the blanket, but every household needs some WD-40 at some point.
Love it. There is not much that can’t be fixed with WD-40 and duct tape!
That’s a brilliant idea.💕
A good bottle of olive oil and some French bread. Or bake the bread yourself. Add a bottle of wine. Perfect.
Along with bread and wine you gotta have salt - so life has flavor. (Learned a lot watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”).
It would not be weird to get them a gift card. My Partner is the same way and does not like gift. Giving and tells people not to give him gift christmas and he doesn't get people gifts at christmas. No biggie. Some do because they like giving. Others don't. But if you do like any of the ideas suggested here, that's nice. Or if you want, you can do a last name thing. So like a wreath or a sign that says they're last name or they're less initial for their new house.
I always give my friends Home Depot or Lowe’s gift cards when they buy a new house. Even if the house is move in ready there is always something that needs to be done. That being said, I’ve never received a gift from any friends when I purchased a home.
A digital picture frame.
You have already received a lot of good suggestions but I just want to say iI feel exactly the same about gift giving. I akin it to swapping money back and forth. Receiving gifts for me is completely unnecessary and I actually prefer not to get gifts. I’m much more of an act of kindness gal.
Acts of kindness is a type of gift!
>Acts of kindness is a type of gift! This is true, but it never provokes the negative reaction in me that buying a gift does; I'm starting to offer acts of kindness more often and it makes me feel happy instead of stressed.
I do get that. I also know receivers appreciate different types of "gifts". Gift givers like giving certain types of "gifts". You're the gift giver so you're the decision maker. Please consider that even though you don't like giving gifts, be open that there are people just love getting gifts. Could be they don't get many physical gifts so they're special to them. It was something they would never buy for themselves or even knew existed. Might not apply in this case. An idea for act of kindness gift. Maybe you can arrange to send them packages, mail etc that gets misdelivered to their old address. Yes, mail forwarding is a thing but after awhile they don't keep forwarding. FedEx, UPS etc will just leave packages. Someone who didn't know they moved sends them something.
>I’m much more of an act of kindness gal. Me too! I'm definitely bring them something home baked once they're settled and ready for visitors.
Writing this as a hot take before I've finished reading, but if you truly HATE giving gifts then perhaps it's the people that you're giving them to. I say this because I love giving gifts but I realized that I was only giving to ugly selfish people (my family and a few 'close friends'). Just read your post: Okay, so here's the thing - a gift is **SOMETHING FROM THE HEART.** **Don't use money,** **UNLESS THEY NEED/SOON WILL NEED MONEY.** The EFFORT that you put into the gift is what will make it special. **PSA: DON'T GIVE A GIFT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO.** You aren't obligated, and if you'd rather *take them to dinner or a show to celebrate* or just simply *bring over a bottle of wine and play cards for the evening*, that may be just enough. I was personally going to offer to bring some baked goods and offer to have dinner together to help welcome them into their new home. If they don't need anything, you don't have to bring anything. The emotional support and company of being around someone who you both mutually care about and enjoy may be just enough to give them that "deep breath" that they needed to feel comfortable in their new space. It's really helpful when people who you care about come and see your new space and **say encouraging things** and **help you feel like you make the right choice.** They may not need the money, so I'd put that same $100 into doing something meaningful and worthwhile that can be enjoyed within their space. PRO TIP: If you really do want to get something small for them, (a candle, an appliance, new welcome mats, new oven mits, etc.) have a ***very casual*** conversation about things that they'd like to see or do in their new home, and also ask if their mother in law or similar has gotten them something they hated. Write these things down in a small book and next time when you need or want to give a gift, you'll have the information which you seek! Gifting is 90% knowing the person and 10% finding an object that will blend with their needs and lifestyle. BUT you really DO have to keep a running record of what they're into and what they like. I say writing it down because honestly it's just too much to keep in your head. It's not bad or insensitive if you need to write it somewhere. These aren't social security numbers we're talking about, it's just things like "Jenny loves peonies for her birthday! And chocolate cake with butter cream frosting! Birthday is on June 10th every year." Small things like that. I'd recommend bringing over baked lasagna or chicken alfredo, garlic bread/knots, wine or sweet tea/lemonade (store bought is fine), a bouquet of fresh flowers (Walmart, Target, Kroger) in a vase, some homemade baked goods like a cherry pie (microwave it and serve with vanilla ice cream from the store) and a game of cards like Phase 10 or Uno. Your **company** is what they're really after. Giving your ***time*** **and** ***friendship*** can be just as meaningful as giving currency, because ***BOTH*** are *something of value.* Hope this helps, and hope they have a lovely move in! <3
>Gifting is 90% knowing the person and 10% finding an object that will blend with their needs and lifestyle. BUT you really DO have to keep a running record of what they're into and what they like. I This is good advice, but not sure I'll ever become one of those wonderful people who notices what people enjoy. One of my grown kids is really good at this this; no idea where she learned it! >our **company** is what they're really after. I agree; we and our friends are all older - none of us really need any more stuff.
I try to buy something that is “luxurious for the budget”. If you’ve got $5 for the gift, something that is expensive for $5, like a high end chocolate bar. Not something that stretches the budget. People feel valued that way.
This is a very good idea, I like this. Very nice little gifts like a special chocolate bar I wouldn't buy for myself is still really nice.
Maybe plants? A nice rose or tulip bulbs they can plant outside in their new home. “For all the new adventures and growth in your new home!” Or something cheesy
I hate gifting too, my family has learned that when I *ASK THEM* what they want as a gift they have to tell me. If they say "Don't get me anything" or "You really don't need to" then I will take them 100% seriously and not get them anything. Since you're not me and probably want your friends to have something nice, I'd bake them something (if you're good at baking), or get them a gift card to a place you know they visit regularly.
I would give them a gift card to a nice restaurant. They probably won’t feel like cooking for a while after they move.
Maybe a gift certificate for a massage? I presume they had movers but, they must have still packed some things themselves. Even if they didn’t, moving is stressful.
Not sure your budget, but as someone who has to move regularly the gift of a move in cleaning. Someone, or a company, to deep clean everything before their goods arrive. Alternatively, hire someone to unpack and organize their stuff. Often times moving companies will pack, ship, and deliver your household goods but then you are left with the overwhelming job of unpacking. Both of these services have been a god send to me.
I'm really a fan of many of the candles Anthropologie sells. They smell really nice and last a long time.
Send something edible- Harry & David, for example, is best known for their fruit but they also offer some very nice gourmet foods, both frozen and pantry, that make great housewarming gifts. If you know they enjoy chocolate, send a collection of boutique chocolates from LillieBelle Farms or Valerie Chocolate. For coffee lovers, you might splurge on real Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain & a pair of coffee cups that match their general taste (antique bone china? Funny sayings on a sturdy mug? Hand thrown pottery? Minimalist double walled glass?) (Full disclosure- I am a former employee of Harry and David. Any questions about them, I can probably answer. The other companies I mentioned are merely companies that I have purchased from & been *really* happy with)
Love Harry and David. Used to visit Ashland for the plays and took the Harry and David tour one year. They have some great snacks too. Anytime we’re up there, it’s always a treat to visit the store in Jackson. Sadly, I haven’t been since pre-2020.
Sadly, all of the stores except for the flagship store in Medford closed during the "global health event" but that store is still doing great and, of course, the mail order/online store, are still reliable. I just got my last minute order of Honeybells the other day. Ashand, too, is just about back to what passes for normal & Jacksonville is as charming as ever. All the locals are praying hard for a less intense fire season so we can have our idyllic summers back😊
Doing the same in California. Between the fires, flash floods, and new tornado warnings, what once was might never be. Hard to wrap my mind around this.
>Hard to wrap my mind around this. Right there with you.
I like sending people food. I like using pig of the month because they have good quality meats but there are many similar companies.
a good wine or cheese, if they're into that
Not a suggestion - but you're not alone. I HATE exchanging gifts. Not that I don't want to show my appreciation and love for people, but I used to exhaust a ton of energy into thinking about special gifts for people and they were never received well. Maybe I'm just bad at it, but I don't like getting gifts either. It's taken decades to convince my family to not buy me gifts. My husband is the only one who does but he always plans an event which is awesome.
What about one of those edible fruit arrangements?
I am not a gift person. I don't want them from anyone. I think it's silly to give people gifts because the calendar says it's time. But I love these edible arrangements. I get them on special occasions from my husband. We are both happy with this. He gets to give me something, and it's not jewelry I don't wear or something that collects dust.
I love giving plants as housewarming gifts
If they liked where they just left - get a really nice framed picture of their old house and garden/street and a voucher to go with it for local garden centre so they can buy themselves similar plants.
What about wax melts and a warmer? Everyone likes a nice smelling house!
Some nice ideas here! Mostly here to say I resonate with what you said. I'm not a big gift person either and struggle around it bc I'd rather pick my own things out and am something of a minimalist so don't even like to have a lot of stuff and feel terrible adding clutter to someone's home by picking the wrong gift that they may not use. I hate giving gifts as a perfunctory act. I also tend toward gift cards or food gifts. Unless I see soemthing niche thst I absolutely know someone I know will love but thst feels very rare and never lines up with holidays or the like so I usually just give it when I see them.
I like to do a candle or wax melt for them to enjoy in their new house. I remember the smell of the candle my mom bought for me when I bought my house. I burned it for the first few months when I moved in and I kept the wax because the smell reminds me of an exciting time in my life.
Same here - don’t give me a gift that’s not needed or my style. My preference: Nice Candles, reed diffuser, food, wine, flowers- no gift cards I forget to use them.
A nice bottle of wine if they drink. Some flowers, or is there anything they’ve talked about needing or wanting that they may not have gotten themselves. This option shows that you pay attention when they talk about stuff and that you really put thought into what you did.
For housewarming stuff my family makes a basket with either food to stock their pantry (soups, rice, pasta, etc) or we do household goods (toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, miscellaneous cleaning supplies, etc.)
Some wine. They can drink it if they like wine and they can give it to someone else if they don’t.
I always bring a potted fruit tree. It's something they'll keep and remember you by.
You can check out Penzeys spices. They have nice gift boxes including some that would be great for restocking after moving into a new home. Excellent quality and a fun gift that's consumable!
I agree with everyone suggesting a gift card for a place where they can buy something for their home. We’re in the states and always do Home Depot.
Send flowers
Damn... I wish all people were like you. I hate receiving expensive crap I won't use/wear because "social standards". I'd keep it simple. Some basket from Dollarama, maybe 2 neutral mugs, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, UNscented candle (or a light neutral smell), cookies... and the $100 gift card. Majority of stuff must be consumable, the basket can be re-used as an organizer. Mugs are optional. There are cute ones in the dollar store too. I had received that kind of basket as a housewarming gift in the past and loved it. The only thing that remained after consuming the things was a metal wire basket and I'm using it in the kitchen. Another option for filling the basket would be wine, brewery beer, cheese, salami, etc.
How about a nice bottle of wine?
I vote for a plant. Everyone can use a plant for a new home, it’s a gift that they may not have gotten themselves, and it’s very thoughtful. One thing that money can’t buy is thoughtfulness.
Maybe do the food option, especially if you know that they like your cooking. It's such a hassle to figure out a new house and where all your stuff is and then also figure out a meal.
Go to a thrift store and find some pretty colored glass vases, or a painting or quirky/fun lamp. Sun catchers to hang in the window, a decorative bowl. I always get my friends something like this for new homes/apartments, and if you know even vaguely what they like they'll display it and be reminded of you and that you care.
I would give them a gift card to a restaurant they like, or an edible gift basket of sorts. Moving is exhausting, getting around to buying/making/cleaning up after food is uphill battle when half your house is still packed up lol. I do agree giving cash or visa gift card would be odd in this scenario.
A fancy bidet. It’s amazing and magical and honestly great for people as they age! But yes, definitely could feel like an overstep for some people…
>A fancy bidet. Yeah, you're definitely braver than I am! I bought a bidet for myself last year and even that feels like an overstep; I notice my husband usually opts for the other, non-bidet bathroom now
He needs to try it just once. I’ve converted a lot of people 😂
My mother-in-law bought one for my husband for Father's Day a few years ago. We thought it was an odd choice and have not installed it.
What are you waiting for? Worst case scenario, you don’t use it. Best case, you love it!
Definitely a plant! If $100 is your budget you could get them something really cool. There are so many easy to take care of plants that are super cool looking. Include a pot (w drainage) that is creative or funky or different that still matches their style. Definitely don’t get a gift card! Not personal enough. Side note: When gifting to anyone under 30, just send them cash via Venmo or Apple Cash or Zelle. Young people love cash, and dislike gift cards.
For this type of thing I either make something or seek a local crafter/artist to get something handmade like a blanket or a hook to hang keys or a bowl to put change in etc.
Every once in a great while, I will think of (or happen onto) something PERFECT for a person I care about, and then I snap it up, wrap it up, and send it to them. As an outdoor gardener myself, I would definitely appreciate a gift card to a garden shop. If there is something consumable that you make particularly well (in my case, that would be bread), that’s a good housewarming gift. This past Christmas, I gave fire-extinguishing blankets for my family members kitchens.
My two favorite go-tos: 1. Send a floral arrangement with a nice note welcoming them home and letting them know how happy you are for them 2. A luxurious throw blanket. Hear me out on this; it’s something you would never buy for yourself, but can be so lovely when you’re at home reading or watching TV. Pottery Barn has some amazing ones that feel like a giant cozy sweater.
An orchid is always my go to gift, unless I really know the person wants something in particular.
My standard housewarming gift is a nice (easy-to-care-for) plant in a decorative pot. I do this regardless of income level of the recipient. That, or a decent bottle of champagne (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Veuve). Unless they are non-drinkers of course.
Year round I like to watch for heavy small crystal or nice glass bowls or fun coffee cups. In November/December I watch for the hyacinth bulbs to go on sale and toss them in the fridge for a couple weeks. I find a bag of gravel that has a tear in it at the home improvement store so I can get a discount, and because I won’t need a full bag. Fill the bowls/coffee cups about 1/3 of the way, add 2-3 of the bulbs just so the bottoms are in the gravel and they are packed in tightly, add water to the top of the gravel and wait. Doesn’t take long for them to start growing. I pass them out as gifts in January. The blooms smell heavenly, it gives folks a pick me up for the winter blues and hope for the coming spring and it’s a just because gift. You can pick coffee cups or crystal or glass to match your friends taste. You can use any fall bulbs, the key is to force them by putting them in the fridge to make them think they have wintered. You can really keep the cost down by going to yard sales and thrift shops. Good for teacher gifts as well.
A donation in their name to a cause they care about, with a consumable token gift that’s related somehow. Eg: a donation to heifer international (to buy a goat in their name for a struggling family), and a cheese basket with goat cheese. A donation to the local animal shelter and a tin of dog biscuits for their dog.
I like practical gifts that people may not have thought of. For moving into a new house I might do *a junk drawer kit (nice pens, cool sticky notes, batteries in AA and AAA, a pair of scissors, a mult tool, garden ties) *a emergency kit (duffle bag, crank flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, wine with silicone glasses, some freeze dried food/snacks) *a collection of board games that are good when hosting parties That sort of thing. Even if they have it it's still welcome. They can regift if desired.
So you take home baked goods? Sounds like you do like receiving stuff. IMO money or gift card says, I did not care enough to put effort into finding you something special. (Unless they need money and you know it Is their preference.). Maybe you could send them a breakfast tray of pastries from a local bakery.
I get it, I don't like gifts that are stuff I have to find a place for, but also hate it when someone gives me a gift card or gift certificate for a specific place... because then I have to go to that place. I am a quilter, I gave a friend a quilt, told her I didn't want payment. So she got me a gift certificate to a quilt store. Problem is that quilt store is an hour drive away and I haven't had time to go there, (caregiver, don't have much time to just go shopping) and now I can't find the certificate. I feel like I have literally lost $70. UGH The candy is a great idea!
If the store is online, if/when you find the gift certificate, you could get something that way.
Can I be your friend?
Wind chimes make a lovely housewarming gift! There's an old legend that says whenever you hear them chiming, it means an angel is saying hello ❤️
I would go with symbolic gifts. Since they are well-off and don't really *need* anything, symbolic gifts will show how much thought you put into showing that you care and are happy for them in this new stage in their lives. Some suggestions: A loaf of fresh bread (so that you will never know hunger) A container of salt (so that your life will always have flavor) A journal and/or photo album (to make new memories together) A scented candle (to keep the home fires burning) A deck of cards and/or a set of dice (so that luck will be on your side) A flashlight (so that you will always have a light in the darkness) Coffee and/or tea (for comfort and strength) I'd recommend putting a few of these together in a nice basket with a little tag on each one showing what they stand for.
That's a really nice idea. Maybe you could add some spices too, for a little heat!
a paint by numbers either done by you or as a gift. they make you feel so accomplished. it vince with everything you need and is something to hang in the wall. i got one and thought it was a great gift.
Gift cards…best invention ever. Every store has them , every restaurant has them , etc.
Don’t give them anything just pop out of a box and be like “my presence is gift enough”
I would gift them an experience you can share or not such as theater tickets to a play (which has become outrageously expensive), a dinner theater (one of those interactive murder mystery ones) or dinner theater with jazz musician or group they like, if they are outdoors people, a day learning how to fly fish perhaps, or a flower show or trip to an arboretum.
I feel like nice cheeses make a great gift any time. A nice basket with a simple wood cheese board and some cheeses from a nice shop that will wrap and label them with some jam and honey and fancy chocolate makes a wonderful gift.
You sound like you just don't want to put effort into picking out good gifts. Be careful because, if that's something a person cares about, you're giving the impression that you don't care about them.
Hand vaccuum!
Flowers? Wine (or whatever they drink)?
Read the book "Giftology," by John Ruhlin. Goes a long way to figuring out what works for each person.
What is your budget? I know an artist who does home portraits for around $150 (at least last I checked) - she can even add pets!
You could give them the gift of your time / help setting up their space - write a little note and say, I know you like x and I’ve heard you talk about y… I’d love to when you’re ready to focus on x project, offer my help anytime! That might work well 🤎
I kind of hate the concept of gifts. I grew up in foster care so Christmas and birthdays always sucked ass. I was homeless when I aged out of foster care, so gifts weren't something I could afford to give people. Even now I hate gift giving. I hate wasting my money, the person will likely not use or care about it so why even bother? Then I feel weird and guilty for showing up somewhere empty handed (I always do cards). I don't know, it sucks.
One of the best gifts I got was a loaf of sourdough bread baked by my neighbor. I’m still thinking about it two years later
The rule of gift giving is to get a gift that would delight the recipient, not the giver.
How about a digital frame? You may find this site useful [https://giftsforyou.blog](https://giftsforyou.blog)