HOUSEWARMING GIFTS
I have not been invited to very many housewarming parties. I’m not sure why that is. Maybe all of my friends and family who purchase new homes are too busy setting up their new house to have time to plan a party. That’s too bad, because a new home is something to celebrate!
A new home usually marks a great achievement that goes above and beyond the new home itself. For a young couple purchasing their first home, it can symbolize the fact that they made a significant choice and purchase together – a place that will become “home” for both of them, and maybe where they will start their own family. A new, larger home can be due to a promotion and/or a larger family. A new home in a new city symbolizes an entirely new chapter in a person or family’s life. All changes in life should be celebrated, as change represents growth when put in a positive light.
What do you give for a housewarming gift? I try to start by thinking about what makes a house a “home”.
I happen to love plants, and I love how they make a home look “alive”. So to me a beautiful house plant is always a welcome gift. Now, I realize that not everyone has a green thumb, so it’s best to opt for easy care plants. Your local garden nursery can point you in the right direction.
A comfortable, pretty blanket or throw is another option. There is nothing like having a warm blanket to snuggle up in to watch a movie or read a book. How about a set of coffee mugs so they can enjoy settling into their new home each morning with a lovely cup of coffee. Other home decorations are nice too, but that’s a bit tricky, as not everyone has the same taste in decorating. So be sure you know the person’s decorating style, or simply give a gift certificate to a home furnishing store and let them choose for themselves. Feng Shui is all the rage today. A book that teaches the Feng Shui method of arranging and decorating a home would be a fun idea.
My 10 year old daughter was recently invited to a housewarming party for a classmate. This classmate is being raised by a single mother, and her grandmother is living with them as well. This single mother saved for many years to build this lovely new home of hers. It was so inspiring to see how excited and proud this mother is of her new home! We were at a bit of a loss as to what to get for a 10 year old girl for a housewarming gift. Our final choice was a lovely wind chime. For a touch of fun, my daughter insisted on including a packet of flower seeds in the gift.
A new home is worth celebrating. May your housewarming celebrations inspire you to make your own home a place to relax, dream, and share memories with your loved ones.