Housewarming gifts are a nice gesture, especially if the new homeowners 
are throwing a party. But let's face it, most people already have a plethora of stuff they've accumulated throughout their adult lives, especially if they've already been showered with wedding gifts. Here's a list of ideas to help you pick gifts that will be appreciated and used by the happy homeowners.
1. When in Doubt, Ask!
There's no shame in asking what they'd like for their new place. Maybe they've realized they don't have enough bath towels since moving from a one bathroom apartment to a three bathroom house, or that they could use an extra doormat for the back door. A gift doesn't have to be a surprise to be thoughtful. If they tell you that they don't need anything and you still feel obligated to give a gift, consider the next option.
2. Things that Can Be Consumed
Food and drink make great gifts for any occasion. If they've already got a ton of stuff, edible offerings make a good present because they aren't meant to last forever and won't cause any clutter, and will never unknowingly clash with their decor. Check out coupons for sites like EdibleGiftsPlus, where they have food gifts for any palate, like cookies, candy, and fruit. If they love to cook, consider a mail order gift from somewhere like Omaha Steaks so that they can break in their new kitchen with a nice meal, even if all of their money is going towards that new mortgage.
Wine and liquor make a good gift too, if the homeowners drink. Help them stock their new bar with their favorite spirits. If presenting them with a bottle of booze only brings back fuzzy, college party memories, get them a membership to a wine club like Coastal Vineyards, which will ship a new bottle every month.
3. Outdoor Items
If the new homeowners are moving straight out of an apartment, this idea is especially useful. Pick them up supplies for their new garden or patio area; it's probably stuff they haven't accumulated yet and will be useful as they spruce up their curb appeal. Be wary of bringing plants, especially if you haven't seen their new yard. Instead, bring planting supplies like pots and garden tools.
4. Gift Cards
If you'd like to give a nice gift but don't know what they need, pick up a gift card that will help them out with their new home. If they're handy, get one for The Home Depot; even a "turn-key" house needs a little work. If they love to cook or entertain, consider a gift from useful but stylish stores like Sur la Table or Crate and Barrel. If they haven't bought new appliances yet, help them out with some credit at someplace like Sears. If you haven't a clue, keep it simple with money to spend at department stores like Target.
5. Subscriptions
Like the food and wine clubs already mentioned, gifts that keep giving are always nice. If you know their interests, get them a subscription to a magazine they'll enjoy. Now that they have a home, they might also enjoy reading magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, or Architectural Digest.
Movie or TV lovers will also appreciate a subscription to a service like Netflix; even if they already get their movies in the mail, you can buy them a few extra months or another year of service.
6. Things to Do
Now that they're paying a mortgage on a home, they might not have the extra cash to spend on the things they love doing. And even though a new home is exciting, they still might want to get away from it on occasion, especially if they're involved in time and thought-consuming remodels. Here are a few things to give that would probably be welcome for any occasion:
7. Restaurant Gift Certificates
A meal out is a good way to get out of, and maybe even stop thinking about, the house.
8. Event Tickets
Get them a pair of tickets to a weekend sports game. If they prefer the arts, perhaps a play, musical, or concert would suit them better. Movie tickets are also an easy and relatively cheap gift; plus, the recipient gets to pick what they want to see.
What to Avoid
The consensus seems to be that bad housewarming gifts are often decor pieces that clash with the homeowners' own styles. It's nothing personal, but everyone has different tastes. If you're not 100% sure that they'll think that floral toilet seat cover is right up their alley, maybe you should pick something more foolproof.
What do you like to give as housewarming gifts? What are the best (and worst) that you've received?
3 Responses to “Just Say No to Crystal Dolphins: 6 Foolproof Housewarming Gift Ideas”
I like to give a copy of one of my favorite cookbooks. Along with it, I give a note telling them I think they'll love a certain recipe, and bundle the whole thing with spices or other unusual (nonperishable) ingredients needed to make the dish.
I enjoy giving out simple bath towels. They're always useful and don't cause any problems with the persons taste.
My favorite housewarming gift was a crock pot cookbook! I use it way too much!