‘Tis the season to be loving and giving, but finding the perfect housewarming gift for the new homeowner in your life can be tough.
Consumables, like a nice bottle of wine or some bougie candles, are always reliable in a pinch, but they may lack that special something that you want to express to your friends or relatives as they embark on their new adventure.
So, what can you give them that will be useful, appreciated or just plain thrilling? We’ve got some ideas. There’s bound to be something on this list that will suit their tastes (and your budget).
1. An All-Purpose Tool Kit
When you move into a home, there’s always a lot of small things that need to be adjusted or fixed. Curtains need to be hung, doors may need to be removed to get furniture in and out of certain rooms, nails need to be driven into walls to hang pictures and so on. The work never really stops.
A compact all-purpose tool kit is easy to carry from room to room and can keep your loved ones from scrambling around for a Phillips head screwdriver when they desperately need one. (If an all-purpose tool kit is out of your price range, consider a pocket-sized multi-tool, instead. A well-made multi-tool can give you a lot of bang for your buck.)
2. A Wireless Outdoor Security System
These days, wireless security systems come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. You can get them with or without cameras, night vision, motion sensors, high-def resolution, and more — no expensive subscription necessary.
If you can afford a system that has all the bells and whistles, that’s great — but unnecessary. Even a plain security system that turns on the lights if someone’s lurking around will be useful. If your friends or family members don’t already have a security system, this can demonstrate both your love and your concern for their well-being.
3. A Leaf Blower or Lawn Mower
If you have the money to spare, you can just about bet that the new homeowners need a leaf blower or a lawnmower. (Those are the sort of things that new homeowners often forget they need until they see the neighbors side-eyeing them because the lawn has been neglected.)
Electric blowers and mowers are both easy to manage, tend to be lighter and more environmentally friendly than gas, so consider that when you’re making your choices. (Alternatively, since it’s winter, you could swap out the lawn mower for a snow blower as a gift, which would be both appreciated and timely.)
4. Solar-Powered Lawn and Garden Lights
Solar landscape lights offer tons of flexibility and charm, so your homeowner friends will love them — and they’re wonderfully practical. (They also come in a wide range of prices per set, so that makes them incredibly affordable if you want something memorable but are watching your money.)
Solar lights can be used to line the walkway to the homeowners’ front door, as a decorative element outside their front windows, or to make the backyard or patio more visible in the dark when they’re taking out their dogs.
5. Solar-Powered LED House Numbers
Whether it’s a package delivery from Amazon or dinner from the local pizza place, having visible house numbers is an absolute must, these days. Solar-powered LED house numbers can make it easier for delivery drivers (and friends and family) to find the home — especially in the dark.
If you’re feeling particularly generous, you could pair the gift with a custom-cut metal house sign. If the existing set of numbers on their house is rather old and worn, a replacement will be much appreciated.
6. Household Plants for Decor
One of the first things that most new homeowners realize is that they have a lot more space than they do stuff to put in it — and filling up that space takes time and money — neither of which they probably have to spare right away.
A houseplant or two can bring a cheerful decorative element to an otherwise spartan living room or study — and it’s a budget-friendly option if you can’t afford much but still want to show your love. (Just make sure that you’re conscious of any pets in the household when you’re choosing your gift.)
7. A Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Your homeowner friends don’t need an actual workshop to appreciate the varied uses for a wet/dry shop vacuum. When something happens to cause a mess (and something most certainly will happen, eventually) all over their kitchen floor, basement or bathroom, they can’t call the residential manager for help. They’re on their own for repairs.
Wet/dry shop vacs offer a ton of versatility for both indoor and outdoor use. While it may not be a sentimental gift, it’s one that your loved ones will appreciate over and over again.
8. A Multi-Purpose Step Ladder
Again, a ladder is the sort of item that nobody thinks about buying — until they need one. That’s usually when it’s least convenient to rush out and get one. Most new homeowners haven’t had much reason to own a ladder, so it’s a pretty sure bet that the gift will be hugely appreciated.
Eventually, most homeowners will need both an extension ladder and a step ladder, but the step ladder is probably more immediately useful. With a decent-sized step ladder, hanging new curtains, changing light fixtures, and cleaning the gutters will be a breeze.
9. Rocking Chairs for the Porch
Did the new homeowners buy a home with a porch or a deck? Well, why not give them something to sit and relax in while they’re outside?
Old-fashioned wooden rocking chairs will last for decades, and they’ll be a graceful decorative (and practical) touch outside of any new home.
Remember: Whatever you choose, your loved ones will be grateful — simply because it’s coming from you!
