Your friend has bought their first home, they’ve moved in, and now you’re invited to their housewarming. Knowing what to bring as a housewarming gift can be tricky. No doubt there will be plenty of congratulatory bottles of wine, but you’d like to gift them something unique and actually helpful.
Cute Kitchenware
For most people, by the time they’re buying their first home, they’ll either be moving into it from their parents’ house or from a rental. So it’s a pretty safe guess that they’ll either have barely any kitchenware or most of their stuff is from Kmart or Ikea.
Choosing a cute set of glasses or some matching stoneware plates and bowls can really help the new homeowners step into this new phase of life, and means they can trash the cheap stuff. Chances are, their post-rental cutlery drawer is also looking pretty mismatched. Gift them a new set of cutlery, where everything matches and they haven’t had the chance to lose half their forks yet.
For something a little fancier, or if you’re going in on a shared gift between a few friends, why not get a new set of pots and pans, or something cast iron from Le Cruset that will last them a lifetime? This is especially good for the foodie who loves to cook, or offers a fresh start away from the frypan that was never the same after their roommate used it without asking that one time.
New Art for their New Home
Decorating a new space is one of the best parts of moving, and for those who are moving into a space entirely their own for the first time, or if they simply have more space to fill, why not help them get started with a new piece of art?
The type of art that people choose can be a really personal thing, so reserve this one for a best friend or sibling, someone you know really well. But a thoughtful artwork, perfectly chosen, can be an incredibly impactful gift. Think about the kinds of things they already own. What colours are they drawn to? Do they have a particular style of art that they love? Are they more of a classic or modern art kind of person? The options are nearly endless.
Whether you’re buying an original from a local artist, having their favourite print professionally framed, or sourcing an abstract artwork online, there are plenty of options, and you’re sure to find something they’ll love.
Soft Furnishing for a Cozy Finish
Blankets and cushions are a great way to bring some personality into a space, and are always a cozy addition to a living room. Gifting some high-quality throws and cushions is perfect to up the comfort on a couch, can be helpful when dressing up a spare bed, or to just have on hand for the cooler months.
If you’re not too sure about the colour of their couch or the kinds of colours they like, some high-quality neutral tones that can pair well with anything are a good place to start. Go for whites, greys, creams and beiges for a modern, minimal style, or earth tones like tans, taupes and light mossy greens for a warmer, more natural look.
Outdoor Furniture for their New Bonus Space
If you’re looking to splurge a little more on this housewarming gift, something for their new outdoor space could be a good way to go. If this is the first time they’ve had a backyard, or a balcony space they can make their own, some outdoor furniture or decor can help them get started.
A few strings of outdoor solar lights can help turn up the vibes, or an outdoor rug or runner to create a defined sitting area. Even some outdoor floor cushions help create a more laid-back, casual feel. Bonus points if you pair it with a stylish crate to store everything out of the weather when it’s not being used.
If they’re keen entertainers and are planning on hosting outdoors as often as they can, a freestanding firepit and some benches are essential for year-round parties. Even something a little goofy, like a gnome or a large ceramic frog, can make for a fun gift for the quirky new homeowner.
Choose Their Own Adventure
The easiest and most universally appreciated gift to help decorate a new home is a voucher. Pick a store you know they’ll like, but that is maybe a little out of their usual price range. Giving them a voucher, regardless of the total value, can help them get closer to that dream decor item they thought was out of their reach.
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial outlays a person will make in their life, and for first-time house buyers, helping them fill their new home with things they’ll love, gifted by people they care about, really makes the space feel personal and curated from the moment they move in.
