Housewarming presents for established family can take some careful consideration. Often the homes are stocked before and after a move. Still, to welcome a friend or family member to their new home, you want to bring them something.
You may have read the first article on living housewarming presents. Most of those were for outside, whether yard or patio deck.
This batch contains several other ideas, more for indoor comfort and enjoyment. Some I’ve received and loved. Some I’ve given and know they were enjoyed. They are some of my all time favorites. If you are puzzled over a gift idea, consider one of these
1 A soft, cozy Throw
Every year I become more and more attached to a throw blanket. My favorite is a Vera Bradley throw, in a large size. Any time I sit in my comfy chair, whether to watch TV, use my laptop, or snuggle with my grand-puppy, that throw is keeping me (or us) warm.
Even on warm days, they might start a bit chilly. Sometimes even if it is warm, they are just there for comfort. A security snuggle for all ages. Today’s soft, furry fabrics are wonderful too.
I’ve had my favorite for years now. It washes beautifully, still looks like new, with no pilling or tearing.
The pattern of the blanket is happy and cheerful. The Vera Bradley blanket comes in a variety of designs so you can color coordinate. The size is important too. It’s big enough to snuggle you from your toes to your neck.
I’m using mine right this second.
2 A special Book
A book is always something I treasure. What’s extra special about one is that you can pick a perfect choice for the person’s interest. Some of my favorites that I’ve seen lately are food and wine related.
One hour cheese is a perfect example.
If you have a foodie for a friend or in your family, what could be more fun than a book showing that friend how to be creative with foods.
Or how about the World Atlas of Wines for the wine lover or a similar one for coffees? The pleasure of a book is how specific you can get.
If your friend is new to the area, a book about the region would be a delight.
3 Wine and Cheese Anyone?
Along with the book you think they would enjoy, you could include a special trendy gift to go with that.
Stemless wine glasses have grown so popular this past year. That would be a well used and appreciated gift, with or without a book on wine.
Go for a particular wine glass or order a set of different sized glasses as appropriate for red and white wine. Clever, cute, and very useful.
A new bamboo cutting board for the cheese they make would be a fun extra. Choose one in sustainable bamboo this time. Everyone appreciates that.
4 The Ninja Master Prep Professional
My favorite and most used small appliance is at the top of my list to gift friends and family this year. The Ninja is remarkable. Even if your friend might already have a blender, don’t let that stop you from giving this as a gift.
It works SO much better than any blender I’ve ever owned.
The Master prep comes with three sizes for use too. The position of the motor on top along with the double blades make this machine super effective. You know how much time you might spend mixing butter into flour and sugar? It’s done in seconds—literally—in the Ninja. Using frozen butter even.
It will chop vegetables from onion to cauliflower to spinach in under ten seconds.
Crush ice, make slushes and smoothies, grind coffee beans, mix pancake batter…It has never disappointed me. You can see pix of how well it works here in my review.
I think it is something everyone should have!
5 A Basket of Gift Cards
If you are familiar with an area, an assortment of gift cards to local stores is always welcome. Not only will it let your friend or family know of businesses you like, but will allow them to try them to see for themselves. How about movie theater tickets, tickets to a local playhouse, dry cleaners, video store, local coffee shops, or any other specialty shops.
Put together a little basket with gift cards/certificates to stores they might be interested in. Mani Pedi, Massage, dry cleaners, theater, restaurant, coffee, ice cream or yogurt, pet supply if they have a pet.
You can take it further if you like and get family ticket to any nearby game centers or parks. From miniature golfing to Legoland to waterslides, most areas have fun activities everyone will enjoy.
6 A delicious dinner
When someone is moving, often fixing dinner is the lowest thing on their agenda for days after that move.
An always favorite treat is a dinner, ready to eat.
If you are a cook, a home cooked meal is comforting and satisfying. If you aren’t you can pick up a reasonably priced dinner from a local restaurant that you think they would enjoy.
Many areas will deliver the meal too. Sure, it can be pizza, burgers or sub sandwiches, but why not consider something more.
Anything from Chinese to chicken fried steak is usually available nearby. Or if you want something to snack on, perhaps a deli tray from the local grocer along with rolls.
They can make their own sandwiches or just nibble while they unpack and organize.
7 Feed the Birds
Lastly for outdoors, I wish every family had at least one hummingbird feeder.
It’s a delight to watch these tiny little birds hover and drink, all the while with one eye on you and one on the lookout for other birds.
The first time I saw one perch on the feeder, it surprised me.
I like a feeder like this one because it’s glass for one, and because it is easy to clean. Hummingbirds are easy to feed, with little mess–unlike seeds that tend to spill all over the patio or ground.
It’s such a pleasure to have any type of wildlife come near to watch. The feeders are easy to hang nearly anywhere, which is a definitely plus.
8 For Barbecue Fans
If there is a grill in residence, I love this pan used for barbecuing. It’ perfect for grilling fresh veggies alongside the main course. I will also use mine for shrimp sometimes, off the skewer. Even fish or chicken is sometimes easier to grill in a pan so it doesn’t fall through onto the coals.
Grab a BBQ mitt, a bottle of specialty sauce, and perhaps a book like America’s Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America’s Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses, and Restaurants. Tie a bow around them and you have a lovely, useful gift that will be used for years to come.
The list could continue easily. Any time I have received any of these gifts, they have been treasured. It really is a blessing to enjoy a gift, week after week and year after year.
Most of these gifts are considered no-fail gifts too. Even if they already have one of them, a second is welcome. Can you ever have too many throws, books or dinners? Not in our household! Just thinking of these gifts brings sweet memories of the friends who gave them to us.
That may be the best part of all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
April 13, 2015
What a wonderful selection of gifts. These would be great to give to a friend for any occasion or just to say you’re just to say hey I appreciate you!
Thanks Merry