Do you need a fresh idea for a housewarming gift? Let’s start with some of my favorite gifts that are not only fresh, but will remain alive and growing over the years.
Our family moved all too often in years past. With each new home, we had adjustments. Some things we no longer needed, some new things were required. Every time some family members and some dear friends surprised us with little welcoming gifts that made our transition more fun.
When someone moves into a new home, it’s always polite to send or bring them a housewarming gift to congratulate them. If it’s a new neighbor, a plate of cookies or a homemade dinner is a kind way to welcome the new family. If it is someone you know you will probably have an idea of what they like. Yet often, these friends are well established without particular needs.
Since we’ve had a lot of experience, both giving and receiving gifts, I thought I would share our favorites that are always enjoyed.
1. A Fruit Tree
One of the best gifts we received brought renewed pleasure every year. That was a dwarf lemon tree. It came in a pot so we didn’t need to put it in the ground, though we did eventually. We could move it around season to season for the best light.
Because it is portable, it’s a terrific gift for any home, whether a house, a condo, or a rental.
Any fruit tree would be fun, but lemon trees and other citrus trees like an orange tree or a lime tree always seem the most prolific and easiest to grow. That little tree would produce dozens of lemons all year, year after year.
The sweetest part of it was that every time we picked one we remembered who gave it to us. That always makes us smile. It’s a lovely treat to know you can go outside and pick a lemon whenever you need one fresh.
2. A Special Rose Bush
This was a twice favorite gift. The first was from my parents when we moved into our last home. They had a deep red rose bush they had moved several times. It moved from the San Fernando Valley to Ventura County, to Oregon, thriving in each location for over 30 years. When they brought us the same rose bush, it was a cherished gift.
Every year we watched as the deep blooms grew and blossomed, knowing that Mom and Dad had a bush just like it that would be blooming too.
The second rose was also from family. My sister gave us a yellow rose one year. That little bush was the most prolific with roses than any other in our yard. It would often have two dozen perfect large roses on it at one time. They smelled spectacular, often gracing our dining room table.
Again, a rose bush is a gift that lasts for years. It refreshes the soul and brings with it so many sweet memories.
3. A Blueberry Bush
More recently with all the knowledge of how often berries are recommended for our health, a blueberry bush has moved to the top for a welcome gift. Blueberries are a favorite since they are one of the super foods, but also because as a plant, they are so easy to handle.
Any berry would be a delight. Raspberries, blackberries pick your favorite….It may depend on your area. Blackberries grow wild here in Southern Oregon. You’ll find them growing along roads everywhere.
I’m not sure how well they would grow in a pot. I’ve only had them in the ground, but again, it is so rewarding to walk outside and pick a few as you need them to put in your oatmeal in the morning. When you end up with a lot of them, they freeze beautifully for use in cereal, muffins, scones, and more. And they come back every spring for years and years.
With the trend away from packaged foods and back to fresh, healthy natural foods, this is another renewing gift that will be loved.
4 A Planter filled with Spices
This is always a favorite. Who wouldn’t enjoy a planter filled with fresh herbs that you can pick as you need? In the garden planter pictured here, you have a kit that comes with wonderful variety of seeds.
You can buy small plants to stash into each spot for a ready made garden if you prefer. Choose favorites.
This one includes a great selection including parsley and chives, cilantro, basil, dill, oregano, thyme and more. More than a dozen actually.
It comes with a hanger which would be handy for a kitchen window or a patio, and would be perfect indoors in the lighting is good. I love to pick what I need. And I love having my own favorites handy.
5 A Gardenia or other scented plant
A gardenia or other strongly scented favorite plant is another treat. We planted ours right by the front door. Each time we entered or left we were reminded of the friend who brought it to us.
If gardenia is too strong, jasmine or honeysuckle are two other favorites. Most are perennial, as least as far as the greens.
They may not flower all year, though some will. Any time I am out walking and pick up the aroma of blossoming plants, I can’t help but smile.
It’s a gift of nature that reminds us of simple pleasures to be found just being out in the fresh air. Any plant such as this will grow and last for years with the proper care.
Sustainable, Natural, and Fresh
Any time our family received any of these gifts, we enjoyed them for years after. It is also fun to give a plant or tree that will provide food or spice to be used over and over again. That is another great thing about most of these gifts. Some are seasonal like the berries, but they can be frozen to use all year. The lemon and lime trees will often produce fruit year round. Their juice too can be frozen for year round use. If you use as many as we do, it is a cost saver besides.
Aren’t these gifts you would enjoy yourself? If so you can be sure your friend or family member would love them too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
May 18, 2015
I’d love all of these beautiful gifts, they would make me very happy indeed 🙂