Unique Housewarming Gifts for Your New Friend

Working in real estate, we field many questions from both buyers and sellers.

These are normally about the buy-sell process itself, but occasionally we get an unusual inquiry that demands we put on a different type of thinking cap.

One of my favorite uncommon questions is, what to offer as a housewarming gift. Personally, I love putting together different rooms with unique décor and functional — yet feel-good — furniture. The opportunity to help someone come up with a housewarming gift that will leave a big impression makes me smile ear-to-ear. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:

Glass Bottle with Wood Ball Stopper

Though they sound a little weird, these come in an assortment of shapes and sizes, and can be used for numerous tasks. Find out your new neighbor’s favorite wine and make a little presentation of it as a decanter. Place decorative — and better yet, usable — dry goods such as pastas or wild rice in a set of bottles for instant, functional kitchen décor. Or, if you find a bottle with a loose fitting ball, you can even house a live air plant in one! Which brings me to my second recommendation…

Air Plant

Fresh greenery is often a welcome gift, and as pretty as cut flowers are, they eventually fade. As an alternative, try an air plant instead! Even if you’re not sure how green your neighbor’s thumb is, an air plant makes an easy and beautiful gift that will live on for years with simple care. In fact, most only need one heavy misting or light water soak once every week or so. And no soil means they can display their new green buddy almost anywhere! There are many types and sizes available now so when picking out an air plant, read the labels and opt for a less finicky variety.

Décor Pet Gate

If a Fido or Felix has also moved in next door, consider an upgrade to the standard indoor pet gate. Even if your neighbor’s pet is the best-mannered critter around, there will probably be times that they’ll want to keep said critter out of the kitchen or confined upstairs. A portable accordion-style gate lets them move it to wherever the need is, such as keeping their kitchen counters un-surfed upon.

Customized Coasters

If your neighbors are setting up a polished new coffee table, they probably want to avoid damaging water or heat rings for as long as possible. With a large number of websites offering customized goods, it’s extremely easy to find one that offers personalized coaster sets. Wood or stone coasters look nice with almost any room theme and you could order them with your neighbor’s last name, monogram, or an etching of their favorite bird, for example. Thoughtful and varnish-saving!

Gift Card

Inside a thoughtful card, of course. Opt for a favorite local goods or décor store so your neighbor can pick out exactly what they want or need, while also exploring their new locality. Another option would be a gift card to a handyman-type of store — think Lowe’s or Home Depot — that offers tons of items new home owners might find themselves needing soon after moving in.

These are only a few of my suggestions for unique housewarming gifts. I hope they spark many ideas while you think of the best way to welcome your new friend!