The housewarming gifts people really want when they move home
06 Nov 2018
What gifts do people really want when they’ve just moved house?
Estate agency The Modern House has teamed up with designer Faye Toogood to put together a box of ‘moving day’ gifts for its clients. The minimalist products include a plain white apron, a leather key ring and a brown clay cup but what is top of your wish list when it comes to housewarming presents?
Andrew Porter Ltd helps people from all over the UK get the best start in their new home. But while our expert crews concentrate on getting our customers’ existing belongings to their destination safely, here are some ideas of what to give your family and friends to celebrate getting the keys to their property.
- Make a welcome hamper with a difference
Hampers don’t always have to be about luxury and decadence. Make up a basket of practical products which will save your loved one from tearing their hair out looking for things when they first arrive in their new home. Include items like tea towels, toilet rolls, a pair of scissors, a bottle opener, mugs, teaspoons, tea bags and biscuits.
- Choose a really nice scented candle
One thing that people often notice when they first get into their new property is that it smells like someone else’s home. Giving someone a high quality scented candle in their favourite aroma can help them quickly make their mark on their property and help them feel more at home.
- Give gorgeous greenery
Bunches of flowers are popular gifts to give when people move home. But the reality is giving a bouquet will often send the recipient into a panic while they try to remember which box they packed the vases in. Add to that, the limited shelf life of fresh flowers and you may want to consider giving a potted plant instead. These have the advantage of being ready to display instantly and can become a lasting feature in their new home. If the property has a garden, you may want to consider giving a tree which can grow and develop during what will hopefully be many happy years in the property.
- Cook a hot, tasty meal
When someone has just moved into a new home, cooking a meal is often low on their list of priorities. Earn brownie points by turning up with a delicious home-cooked meal and a bottle of wine – you can always opt for something which can be popped into the freezer or fridge and reheated later. If cooking isn’t your strong point, you could offer to bring a takeaway when you visit. If you don’t like nearby, you could send vouchers for takeaway websites like Just Eat, Deliveroo or Hungry House so they can order something of their choice when they need it.
- Offer a helping hand
Often the most welcome and appreciated gift is actually your time. Offer to go over and help with the unpacking or decorating. You could build a piece of flat-pack furniture or even just hang some clothes up in the wardrobe. Simply being there and offering an extra pair of hands is likely to be welcomed with open arms.
- Fund a new home shopping spree
Finances are often stretched when people have just moved home but the list of things they want or need to buy is probably longer than ever. Giving cash or gift vouchers will allow your friend or family member to go shopping without feeling guilty about the expense. Vouchers for shops selling furniture or DIY stores are likely to come in useful as they start to make their own mark on their property. Other options include giving a cloud internet subscription to cover those first few days in their new home before their broadband is set up.
