5 Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas (and What to Write in the Card!)

Picking the right housewarming gift is always tough. While you never can go wrong with a bottle of wine, there are undoubtedly other options out there that your host might enjoy more.

With that in mind, we have five thoughtful housewarming gift ideas for you, plus some suggestions on how to craft the perfect card. Read on to learn more.

Try one of these housewarming gift ideas to congratulate the new homebuyer in your life

1. A fancy cheese board.

If you’re at a loss for what to get your friend or family member who just moved into a new home, a fancy cheese board is a great choice. It’s something that says you want to help them settle into their new home and it’s also something that they won’t be likely to buy on their own.

However, rather than handing them a cheese board wrapped with a bow, up the ante by presenting your gift fully-plated with an assortment of cheese and crackers. This extra step is a gesture that is bound to be appreciated by the recipient and it also provides a snack that you can both enjoy together during your visit.

2. Flowers.

If getting your loved one a cheese board as a housewarming gift doesn’t quite fit their vibe, think about bring some flowers instead. That said, in this instance, you don’t just want to grab a bunch of flowers from the grocery store and call it a day.

Instead, you’ll want to bring flowers and a vase since there’s no guarantee that the new homeowner will have one of their own. Not only is this extra step incredibly thoughtful, but it will also save your loved one from having to run around and find a vase in the midst of entertaining.

3. Champagne or another adult beverage.

For those loved ones who enjoy the more upscale things in life, there is no better gift than champagne. Put simply, the very essence of champagne denotes a special occasion. If you want to mark their latest achievement in a way that they’ll remember, a toast in their honor is the way to go.

Again, don’t just show up with a bottle of champagne. Instead, complete the housewarming gift by pairing it with a few champagne flutes. This thoughtful gesture will show that you were willing to go the extra mile.

4. Pizza.

Then again, sometimes you’ve known your loved one forever and you don’t need to worry about putting on any pretenses. In that case, there is no better gift than your presence in their new home. Still, you don’t want to show up empty-handed, so it’s a good idea to bring a pizza or another meal that you know they will enjoy.

When someone has just moved into a new home, they have a lot of work to do. Unpacking is taking up most of their mental energy and the last thing you want to have to worry about is cooking for a guest. By bringing take-out or a home-cooked meal, you’ll be taking a huge task off their plate and showing that you have thought about their needs.

5. Candle or candle set.

Lastly, there are also certain situations where you don’t know your housewarming host that well. In those instances, we recommend bringing a candle or a candle set to the event. While you would certainly never want to show up empty-handed, it’s also important to ensure that your housewarming gift is generic enough to be appreciated by the host, regardless of how well (or newly) the two of you are acquainted.

When choosing a candle to bring to the event, opt for one that is in a subtly-decorated container with a clean scent, rather than something with lots of personality. In this case, you should be striving for mass appeal rather than a gift that might be hit-or-miss, depending on the host’s personal tastes.

Here’s what to write in the card for your housewarming gift

Before we wrap up, it’s important to talk about what to write in the card. In this case, it’s better to keep it short and sweet. Follow the steps below to hit the task out of the park:

• Congratulations: Start by congratulating your loved one on their new place.
• Thank you: Thank them for allowing you to share in the process of making memories.
• Well wishes: Offer them well wishes for the future

All told, this message should be similar to the following:

Dear [Loved One],

Congratulations on purchasing your first home! Thank you for inviting me along as you start making memories in your new place. I wish you every happiness as you continue to settle in and make it your own.

Here’s to the start of a new adventure!

Love,

Your Name