What Exactly Is A Good House Warming Gift?

Well let us start with what exactly is housewarming? I dont know if this is a international thing but in the UK when someone moves to a new house they are given a gift. I have the feeling that since it is known as House Warming the tradition started in the olden days and people gave logs or coal to keep the house warm.

Ok maybe that isn't how it started but it is a guess that fits in with the name so that is good enough for me.

It seems that when you are a certain age everyone you know is moving house. Which made me very popular when I had a large van for my business, but it also means you could be buying a lot of housewarming gifts in a small amount of time.

• Different - If you are having to buy a few house warming presents then make sure you don't give the same thing to different friends.
• Useful - No one likes to get a gift that is un-useable. Who needs another toaster?
• Ask - If they really are good friends then why not ask them what they would like
• Affordable - No one expects you to break the bank when you are buying a housewarming gift
• History - If the present is for your son or daughter who are moving out of home for the first time then you could give them something that has historical significance. Maybe a table item that has been in the family for a long time.
• Suitable - There is no point giving a vegetarian couple a book on how to cook the perfect BBQ.
  
• Thoughtful - We are all pressured for time but your friends will know whether you put any time into the gift or not.

Looking through a site full of mahogany dining chairs is sure to help you find something. If all else fails you can go with my old standby - Booze

What i do when I am struggling to come up with a gift for a couple is to get a pen and paper out and make some notes.

-What is my budget?

-Classy,geeky,earthy - What sort of couple are they, will your silver centerpiece look out of place in amongst all their high tec housewares?

-Intimacy - How well do I know them, not all friends are the same so while you can buy one couple a fun gift another couple may get offended.

-Talking point or practical - Do you want to buy them a gift they will use daily or one that will be a talking point?

Once you have worked out an honest answer to these questions then you will have an idea of what to get them. Just remember you are not tied down to only shopping locally. If you buy online you have more of a chance of finding them something unique.