House Warming Gifts

[Elizabeth2019]

I’m really struggling for decent ideas for 2 different friends, both who have just brought their first house. They have both lived in rented for a good number of years so have most things they need / want, so what can I give them that will be useful and appreciated? One friend is mid 30’s without kids, she’s very into socialising, dogs and it’s a small 2 bed house. The other is mid 40’s with one small baby, she’s into organic / ethically sourced products, very baby focused and it’s a small 3 bed house.

They’re both good friends so would like to spend more than a bottle of wine, but under £30 if possible. Any ideas???

Morrison's have some amazing cheap house plants!! Plenty cash left for a bottle of bubbly too!

Oh yes I never think of house plants! My initial thought was a wine rack but then I couldn’t think if she might not want something taking up space... or a baby mat maybe...

Either ask them or give them a voucher. They will almost definitely be skint and you giving them something they don’t want/need (however well intentioned) will be a bit pointless. We were given pictures when we moved into our new build-we didn’t have paint on walls, flooring or skirting boards. Practical stuff (probably b&q vouchers) would have been much more appreciated.

Flowers are always welcome. I know they are a bit cliche but flowers do cheer up a room and make people feel loved.

I have asked, both insist they don’t want anything. And giving vouchers is a good idea for one, but the other is touchy about money so would feel that I thought she couldn’t afford stuff (hence why asking for ideas).

I love flowers too, so although it seems to be a standard gift I might get one a house plant, the other flowers and both a bottle of sparkling stuff. Thank you

Sorry I don’t agree with flowers either-again I’m going to sound seriously ungrateful but there was stuff we really needed and flowers are such a waste in those circumstances. How about a nice set of appropriately sourced hand soap and hand cream? So would look nice and be useful but not clutter?

If vouchers are a no-go area, how about upgraded versions of things they already have? Swap standard wine glasses for Riedel, an Ikea platter for a Marimekko one, ordinary salad servers for David Mellor ones etc. etc. etc. Little touches of luxury!

Friend A’s partner said she would like to upgrade her kettle lol which is what I wanted to do too, so am going to find her a nice fancy kettle. Friend B loves gardening so the house plant really might suit alongside a voucher. Thanks for the help ladies

Vouchers for the one who'd like that, flowers for the one who wouldn't! (I would absolutely see soap and hand cream as clutter – soap because I have specific tastes, hand cream because it's a cop out. I got NINE tubes of the stuff from in-laws at Christmas.)

Or! Subscription to Elle Deco or LivingEtc or other fancy interiors mag? You can get bargain subscriptions usually for way less than £30. Zero clutter because it can go in the recycling after!

In these situations, I usually go novelty but useful like this Lost Socks peg board for £10.99 or a better version of something they already have like this anything from Joseph Joseph but particularly their things which are designed to save space.

I think a wine rack might be too bulky, but how about something like a good wood or bamboo chopping board? It is slim and multi purpose, could be used to serve food too. You could even personalise, eg www.notonthehighstreet.com/therusticdish/product/waney-edged-personalised-chopping-board

Sorry, just noticed your update, you've got it covered!

Photo frames are usually my go-to present for anniversaries, weddings and house-warmings. Wide variety of styles and materials at all price levels.

Interestingly when me and do moved in together (4 different places so far) we have received over the years
4 slice toaster
Quirky biscuit barrel
Non stick pan set
Cake tins
Foam baby mat (the kind you put together like a puzzle)
Large rug with family rules on
Amazon device (can't remember which one we was bought as we have several now)

I changed plan for Friend A into a set of lovely glasses and 2 bottles of red, with Friend B still getting a house plant and vouchers. Friend A seemingly loved the glasses and was showing all the mismatched ones she wants to replace - so turned out to be useful phew!

Thank you for the suggestions and I’m glad I didn’t get a wine rack

Excellent wine glasses are always a great choice OP! I notice that even people with really nice houses often don't have a decent set. I'm sure your friend was delighted!