Useful Housewarming Gifts
A friend has just moved into a new home, perhaps their first home away from their parents, so what can you buy as a thoughtful gift? Something that will not only be useful in their new life, but also something that will remind them of the friend who gave it. First reflect on any gifts you have received from friends and how you felt when you received them. Were there any items that made you think 'gosh that's useful', and was there anything that has proved to be incredibly practical, though looked quite uninteresting when you received it.
Please always consider your friends taste when you are selecting the style, whether they prefer older, traditional styling or more modern, innovative design. This goes for colour selection as well, unless you want them to remember you with a grimace.
It's nice to try and find an item that is a luxury in its own class, that wouldn't normally be bought when setting up your home. Perhaps Italian glass containers for pasta, or a decorative olive oil container with a supply of extra virgin olive oil. Even a pestle and mortar makes a useful and decorative gift for a cooking enthusiast, teamed with a fresh supply of herbs and spices. Kitchen utensils come at a great variety of prices and a few well chosen items can make a suitable gift. What about a robust garlic press, nutcrackers and wine bottle stoppers, fridge fresheners and good quality oven gloves?
If the kitchen isn't your friends speciality then how about a recipe book for simple, nutritional meals? Everyone has to eat and it may inspire them to be more adventurous in the kitchen. A good cookery book can be a lifetime friend, especially if the recipes have all be tested properly and the instructions are clear and well illustrated. You can also write a message of warmth and friendship on the fly leaf just as a reminder.
Flowers and plants for the house or garden also make good gifts and come in a range of prices. Ask advice from the shop or garden centre for the most suitable plants for the region of your friends' home so that they stand a good chance of successful cultivation. Steer clear of delicate plants that need specific conditions, like orchids, unless your friend is an avid gardener.
Other useful gifts could be a decorative file for holding all the household paperwork, a magazine rack, an umbrella stand that prevents the floor getting wet, a decorative mirror, a timer that can be used for cooking and when exercising, a torch with spare batteries for emergencies, a sewing kit with needles and a selection of coloured cotton, scissors of all sizes.
Your friend will appreciate your gift, whatever you choose but with a little thought, the gift could last a lifetime, so happy gift giving.
