In a world where most housewarming gifts are the expected (and boring) candles, towel sets, and coasters, it can be tough to find a unique gift that’ll be used and appreciated. We've got you covered!
Moving into a new home is a big deal, no matter the circumstances. For a big move or a first home, a housewarming party might be held to celebrate the fresh start it represents. Even if a party isn’t in the cards, you may want to send a gift to the new resident to reflect your best wishes on this next step in their life.
In a world where most housewarming gifts are the expected (and boring) candles, towel sets, and coasters, it can be tough to find a unique gift that’ll be used and appreciated—not tucked away in a drawer and forgotten.
We’ve got you.
Here are six unique housewarming gift ideas that don’t suck. You’re welcome!
High Quality Salt + Optional Saltshaker
Traditionally, salt is gifted to someone who moves into a new home to ensure that life in it will be full of flavor. On top of making for a flavorful life, according to Italian tradition, a pinch of salt in the threshold of each door will bring good luck, heal old wounds, and guarantee health and happiness. (Lot of responsibility, for a tiny pinch of salt!)
That said, it might be a little strange to arrive at your friend’s new house with a handful of salt. Gifting them a saltshaker complete with high quality salt, on the other hand, is just the ticket. Even those who don’t consider themselves foodies still need salt! There are so many exotic kinds to choose from:
If you want to put a modern twist on this old tradition, think salt lamps, bath salts, or a Himalayan salt Zen garden.
A Toolbox
A toolbox might not be the most glamorous of gifts, but there’s no doubt it’ll be one of the most useful in the long run. This is especially true for people who are moving away from home for the first time, moving into their first home, or moving into a fixer-upper.
You don’t need to go all out with a giant mechanic’s toolset. A simple, compact toolbox containing all the essentials (a hammer, wrench, set of pliers, box of screws and nails of various sizes, tape measure, duct tape, and pair of screwdrivers) is more than enough.
Trust us, at some point or another, that toolbox WILL be used—and you’ll be the hero who gave them exactly what they needed. Who doesn’t want to earn hero status?
Photo by PirateandGypsyJewels on Etsy
A House Cleansing Kit
This one might be considered a little “out there” by some, while others will think it’s the perfect housewarming gift.
If your recipient is more spiritually inclined, look no further than a home cleansing kit. While not everybody believes in this sort of stuff, nobody wants to live in a house that’s been left full of bad vibes and negativity. After all, you never know who lived there before, and what kind of people they were. Better safe than sorry, eh?
A house cleansing kit will usually contain some combination of the following:
- Sage smudge stick: Traditionally used to cleanse negative energy.
- Quartz crystal: For protection of the aura and positivity on the chakras.
- Palo Santo: Rids a space of negative energy and attracts positive energy.
- Citrine stone: Also called the “Sunshine Stone,” this protects against spiritual buildup.
- Black salt: Keeps evil forces away and used to remove jinxes.
- White sea salt: Provides protection and brings forth blessings.
Your Time
OK, we lied earlier. There is a gift greater than a toolbox: your time. Yes it's cheesy, but it's also practical.
Ask your friend if there is ANYTHING you can help them with to get the new place feeling like home. They might need help with heavy lifting, painting, a takeaway lunch on moving day, or even just watching the kids for a few hours while they unpack.
When it comes to moving, most people need all the help they can get, so your offer is sure to be well received. You can make the gift of your time feel a little more “gift-like” by handcrafting a little note (or writing a card) that says “Coupon: Three Hours of Help” or something along those lines.
Not only is this gift idea special, but it’s also great if you happen to be strapped for cash. If they need your help with DIY tasks, don’t forget that Sparetoolz has your back. Rent one of our tools, and your friend will never know you’re broke.
Photo by WallTonicArts on Etsy
A Memory
Moving into a new home can be tough. Even though moving can bring a sense of excitement for things to come, it can also engender sadness for the things (and people) left behind.
Why not pay respect to your friend’s old home, town, or state?
You could do this by framing a map of the area they used to live in, filling a jar full of love notes about memories you made in the old home, or even get them a custom framed picture of their former home, so they’ll always have a piece of their past with them. There’s room to play around here, so use your imagination (and possibly also Etsy). 
A Gift Card
We promise we’re not totally mainstream-ing out on you with this last one. Gift cards are a bit of a double-edged sword: they give the recipient freedom to choose what they really want, but can also make them feel like you didn’t put thought into it.
That is, unless you put a lot of thought into where the gift card is for. Research the area they’ve just moved to and find out which establishments are the best of the best.
Perhaps it’ll end up being a gift card to the best pizzeria the city has to offer, or for one of the outdoor activities the place is known for. Help them get out and explore their new surroundings!
Whatever you do, the key is to avoid gift cards to generic places like Amazon, Target, iTunes, and so on.
Celebrating the start of someone’s life in a new home is special and calls for a special gift. Put the candles, plants, and Plain Jane welcome mats down.
Instead, take your pick from the unique housewarming gifts we’ve shared with you today or use them as inspiration to give your friend a truly memorable gift.
