topic Re: Housewarming Gift in Community Chat

Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:02:24 GMT

My friend's cousin is moving into a lovely new house and I am at a loss for a housewarming gift. They have everything and are moving into a $1.5 million dollar home. What to get people who have everything is challenging while trying to keep the cost to a max of $50.

No interest in buying them food or gift cards. I know everyone has throws but thinking of that idea. Maybe a lantern. I have no ideas do you?

Re: Housewarming Gift

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:13:02 GMT

IMO, if someone can afford a $1.5M house, a $50 or less housewarming gift would be unimpressive. Kind and thoughtful, but unimpressive. In a house of that caliber, they will have decor to match. And, again, likely won't need any help decorating. Plus, that's such a personal taste thing anyway.

I'd wait until they're moved in and then send a nice floral arrangement with a hand written card congratulating them on their new home.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Desertdi — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:25:17 GMT

Something handy and USEFUL...like a rechargeable flashlight...

Re: Housewarming Gift

Linda0215 — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:29:00 GMT

I agree, they probably have everything or at the very least, have their own taste in home decor. How about something out of the box? Like a Starbucks or Dunkin gift card? That's something everyone I think would enjoy.

Re: Housewarming Gift

haddon9 — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:49:31 GMT

I know that you mentioned no gift cards, however anyone who just moves in could always use something like Uber Eats or Grub Hub for a quick and easy take out meal.

My nephew and his wife moved recently to a house with the same cost and I got them an Amazon gift card but spent $100.00. I figured they could get what they need or want.

Otherwise a nice small gift basket with teas, coffee or food items or a plant could be very nice.

Re: Housewarming Gift

RetRN — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:53:24 GMT

A coffee table book maybe, but you probably wouldn't find many nice ones for $50.00. Even nice candles or throws are expensive. Sending a floral arrangement is nice, but for $50.00 you might get 6 carnations. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Sooner — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:58:08 GMT

I'd send a nice card. I think most people who aren't in financial stress would NOT welcome any item when they are moving. No book, candle or any other object to deal with.

Other than that, a gift card for delivery from a grocery store or some place that delivers breakfast or something and a card that says have breakfast on me, enjoy your lovely new home and have some treats delivered, etc.

Lord help them no more stuff. . . I say from experience.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Melzie — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:59:55 GMT

My first thought when I read this was that I don't even know the cousins of 90% of my friends so is this person a friend as well or is this a business related obligation? Since these folks obviously don't need anything and can afford to buy anything they want/need, I think what another person here suggested is appropriate and that would be to send a nice floral arrangement. It goes with everything and fulfills any obligation you might feel you need to address. Just my opinion.

Re: Housewarming Gift

tansy — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:03:59 GMT

Are you getting suggestions for your friend or for you, @Biftu? I wouldn't give a gift at all in your situation.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Sweet Kitties — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:09:35 GMT

You can't go wrong with some high quality seasonings. I would get smaller jars of spices that almost everyone uses--garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, basil, cinnamon, pepper, and maybe even a seasoning salt. The jars would fit easily into a pretty little gift bag.

You could also give a theme food gift. Such as a jar of dry pasta, crushed tomatoes, spagetti sauce, italian seasonings & a recipe card for a great sauce. You could do a mexican themed bag with canned beans, chili powder, tomatoes, a box of corn bread mix, and a recipe card for chili. You could assemble a jar of dried beans,dried vegetables, & seasonings, along with a recipe card on how to make bean soup.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Bri369 — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:11:08 GMT

Do you personally know this person? Have you been invited to their home?

If I was personally invited to their home, I would bring flowers. I wouldn't bring anything decor related.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:17:04 GMT

@Melzie wrote:
My first thought when I read this was that I don't even know the cousins of 90% of my friends so is this person a friend as well or is this a business related obligation? Since these folks obviously don't need anything and can afford to buy anything they want/need, I think what another person here suggested is appropriate and that would be to send a nice floral arrangement. It goes with everything and fulfills any obligation you might feel you need to address. Just my opinion.

I would consider them friends although only see them maybe twice a year but we talk on the phone occasionally.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Q-Checker — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:17:59 GMT

I don't think a gift card would be a welcomed gift for anyone who can afford a $1.5 million home. I love the idea of flowers, but itwould be hard to find any at the $50 price point -- at least in this area. If you knew if they had a favorite charity, a donation in honor of them and their new home might be welcomed. I also think a thoughtfully prepared small basket of some unique specialty foods might be a nice gift.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:20:48 GMT

@Sweet Kitties wrote:
You can't go wrong with some high quality seasonings. I would get smaller jars of spices that almost everyone uses--garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, basil, cinnamon, pepper, and maybe even a seasoning salt. The jars would fit easily into a pretty little gift bag.

You could also give a theme food gift. Such as a jar of dry pasta, crushed tomatoes, spagetti sauce, italian seasonings & a recipe card for a great sauce. You could do a mexican themed bag with canned beans, chili powder, tomatoes, a box of corn bread mix, and a recipe card for chili. You could assemble a jar of dried beans,dried vegetables, & seasonings, along with a recipe card on how to make bean soup.

Nice idea but they are Indian and use their own spices and are vegetarians. She is a fantastic cook though.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:22:52 GMT

@Bri369 wrote:
Do you personally know this person? Have you been invited to their home?

If I was personally invited to their home, I would bring flowers. I wouldn't bring anything decor related.

Yes, I've stayed at their house many times and they have stayed at mine. They are moving to their new home this week.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:24:34 GMT

@tansy wrote:
Are you getting suggestions for your friend or for you, @Biftu? I wouldn't give a gift at all in your situation.

Suggestions for a housewarming gift for them.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Laura14 — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:26:27 GMT

Since tis the season, what about an ornament or throw or pillow commemorating their first Christmas or holiday in the new home?

Or, if you know they like games or puzzles, I once put together playing cards and simple classic games for a white elephant one year that went over well.

If someone cooks, you can still buy or create and personalize a recipe book or cookbook.

And something I never thought I would love is the interchangeable doormats for every season. I got it off QVC with four seasonal mats for about $40 on clearance and I love it. You can get a personalized initial mat off of Amazon for their last name for less than $20 if you want to add to it.

Re: Housewarming Gift

feline groovy — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:26:58 GMT

Maybe a magazine subscription if you know their interests.

Re: Housewarming Gift

Biftu — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:30:22 GMT

Maybe I'll have to up my dollar amount although considering the relationship I felt $50 would be a decent price point. It's the thought that counts, I feel. Really no need to give them anything but I thought it would be a nice gesture.

Re: Housewarming Gift

ahoymate — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:38:57 GMT

Of course it's the thought that counts. You don't have to spend more. A $1.5 million dollar home is an average home price in some parts of the country. Not a huge, movie star mansion. Follow you heart.