10 Perfect Housewarming Gifts

It's always special when you visit someone's new home for the first time.  

Help make your friend or family member feel comfortable in their new place with one of these gifts.  They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and they'll think of you each time they use it.

1. Tools in a tote - Your new homeowner friend will eventually have to perform DIY tasks like replacing washers, tightening loose screws, and completing basic home improvement projects. Come to the rescue with an all-inclusive set of tools. Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, and other home improvement stores sell sets that include hammers, pliers, and wrenches in a handy tool tote.
   
   
2. Diehard plants - If your friends had plants in their previous home, there's a good chance they didn't survive the move. If they didn't have plants, you can help them start a new tradition. Look for thriving, easy-to-care-for greenery like ivy, pothos, or airplane plants. 
   
   
3. Decorative coffee table accent - If your friend's stylish coffee table cries out for a bold trendy accent piece, select a dish or bowl in a neutral shade or a color that works with their decor. 
   
   
4. Dinner in a box - Save your friends a trip to the grocery store with a gift card from and online website like HelloFresh or Blue Apron. They can order a dinner-in-a-box, with all the ingredients for a complete meal. P.S. Volunteer to do the cooking when the box arrives.
   
   
5. Bubbly celebration - Your friend's new house is worth celebrating. Say cheers with a quality bottle of champagne or wine. 
   
   
6. Local gift basket - If your friends moved away to a new city, send them a gift that makes them feel welcome. Buy a stylish basket they will likely reuse. Stuff it with food, sample goods, and gift certificates from local shops and home improvement stores. They'll appreciate the head start on getting to know their new community.
   
   
7. Personalized stationery - Encourage your friends to keep in touch after they move away with personalized stationery. Choose classic paper or elegant note cards from an online print company. Have their gift embossed with their initials or imprinted with their new address. If you include address labels and stamps, they won't be able to resist the snail mail temptation.
   
   
8. DIY security system - Give the gift of peace-of-mind with a boxed security system by Simplisafe, iSmart, or another internet-based security company. Sets include cameras, cellular connections, sensors and more. The homeowner does the installation and pays a monthly monitoring fee.
   
   
9. Home assistant - The new generation of Siri, Alexa, and other digital companions do more than play your favorite tunes. With optional apps and connections, they can adjust the thermostat, turn off the lights, and perform other smart-home tricks.
   
   
10. Give eco-friendly light Hand deliver a case of LED, CFL or incandescent bulbs. They're eco-friendly. They save on energy, but they're costly when a new homeowner must buy them for every socket in their home.

Whatever you buy, remember the keys to perfect housewarming gifts: usefulness and thoughtfulness. If you keep these two ideas in mind, your friends will appreciate and use whatever gift you choose.

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