What makes a good house warming gift ?

[JohnnyBoots]

[SpiralHawk]

1. A couple of rolls of insulation

will come in handy.

Especially when the BushCo-created STUPENDOUS HEATING BILLS start rollin in this winter.

[Cleita]

2. Matches?

Just kidding. A gift basket?

[NMDemDist2]

3. a nice philodendron, hard to kill and they like anything but direct light

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. A space heater

[Rising Phoenix]

5. candles are always nice

plants are good, both nice and cheap, which for me right now is the way I go...

[havocmom]

6. Depends on the household. Plants make a nice addition to most homes

If it is a new home for an established household, depends on what they have already. For newer households, think about where the gaps are: could they use nice stems or bar ware? Candle sticks? Things for outdoor cooking/dining: BBQ tools, those big ol Grilla mitts, non-glass beverage set.

Really nice picture frames are always nice too. Those cool shoe scrapers are nice, as are good door mats.

[Rising Phoenix]

7. ooh picture frames- always nice to get

[havocmom]

9. One of my two stand-by choices for wedding gift too.

The other being a good picnic basket set, wine classes, cork puller and a note that marriage is NOT the end of romance ;)

[yellowdogintexas]

12. my new standby wedding gift: The Brownie Kit

my Brownie recipe
a big microwavable mixing bowl with handle
8 or 9 inch square pan
whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups


Especially if it is a young couple just starting out.

For those in the second marriage or who have lived on their own and had time to acquire stuff, I give picture frames, cookbooks, new towels,
or something that is personally meaningful from us..depends on how close we are to the couple.

My niece got a framed antique doilie made by my great grandmother (her great great grandmother. Family heirloom.

[GOPisEvil]

8. Is the home owner a wine drinker?

Wine is nice. :)

[malta blue]

10. Wine is always a great gift.

Even if they don't drink wine, they can use it to cook. A basket with a few bottles (depending on your budget), one red, one white, a champagne, maybe some port...you get my drift. A reputable wine shop can direct you to some great buys (under $10) that are really quite nice. Also, you can reference the dining and wine section in the NY Times, they have comparative tastings with their results published, and I have yet to go wrong by following their advice.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

11. Gift Cards...

That way they can get whatever they want. Or cash. Even better.
Duckie

[bliss_eternal]

13. Usually something someone gave me that I hated...

..no, I'm kidding (mostly). ;) Sorry, kinda' in a smart ass mood.

Plants, gift cards, frames (for photos). The more generic the better because you don't really know their taste or decor. I dislike getting items for my home from people that don't know my decor, color schemes, taste, etc.

Gift cards are probably the best all around, imo. Then they can purchase anything they want or may need.

[bertha katzenengel]

14. a loaf of bread, a pound of salt, a bottle of wine, and a can of black-

eyed peas.

Along with your gift, whatever you decide to give.

Traditional housewarming gifts. Symbolizing providence, flavor, joy, and luck.

[CornField]

15. Towels -- really big, thick ones

I've been known to take handmade pillows, cross-stitch, etc. in my slim-wallet days. Most people just want to celebrate the house with friends. :)

[KittyWampus]

16. a nicely bound phone book with numbers to great resturants, take outs,

doctors, hairdressers, emergency etc.