By Jessica Godart
It’s always hard to decide on presents for people. Is that enough? Should I get more of this? How should I wrap this?
Housewarming parties are especially difficult, whether you’re buying for a couple or someone who just bought their own place. What better way to say “welcome to your new home” than with a basket of goodies made especially for the recipient? Here are five gift basket-ideas for your discerning friends and their new domicile.
The “my dog is my child” basket
Pets are very often considered the owner’s child because of how close they are. If you know someone like this, a basket full of pet-friendly and owner-loving presents is perfect. Fill the basket with items for the home that are made for people with pets. For instance: a new chew toy, linen spray (for when those mistakes happen), dog treats, treat jar, wall art and a pillow pet (to be used by the pet or owner).
“The kitchen is my home” basket
When looking at properties, some tend to just look at the kitchen because they know they’ll be spending most of their time there. For these friends, try a fun kitchen-based approach. Get a couple new fun oven mitts, a “kiss the cook” apron of some variation, a bottle of oil and one of vinegar, measuring spoons, hand soap and add a dash of sugar in there for the bakers.
“Another glass s’il vous plait!” The taste tester basket
Some cook, some eat. For the friend who’s planning on eating more than cooking, check out some of these food favorites: a bottle of wine (red or white, buyer’s preference), cheese (which cheese goes with which wine?), a set of wine glasses, a box of chocolates, some jam and some crackers to go with the cheese.
First-time homeowners looking to score!
For the single or married friends buying their own place for the first time, they’re going to need a lot of stuff that they might not be able to afford. Throw together a basket of “any house” necessities. Some sweet smelling hand soap for the bathroom, a candle for any room, a caddy for all the remotes that you’ll lose, a set of serving utensils and decorative lights for the deck.
It’s a bit of a fixer upper! The fix-it bucket
There’s always the house that’s bought with the owners knowing full well it’s going to take a lot of work to make it their dream house. Cleverly fill a bucket with an extension cord, a hammer, a pack of nails, sand paper, painter’s tape, a small can of paint, a screw driver and a tape measure.
