Holiday Gift Ideas For New Homeowners
Photo by Element5 Digital
Someone near and dear to you just bought a new home and the holidays are fast approaching. How do you win the holidays and buy them the perfect gift that helps them settle into their new abode? A gift that is practical, yet fun. A gift that they’ll actually use. A gift that says, “the giver of this gift is thoughtful and sophisticated.” Whether this is their first home or their seventh, here are some ideas to bring joy to your favorite new homeowners.
First up, drink-centric gifts. Nothing says I love you like adult beverages. Make it a little fancier though, they are adults now — they own a house! A pair of crystal wine glasses (this writer prefers delicate crystal, like Reidel), and a bottle of great wine. Try for something a little higher in price than their usual budget. Make it special. Local wine is even better! Beer lovers? Buy them a bomber or six-pack of a local brew, then get style specific glassware to go with it. Beer people can be fancy too — they want to drink their IPA in a glass whose bowl perfectly captures the heady aroma of their favorite quaff, just like everybody else. Oh, they prefer cocktails? Hit your local vintage store and find some charming old cocktail glasses, they don’t need to match. And guess what? That’s right, pair them with a local bottle of spirits. They don’t imbibe? A coffee/tea subscription or gift card to a local roaster will keep them peppy, along with some hand-thrown mugs from a local artist. The moral here, people, is to shop local, shop small — let’s help our Colorado brethren during these tough times.
On to practical gifts. If you have the means, a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven will knock their socks off (choose one in their favorite color or one that matches their kitchen). This gift will become an heirloom, it’s definitely worth it if you can swing it. In general, nice pots and pans are really great, especially if these are first time homeowners whose pans make you shudder every time you look at them. Speaking of cooking, quality cutting boards are always welcome, even for repeat home buyers. Most people have cutting boards that need to go to the kitchen graveyard; let’s help them get those boards buried. Simple linen or cotton dish towels are useful, so are spa-like white bath towels (for all the guests that are going to come-a-calling, well, once we can have guests again). Gift cards are ALWAYS appreciated once you become house poor. Home improvement store gift cards are simply divine. Or, spring for a one-time house cleaning service that includes window washing. Clean windows make everything better!
Finally, some fun stuff that isn’t necessary, but can spark some joy while they are dealing with the more mundane purchases for their home. Chances are they have some sort of yard/outdoor space at their new domicile. A Bluetooth wireless speaker will make any corner of their property an instant party. Meal subscriptions or gift cards to local restaurants are great for when they are too busy to shop or cook. A heritage wool throw is charming, cozy and will keep them warm once they realize how expensive it is to heat a house. A personalized doormat, très cute! Low-maintenance house plants, check. A fresh boxwood wreath for their front door, so very classy. Fancy olive oil/cheese board/stinky cheese/charcuterie go great with those aforementioned drinks. Food and drink also pair nicely with a streaming subscription — stuffing your face while binging on TV is a perfect new homeowner pastime. Finally, if you want to appear really considerate, go on Etsy and get an artist to do a painting or drawing of their house from a photo. You can go overwrought oil painting style, graceful watercolor or keep it chic with a minimalist line drawing. You know these new homeowners best, so choose something that would make them exclaim: “This is perfect, you are so thoughtful!”
Now go forth on your gift buying adventures and happy holidays to all!