So you’ve moved into your new pad. Forget the solicitors, estate agents and utility bills, there’s only one thing that should be on your mind housewarming presents!
It’s enough to go through the hassle of buying a house just so you can get a new set of wine glasses.
The pressure on friends and relatives to buy the perfect gift is high. Don’t worry, our guide below will reveal that there are some gifts where you are almost guaranteed you will not have to hang on to the receipt because nobody in their right mind would want to part with….
1)A Loo Read
It must be a Perfect Day if you get a Loo Read housewarming present. This rather ingenious contraption is a design dream – its wire frame holds newspapers and magazines for your perusal, and of course, loo rolls. Just a fancy loo paper holder? This present is more than just a flash in the pan.
2)Plants
Plants add warmth, oxygen and greenery to your home and even if you are a neglectful soul some kinds of plants are pretty indestructible and hardy like the spider plant. Or you could get a plant with meaning; bamboo for example signifies good fortune, perfect for a new home. Plants are attractive, healthy, easy and cheap to maintain and if you live alone, they are preferable to talk to than the wall.
3)Smelly candles
So you might think it’s a bit rude to be given lots of smelly products for your new home what are they trying to say about you? But scents are a lovely way to turn your home into an oasis. And, like plants, you can put as much thought as you like into the scents you chose.
Lavender After all that unpacking and stress of moving house, lavender is perfect for relaxation.
Pine or Mint Pine and mint are uplifting, clean and cheerful, a breath of fresh air for your house guests.
Rose, sandalwood and jasmine looking for romance? If your cute neighbour knocks on your door looking for a cup of sugar, make sure you’re burning these heady smelly candles.
Cinnamon, berry and apple you just know it’s Christmas when these rich, cosy smells waft around your living room.
4)Vases
It may not be very imaginative, but it’s a sure thing that when you have a housewarming party somebody will bring you a bunch of flowers. You know you’re a proper home owner when you possess more than one vase.
5)A Blackboard
Blackboards may be a throwback in this digital, electronic age, but give anyone a piece of chalk and watch them unleash the child within. Blackboards are a fun way to leave messages from shopping lists to inspirational quotes on the meaning of life. Or you can leave funny drawings or play noughts and crosses over breakfast. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
6)DVDs
Anybody knows if you are going to spend sufficient time in your new pad than you will need home entertainment. DVDs are the perfect way to wile away the winter months. Here are a few appropriate suggestions:
Wizard of Oz. After all, there’s no place like home.
The Waltons. A tribute to family life under one roof.
The Simpsons. A tribute to family life under one roof. With humour.
7)Wine glasses
A practical and well thought-out gift, how will you host a housewarming party without them?
8)Kitchen utensils
As above, you need to be able to bake a cake for all those neighbours popping round for a cuppa.
9)A Toolbox
A toolbox may not be very attractive as a gift, but you’ll be glad of it when it comes to hanging all those new pictures, putting together the bookshelves or fixing the kitchen cabinet.
10)A Piggybank
Now that you own a home, you will need a piggy bank to start saving the pennies for all those home improvements!