Timeless Housewarming Gifts

You probably go through life having known many friends and family members who buy a home, and I'm guessing that if you're like me, there's a struggle every time -- what to get them as a housewarming gift? The person who has everything, the quirky friend, the picky one...what can you get that works for everyone and doesn't go out of style? Well, there are timeless gifts that you can give to just about anyone you know who buys a new home regardless of their personal taste. We've rounded up the housewarming gifts that'll be sure to stand the test of time.

1. Wine, champagne or liquor
When people move, they typically don't bring half-empty bottles of old liquor or anything from the refrigerator. It's a nice gesture to make your housewarming gift something that they can either open immediately in celebration or store away for future use. Bring it in a nice wine bag that they can reuse.

2. Edible gift basket
If your friend has just moved, they won't have anything to eat, so drop by the day after the move with a gift basket that includes non-perishables and fruits, meats and cheeses. This will satisfy the new homeowner's hunger as he/she unpacks. Try something yummy from Harry & David.



3. A fake plant
I would have said a live plant, but sometimes I think that can be an overwhelming and stressful gift, as people see it as work. I look at plants even now and instantly feel scared that I won't be able to keep them alive. By bringing a fake plant, you're offering a friendly gesture without the added stress of watering and worrying.

4. A doormat
While this may seem unusual, everyone needs and uses doormats. A doormat says "Welcome to my home" and that's exactly the feeling a new homeowner wants.

5. Candles
Candles can be used for quiet evenings, dinner parties and even in emergency power outages. So whether the new homeowners like to relax in the bathtub or prepare for storms, you've got them covered. Choose neutral scents since not everyone likes all smells. Vanilla is a safe bet.

If you need a great place to start shopping for housewarming gifts, try Gifts.com, RedEnvelope and Wrapables.