Fun Housewarming Gifts

Housewarming gifts should be fun, so why are you giving the same bottle of wine to all of your friends? If you’re looking for a fresh, new idea you’re in luck. Olympia Moving & Storage has compiled a list of our favorite housewarming gift ideas and where to find them!

Feel like sticking to tradition?

According to Norse tradition, it’s considered good luck to bring bread, a broom, candles, coins, honey, a knife, olive oil, plants, rice, salt, wine, or wood as a housewarming gift. Each gift symbolizes different good vibes, but none of these “traditional” gifts have much of a wow factor. We suggest putting a twist on it!

Bread & Oil Housewarming Gifts

According to the Norse tradition a housewarming gift of high quality or infused olive oil symbolizes  health. Add a loaf of crusty bread (according to folklore, this ensures your loved ones will never go hungry), throw it in a pretty basket, and you’re good to go!

We recommend doubling up with a set of unfiltered Greek olive oil from Food52.

Candle Housewarming Gift

Another traditional housewarming gift sure to be a crowd-pleaser is a candle. Representing light and warmth, we’d suggest a simple scent that won’t overwhelm. You might like something seasonal, like our favorite Balsam & Cedar scent from Yankee Candle.

Home Decor Housewarming Gifts

anthropologie throw

Be careful when choosing housewarming gift items to help get the decorating process started.

We would suggest steering clear of playing a guessing game when it comes to your loved one’s style decisions but a nice throw blanket is always appreciated. 

We love this Knit Confetti throw from Anthropologie because of it’s classic style that can fit any color scheme!

whiskey rock

Kitchen & Dining Housewarming Gifts

For the entertainer we suggest getting them some staple items that they’ll love using themselves but also to entertain you in the future

Wine pearls or whiskey stones are a great gift that most people wouldn’t buy for themselves. We like this set by Sparq (available at Bed Bath & Beyond) because they have both small and large stones included.

If your pals are into cocktails, you might look into getting them a bitters kit. These are awesome projects that also educate about types of cocktails and spirits. Hella Bitters has kits for every type of cocktail aficionado and are sure to please. We’ll take one of each!

rifle paper co

If you happen to be giving a housewarming gift to your favorite chef, you might consider getting them a recipe box paired with some recipe cards. We absolutely love Rifle Paper Co.’s recipe box and card options. Actually, we just love Rifle Paper Co. in general. (Fun fact: the Olympia Moving & Storage marketing team has matching Rifle Paper Co. notebooks… I smell a sponsorship!)

No matter what you decide to get your loved ones for a housewarming gift, the truth is that your presence in their new home is probably gift enough, but giving something awesome never hurts.

Have your own go-to that we missed? Let us know, or check out our other picks on our Pinterest!

Planning your own relocation in need of a little housewarming?

Give us a call at 800.222.4744 or request an estimate and start planning a great move today! We’ll give you our best tips and advice to make your transition as smooth as possible.

You might also be interested in:

Tips for the Perfect Housewarming Party

When the stress of your move is finally over, you can finally begin to enjoy your new home!  There’s no better way to get off to a good start than hosting a housewarming party.  Moving is a big accomplishment, you deserve to celebrate!

A housewarming party is the perfect opportunity to bring together new and old friends.  If you moved locally, those that are close to you will be excited to see your new house.  It’s a good chance to make new friends in the neighborhood.  A party is also a great way to thank the people who helped you through your move from your realtor, to the friend that helped you pack, to the neighbor who baby-sat your kids.

Recipes

To keep it simple and casual, put together a spread of finger foods and h’orderves.  This allows your guests to explore your new home as they snack.  Set up 3-4 small food stations around the house to keep your guests from congregating in one area.  Below are some easy and delicious recipes.  If you want an even simpler option, frozen and pre-made appetizers have gone gourmet at grocers like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Spinich, ricotta, & pesto mini pizzas
Antipasto platter
Sliders with chipotle mayo
Bourbon meatballs
Apple & brie puff pastries

Party Games

They may seem cheesy, but including an original party game or two into the mix can help break the ice and set your party apart.  Here’s some links to a few ideas:

The “Key in and win” game is pretty simple and original, just be sure to collect all the keys when you’re done!

People love trivia!  The “New town trivia” game can create some friendly competition.

Unpacking

You’re likely going to want to wait a few weeks or months after the move to host a party so you have time to settle in.  You can finish organizing your new home much quicker if you hire your movers for unpacking services.

Inspiration

Half the fun of party planning is the creative details!  We put together this Pinterest board to help inspire your housewarming plans.

Housewarming Pinterest Board