A housewarming gift that gets used
Short answer: Choose something that gets used up rather than something that has to stand on display. Textiles wear out and need replacing, and so they never turn into dust collectors. Towels, tea towels and an extra set of bed linen are gifts that always find a place in a new home.
The difference between two kinds of gift
An ornament needs a place for good. A stack of towels gets used, washed and finally worn out. One is an obligation, the other is a help. When you move there is already plenty to decide, so a gift that asks nothing of the receiver comes as a relief.
What gets used
Towels, tea towels and an extra set of bed linen are washed every week and worn out over a few years, so there is always room for one more set. See bamboo sheets and bamboo fitted sheets if you want to give bed linen and know the mattress size.
Bed linen needs measurements
A fitted sheet has to match the height of the mattress, and a cover has to match the duvet. Those numbers cannot be guessed, so ask first. At a housewarming that is perfectly normal, and the receiver would rather answer than get a gift that cannot be used. Write the measurements down so you have them when you shop.
Towels and tea towels
Towels and tea towels are the safe choices, because nobody has too many and because they never require a size. Choose calm colours so they suit any interior. A set for the bathroom and a few for the kitchen cover the first weeks in a new home, where the boxes are still closed.
If you want something more personal
A set of homewear for the first evenings without furniture is a gift that shows you have thought about how they are doing right now. See bamboo homewear. Choose something soft and loose, and know the size first, because clothes are harder to get right than textiles for the home.
Avoid things that have to stand on display
Vases, bowls and decorations need a place, and in a new home that place has not been found yet. The receiver is often embarrassed if something does not fit in but feels obliged to display it when you visit. Textiles do not have that problem, because they can go in the cupboard.
Can you give something second-hand
Clean, intact textiles for a first home are often welcome. If you have a set of towels or bed linen in good condition that you do not use, it can be a great help to someone who is starting over. Say so openly, so the receiver does not think you bought it new.
Should you ask first
At a housewarming it is perfectly normal to ask what is missing. A short question saves both sides from a gift that cannot be used and an exchange afterwards. Some have already made a wish list, and others can name the three things they miss most, without it feeling like an order.
Wrap it and hand it over on arrival
Nice wrapping turns a practical gift into a proper gift. Use paper and ribbon that look neat, and hand it over on arrival, so the host can set it aside. Add a receipt if you like, so exchanging is easy if the receiver has been given the same thing by other guests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most used housewarming gift
Towels. They are always missing at the start. They get used every day, washed every week and worn out, so there is always a need for one more set.
Should you ask what they are missing
At a housewarming it is perfectly normal. A short question saves both sides from a gift that cannot be used and an exchange afterwards, and most people appreciate it.
Can you give something second-hand
Clean, intact textiles for a first home are often welcome. Say so openly, and choose something in good condition, so the receiver can accept it with pleasure.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
