Best wishes for your new home gift

Just what you need when moving into a new home.

Bringing a new home gift is a time-honored tradition in many cultures across the world – housewarming presents are meant to bring functionality, beauty, cheer, and good luck to the new home and convey one’s best wishes to the new homeowner. They carry significant meaning and special symbolism, and help turn the new place into a comfortable and cozy home.

So, if you’ve been invited to a housewarming party or are merely visiting a friend (or a neighbor, or a colleague, etc.) who just moved into a new home, you will certainly want to get them a good housewarming gift. It may be something traditional or something unique; something useful or something funny; something universal or something personalized – it doesn’t really matter what the specific item is, as long as it is a gift the new home owner will appreciate.

Finding the best gift for someone who just moved house can be easy if you know what they like and dislike, what they already have and what they need. If you don’t, however, choosing an appropriate housewarming gift may prove to be a difficult task.

To help you out in this situation, we’ve put together a list of housewarming gift ideas for every taste and budget. Just take a closer look at our insightful suggestions – you’re certain to find a great new home present that will be highly treasured for years to come.

Traditional Housewarming Gifts

Traditional new house gifts may seem a little boring and old fashioned, but they’ve become classics for a reason – they are simple and inexpensive, yet nice and useful.

Here are some of the most popular housewarming gifts for someone who just moved into a new house or apartment:

• New home gift basket – A gift basket gives you the chance to make a combination of housewarming gifts (the perfect solution when you can’t decide on a single item to give as a new home present). You can put together an assortment of special treats (such as gourmet cheeses, chocolate delights, luxury teas, and fine wines), high quality cosmetic products, craft supplies, gardening items, spa goodies, etc. – what matters is to give the new homeowner something they will use and enjoy;
  

  What better than a basket full of goodies?

• Gift cards – Whether it is a store gift card, a restaurant gift card, a travel gift card, a massage gift certificate, or some other type of gift card, it’s the perfect housewarming gift for a person you don’t know very well as it leaves the decision up to them – to get something useful of their own choice or experience something enjoyable when they feel like it. A gift card for a home improvement store is a particularly thoughtful gift for someone who just moved into a new home – there’s always something needed for a new space, and home improvement stores sell it all: tools and paints, curtains and rugs, organizers and storage boxes, cleaning products and much more;
• Artwork – Framed paintings, art prints, wood carvings, small statuettes, and other pieces of art make cool housewarming gifts as they add beauty and aesthetic appeal to the space. Wall décor is particularly useful as it helps the new homeowner spruce up the bare walls and make the new place feel more like home. Keep in mind though that artwork is a risky gift – it may not suit the receiver’s aesthetic taste and personal style. So, it is only a good idea when you know for sure what kind of art or which specific artists the person likes;
• Live plants – Any new home will benefit from some greenery – it livens up the space and brings natural beauty and charm to the ambience. It’s best to choose a small potted plant that the new homeowner will easily find a place for. You can go for something traditional like jade, aloe, or bamboo or get creative with fresh herbs or exotic spices in decorative pots;
• Wine bottles (and wine glasses) – You can never go wrong with a bottle of fine wine – just put it in a charming bag and you have the perfect housewarming present to both commemorate and celebrate the exciting occasion of a new home. Consider complementing the gift with beautiful wine glasses or a nice wine rack for lasting impression;
• Vases – A beautiful crystal vase or an interesting glass, porcelain, or ceramic one is a traditional, yet fancy gift that will be appreciated by every new homeowner;
• Picture frames – Everyone loves being surrounded by nice pictures and photos of loved ones, so a new picture frame will always come handy. It can be a classic wood frame or a more impressive one made from bamboo, glass, crystal, or silver;
• Scented candles – Candles give both light and delight, so they make a wonderful housewarming gift – they can have a symbolic meaning (see below) or be personalized (with meaningful words etched on them) to convey your wishes to the new homeowner. It is a good idea to include some beautiful glass, brass, or silver candlesticks or candle holders in your present as well.

To chase darkness away…

When invited to a new home, it is also traditional to bring good luck housewarming gifts:

• Bread – so that the people in the home never know hunger;
• Salt – so that their life is full of flavor;
• Honey – so that their life is sweet;
• Candle – so that they are blessed and darkness (sorrow and evil) is kept out of the home;
• Blanket – so that they are always safe and warm;
• Wood item – so that they have stability and harmony;
• House plant – for growth, prosperity, and longevity;
• Broom – to sweep troubles away.

Related:How to bring good luck to a new home

Traditional hew home presents are your best bet if you don’t know the person well enough to get them a personalized, meaningful gift. If you do, however, a more practical gift (or a more creative one) would be better.

Practical Housewarming Gifts

Still wondering what to get for a housewarming gift? From everyday essentials to fancy gadgets, people always need a lot of new things when moving into a new place. A practical household item will, therefore, make a great new home gift (needless to say, it will be best if you know what the new homeowner needs or would like to have and get that exact thing as a housewarming gift):

• Kitchen items – Your friend or acquaintance probably has a lot of standard kitchen items, but you can always get something cool – a cast iron skillet, a lovely teapot, a nice spice rack, an elegant sushi set, a beautiful serving tray, a good cookbook, cute salt and pepper shakers, funny measuring cups, etc. If you know for sure that the person needs a more essential kitchen item though – a small electric appliance, a quality dining set, some specialized cookware, etc. – better get it instead of something more creative, but less useful;
• Garden items – From garden gnomes and birdhouses to gardening tools and gear, garden items are among the best new home gifts for someone who just moved into a house with a spacious yard. If it is a close friend (or someone special) to whom you’re giving a new house gift (and if you can afford it), you can go for something more awesome – a garden swing or a garden fountain – and make an impression;
• Tools – There should be a toolbox full of essential tools with various functions, shapes, and sizes in every home – especially so in a new home shortly after move-in. If you’re not sure what tools your friend or acquaintance already has, you can simply buy them a quality toolbox and put nothing but a gift card for a good local hardware store in it;
• Interesting light fixtures – The more light there is in a room, the better. You can take your pick from among hundreds of shapes and designs – elegant floor lamps, romantic night lamps, playful string lights, majestic crystal chandeliers, magic yard lanterns, etc. – and make a unique, yet useful housewarming gift;
  

  Fresh and soft and snugly – perfect for a cozy new home.

• Towels – It is always nice to have new towels for a new home, especially if the home mover has used their old ones as cushioning materials in the moving boxes (See also: Clever packing tips and tricks you just won’t believe);
• Sheets and blankets – New bedding will ensure sweet dreams and unforgettable nights in the new home;
• Different kinds of specialty kid items or pet items, as relevant.

No matter how “ordinary” some of these new home gift ideas may seem to be, useful housewarming gifts are the best – a more creative gift may make a greater first impression, but it may end up forgotten in a storage box, while a practical gift will help the new homeowner set up a comfortable home and will be used for years to come.

Related:How to make a new place feel like home

Personalized Housewarming Gifts

What is a good housewarming gift? If you’re looking for a one-word answer, it will be a “person-specific” gift. So, instead of choosing a “general” hew home gift, you may want to go for a personalized item:

• Personalized candles – you can order a custom-shaped candle, have a personalized message printed on it, choose a scent that the person likes, etc.;
• Personalized pillows – it can be a family tree throw pillow, an emoji decorative pillow, a zip code pillow, a pillow with a personalized print on it – there seems to be no limits here;
• Personalized doormats – a welcoming doormat can have a meaningful image or inscription printed on it;
• Personalized mugs – such a common gift idea that it borders on traditional;
• Personalized coasters – another popular idea that allows for a lot of creativity;
• Framed prints – there is no better way to convey your message to the new homeowner (or make them smile with an old joke, a favorite quote, etc.);
• Custom cutting boards – to make food preparation more enjoyable than ever;
• Monogram door hangers – so that the new homeowner feel that they belong;
• Personalized key racks (combined with personalized key chains);
• Personalized ornaments, etc.

A gift to remember.

The personalized message can be the recipient’s name, an image that will remind them of a happy moment, beloved person, favorite place, enjoyable activity, etc., a famous quote or short poem they like, a special symbol, or anything else you find appropriate – it’s entirely up to you and provides the perfect opportunity to express your heartfelt wishes and make a memorable gift.

See also:What to do when your best friend is moving away

Funny Housewarming Gifts

A funny present is always a good idea – after all, the main purpose of a gift is to make the receiver smile. Yet, you need to be sure that the person will appreciate the intended joke and will find it hilarious, not rude.

Here are some amusing new home gift ideas:

• A doormat with a funny inscription (“Oh no! Not you again!”);
• A hilarious door sign (“Looking for the Adams family? You’ve come to the right place.”);
• A complicated light switch (or a wine bottle puzzle, or Ben & Jerry’s Euphori-Lock, etc.);
• An insect hotel (for all the creepy crawlies and flyers in the new home);
• A themed cuckoo clock (a sport, movie, or anything else your friend is crazy about);
• A superhero bathrobe (spiderman, catwoman, or jedi master – whoever your friend’s childhood hero was);
• Polar bear paws oven mitts (or any other animal that will have some sort of meaning for your friend);
• A selfie toaster (for those who seem to never get tired of taking selfies);
• A shot glass roulette (for fun drinking games);
• A magnetic decision maker (so that they can always find the right path in life);
• A target practice alarm clock (for night owl persons);
• Lego coffee mugs (for creative minds);
• Lightsaber chopsticks (for Star Wars lovers);
• Floating bookshelves (for bookworms), etc.

The list goes on and on – you can make an inside joke and an awesome housewarming gift all at once!

Unique Housewarming Gifts

A plasma lamp – the perfect gift for a modern new home.

If you want to make a really memorable new house gift, you should go with something truly unique:

• Something you’ve created yourself – a special gift that you have crafted with your own two hands. It can be anything – from a wood-carved figurine through a crocheted tablecloth to a photo collage, depending on your particular skills and available time.
  Whatever the hand-made gift, it will be something your recently moved friend will greatly treasure because it shows how much you care about them;
• Something meaningful – a special item that will remind your friend of a beloved place or a happy moment in their lives, will allow them to enjoy an activity they like, or will fill their heart (and their new home) with cheer and warmth;
• Something original – smart gadgets, interesting lights, and other creative novelties.

So, what to give as a housewarming gift? What would someone who just moved house actually want and appreciate? The answer is person-specific – you can find many good housewarming gift ideas (just look above!), but the right choice will depend on the new homeowner’s personality and your relationship with them. The best housewarming gifts are those that come from the heart, you know.

If you’re looking to congratulate someone on their new home, then a new home card is a great way to do it! A card is more personal than a text, and gives you the opportunity to get your thoughts out better than you might in a phone call. It also shows that you’ve gone the extra mile in thinking about what a big milestone moving in to a new home is, and that you’re genuinely excited for the card’s recipient.

Deciding that you want to send a new home card is one thing, though—actually knowing what to write in it is another. And thankfully, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled the definitive list of  things that you can write in a new home card, from the sentimental to the silly. Before we get started though, let’s go over some basic tips and advice for writing a new home card that someone will love.

New Home Card Basics

Scribbling “congratulations!” in a card will definitely get your point across, but it probably won’t make much of an impact in the process. For new home cards that pack a much bigger punch, adhere to the following tips.

#1: Make it personal. A personal touch is always welcome. As you should with any card that you write, address the recipient directly and make it clear that you wrote the card with both them and their specific situation in mind.

#2: Be optimistic. No matter the circumstances, approach your message with positivity for the exciting transition that moving into a new home is.

#3: Share a wish. What do you hope for the recipient as they settle in to life in their new home? Share it! Even if you’re just wishing someone the best, sharing your happy thoughts for the future is a great way to sign off on your new home card and end on a bright note.

With the basics in mind, here are a ton of different options that you can use. We recommend piecing together various ideas listed below to create a message that’s all your own.

Short and Sweet

You don’t need to write a ton in your new home card (unless you want to!). If you want to keep it simple, try one of the following messages.

Congratulations on your new home! Here’s to many happy years ahead.

Wishing you the very best in your new home!

Cheers to you and your new home!

Congratulations on your new home. Sending best wishes as you settle in and make it your own.

Who has a new home?! You do! Congratulations, and I can’t wait to visit.

Many congratulations on your new home sweet home! Wishing you the very best.

Congratulations on your new place! Here’s to making it all your own.

You’ve moved—so exciting! We can’t wait to visit your new home.

Congrats on the move! Hoping you find lots of happiness in your new home.

Wishing you the very best in your new home!

Cheers to new beginnings. Congratulations on your new home!

Sentimental

There’s nothing wrong with getting a little sentimental in your message. These options go a step further than the short and sweet messages above while still conveying just how excited you are for the new home card’s recipient.

Congratulations! May your new home be filled with plenty of love and warmth.

A new home is a new beginning. I can’t wait to see all that this exciting chapter has in store for you.

They say that home is a feeling, not a place. Enjoy your new home and congratulations!

The best thing about a new home is the people who you share it with. We can’t wait to come visit, and we hope that your whole family is settling in nicely!

You know what they say: there is no place like home! Congratulation on your move, and cheers to all that is to come.

A house is made of bricks and beams, but a home is made of hopes and dreams. Wishing nothing but the best for you in your new home.

Wishing you all of the love and happiness in the world as you settle in to your new home.

Congratulations! May the years to come bring you plenty of love and abundance.

There’s no place like home. Congratulations on your move, and all our love for a bright and happy future there.

Home is where your story begins. We are so excited for you and all of the memories you will make in your new home.

Welcome to your new home. I hope that it is everything that you want it to be.

Silly

For those card writers who want a little humor with their congrats. 

I heard you have an extra bedroom now… when can I move in?!

Congratulations! I may have not been around to help you pack and move, but I’m more than happy to come drink wine with you while you settle in.

Many congratulations on the new home! Here’s to hoping that your neighbors don’t drive you crazy.

I know where you live. (And I can’t wait to visit!)

Congratulations on your move! Here’s to hoping you really love your new home since you’ll be paying for it for the next 30 years.

Yay, you’ve moved! Let me know when I can come overstay my welcome.

Congratulations on your new home, and please do not ask me to come help you unpack.

Is this what being an adult is? Congratulations on your new home!

I’m so excited for you on your new home! I’ll let you know when I’m coming to visit so that you can make sure to stock the right snacks.

You’re home! Please let your new neighbors know that I send my condolences.

Congratulations on the new home! I heard it was built on top of an old burial ground, but you should be just fine.

Quotes About Home

Sometimes a quote can say something better than we ever can. Here are a few favorite quotes about home that you may want to incorporate into your new home card.

“No matter who you are or where you are, instinct tells you to go home.” – Laura Marney

“The ache for home lives in all of us; the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Maya Angelou

“Chase your dreams but always know the road that will lead you home again.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour

“Life takes you unexpected places, love brings you home.” – Anonymous

“Home is where one starts from.” – T.S. Eliot

“Home is the starting place of love, hope, and dreams.” – Anonymous

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

“Love begins at home.” – Mother Teresa

“Home is the nicest word there is.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

What About the Perfect Housewarming Gift?

We’ve got ideas for that, too! The best gifts for new homeowners are ones they can actually get some real use out of, even if it just means displaying it. Some of our favorites?

• • A gift card to a nearby restaurant or home improvement store
  • A pretty potted plant or flowers in a vase
  • Food storage containers
  • A tool kit
  • A fire extinguisher (yes, really!)

For more ideas, see our full list of the ultimate housewarming gifts.

A new home means an exciting new beginning, new neighborhood, new friends and new surroundings to explore.

If you’re congratulating someone on their new home, whether they just bought one or moved into a rented home, sending a sweet Congratulations card is in order – here are some New Home messages you can include!

If you’re planning to send a bit more than just a card, don’t forget to check our wide range of plants with free next-day delivery and small hamper gifts that anyone who just moved in will certainly appreciate!

New Home Messages

1. Congratulations!  We hope your new home provides you with years of enjoyment and a peaceful retreat from the rest of the busy world.
2. There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” -Jane Austen. Congratulations on your new home!
3. Now that you have a big empty house, maybe you guys can fill it up with children… Just a suggestion, no pressure.
4. Your new home is… a slice of heaven, a glimpse of beauty, a mark of elegance, a sigh so pretty. A warm feeling, a vibrant hue, a cozy ambience, a dream come true. Congratulations.
5. We’re really proud of you for getting that home that you have been dreaming of getting.  We hope you enjoy the new house. Congratulations!
6. Did you find the house, or did the house find you? You guys are perfect for each other.
7. When you step into your new home, with empty rooms, empty closets, empty cupboards – it’s a moment that feels like a brand new world, where anything can happen. Congratulations!
8. We’re glad that you didn’t move too far away because we are still planning on hanging out with you guys. Congratulations! See you soon!
9. May your new home keep you cozy in winter, cool in summer and sheltered during the rains. May your new home also gives you a prosperous life full of happiness and free of pains. Congratulations.
10. It’s just a house without you. Now that you’re in it, it’s a beautiful home.
11. Where we love is home, a home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes May you enjoy your new home in comfort and joy.
12. Congratulations on the new address, the new house, and all of the other experiences that you will have as a homeowner.
13. HOUSES are all about cement, bricks, mortar, and wood. HOMES are all about loved ones, family, parties , and food. Congratulations on your new home.
14. May happiness knock early at your door, stay late, and leave the gift of good fortune. Wishing you all the best in your new home.
15. Parties, gatherings and family events, your new home is set to create priceless moments. Hugs, smiles, laughs and giggles, the company of friends and loved ones will make your happiness double. Congratulations.
16. I’m glad you got a nice place of your own, so now I can come and bother you.
17. We are overjoyed at the arrival of the new member in your family tree CONGRATULATIONS Wishing you lots of happiness with your little one
18. I was expecting that you found yourself shelter, but you have exceeded my expectations. Nice place!
19. Your biggest mistake was letting me know where you live. Now I’ll be visiting often.
20. Congratulations for breaking yourself free from the chains of landlords but condolences for tying yourself in the chains of mortgage repayments.
21. A new home drains all your life’s savings, but in return gives you a new life. Congratulations.
22. May the windows and doors of your new home open up to good luck, prosperity, and fortune for your entire family. Congratulations.
23. Moving is a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end. Congratulations!
24. Congratulations to you for moving, and congratulations to me for not having to help you move!
25. Your house is sweet. It’s good to see it go to such a nice family.

Sources: paperpk.com, wishesmessages.com and bestcardmessages.com

Sending a new home card but don’t know what to write? Luckily we’ve come up with a simple list of both popular and unique messages for you to steal and take credit for. Browse new home quotes, simple messages or funny things to write. Just pick your favourite and voila; you’re welcome!

Simple and Easy Things to Write

1. Congratulations on your new home… here’s hoping for good neighbours.
2. Wishing you all the best in turning your new house into a home.
3. Congratulations on your new home. Wishing you all the very best in settling in and making it your own.
4. Home sweet home! You made it! All the best settling in.
5. Many congratulations. I hope all is good in your new hood!
6. Hooray! You’re officially proper grown-ups now.
7. Congrats on your new home. Great adulting!
8. Welcome to the mortgage club. Can’t wait to visit you in your new home.
9. Your new pile of bricks is so much better than your old one – congrats!
10. Yay – you made it into your new home! Wishing you all the best.

Funny and Cheeky Messages

1. Well done on moving house… please send me your Wi-Fi password in advance. Thanks.
2. Home is where your wife rules, a new home is… still where your wife rules.
3. Well done on buying a house. Please don’t talk about it all the time though, or I will stop hanging out with you.
4. If you ever get lost, now you can always go home!
5. I hope you remember this moment in your new home forever. Because it will never be this clean or organised ever again.
6. I love your new home so much that I can see myself living there. I’m still waiting for my key?
7. Congrats on the new home, let me know which room is mine.
8. Well done on getting yourself in an obscene amount of debt.
9. NO I won’t help with the unpacking and YES I would like to come over for free food and drink.
10. Congratulations on your new home. Sorry that when you needed help I was ill, away on holiday, my car broke down and the dog ate my keys.
11. I can’t wait to overstay my welcome!
12. Congrats on moving in together. Remember living together is mainly just shouting “what!?” from different rooms.
13. Good luck convincing your neighbours that you’re normal!
14. It’s great you finally bought a house; good job they don’t do proper background checks!
15. Your new home may have used up all your life savings, you might be in debt up to your eyeballs and never be able to go out again, but here’s a card – well done.
16. Your new home is lovely – which is a good job, as you won’t be able to afford to go out anymore!
17. Well done on finding a ridiculously expensive place to live.
18. Congratulations to you moving and congratulations to me for not having to help you move!

Thoughtful Quotes & Greetings

1. Congratulations on the new address, the new house, and all of the new experiences that you will have as a homeowner.
2. We’re really happy you’ve finally moved into your new home. Wishing you lots of peace and enjoyment at your new address.
3. This is brilliant news! A new home is a place for memories to be made and great times to be had. Congratulations on your new home and all the best for the unpacking.
4. We’re all very excited that you’ve finally moved in! Wishing you all the best with your new home – hope it works out perfectly.
5. Congratulations on getting your new house. Here’s hoping you turn it into a lovely home and it becomes a place of many happy moments.

Rude/Offensive Things to Say

1. Mortgage w***ers!
2. S**t just got real! Well done on the adulting.
3. When can I come and visit? I can’t wait to check out your new toilet..
4. This is great news. I just hope your new neighbours aren’t d*** heads!
5. Congratulations! Now you can walk around naked, but close the blinds because no one wants to see that s**t.
6. Just because you have a mortgage – doesn’t mean you’re grown up!
7. Your new home may have used up all your life savings, you might be in debt up to your eyeballs and never be able to go out again, but here’s a card – well done.

For more ideas from thoughtful to funny, check out our new home cards, where you can create a personalised card with a special touch.

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