Got yourself a new neighbor you want to welcome with a nice gift? The classic fresh-baked casserole is nice and all, but there are even better ways to give a newbie a great, big welcome. If it seems a little old-fashioned, we’re here to argue that the housewarming gift is not an outdated practice at all. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to foster a good relationship between yourself and your fellow neighborhood dwellers, and a good relationship goes a really long way when you live next door (we all want our very own Kramer or Wilson, right?).
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The fact is, we’ve all had bad experiences with neighbors and understand the importance of fostering strong relationships with the good ones. Here are some of the best gifts you can give to kick things off on the right foot!
- A Unique Doormat—What better way to say “welcome” than with a personalized doormat to greet your guests? Jazzing up the front porch is one of the last things homeowners do when moving in, and with one of these cute little mats, you’ll be able to check that one right off their to-do list! Grab one with their last name or initials for a custom touch, but stick to a more generic design—for example, stripes or polka dots versus a specific sports team—since you don’t know them that well yet.
- A Bouquet of Fresh Flowers—Fresh flowers are truly one of life’s most underrated little luxuries. And there’s no sweeter way to make a new house feel like a real home than with some fresh-cut stems. Consider giving them a colorful bouquet in a nice vase they can keep and use again to create a gift that endures longer than the typical fresh bouquet.
- Some Personalized Home Décor—Here’s why you should give a personalized gift—it’s thoughtful, unique and something they’ll undoubtedly cherish for a lifetime. Our favorite personalized housewarming gifts are definitely those customized items that help your recipient enjoy time spent at home, whether that be with a piece of customized wall art or a cozy throw blanket with their face on it!
- A Gift Card to Your Favorite Local Restaurant—If your new neighbor has relocated from somewhere far away, consider surprising them with a gift card to your favorite local bar, restaurant or brewery to get them acclimated. Supply it alongside some personalized recommendations for what to try, and you’ll have a gift that makes your recipient grin.
- Something to Plant in the Garden—Speaking of flowers, they’ll enjoy receiving something they can grow and plant themselves. If your neighborhood features plenty of room for a garden, present them with some pretty perennials or vegetable plants to bring their backyard a pop of personality. You might also consider doing the planting for them, if you’re up for it!
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- A Hyper-Local Travel Guide—Another excellent option for someone who’s new in town is a neighborhood guide featuring all the best bars, restaurants, parks and attractions. Try to go with something that showcases the off-the-beaten-path gems rather than the obvious or most popular spots to help them find their own little niche in town.
- A Gift Card to a Food Delivery Service—Don’t get us wrong: The bake-and-take casserole is an all-time classic, and for good reason. It provides your new neighbors with a yummy, home-cooked meal during a time of chaos when the last thing on their mind is grocery shopping. But if you’re not huge on cooking something yourself—totally understandable, by the way—then consider giving them a gift card to a food delivery service or a restaurant that has delivery. They’ll be ever-grateful when they start to get hungry after a long day of moving!
- A ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ Basket—Who doesn’t love gift baskets? And they just scream “housewarming gift,” don’t they? Fill your housewarming basket with all sorts of locally made goodies, including coffee, candy, sweets and anything made by local artisans. Don’t forget to add in a few small kitchen utensils and other handy household essentials—wine bottle stoppers and bottle openers are always good!
- A Bottle of Wine and Wine Glasses—Though it’s not a good idea to assume that your new neighbor drinks, if you know they’re into wine, this is definitely the best way to go. It’s especially ideal if you can select a bottle from the region where you live because it helps you showcase all that your area has to offer. Throw in a couple of wine glasses for a next-level present you know will get lots of use.
- A Dinner Invitation—The very best way to get to know your new neighbors is to invite them over for dinner, game night or just a cup of coffee. This is a great idea if they’re new to the area and you feel like welcoming them into your social group. It also helps let them know that they have a friend or neighbor in you as they get settled in.
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Introducing Yourself with Something Special
Welcoming new families or individuals to the neighborhood doesn’t have to be a costly or drawn-out endeavor. When you stop by to drop off your gift, make sure to not overstay your welcome or make any assumptions. Simply introduce yourself, present your gift and let them know that you’ll be a trusted resource should they need any assistance or information on the neighborhood. Hopefully, you’ll make a lifelong friend and a great neighbor while you’re at it!
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