I've had my fair share of moving adventures, and while it can be stressful and exhausting, there's something magical about creating a new home. 🏠 It's all about that "just moved in" feeling when you finally unpack those boxes and find your hair straighteners without a scavenger hunt. (Note to self: write a post on moving home essentials!)

Now, let's talk housewarming gifts. 🎁 Hosting housewarming parties and receiving gifts from friends and family is the cherry on top of the moving process. While I've toned down the party scene this time, my gift expectations are still on point. 😉

For me, the perfect housewarming gift strikes a balance between something I'd love to have and something I absolutely need. And let's be real, when I first move into a new place, the practical stuff takes the cake. Sure, a fancy fire pit or a waterfall tap sounds dreamy, but nothing beats a reliable Tassimo machine for that daily caffeine fix. ☕️

So, what's the ideal housewarming gift, you ask? Well, let me spill the beans on my personal favorites and some out-of-the-box ideas that'll surely win you the title of "best gift-giver"! Let's get into it!

FOR THE FRAGRANCE LOVER

Alright, folks, here's a little secret: I'm absolutely obsessed with candles and all things fragrant. 🕯️ There's just something about the ambiance a single candle can create that instantly makes me feel cozy and serene in any space. So, if you're thinking of gifting candles for a housewarming, let me point you in the direction of Molton Brown. Their candles? Absolute game-changers. They smell divine and fill your entire home with their heavenly scent, without overwhelming your senses. Trust me, it's a gift that'll keep on giving! 🌟

This single wick candle from Molton Brown is available for £39 and would make the perfect gift for those in tune with atmospheric accessories like this (aka me).

FOR THE TRADITIONAL HOMEMAKER

You know what screams "new home"? A good, old-fashioned plant. 🌿 If you've scrolled through my Instagram lately, you'll know I'm all about that plant life and embracing nature. While I haven't incorporated plants into my home decor just yet (still got some finishing touches to do), I firmly believe you can never go wrong with a stunning plant. It's the perfect shelfie accessory or coffee table addition. Personally, I'm loving cactus plants right now—just check out this collection! 🌵

Love this 6 set of Cactus plants by Waitrose; and the best part is that you can add a personal touch by DIY'ing the pots.

FOR THE BEDDING BOO

You know what I could splurge on half my monthly wages? Bedding. Seriously, good bedding is everything to me. After a long day at work or a wild night out, there's nothing better than sinking into a bed with sheets that feel like a dream against your skin. Plus, a killer duvet cover can totally transform a room, especially if your decor is on the simpler side.

So, here's my advice if you're thinking of gifting a duvet set: Go big or go home! Trust me, there's nothing worse than struggling to stuff your duvet into a too-small cover. Opting for a king size means even if they have a double duvet, it'll still fit like a charm. Play it safe and size up!

Check out this beauty from Urbanara:

This stylish leaf print duvet set is available at Urbanara from £49

FOR THE KITCHEN DOLLS AND DUDES

Moving is no joke—it's a whirlwind of stress! If you're on the hunt for a housewarming gift that's both practical and stylish, look no further than a dinner set. Trust me, it'll be a hit and make a killer statement on their future dinner parties.

I've scored some amazing plates on my recent trips to IKEA and Amara over the holidays. Personally, I'm all about mixing and matching dinner sets to create that perfect table aesthetic. But let me tell you, there are some seriously cute sets out there if you know where to look!

Check out this gem by Pip Studio at Amara:

Absolutely stunning! This luxury dinner set ranges between £4.50-£56 depending on which items in the set you want to purchase and how many. This gift would be VERY appreciated (and may or may not currently be on my wishlist).

FOR THE HOME TECH LOVER

Ever considered gifting smart? Well, why not give it a shot?! I'd be over the moon if someone handed me a nicely wrapped gift with a smart tool inside, though I must admit, I'm still a tad skeptical... (Libra indecisiveness at its finest).

I've been reading up on smart home systems like Echo (Alexa?) and Google Home (or whatever they're called?), and I'm intrigued by their ability to control lighting in a room (provided the lighting is compatible). You can achieve this by snagging a smart lighting kit with special bulbs that sync up with the main smart home system. I'm thinking of installing something similar in my home later this year, and despite my initial skepticism, I'm sure I'll soon be singing its praises.

Why not grab one and turn your giftee into a smart user? Check out more below.

FOR THE GADGET LOVER

I've always had a soft spot for nifty home gadgets – anything that makes life a little easier gets a big thumbs up from me. In a world where convenience is key, gadgets that save time and money are absolute game-changers, freeing you up to focus on other things. Sound like someone you know? (Besides me, of course.) That's why home gadgets make the perfect housewarming gift for them.

Firebox has some seriously cool items in this department, and I've handpicked three favorites below. Check them out!

Another necessity is the TWEEXY! Every self-painting nail person needs this in their life...without fail! £14.99

FOR THE TEXTILE LOVER

Ah, now we're talking about the textile aficionado. Aside from good bedding, there's only one other statement piece I'd be keen on receiving as a housewarming gift – but beware, because this one requires knowledge of the color scheme in a particular space before diving into rug retail therapy. I'd be quite disappointed to receive a mocha-colored rug for my silver-themed living room.

Best place to start with rug shopping? Habitat! and this one is defo a fave:

The Orissa Rug is available at Habitat now for £170.

FOR THE WINE ENTHUSIAST

Let's be real, what party doesn't involve wine? Well, maybe not the best wine, but hey, wine is wine. If you're aiming to make a statement with your house party gift, why not bring the booze? It's an awesome (and budget-friendly) gift for anyone who enjoys a little sparkle in their life. And hey, ever seen those wine racks? How about gifting one that comes pre-stocked? I'm eyeing this gold geometric wine rack on Amazon! It's only £18.42.

FOR THE ARTSY

Art makes a home feel complete, don't you think? It adds personality and fills those empty walls beautifully. While I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, I'm a huge fan. Personally, I adore all forms of art—digital, colorful, contemporary, you name it. But one style that really speaks to me is pop art, and let me tell you, Etsy is a treasure trove for finding pieces in this style.

I am loving these 4 by FlorrieandMe1, which are currently available (and are framed) for £25.

BUYING HOUSEWARMING GIFTS FOR THE RISK TAKERS

Not everyone needs a physical housewarming gift, you know? Yup, it's totally possible! Beyond the typical presents, I'd actually be thrilled with an "experience." But what does that even mean? Well, think about what your giftee enjoys. Are they foodies? Design enthusiasts? DIY fanatics? Here are my top ideas:

In-Home High Tea Experience: Who wouldn't love a fancy tea party in their own home?
DIY Workshop/Experience: Get creative and plan a fun DIY session tailored to their interests.
Pizza (Housewarming) Party: Because who doesn't love pizza? It's the perfect excuse to gather friends and celebrate in style!

The last option here is totally self explanatory so I won't go into detail, because who wouldn't love every kind of pizza you can think of as your basis for a housewarming event? But the first two would be my idea of HEAVEN, and I recently came across this amazing brand called Tilly The Travelling Tea Room, who actually create an in-home vintage tea party for you. How fab does that sound?

Another fantastic idea is to gift a DIY workshop or even enroll them in a short course on home decorating. Learning new skills is not only fun but also a way to help someone continue to bring joy, love, and great design into their homes.

However, in my opinion, one of the smartest moves you can make when having a housewarming party is to create your own gift wishlist. Cover a range of budgets and share it with your guests to avoid disappointment. Of course, it might take away from the surprise element, so perhaps only share it with those who might not be sure what to get. Remember, it's the thought that counts in the end.

Ultimately, the most incredible gift of all is love and light! While you can't see it with the naked eye, it works miracles in any space, transforming the energy with positive vibes and laughter.

What would your ideal housewarming gift look like? Have you received any memorable gifts at your housewarming? Or perhaps some not-so-great ones? I want to hear all about it! Sx

HOUSEWARMING GIFTS & IDEAS