Buying a home can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a person’s life. It also can be one of the most stressful.
New homeowners are faced with many expenses after buying a home, and the holiday season is a great time to help them out with a thoughtful gift for the place they now call home. The following are some great gift ideas for the new homeowner on your holiday shopping list.
How-to books: Owning a home presents many opportunities for repairs and renovations. Oftentimes, this is a homeowner’s initial foray into do-it-yourself projects, so consider giving a library of instructional books that walk homeowners through some basics, like plumbing, electrical work or basic construction.
Personalized key chains: A new home means a new set of keys to the front door. Have key chains monogrammed and gift with a bottle of champagne to toast the new residence.
Welcome mat: Welcome mats can be customized with the owner’s last name, and some customizing services also can print an image on a door mat or a quirky saying.
Door knocker: Although door bells have replaced door knockers for practical use, a nice metal door knocker still makes a decorative statement on the front door. Have the door knocker engraved with the family name.
Gift certificate: A new home means new projects large and small. Homeowners will be making frequent trips to the home improvement centre, and such trips can get costly. A gift card will help lessen that financial burden.
Home warranty: Third-party companies sell home warranties that can cover the costs of repairs on major home systems. To new homeowners, the peace of mind of knowing the HVAC system or a major appliance can be repaired or replaced at minimal cost could make this gift invaluable.
Portrait: Give the gift of memories by setting up a photo session with a photographer that enables the new homeowners to have a print made that can be hung up and enjoyed.
Tool gift basket: Homeowners can always use nails, screws, hammers, picture-hanging kits, painter’s tape, and the other odds and ends that go into making repairs.
Furniture: Ask the homeowner what room needs furnishing and offer to purchase one or more pieces for the space.
Linens: Guests might be stopping by to see the new house, so a gift of sheets for the guest room or hand towels will ensure the place is stocked for anyone who drops by.
Dining out certificates: People who have just moved into a home may be so busy with projects that they don’t have time to make sit-down meals. Therefore, a gift card to a favourite restaurant can provide a welcome respite from takeout.
Security system: Homeowners who want to protect their new asset may appreciate a home security system.
Money: Buying a home is an expensive endeavour, and new homeowners may be feeling the pinch of an overextended budget. Sometimes cash makes the most thoughtful gift.
New homeowners are faced with many situations that can be both exciting and stressful as they move into new homes. Many gifts can make the process of settling in that much easier.
