I need a house warming gift idea..

[Purple*Lotus]

I have never purchased a house warming gift before. But my BIL just bought his first house, so I wanted to get him something for his home. I went it to be environmentally friendly, and practical, but still something a 30 something bachelor would actually use. I was thinking of a basket of green cleaning supplies, but I am not sure.

Any suggestions?

[1growingsprout]

Originally Posted by ~*Jaime

I have never purchased a house warming gift before. But my BIL just bought his first house, so I wanted to get him something for his home. I went it to be environmentally friendly, and practical, but still something a 30 something bachelor would actually use. I was thinking of a basket of green cleaning supplies, but I am not sure.

Any suggestions?

do '30 something bachelors' clean??

thinking bachelor leads me to food/drink gifts... does the house have a fireplace? possibly an accessory for that or again something for the 'home bar' area (of course if hes not having any alcohol on premisis then nix that idea)

[_betsy_]

I was thinking of the "homey" touches a guy would never think to get - a plant (maybe even an easy-to-care-for cactus), some scented candles, a basket for magazines...

[lucyem]

I was always told to give someone food as a housewarming gift. Preferably homemade. Its good luck. Something about bringing good food into a new home, but I forget the exact reason. And if you want something more permanent you could try a homemade cake in a pyrex pan he could keep and use for example. Or spaghetti sauce in a good stainless steel pot. That kind of thing.

[frog]

I tend to give window birdfeeders and a bag of seed when people move into a new place.

[lightheart]

How about a cookbook? I really like "The Joy of Cooking"

[mommita]

The best housewarming gift I got was this book for doing different little home repairs. The one I got was geared towards women but there are a lot of other ones out there, even for apartment renters with such minute stuff like hanging pictures and other ideas. I love my book and use it all the time.

[HollyBearsMom]

Somebody (my mom maybe??) sent me this link a while ago. Thought it had some cool ideas... http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/newhome.htm

[adtake]

Originally Posted by HollyBearsMom

Somebody (my mom maybe??) sent me this link a while ago. Thought it had some cool ideas... http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/newhome.htm

I love that list!! I was thinking something along with what Jimmy Stewart did in "It;s a Wonderful Life".

I like the ideas so far... a plant, green cleaning supplies is great! Some homey things, candles, picture books. I love the coffee table coffee table book...lol

Good luck!

[texmati]

After getting our first house, the gift that DH and I decided to give everyone was an Electric screwdriver.... it makes sooo many thing sooo much easier. Esp new house things, hanging curtains, ec.t

[Flor]

Originally Posted by ~*Jaime

I have never purchased a house warming gift before. But my BIL just bought his first house, so I wanted to get him something for his home. I went it to be environmentally friendly, and practical, but still something a 30 something bachelor would actually use. I was thinking of a basket of green cleaning supplies, but I am not sure.

Any suggestions?

I was going to suggest the bucket of green cleaning supplies! I did this for my cousin for his first apartment. He liked getting all the cool cleaning supplies because his budget was only going to let him get things from the dollar store.

[beansricerevolt]

These gifts come to mind

*House Plant
*A piece of art
*Some yummy drinks to relax with, rather he prefers coffee or good dark brewed beer
*Food

[GranoLLLy-girl]

A wall clock. Especially for a man. Something sleek and with a battery. People rarely think to buy wall clocks and you can hang a clock in almost any decor. Battery operated is enviro-friendly. Men need clocks.
You can never have too many clocks. And you can EASILY get a nice one for under $20.
Men and candles--I don't know about that.
And books end up as clutter when it comes to men.
Plants are risky--if they forget to water them, that's the end...and if the man travels, etc., you can forget a long life for that plant.
I think a clock is functional AND can take up empty wall space.

[treespeak]

How about a native tree or plant for his yard? Or perhaps a fruit tree or fruit-bearing bushes? Unlike a house plant, a native plant gets taken care of by Mother Earth, and won't need a lot of fussing from BIL. When I purchased my home, a friend gave me a tree "to grow with me" in my new space...it was a gift I treasured.

[tracyhos]

I like the clock idea. That is really good.

Also, someone mentioned something about a home-repair book. I think that is a good idea too. Or maybe a small tool box with a hammer, screwdriver, nails...and whatever else goes in a toolbox.

[papschmitty]

I always give away one of my signature Happy Hippie Cleaning Kits. It's a laundry basket filled with homemade all natural cleaning supplies. I usually include an all purpose cleaning, scouring powder, window cleaner, tub & tile cleaner, floor cleaner, a few microfiber towels, and a document explaining what each cleaner is, how to use it, and how to make more yourself. It's green, it's cheap, and people always love them! :