Unique Housewarming Gift Ideas in Sri Lanka | Gifts the New Homeowners Will Actually Use
A housewarming is a special event for many people. It’s not every day someone moves into a new place, and for some people, this can be a once-in-a-lifetime event. With all this in mind, choosing the right gift can be daunting. This is especially true when the homeowners are close friends or family. If you are unsure what they need, an eGift voucher is a thoughtful choice that lets them pick exactly what their new home is missing.
What Are Some Actually Unique Housewarming Gifts?
1. Gifts They Can Choose Themselves
eGift vouchers - When you are unsure what the new homeowners need, an eGift voucher lets them choose for themselves. They can be sent instantly by email or message, so they are ideal if you cannot attend the housewarming in person or are shopping at the last minute. The homeowners can pick exactly what their new space is missing, whether that is a new set of curtains or groceries to stock their first pantry.
2. Kitchen-based items
Salt and pepper shaker sets - Most people do not think to buy these for themselves, but uniquely shaped or styled salt and pepper shakers add a touch of joy and whimsy to the dining table. Since they are used at almost every meal, they quickly become a staple in the home.
Ceylon tea gift box - An artisanal Ceylon tea set would be ideal for tea lovers. There is a wide range of flavours available from different brands, so it’s hard to go wrong with one of these for a new homeowner. Most Sri Lankans have a designated “tea time”, so this would be a highly appreciated gift by many.
Tea sets - Considering the aforementioned fact, a tea set would be useful to keep around for many people, especially when the new homeowners get surprise visits from guests
Knife block - Knives can be hard to store, since they can be dangerous to leave just lying around. Yet, they are needed quite often while in the kitchen, so they need to be within easy reach. This is why a knife block would be a perfect gift, as it keeps the kitchen safe and organised.
3. Decorative Items
A wind chime - A wind chime is a whimsical gift, and it takes up very little space. It adds to the atmosphere of the new home and would be appreciated by someone who is musically inclined.
A diffuser - A diffuser with a unique smell, style or shape fills the home with a pleasant fragrance. Many people also find certain scents relaxing and helpful for winding down before sleep.
A tableside ornament - A personalised miniature sculpture in the shape of a pet, or a painting of a subject the houseowners adore, would be a happy reminder for them to see in their home.
A stamp with their new address - A stamp with the homeowner's new address would serve as a reminder of their happy housewarming. It is an ideal gift for those who often send post or are interested in arts and crafts, as this is an especially personalised gift.
4. Useful Items
Key organisers - Key organisers come in various shapes, sizes, and themes. It would be a thoughtful gesture to gift one of these for a housewarming, as it would help the homeowners maintain an organised house.
Towels - Towels may seem boring and unoriginal; however, a personalised set of towels for everyday use is a practical gift. A set of towels for different rooms in the house will be used often and is genuinely useful in day-to-day life.
What Gifts to Avoid
Generic gifts - Items such as mats, mugs and calendars can feel low effort and may suggest the giver does not care.
Unique but impractical gifts - A unique gift can be memorable, but it becomes a burden if it is not useful. No one wants their gift to end up in a dusty cupboard.
Gifts that don’t suit the home - Gardening tools for people without a garden or oven mitts for someone without an oven are the kinds of items to avoid.
Culturally inappropriate gifts - Consider the homeowner’s culture, lifestyle and religion. Despite good intentions, some items may be seen as unlucky or rude and could leave a bad impression of the giver.
Gifts that may feel patronising - Cleaning supplies and groceries carry no cultural meaning, but they can still come across poorly. Think about how the homeowner may feel receiving something like cleaning supplies at their housewarming.
What about Food or beverages?
Food and/or beverages can be a risky gift, as this depends entirely on personal taste. Gifting food the homeowner dislikes, or is allergic to, can come across as careless. It is also best to choose non-alcoholic drinks, as taste, brand and belief play a major role here. The best option in this case may be a curated food basket filled with items the homeowner is known to enjoy.
What to consider when buying gifts
Is it Eco-Friendly?
Being “eco-friendly” is more than a trend nowadays. Most people are aware of the harmful effects of plastic and the pollution it causes. If the gift is made of toxic materials and is non-recyclable, it may leave a bad impression on the houseowner. This is especially true if the houseowner is conscious about the environment and cares deeply about living a sustainable lifestyle.
Is it practical?
Decorative items and ornaments can make any house look attractive and lived in. However, vases, sculptures and other items might just end up creating clutter. Ultimately, such gifts often end up stored away. This is why buying a gift that the houseowner will actually use is important. Rather than help them create clutter, get a good gift that helps them stay organised.
Is it Child Friendly?
If the homeowners have children, that too should be considered before buying a gift. If the child is a toddler or is still young enough to crawl, it is better that objects with sharp edges or hazardous components are not gifted. Giving a gift that the child may also enjoy, such as a board game, would be considerate towards the whole family.
Is it generic?
Whatever the gift, it should not be generic. If it is something the homeowner could easily buy for themselves, it is unlikely to feel memorable or heartfelt. This is essential to consider when gifting a close friend or family member, because a generic gift may leave a poor impression of the giver.
Does it fit the Homeowner’s Style?
When giving decorative gifts, considering the homeowner’s style is absolutely necessary. If it does not match their personal aesthetic, they may either store it, throw it away, or even regift it. Buying a gift that goes with the recipient's style shows thoughtfulness and how much the giver cares.
What is a good Last-Minute Gift? | How gift cards can save the day
Much like foods and beverages, gift cards can be a risky choice as they can sometimes feel impersonal or low effort. Even as a last-minute present, if the right gift card is chosen, it can be a very thoughtful gift. A long-lasting and personalised gift voucher is the perfect last-minute gift.
In this case, an Infinity Gift Card would be the perfect solution. Infinity Gift Cards are connected to a variety of partner stores, including Hameedia, Keells, SPAR and Mimosa.
FAQs
1. What makes a thoughtful housewarming gift?
A practical, personalised gift is a good aim. The gift should suit the homeowner’s preferences, so their lifestyle, likes and dislikes are worth considering before making a purchase.
2. What gifts should be avoided for a housewarming?
Food, beverages and very specific presents are best avoided unless the giver is sure the homeowner will like them. Generic and non-recyclable gifts are also best avoided. If the chosen product is mostly plastic, an eco-friendly alternative is a better option.
3. Is bringing alcohol to a housewarming party rude?
It depends on who is hosting. If the host is not someone the guest knows well, non-alcoholic drinks or a gift that isn’t food or drink are safer choices.
4. Are gift cards a good housewarming gift?
Gift cards can be a hit or a miss, depending on the card. An Infinity Gift Card can be personalised and used at many partner stores, which makes it a versatile gift for new homeowners. The freedom to choose is what makes gift cards a good option, whereas a generic gift voucher may go unused.
5. Are traditional gifts, such as a basket of bread, good housewarming gifts?
Some people see traditional gifts as auspicious or lucky, while others may find them inconvenient or outdated. Preference and practicality are key, so both are worth keeping in mind before giving a basket of bread.