Gift It Friday: Welcome a Neighbour
Getting to know new neighbours has many benefits. Social connection with the people who live nearby creates a sense of shared identity, promotes trust and, generally, makes a neighbourhood happier and healthier for everyone. Of course, introducing yourself to someone you don’t know isn’t always easy, but what better way of “breaking the ice” than offering them a carefully chosen housewarming gift to make them feel welcome.
Traditional New Home Gifts
Traditionally, in most European countries, new homeowners receive symbolic gifts of salt, bread and a broom! Practical these new home gifts may be, but none of them is particularly memorable. If you want to create a favourable first impression – and assuming, of course, that your neighbour isn’t teetotal – you might like to make a gift of a bottle of champagne and champagne flutes. Similarly, decorative, scented candles and/or candlesticks, in brass, glass, pewter or silver, are likely to be well received. Other options include a large, statement wall clock, a doormat inscribed with something funny or sentimental and cookware, crockery or cutlery, which can be fun, but nonetheless functional, gift options.
Textiles, such as a bed linen, throws and towels, are typically tried and true alternatives, although erring on the side of unadventurous, neutral colours is probably a good idea. With so many personalised options nowadays this simple items can be transformed into a more meaningful gift.
Creative Housewarming Gifts
If you want to be a little more creative in your choice of gift for your new neighbours, choose something that they’re unlikely to buy for themselves. Of course, these are people you don’t know, at least not yet, so be imaginative, but not absurd (if that's your taste!) in your selection. A desk or tabletop lamp, in a tube, globe or other innovative design is one possibility, while others include a wooden, porcelain or slate plaque or wall hanging, on the “Home Sweet Home” or “Bless This House” theme, or a with a unique, personalised message, or an authentic lucky horseshoe.
If you go for a personalised message, remember that what you find funny may not be appropriate for everyone. Avoid jokes that are knowingly in bad taste and may cause offence; opt instead for something tactful and light hearted, even if it’s not hilariously funny. On the subject of wall hangings, a digital picture frame, which allows pictures to be uploaded from smartphones and social media, is an interesting alternative to regular wall art. For a creative twist on mundane, everyday items, consider a set of magnetic spice jars, which are akin to fridge magnets, but keep seasonings within convenient reach.
Gift It Friday
Life is about sharing your happiness with others so, to celebrate Gift It Friday, we’d love you to share your gift story with us. We'd love to know what you have received to welcome you to your new home or what you have gifted to someone else. It doesn't matter if the gift isn’t related to Smart Gift Solutions at all; we’d just like you to share with us what the gift meant to you, or the recipient.
If we publish your story on our Blog, we’ll send you one of our beautiful gift baskets, just to say “Thank you!”
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