Traditional Housewarming Gifts

Traditional Housewarming Gifts Never Go Out of Style

The act of “housewarming” has been around for centuries, although it used to be quite literal. Where it was once customary to bring firewood and light fires in every fireplace to heat a newly built home, today’s traditional housewarming gifts are less for actual heat and more of a way to add something beautiful to the home that also has a practical use—in theory, anyway.

Light Up the Home

A traditional gift that has been given for centuries, candles are still one of the most common housewarming gifts. They were once given so the home would always have light, and they are still practical in times of electrical outages. You can update your candle gift to be more modern by finding a way to customize it. A glass holder can be etched with a picture of the family, their name or monogram or even a favorite quote related to the home.

May There Always Be Something to Drink

Although a more recent tradition and one that is mostly American, the act of bringing wine for new homeowners is also considered traditional and is based on the idea of ensuring the family always has something to drink—even if in reality, it will probably be gone that same night. Purchase a bottle of wine in the intended recipients’ favorite flavors and include custom etched wine glasses with the bottle. This is an especially lovely gift if the homeowners are also newlyweds.

The Gift of Art

Okay, so maybe this isn’t exactly on the list of traditional housewarming gifts, but it is modern and would probably be much appreciated by the new homeowners. A large canvas print of a family portrait can be placed in a focal point in the home and will forever be a reminder not only of their beautiful family, but of the great friends who gifted them the print. If one is available, use a picture of the family in front of their new home. There is no better way to personalize a housewarming gift.