Housewarming Gifts

May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. ~Author Unknown

When my husband and I made a decision to buy a larger home and move a few years ago, one thing on the top of our wish list was to find a home where we could get to know our neighbors. After living in a townhome for almost twelve years, we wanted neighbors that didn't move away within a few years. I knew we had found that type of community when within the first week, we had plates of cookies from our thoughtful new neighbors.

It is amazing how nice it feels to be welcomed with a handmade gift like a plate of cookies. The next time you make a plate of cookies to give to a new neighbor or a friend who has just moved, why not pull out your supplies and add an extra handmade gift? Try one of these simple gift ideas:

• Card - sometimes the perfect sentiment is a simple welcome or congratulations card.
• Candles - decorate the top of a glass jar, make wraps around pillars, or hang a homemade tag from a basket of votives.
• Personalized keychain - create an oversized tag keychain for the extra housekey, or alter an inexpensive keychain from the craft or dollar store.
• Magnet - laminate a quote or create a magnet with important local numbers.
• Framed house blessing - search the internet for a house blessing or quote to print, decorate and frame.
• Wine or bottle label - create a label using the family name or picture; print on label paper. Make a matching tag for around the neck of the bottle.
• Cookie box - decorate a baked goods box or tin for those homemade cookies.
• "We've Moved" card set - create a set of cards already complete with new address and phone number. Don't forget to include stamps.
• Photo album - create a small scrapbook or photo album, beginning with a photo of the new house.
• Flower vase - take flowers in a glass vase decorated with rub-ons and a homemade tag.
• Candy wrappers - add chocolate bars to your plate of cookies, complete with a homemade wrapper.
• Stationery - create several sheets of stationery and matching envelopes with the new address.
• Plant pot - decorate a planter with ribbons and rub-ons. Fill the pot with seed packets, garden tools or a nice plant.
• Paint can - decorate and fill a paint can with useful home project items.
• Coasters or mug set - take a photo of the new house and use a photo transfer technique on coasters or mugs.

Whether your gift is for a longtime friend or a new friend, your handmade gift is sure to be appreciated.

Resources:

http://www.quotegarden.com/housewarming.html

http://www.theotherpages.org/topic-h3.html#home

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