So housewarming, not sure if it will be rude to decline with I'm busy on that. But I think changes are you will still have to bare gifts.
The tip is to share with fellow guests. So you can get something big at a fraction of a price. Ask the hosts what they want or specifically what they need. They want a lot of things but need is a bigger concern. Or if you happen to be the bestfriend of the host(s), you'll probably know what they want. In that case share with fellow guests the list of things.
Also it will be nice to figure out or more accurately find out what others are buying if you are not sharing. That way you'll know what not to get.
Cost is probably a factor. So depending in how close you are to the guest, the prices of the gift will vary. If the host happen to be your sarboniate, I think it is fair to get them something of a higher value cause dude you are incharge in the office. Good gifts = better work performance. Your bestfriend of 18 years deserve that $320 espresso machine and not the $150 coffee maker. If it is someone you know not that well and you probably don't wanna be friends with anymore, well, everyone appreciate a toaster or a tray. No one think if tray, but it is useful to have them.
Plus what you give them, they will remember it. They will appreciate it and they will roughly return back the favor to you. If they are the average human beings. These days you just never know.
Lastly check be sure to confirm if it is a potluck housewarming or just plain housewarming. You will know it is potluck cause they will tell you what to bring what. As in what category. If not tell them what you will be bringing or maybe bringing. Nobody want to have 9 brownies and nothing else at the party.
So anyway here are some ideas.
If you know for sure they just move in and have nothing.
- easy to wash utensils (a set)
- pots and pans
- kettle (price varies)
- spice rack and containers
- tea set (for tea lover) (the china quality has to be not that cheap)
- microwave
- kurag (only for the busy)
- blender (good quality please)
- candles (price varies) (only if you know their fav scent!!)
- good quality knife set
- electronic picture frame or simply picture frames (it's ok, she only invite you out of politeness)
- homemade parcel filled with cleaning supply
- homemade hamper filled with knickknacks
- awesome toolbox (the husband deserve some love too)
- rice cooker with grains holder bucket thingy
- a lifetime paid weekly Yakult delivery
- priceless painting that they can sell in 5 years time to buy a new bungalow
If everything's taken, you can always go with Crabtree and Evelyn hand soap and hand lotion set. Or some other atas brand.
Personally I already have a list of appliances I want. But only today I know that I can ask my friends to get it for me with a hey I am throwing a housewarming scheme. Muahahaha [insert evil grin]. But seriously, I think it is quite bad to make use of your friends to get you something even if the purpose is indeed to really "show off" your house.
I think the host or hosts should tell their guest that all they need is a bottle of wine or maybe bottle drinks cause they're heavy to buy for everyone when the hosts only have 4 hands. Or like those cute salt and pepper shakers you can get from silly shops.
They should provide a list of approved item to be brought to the party. It eliminates price war/favoritism among guest. Eliminates haiz-ness from guests who only comes cause they feel bad if they don't. It is nicer to get fun non serious gifts. As you don't have to buy the buyer expensive gifts when it is their turn to host one.
And so that's my take on being helpful on housewarming ideas/tips/thoughts.
