New home ownership can be both an exciting and a daunting milestone in anyone’s life. New homeowners are faced with challenges like decorating, unexpected household repairs, yard care, learning the nuances of their new home and exploring a new neighborhood. In short, new homeowners are faced with a steep learning curve.
If you have a friend or family member who has achieved the milestone of new homeownership, help them make a smoother transition by giving them a a thoughtful (and useful) gift. Here are a few ideas for you to consider. Theses new homeowner gift ideas are much handier than a casserole— and they will last longer too!
Tools for the hands-on homeowner
Do it yourself (DIY) projects are very popular these days, especially amongst new homeowners. More experienced homeowners know that having the right tool for the job at hand can make the difference between success and frustration. A hammer instead of a shoe will help nails go into a wall easier. You can try “eyeballing” a picture to see if it was hung straight, or use a level to know for certain. A rubber band can help tighten a leaky pipe in a pinch, but a wrench would get the job done easier.
Unfortunately, many new homeowners have very few—if any—tools to get household DIY projects finished properly. A gift of basic items like a drill, hammer, and maybe even a box of first aid bandages might be nice. An even better option is an all-in-one multi-tool set. It’s a great starter for most basic household tasks.
Yard Care Ideas
A beautiful lawn and landscaping can really make a home look special. Unfortunately these things also need upkeep. Lots of it. For new homeowners that don’t mind getting their hands dirty outside the home, consider giving them a lawnmower. To make the laborious job of cutting the lawn a bit easier, consider a self-propelled mower. An even better option—granted the lawn is big enough—is a riding mower.
On a smaller scale, basic garden tools like a shovel, spade, rake or leaf blower are all good options. For gardens that need a bit more pizazz, you can opt to gift plants, flowers, or even a tree.
Home Safety Gifts
When it comes to giving a gift that will help keep the new homeowner in your life save, you have lots of options. Every home should have the following safety devices:
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguishers
- Storm radio
Another option for the tech-savvy homeowner is programmable or learning thermostats. These nifty devices are fairly easy to install and they are a convenient and cost-saving option.
The Gift Of Organization
A common challenge new homeowners face is unpacking boxes and finding a place for everything. Whether there is space for all the belongings or a lack of storage, all homeowners can benefit from being organized.
You can help a new homeowner get and keep organized by giving them decorative storage boxes, baskets, shoe racks, shelving units, or even a tool chest for all the tools they will need for their DIY projects around the home.
If none of the new homeowner gift ideas above appeal to you, there is one more to consider. You can’t go wrong with a gift card! Whether the gift card is for a home improvement store, favorite furniture store, or even a debit-type card, you are giving the gift of freedom. The new homeowner can buy whatever they need or want. More importantly, they will be thankful for the help.
