Holiday Shopping 101: Eight Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends Who Own a Condo
Holiday Shopping 101: Eight Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends Who Own a Condo
“Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” -Norman MacEwen.
As the happiest season of the year draws near, many of us are beginning to update our shopping lists with new giftees and items.
A well-meaning sentiment about the holidays is that it is not always about the gift that you give, but rather the thought itself. But of course, we would also want to provide our giftees something that they would be able to enjoy, use, and take advantage of in the years to come. For that reason, shopping for holiday gifts can be a somewhat complex process, considering how meticulous we can be. Also, it is worth noting that the overwhelming options at our disposal can make the overall endeavor even more confusing. So, what exactly should you give someone who is dear to your heart? Most particularly, new homeowners who just moved into their own space, may it be a condo in Quezon City or elsewhere?
As it is, moving into a new condo can be an exciting phase. However, it can also be a particularly challenging time, especially as your new homeowner friends try to settle into their new environment. Of course, there are several ways to make the transition to a new neighborhood less scary and even more exciting—and one of these comes in the form of a kind and generous gesture from a friend. That said, it is customary to give someone a housewarming gift when they first move in, but considering that the holidays are just around the corner, you may also consider this as your holiday gift. So, what direction do you take? Wherever they may have landed, you want to be a thoughtful friend and give them a thoughtful holiday and housewarming gift. Do you go with something that matches their aesthetic? Or a practical gift that you know they will be able to use for the years to come? Do you go with a functional present? Or one that can set the mood? Should you choose something that they will use for the living room, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom?
To help you make this particular holiday task more manageable and ensure that you have a gift that your recipient is sure to treasure, below are some of the best and most sought-after gifts by new homeowners. In this way, you still have options, but you would get a better sense of what you or your new homeowner friend may be looking for in a housewarming and holiday gift.
1.) Kitchenware
It may come as a surprise, but one of the most popular and well-loved gifts by new homeowners are items they can use for the kitchen. This is because while your new homeowner friend gets settled into their new home, there is a likely chance that they will hardly have any decent cookware. Moreover, as there are quite a lot of things that they need to buy, such as furniture and appliances, quality cookware might not even make it to their shopping list until much later. For that reason, gifting them decent, durable, and quality cookware that would last them for years would be a welcome holiday and housewarming gift.
a.) Cast-iron pans
The best cookware you can give your new homeowner friend is a cast-iron pan that would last them a lifetime.
The pan is known for its superior heat-retention and is close to impossible to destroy. That said, it is one of the most durable cookware available. Take it a step further by choosing a five-piece set for them that includes a griddle for breakfast pancakes, a Dutch oven for roasts and baking bread, and a skillet for all-around cooking such as fish, steak, and vegetables.
b.) Set of storage bowls
Most homeowners do not really put much thought into investing in beautiful storage containers for food. More often than not, they would instead use old ice cream tubs and the like for practicality. In this regard, a set of thoughtfully designed storage bowls will not only be a welcome gift but will make any fridge look organized and beautiful. If food storage is something that your recipient would love, make sure to give them beautiful and top-rated food storage containers as a holiday gift.
c.) KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Unless a new homeowner intends to order out forever, it is very likely that they are going to find a stand mixer handy. We have specifically indicated the brand for this item as it is known for its durability, longevity, and reliability. If you are feeling extra generous, this will come as a very welcome gift. As this particular kitchen appliance is rather pricey, it is understandable that not everyone would want to buy this for themselves. However, this does not mean that they would not want it for their kitchens. If you want to give your new homeowner friend a stand mixer but are worried about the hefty price tag, the brand also has mini mixers available. They are half the size of the standard mixer and are perfect for smaller spaces.
2.) DECOR
While new homeowners like nothing more than decorating their new space, it can be pretty challenging to do amid unpacking all their boxes, organizing their items, and shopping for new furniture. Moreover, it is very likely that their old decor may not match the aesthetic of their new space, and even if they do have existing decor, having more would be very much welcome.
a.) Coffee-table Books
Books are often regarded as the centerpiece of a home. However, books can cover a wide range of topics, and they run the gamut when it comes to genres and subjects. Keep in mind, however, that there is a big difference between full-length novels and coffee-table books, with the latter having a more decorative function. That said, your new homeowner gift recipient will appreciate a coffee-table book that would serve as a conversation piece. If they are into travel or interior design, choose a coffee table book that covers those topics. Apart from serving as a uniquely beautiful decorative piece, it can also serve as an inspiration when it comes to redesigning their condo space.
b.) A Shelf Unit
As a genuinely helpful friend, we recommend that you gift your new homeowner friend a shelf where they can display mementos, souvenirs, or even a few choice decors. Give them a shelf unit that gives them a lot of space to show whatever they want to their heart’s wish. Choose something that would have not only enough room for photos, books, and ceramics but also one that is beautiful enough to function as decor themselves.
c.) Money Tree
Giving new homeowners a plant to decorate their spaces with is an excellent way to inject a bit of life into a living area that would otherwise feel artificial and cold. More importantly, it gives them the opportunity of caring for something and witness it grow through the years. While many may recommend giving them low-maintenance plants that require little to no care, such as succulents and cacti, it would be a nice change of pace to give them something that symbolizes wealth and prosperity, such as a money tree. Apart from being affordable, money trees are meant to bring wealth to the receiver. Custom dictates that the recipient should stick a coin into the soil to ensure an abundance of prosperity—something that your giftee will genuinely appreciate.
d.) Scented Candles
Many people would balk at the idea of giving scented candles as a gift—probably because they think it is something that is rather unoriginal and a tad bit overused. However, to a new homeowner, this might just be the perfect housewarming gift. This is because they set the tone for the home and give their space a little more oomph. Moreover, it makes decor a bit more sensory, ensuring that guests and visitors do not only get a feast for their eyes when they enter their home but a welcome scent as well. Candles are great as the perfume is quite concentrated that it only needs to be lit for a few minutes at a time. It is also quite helpful in drowning smells that waft around the house, leaving only a nice pleasant and welcoming scent.
e.) Room Sprays
While you can always opt to buy a new homeowner a diffuser or a potpourri and burner set as an alternative to giving candles, room sprays are great as well. Room sprays are perfect for when you have unexpected guests, such as family members, who drop in and would spend the night. It is also a quick way to get any room to smell like the spa. Be sure to choose a scent that is earthy but not overly floral and overpowering. All your giftee would need to do to freshen up their space is simply spritz a few pumps around their house, and it will smell divine in no time.