Housewarming gift suggestions?

[frugalone]

I'm looking for ideas for a housewarming gift for an old friend. She is in her late 40s, going through a divorce and just bought her own home.

I thought about a couple of soup mugs and one of those "bean mixes" (like Bob's Red Mill) plus some organic veggie broth. I thought I would put it in a basket and wrap it up. Can you think of anything else that might be nice? Cloth napkins? Placemats?

I'm trying to think "warmth" and the coming of the colder weather. And something kinda heartwarming?

Thanks!

[Tradd]

Does she like candles? If you know the scents she likes, perhaps that would fit the bill. You can get the nicer Yankee Candle jar candles at Target, including smaller ones that don't cost an arm and a leg.

[frugalone]

A good idea, Tradd. I can probably get her to tell me which ones she likes!

[bunnys]

Yeah, the soup sounds nice but I think I'd go with something that will last. Candles are good, too.

But you could go with some table linens or a kitchen appliance she'll really use (like a toaster or a lamp or something.

[frugalone]

Oh, I wasn't planning to make the soup. It was more like she could make the soup anytime she felt like it, when it gets colder out. (blush)

[catherine]

How about a plant? Every home could use a little greenery.

[Tussiemussies]

If she already has a tablecloth maybe you could get placemats and napkins that match as bunnys mentioned...it is hard to think of something for someone who is fourty at this point in her life, unless her husband took some housewares with him?

[frugalone]

I think she is leaving quite a lot of the household stuff with him. Unfortunately, it's hard for me to know what kind of tablecloths etc. she has because she lives a good 3 hours away and I wont' be seeing her before then.

[Tussiemussies]

The candle idea is another nice idea too...:)

[bunnys]

I knew what you meant.:)

[razz]

A small flowering plant with a new container pot which can sit on a dining table are always timely and easy to give and receive. A DD gave me a claypot and saucer that she had painted in bright and cheerful colours and I use it for new plants of the season.

[Tradd]

I wouldn't give plants unless you KNOW the recipient likes them and wants them. I don't like plants. Give me cut flowers or nada! I kill potted plants. Black thumb. 'Nuff said.

[Rosemary]

I'd go with a plant, too.

[try2bfrugal]

I bought a friend in a similar situation a bonsai tree. She still has it years later and takes good care of it so I think she really liked it.

[Float On]

I always give glass....but then I happen to have a glass studio 12 steps from the back door and can grab something and wrap it on the way to the truck.

[Rogar]

How about a welcome mat for the front door.

[Gardenarian]

My favorite gift to give is local honey.

[Mrs-M]

My personal opinion is, you can never go wrong with something in the way of crystal. (A bowl, vase, etc).

[awakenedsoul]

I love to give homemade dishcloths and homemade soap as a housewarming gift. I also give potholders that I crochet, and everyone seems to love those...

[razz]

I was doing an artist studio tour on the weekend and came across a pottery that made beautiful cups with a serenity wish inserted and thought of your post, frugalone.
What about a cup with the words - Wishing you peace, love, joy, health, happiness, serenity, and laughter in your new home - written on a pretty card and a supply of the beverage of the person's preference like a mixture of teas or samples of hot chocolate or some coffee beans in a small basket?

This may be too late for this housewarming but may work for others.

[Jilly]

I give mostly things that can be consumed, like soap,breads, jams, stuff like that, unless it is someone I know really well, then I ask what they want. And that usually is something I will make just for them. Lately that has been old wooden boxes that I tart up an fill with napkins, coasters and wine charms made from silver wire and semi-precious gemstones. I made one set and now everyone seems to want one or something similar.

[frugalone]

I do know her pretty well, so maybe I should just ask! ;)