She Said | She Said: Best Housewarming Gifts
We tapped two of our local experts Amy Rutherford of Red Barn Mercantile and Britt Patterson of The Patterson Group at Sotheby’s Real Estate for ideas on unique housewarming gifts. If anyone knows — it’s these women. Besides we want something to bring something a little more memorable than a great bottle of wine, and if truth be told, that bottle will be opened during our visit…and hence, nothing special left to remember us by.
Amy, Red Barn Mercantile:
Housewarming gifts are one of the biggest requests we get from our customers. It’s hard to know what to bring to a party particularly if you’ve never been in their house! My philosophy on housewarming gifts when you’re not sure of their décor, is to stick with consumables or utilitarian items based on the new homeowners’ interests. Basically, something they can use up or put away when not in use. That way you have given them a thoughtful gift that they don’t feel compelled to put on display.
For instance, if they love to cook, how about a beautiful bottle of olive oil with an olive wood spatula tied to it instead of the obligatory bottle of wine? Add a cookbook if you’re feeling generous. If they are a big family who loves to spend time together how about something like family game night? Grab our favorite popcorn popper, popcorn, and a game or puzzle the entire family will enjoy, and they will remember you whenever they use it. I also love a pretty bottle of hand soap that can go near the kitchen or bathroom sink. Add a candle or fancy brush for dishes or nails and you’ve got a lovely gift. At a loss for what scent, then go with something clean and fresh. Everyone likes that fresh from the laundry or the garden smell, am I right?!
Oh, and if you’re ever at a loss for an idea, visit the individual’s social media pages! For a gift we put together for Stephanie, The Patterson Group’s client, we went to her Instagram page for clues as to what she might like. We noted: two small boys, a love for Alexandria, a sweet golden retriever, and an incredible bar (Britt gave us that tidbit). Those were the clues we needed to put together an epic basket for their new home!
Britt, The Patterson Group:
In recent years, we've enjoyed celebrating our clients by sending them beautiful holiday wreaths. It's our way of thanking them for their valued business throughout the year and celebrating the joy of their new homeownership. What better way to celebrate a home success than to dress it up for the holiday! During that season, our team group chat is often filled with photos of the wreaths, sent in by our clients that year. We love to share in their excitement.
Closing gifts and housewarming presents offer a special opportunity to celebrate our clients or friends in a professional yet, warm way. Whether it's providing them with practical items for their new home or a thoughtful keepsake, it’s nice to mark this important milestone. And yes, you’ll notice that we consider a Champagne bottle from Sotheby’s as a practical item to use to celebrate! This particular Champagne was introduced to our team through Phyllis from a trip she made to Sotheby's headquarters in New York City where she met with their wine team to try this selection. It’s been a fun way to bring a taste of luxury from Sotheby’s!
Another gift we genuinely enjoy presenting to our clients during a closing is a custom painting of their former home. It's a simple yet meaningful gift that provides a piece of their history captured through a beautifully crafted piece of artwork.
And here’s a pic of the beautiful basket Amy and her team created for our client Stephanie:
