Are you invited to a housewarming party and you’re not sure what to bring? You can play it safe and bring some food and drinks, or perhaps a decoration item for the new house. But you could also consider a traditional housewarming gift with a much more symbolic meaning that will leave a lasting impression.
Traditional housewarming gifts vary from culture to culture, but what they share is a symbol of well wishes from the giver to the new homeowner.
It is believed that the tradition of housewarming parties began in Europe, with many of the traditional housewarming gifts outlined below still used today.
Traditional housewarming gifts typically have deeper, symbolic meanings which is what makes these types of gifts extra special. They typically mean a lot more to the new home owner than a conventional gift.
Top 12 Traditional Housewarming Gifts
Below is a list of 12 traditional housewarming gifts and their symbolic meanings.
If you do decide to give your friend or family member one of these traditional or symbolic housewarming gifts when visiting their new house, make sure you attach a little note explaining the symbolism.
Or even better, you can also try to write a little poem to explain the symbolic meaning behind your gift.
1. Bread
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread?
By giving a loaf of bread as a housewarming gift, you are wishing that “those in this house may never go hungry”.
2. Honey
This sweet treat was once considered as precious as gold.
As a housewarming gift it represents the wish that your recipient “shall always enjoy the sweetness of life”.
3. Broom
A broom is another traditional gift, and is symbolic for a home to be “forever clean and free of evil spirits and bad luck”.
4. Salt
If you give salt as a gift, you are wishing that “there always be flavor and spice in your life”.
5. Rice
Rice as a housewarming gift refers to fertility and you typically give this to a young couple. You are wishing them: “May the love in your home multiply”.
6. Plants
By giving a plant as a housewarming gift, you are wishing the recipient: “May your home always be filled with life”.
The idea behind this is that if they can keep a plant alive and well, they can also care for each other and keep the relationship healthy.
7. Wood
A gift made of wood symbolizes the following: “May your home have stability, harmony, and peace”.
Practical examples of gifts made of wood are wooden cutting boards, door signs, or small decoration pieces.
8. Candles
Candles often bring scent and light, symbolizing “hope through the darkest times”.
9. Coins
By giving the gift of coins you are wishing the new home owner “luck and good fortune”.
Even better to place these coins in a keepsake box with a little note.
10. Olive Oil
Giving olive oil as a housewarming gift means: “May you be blessed with health and well-being”.
11. Pineapple
Pineapple, believe it or not, symbolizes hospitality and friendship. Some say that it’s the host that gives away pineapples to their guests to welcome them to their new house and to declare their friendship.
But as awkward as it may be for the receiver, you can certainly give a pineapple as a your next housewarming gift, as long as you explain the symbolism it represents.
12. Wine
A bottle of wine on first glance is really nothing special for a housewarming gift, but wine can also have a symbolic meaning, turning it into a traditional gift.
Wine symbolizes joy, happiness and prosperity, so if you intend to give a bottle of wine to your host at your next housewarming party, it’s a good idea to attach a little note or poem to explain the symbolic meaning behind the bottle.
They will appreciate it even more.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this list will inspire you to go a more traditional route at your next housewarming party.
No doubt these traditional and symbolic housewarming gifts will be very well received, because it’s always the thought that counts most, more than the actual gift itself.
And a little poem or a note along with the gift will leave a long lasting memory.
