“Take them a loaf of bread,” my mum advised me when I asked her what to bring a friend who had just moved house.
At the time I scoffed. There was no way I was turning up with a loaf of Kingsmill, no matter how empty my friend’s new kitchen cupboards might be. However, having since moved several times myself I would prefer a loaf over a cactus. Plants are great, don’t get me wrong, but they take up valuable space and the soil spills out when you move flats for the umpteenth time.
Bread definitely isn’t the answer either, no matter how fancy and sourdough it might be. So, I’ve done some strenuous research and identified ten presents you can buy your newly-homed loved ones that feel thoughtful and personal and will guarantee future invitations.
The recipient will always be ready to host a gathering with this gorgeous cocktail shaker. Nothing screams “I’m a fully-fledged grown up and can throw a damn good party” quite like having your own barware.
No-one was ever upset to receive a scented candle and this one is particularly attractive. Not only will it last ages and smell divine, but it also makes a lovely decorative ornament once the wax has all been burned. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Simple, classic and achingly cool, this gift will ensure your loved ones are dancing around their (extremely well-indexed) new home for years to come. You can personalise it free of charge for that extra thoughtful touch.
Don’t let the dreamy cloud and moon design fool you, these bookends are made from concrete and will sturdily prop up your friends’ favourite novels. They also look brilliant at either end of a mantelpiece or on their own as ornaments.
Lots of people think artwork is expensive, but this colourful, uplifting animal print proves them wrong. The bright palette goes with most colour schemes and will perk up any room.
The green-fingered among us will enjoy showing off their succulents, herbs or flowers in these personalised planters. If they aren’t into gardening then they could also use these to store keys, fruit or unwanted housewarming gifts.
Is there a greater gift than the gift of fresh pasta for all eternity? We think not, especially when the machinery is this chic. This pasta-maker is ideal for foodies and carb-lovers everywhere – plus, you’re likely to benefit at some point, too.
Who doesn’t want to sip gin from what is, essentially, a giant glass bowl? The recipients can put these straight to use when you arrive if they haven’t unpacked their own glassware yet.
A house isn’t really a home until the photographs are up, so help your pals on their way with this stylish metal picture frame. The duck egg blue is a safe choice if you have no idea what colour they’re going to paint their walls yet.
I will never, ever stop loving these, and the noise they make as you pour (can you work it out?) never ceases to tickle a room full of adults. Staying hydrated has never looked so stylish – or kitsch.
We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.