Stressed about housewarming gifts? Worry no more! Our handy guide’s here to help you out.
Congratulations, you’ve been invited to a housewarming party! Now comes the hard part – what should you bring? Flowers? Coffee? Books? Wine? Help! Yes, we hear your cries, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best housewarming gifts you can get in Singapore. We guarantee once you turn up to their doorstep with these in hand, you’ll always be welcome to visit.
The best housewarming gifts in Singapore
1. Essentials: Transform the new house into a lovely home
Maybe the new homeowners have just moved in and didn’t have the time to get anything. Or, they only got the things they thought they needed. So, being the kind human being that you are, here’s your chance to flex by getting everything else they may have forgotten. We’re talking toilet paper (3ply is the best if you ask us), wet wipes (there’s always spillage and dust), bathroom essentials (you don’t know the importance of a plunger until it’s too late…), dustbins, a toolbox, and a first aid kit. These things are easily found at supermarkets and home supply stores; it’s just a matter of deciding which brand to get or what they truly need. Think of it as a precursor to when you have your own home.
If they’ve got everything they need, that’s great! But that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. How about getting some gorgeous tableware? We love Table Matter’s selections, which come in pleasing colours and eye-catching patterns.
2. Appliances: The house isn’t going to maintain itself
If you have cash to spare, consider getting home appliances. It can range from typical items like coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, and blenders to extravagant ones such as air purifiers, portable aircons, and water dispensers. Check with the homeowners before purchasing – you don’t want to buy them something they already have, or worse… they don’t like what you’ve given them. However, if you ask us, anything expensive is an excellent housewarming gift. It’ll make them say, “Wow, you really like us!”
3. Plants: To brighten up the living space
What’s the easiest way to add (more) life to a home? Plants! Even so, not everyone is interested in having greenery in their space because of the upkeep. If that’s the case, you can get fake plants or indoor plants that don’t require too much care, like succulents, air plants, ferns, palms, aloe vera, and snake plant (which is also known as, ahem, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue). Just be sure to give them TLC every now and then.
If the homeowner is a certified plant parent, you can thank your lucky stars. You just have to decide which plant and how many you intend to get, the plant’s size, and care instructions. Don’t go overboard when plant shopping – you’re picking this for someone else, not yourself! Not sure where to go? Singapore is littered with plant shops and nurseries; we recommend dropping by Plunt.co at Tai Seng or Potta Planta at Telok Kurau.
FYI, according to feng shui, dead plants, dried flowers, and empty pots represent death and weaken the home’s energy. So take good care of your greenery; if they’re dead or can’t be brought back to life, it’s best to throw them out.
4. Aromatherapy: Scenting every inch of space with a sweet fragrance
They say the way your home smells is a reflection of who you are. So, help your loved ones by bringing aromatherapy products, which are easily found in Singapore, as a housewarming gift. Candles are your best bet; you can sniff out local brands such as A Thing of Sense and The Rituals Co. for your burning needs. If fire is a concern, a safe option is a candle warmer, which operates similarly minus the flame. Breathe Essentials Co and Pristine Aroma stock this wick alternative. Diffusers, essential oils, and room sprays are other wonderful gifts to purchase. Check out our list of the best places to shop for home scents if you need some inspo.
5. Bedding: The mattress and pillows need some jazzing up too
We know what you’re thinking: why is bedding on this list? Contrary to popular belief, this is the best housewarming gift idea, especially in Singapore. Not everyone will think of getting it (bonus points for originality!), there are many colours and designs to choose from, and of course, every bed needs it. Now, before you shop, there are a couple of things to note. First, examine the thread count – a higher number means the bedding is of good quality. Given our weather conditions, you should also consider the material; cotton and microfibre sets are highly recommended.
Colour and design are subjective, so ask the new homeowners what appeals to them before you start looking. The last thing you want is to find out they’ve hidden the bedding deep in the closet, abandoned forever. Or, your housewarming gift has been passed on or donated. Ouch. So remember the standard options: monochromes, pastels, and muted tones. You can go wild with the choices if the person you’re purchasing for is into colours and prints.
6. Art prints: Inject personality into the new home
There’s nothing we love more than visiting someone’s house and snooping around. In our experience, the most vibey homes have unique decorations. Art prints are one way of jazzing up your space and giving it personality. Pop artwork on the wall? Luxurious. Framed prints on the floor? Bougie.
There are plenty of places to shop for prints in Singapore. Have fun browsing through Big Red Chilli and When I Was Four for works with a local twist; if you’re looking for something more unhinged, The Mockingbird Merch Store seasonally stocks hilarious prints that’ll look great in the living room… or the toilet.
7. Hampers: If you can’t decide which housewarming gift to buy
Yes, housewarming gifts are a tricky thing to navigate in Singapore – trust us, we know. If you’re one of those “no thoughts, just vibes” people, save the hassle and get a hamper for the new home. It’s easy breezy beautiful, and there are plenty of things wrapped in one handy basket. What’s not to love? Food hampers are the best because you’re helping to stock up their kitchen, and you know everything will be consumed. Humming has a great hamper selection; if you fancy a tipple to celebrate the new home, Sage and Gifts is where you should be looking.
And there you have it, the best housewarming gift ideas in Singapore. Good luck!
