Early autumn is often a time when people are moving home, as they are keen to be settled in before the first hint of winter arrives and the days become noticeably shorter and colder. Of course, it’s also a time when many young people are preparing to leave home for the first time as they start university and settle into a flatshare or hall of residence.

If you know someone who is on the move, you might be looking for the perfect housewarming gift to help them celebrate their new start. Whether it’s a humble bedsit or a palatial pad, the right gift can make it feel more warm and welcoming. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Keep it small

Moving home involves doing battle with mountains of boxes and items that will take weeks or months to find a proper place, so you don’t want to add to the clutter with a big and bulky item. A small decorative object that can be placed in a hallway or living room is ideal, because it can simply be popped on a surface, or hung on a picture hook. 

Aim for something thoughtful and personal

If you know the person very well and have visited their previous home, then you will already have some idea of their taste and style to help you choose something appropriate for them. If not, consider a handcrafted item that is a little different from the mass-produced objects that flood the shelves of homeware sections. 

For example, personalised love spoons are a thoughtful way to add your own good wishes and show that you are making a heartfelt gesture. These are traditional Welsh carvings that were once given as a romantic token and to show off a young man’s woodworking skills. 

Today, the spoons are given to mark a wide range of occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and of course a new home. The handmade spoons have special symbols on the handles that could further reflect the interests of the recipient, or just be a beautiful piece of decor that helps to make their home feel more unique.

Celebrate the local area

If your recipient happens to be moving to or within Wales, then a lovespoon or alternatively an item of pendant silver jewellery will reflect the culture and heritage of the area. Consider the locale and research what materials or crafts it is known for. For example, if they are moving to Staffordshire, then a small item of locally made pottery would be perfect.

Go green

To complement your gift or if you know the recipient is green fingered, then a plant is an ideal gift, because they represent growth, putting down roots, and a fresh start: very much all things they will be aiming for! 

Choose something that is already potted and low-maintenance, rather than presenting them with a bag of compost and a packet of seeds that will only add to their to-do list.