Questions
How much should you spend on a housewarming gift?
How much you spend on a housewarming gift depends on how close you are to the host and what feels right for your budget; there's no fixed figure to hit.
Think in terms of the relationship rather than a set amount, and the right figure tends to become fairly obvious. For a colleague or acquaintance's party, something small and thoughtful is entirely appropriate. For close friends or family, people often spend a bit more on something that will actually be used or displayed in the new home. Group gifts are common too: a few people contributing together can stretch to a nicer piece than any one person might buy alone. What matters more than the amount is that the gift suits the person and the home, rather than being generic. If you're unsure, ask a mutual friend what the host actually needs, rather than guessing.
Browse personalised new home gifts across a range of budgets, or read housewarming etiquette for the wider guest-manners picture.
Written by Craig Fearn, Our House Print.
From the journal