A very good friend of mine just moved into their first house. They live on the other side of the country, we've known each other since jr. high. Although we don't see each other often, it's just that kind of friendship where it doesn't ever matter. When we are able to get together or talk it's like old times, you know?

She and her dh have been married about 5 years and have always lived in an apartment in the city (Seattle). They are expecting their first baby in about a month, and have just moved into their first purchased home, also in the city. They have a very small yard.

I would like to send them something, but not sure what. I know they probably already have everything. It's their first house though and they are really excited. I thought of a birdfeeder at first, but then I figured that would be a waste at the moment with a new baby coming and full-time working people. I also considered maybe a set of windchimes. All of their painting is already done, I know that. They don't want to spend a lot of time keeping up their yard, so I don't think their too interested in gardening types of things. I want to spend maybe $30-$40 only (I've been spending like crazy for their new baby!)
Would love suggestions! TIA

By My2girlygirls on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 03:38 pm:

How about a nice brass doorknocker engraved with their last name? Or just a brass plate with their name on it for their door?

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 03:40 pm:

Just off the top of my head...

- a simple brass door knocker with their last name or initial engraved

- a gift certificate to a home improvement/supply store
(Most store web sites have store locators so that you could look up what's in their area.)

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 03:48 pm:

I would find out a cleaning service in their area and pre-pay a few hours? This will help especially when they are expecting soon and she will feel the need to clean but probably won't have the energy to. And, especially since they both work. I would have remembered ANY person who would have done that for me. AND thanked them profusely!!

We also got a planter with our last name and address put on it as a gift. You can just put their last name on it if you think they might move in a few years.
Website

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 04:15 pm:

Hmmmm....the door knocker is a really clever idea. Would have never thought of that!
Heidi-I personally would love the planter idea if I received it as a gift, but my friend kept her maiden name when they married. They may already have a housekeeper....but I'm not sure.
Great ideas!! Keep 'em comin' ladies!

By Eve on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 04:20 pm:

I'm a big fan of Red Envelope. They have some wonderful gift ideas. I love, love giving their photo coasters. I think they are fun to give and fun to get! Good luck finding something.

Depending on their style, I'm sure Pottery Barn would be a great place to look as well. Or else a nice gift basket with fun stuff from a kitchen store, like William Sonoma.

Oh, I like the products from Homemade Gourmet and Tastefully Simple. I'm also really happy with the Stoneware piece I bought from Pampered Chef. HTH!

By Kaye on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 04:23 pm:

We have moved a lot, things that I think are cool are, new address labels even we've moved cards. I love brownies (they mail great). A gift certificate to something in the area (like here we have "pappas" restraunts}. I like the windchime idea. The planter is great too, I am sure you could find it for less, or even make your own!

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:52 pm:

My parents and grandparents have little wood figures of their homes, they sit on the mantle. I have no idea where they had them made, but they are very cute. A sign with their last name, like "The Smith Family" for their front door. A Christmas ornament for their new home (I know it's early, but I've seen ornaments in stores already). A nice basket arrangement, with whatever items you think they'd like, you can make them pretty inexpensively.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 06:40 pm:

Wind chimes, door-knocker, maybe a gift certificate for Pampered Chef, BB&B, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn? I LOVE PB stuff!

By Tunnia on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 04:43 pm:

We always give an American Flag with pole and mounting kit for a housewarming gift.

By Children03 on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 08:54 pm:

I liked getting a scented candle or an indoor plant.