House warming gift for my sister and her husband.
By jillhill
@jillhill (37354)
United States
May 18, 2008 12:38pm CST
Yesterday I went to see my sister's new house. It is the dream home that she has always wanted. I brought a house warming gift. Her sons went together and bought them a new grill so I got new grilling utinsels, a new mitt with the heat proof grips....a bouquet of flowers and made them a card. When I pulled up into the driveway I asked her to help me carry in my stuff and handed her the flowers....she almost started crying. She said..besides her sons no one had given them a house warming gift. She was thrilled as well with the other things I gave them. She mentioned several times during the day that they were the only gifts from anyone. My sister is the type that if you had a hang nail she would send a card or buy you a little get well gift. She is generous and always remembers everyone birthday and anniversaries etc. I never even thought NOT to give them something for their new home....because it's her dream home! Do you give house warming gifts yet? What is the protocol on this? I feel disappointed for her in a way!
9 people like this
14 responses
@selby70 (283)
•
18 May 08
Your sister sounds just like my daughter a bit like me also but I have learned over the years, she is always getting cards and presents if it is someones birthday or they have a baby, but I always say did they get you anything when you had your children and the answer is no but she gets them something anyway, and I feel sorry for her when it is not returned even if they would get her a card.
1 person likes this
@shooie (4984)
• United States
19 May 08
I have and have not taken a house warming gift. Your sister sounds like a sweetheart but not everyone is like that and are not going to think about it. Did she buy the house to get gifts? If it was someone i was close to then more then likely I would have taken a gift but if not that close or know them to well then know. To be honest if I felt I had to I probably wouldn't because if people expect it then no it takes the fun out of it. When I moved I didn't get any house warming gifts but heck I didn't care they came by said congrats and happy for us that was good enough for me at least they took the time to come by.
@AmbiePam (85447)
• United States
18 May 08
That is so sweet. Yes, I give housewarming gifts, even if it something small. Which usually it is because I can't afford it. I admit when I moved into my apartment over a year ago I was disappointed no one got me a housewarming present. I didn't expect something big, but I thought maybe some women from our church would get me some hand towels, things like that. I didn't have much. I didn't have pots and pans! My mother bought me some six months into me living there, lol.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
18 May 08
Pam....since I value your opinion I'd like to know what you think of this....if I email my brother and other sister and say.....if you are wondering what to get them for a house warming present....I got them this and this so don't buy that! It would get the hint across without being preachy.
1 person likes this
@stormeetigress (487)
• United States
19 May 08
I know you weren't asking my opinion right now, but that sounds like a brilliant way to get it across.
@ellie333 (21016)
•
18 May 08
Hi Jill I haven't had too many people move house in recent years. I will always send a card but I will only buy a gift if it is a close friend or family. I bought bedding that one couple needed recently, they gave me the colour theme and a bathroom set for someone else again once colour scheme was known. I never received any gifs when I moved into my new home two years ago but did get a whole bunch of cards. It was very kind of you to buy for your sister. Ellie :D
@ellie333 (21016)
•
19 May 08
Yes it is a shame that she is so giving but doesn't seem to be on the receiving end. I would perhaps ring around some of her frineds and other relatives and suggest items. I would also word it as if there were going to buy like 'Oh in case you were having a problem knowing what to buy as a new home gift for .....I know that she would just love to receive..... or have you come up with any other ideas? Puts them in an awkward position I know but will make them think eh! Ellie :D
@sanell (2112)
• United States
19 May 08
I think giving housewarming gifts are thoughtful but not necessary. It does suck that no one thought to help in celebrate with her for her dream home and being that she remembers everyones birthdays and the like, I still think that she should not expect that people should give her a housewarming gift however, at the same time I can understand her disappointment. It was sweet that you got her something and I am sure she is incredibly appreciative of the gift you had given to her.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 May 08
Well, for me, it has always depended on the situation, like who the person is, and do I have any $$ to consider buying them something? My husband and I are actually in the process of getting our Condo ready to sell so we can buy a Double Wide we have found. I am planning on having a Couple of open houses when we get the place. It will be up to people who come see it if they want to bring anything. I for one will not be expecting something.
Maybe people are just this way, and do not think they owe someone something? In todays Economy, you never know. But she should maybe not let it bother her so much, and just be Happy she finally got the home of her dreams.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
19 May 08
oh yes... i do give housewarming gift especially to my family members... even to my close friend, i will give a gift... let alone to my own sister... i don't actually have a sister but i have 2 brothers whom i love very much... take care and have a nice day...
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
19 May 08
Cool gits(s). When we bought our house 5 years ago I wanted to arrange a house warming party for our friends and family. But my wife isn't a party type person and didn't go for the idea. I told her that she would probably get a lot of plants and flowers as house warming gifts but she still refused. So we had none and got no gifts at all. Our old neighbors moved a couple years ago and I went out on my own and bought them a real nice steel vase type pot with artificial flowers in it that fit and looked perfect at the foot of the stairs of their new house inside. My wife never knew this. I got it at an auction and got the artificial flowers at Micheals Crafts.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
19 May 08
hahaha...im not sure really if we had to buy or give gifts for house warming to anyone.. its not a practice here in our country to give one...maybe she cried because of your act(of giving means you really care for them) on the occasion if ever happened to me i will be surprise and ovelwhelmed about it...
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
19 May 08
I think it was appropriate for you to give her a gift, as to whether I give a housewarming gift it depends - was I invited and arriving at a housewarming party? if so - definitely a gift is in order... if not, well then it depends on my relationship with the person - and if I was being slighted in not being invited OR were they just not having a gathering to show off their new home.
your sister sounds like a dear woman. how fortunate the two of you are to have each other.
@stormeetigress (487)
• United States
19 May 08
When my cousin and her husband moved into their first home I made her a doily and wrote her a little poem on fancy paper!
@stormeetigress (487)
• United States
19 May 08
I combined two of my hobbies into the gift. It meant a lot to her, however it was pretty cheap and easy to make. But as my mother said, Its not always how much was spent but the fact that I spent time writing an original poem for her and creating a doily, my first ever!
@Palmerhusky (843)
• United States
19 May 08
yeah..you guys are awesome for buying her those house warming gifts...can i adopt you before i buy a house? :P. kidding of course. but im mortified that no one else did anything in congratulations. good form on your part.
