What to buy as a gift for a new flat?

Has a close friend or family member bought or rented a flat? Are you going to a housewarming party ("parapetówka")? Of course, it is not done to turn up empty-handed. But you are not sure which gift will go down best? Here is a short guide with practical gift ideas for the new owner or tenant of a flat.

On the one hand, buying a gift for a new flat should not cause major problems. Everyone needs something, whether it is an item of interior decor or some practical kitchen accessory. However, the sheer number of possibilities can mean that we ourselves will not know what to settle on in the end. In such a situation it is best to ask the recipient whether they need a particular item. This is a very practical solution. It minimises the risk of buying an ill-chosen gift and makes the present all the more welcome. Such a solution would actually be ideal, but not everyone is able to specify their needs when asked "what would you like?", or, worse still, their answer greatly exceeds our financial means. In such a situation we have to rely on our intuition to choose a suitable gift.

What to consider when choosing a gift for a new flat?

Before you go to a home furnishings shop or start browsing online shops, first think about which interior style the recipient likes best. A gift will look different for someone who prefers a modern and elegant style than for a lover of rustic, Scandinavian or Provençal style.

The second matter concerns who we are buying the gift for. A man may need something different for a new home than a woman, and a couple will have yet other needs. The recipient's age is also of no small importance.

We should also think about what kind of item we are aiming for. Do we want to buy some practical kitchen accessory, or perhaps a decorative gadget for the living room or bedroom?

Once we know the answers to all the questions above, we can go shopping.

The most popular gifts for a new flat

When choosing a suitable gift for a new flat, many people go for the classic potted plant. It is a great idea, because there can never be too much greenery in a home. We must be careful, however, not to buy a plant that causes allergies or is dangerous to animals, for example cats (if the owner has any). An interesting alternative to potted plants is a garden in a jar. You can even buy a do-it-yourself version if the recipient enjoys this kind of challenge.

The second group of gifts is all kinds of kitchen gadgets. The most common ideas include glasses for the recipient's favourite drink, stylish corkscrews and, for more expensive gifts, a dinner set or pots and pans. We can also be tempted by gadgets that few people buy for themselves but that are very practical. These include a stovetop coffee maker, a cocktail shaker, a coffee grinder or a sushi-making set. Such presents always come in handy.

The last group of items that make ideal gifts for a new flat is decorations of all kinds. Here you have to be careful about the recipient's taste, but many products of this kind are fairly universal in character and will appeal to everyone. We can opt for cushions, a vase or an interesting figurine. It is worth aiming for ornaments that are not only aesthetic but also functional.