What should you bring to a housewarming?

Money first, then gift cards and plants. Property Reporter, writing in February 2022 about a VonHaus survey of what Britons, first-time buyers especially, want for a new home, gives these shares. It does not give the survey’s size or dates, so treat the order as a guide rather than a measurement.

Not on the research we found. Money topped the VonHaus survey, though at 28% it was far from everyone’s choice. In studies by Francesca Gino and Frank Flynn, which used wish lists rather than housewarmings, recipients appreciated money more than any item they had asked for, while givers assumed money would be the least favoured gift. Our suggestion is cash or a voucher in a card that names what it is for, such as a lamp or a plant for the new front room.

Bring something small and ordinary that the home will use. Debrett’s advice for overnight guests, which we think applies just as well here, is a present that is not necessarily flashy, but thoughtful. Research reviewed by Jeff Galak, Julian Givi and Elanor Williams found givers underestimate how much people appreciate useful, practical gifts. Skip air freshener, which was among the least wanted gifts in the VonHaus survey; we would also avoid strong scents.

On the night itself, we would bring something to share, such as a bottle or a box of biscuits: it needs no space in a house that may not be unpacked yet.

There is no rule, and we found no UK survey that measures it, so a small, useful thing is enough. Flynn’s research found that recipients do not appreciate an expensive present much more than a cheaper one, though givers assume they will.