Moving into a new house can be an exhausting, overwhelming process, so the next time you have someone new move into the neighborhood, consider bringing a warm welcome gift for new neighbors. We’ve compiled a list of 35 of our favorite welcome basket ideas to get you started.
Moving into a new house is an exhausting process. All things unfamiliar, and surrounded by boxes and apprehension, it can be hard to put yourself out there to meet your neighbors. So, next time you have someone new move into the neighborhood, why not be one of the first to greet them with a thoughtful, warm welcome!
Breaking the ice with a gift can be a bridge to beginning a relationship and making a “Welcome to the Neighborhood Basket” is an easy way to show new neighbors that you are someone they can go to when they need a cup of sugar or just a smiling face. There are endless possibilities of what to put in your welcome basket—here are 35 of our favorite ideas to get you started!
1. Goodies to make s’mores including roasting sticks
2. Ingredients for a fun cocktail or sangria
3. Microwave popcorn and boxed candy for a movie night
4. Dish soap and sponges
5. A yummy smelling candle and perhaps a lighter
6. A handwritten card welcoming them
7. A photo of your family with your names, address, email address, and phone number written on the back
8. A bag of sugar with a note, “If you ever need a cup of sugar, don’t hesitate to ask!”
9. The makings of a leisurely breakfast such as bagels and cream cheese and a pound of your favorite coffee grounds
10. A gift card to a local coffee shop or bakery with directions on where to find it
Breaking the ice with a gift can be a bridge to beginning a relationship. This is an easy way to show new neighbors you are someone they can go to when they need a cup of sugar or just a smiling face.
11. A favorite family game you like to play
12. Paper goods to make life easy as they get situated: paper plates, napkins, plastic cups
13. Air freshener wall plug-ins or a homemade room spray made with essential oils
14. A cozy blanket or throw
15. Bouquet of fresh flowers, already arranged in a vase
16. A list of favorite area restaurants
17. A “best tips” list for sharing local resources or things the locals know (e.g. best coffee shop, favorite grocery store, busiest times to avoid Costco, well-known local traffic patterns, favorite mechanic, veterinarian, or pet groomer)
18. Basic cleaning supplies inside a small plastic trash can rather than a basket
19. A gift card to your favorite pizza delivery restaurant to take dinner stress off of unpacking
20. Homemade cookies or bread
21. Wine
22. Ice cream sundae essentials
23. Personalized coupon book for activities like “Dinner at our Place” or “Free Grass Cutting”
24. Take out menus from several local restaurants (gather several from each to have on hand any time new neighbors move in)
25. If they have children, a hand-written note offering to have the kids over to visit while they get some uninterrupted unpacking done
26. A case of bottled water
27. A list of local attractions that are fun for the whole family
28. A list of must see tourist spots they may not have discovered yet
29. A list of trusted, local service providers (i.e. landscapers, plumbers, electricians, pest control, handymen, tree removal, trash removal)
30. Gift card to Lowe’s, Home Depot, or local home improvement store
31. “Welcome to the neighborhood” home-made poster from kids
32. Have your kids design a “10 Things We Love About Our Neighborhood” list to share
33. Frozen homemade cookie dough and a new baking sheet and cooling rack, complete with instructions for baking
34. New potted houseplant
35. Charcuterie fixin’s for easy snacking
This article originally appeared in
THE INVITE ISSUE
of The Joyful Life Magazine
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