The do's and don'ts of housewarming gifts

The excitement of moving into your first property can quickly descend into fear – there’s just so much to buy to make a house a home!

Luckily, there’s a lovely British tradition that revolves around your friends and family buying small housewarming presents to add some delightful touches you can treasure. But sometimes our beloved miss the mark with their gift choice!

We surveyed the UK to find out more information about first-time buyers, the gifts they love (and hate!) to receive, and just how much money they tend to spend on furniture for their first homes. Take a look at the results!

The housewarming gifts British people want above all else are:

Money (28%)

Gift cards (27%)

Plants (24%)

DIY tools (17%)

Dining sets (17%)

Alcohol (16%)

Scented candles (16%)

Basket of tea and coffee (13%)

Food (12%)

Glassware (11%)

And the housewarming gifts we really don't want are:

Toilet paper (28%)

Exercise gear (27%)

Air freshener (19%)

A house pet (17%)

Prints with quotes such as ‘live, laugh, love’ (15%)

Underwear and socks (15%)

Second-hand appliances (14%)

Calendar (14%)

Novelty drinking cups (13%)

Teddy bear (13%)

On average, first-time buyers spend £1,397.33 on new furniture within the first 12 months of living there. Only 5% of first-time buyers spent over £5,000 and at least 6% spent between £0 and £50!

Those who skimp on their furniture may soon regret their choices, though! We spoke with interior designer and founder of KTM Design, Katie Thomas, about spotting the telltale signs your furniture needs replacing and the questions first-time buyers should ask before taking on any second-hand items.

Your furniture's durability and aesthetics depend on two things: material and craftsmanship. Old and antique furniture is often well made so it can last a lifetime, providing it's properly cared for. Plus, you can paint it to overhaul the room's atmosphere whenever it's time for a refresh!

Investing in a few high-quality items will ensure your interior is sustainable, as low-quality furniture can be prone to breaking easily – total false economy. Fortunately, evolving tastes and competitive pricing have extended the average furniture lifespan. 

The life expectancy of most pieces varies by several years and depends on several factors, namely:

The original materials used

The construction of the pieces

The amount of daily use

The care taken when using the furniture

For instance, a sofa in a family room with small children, teenagers, and lots of pets will not last as long as one in a formal living room.

Although there isn’t any specific life expectancy on furniture, as a rough guide, sofas and chairs last between 7-15 years, dining tables between 15-20 years, and beds between 15-20 years.

However, it is all dependent on usage and care, so when it comes to replacing furniture, ask yourself the following questions: 

Is the piece of furniture broken beyond repair?

Is the upholstery stained and threadbare?

Does the furniture still fit the space where it’s used?

Is the furniture still comfortable to use?

Have your tastes and needs changed?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to consider a new piece of furniture!

If you’re wondering just how on earth you’ll budget for a new house, with all the fees and furnishings, consider these handy budgeting tips:

• Remember that upcycling furniture is not just trendy; it’s good for the wallet as well! A quick lick of paint and maybe some new handles can make your kitchen cupboards look brand new – or make your granny’s dresser look 50 years younger!
• It’s essential to look for good deals online – there are plenty of online retailers who sell great pieces for reasonable prices (hint – check out VonHaus!). You don’t have to solely rely on donations and freebies you find on the street, when we all know how good it feels to have something new and shiny in our home – even if it’s as small as a new pan set or mirror.
• Reach out to artistic friends or family members to see if you can commission some art for your bare walls – and don’t forget to rope them into helping you paint your walls if they’re good with a paintbrush!
• Worst comes to worst, sell on the housewarming gifts that you hated to get some extra cash in your wallet for things you actually want!

If you’re looking for gift inspiration for the new homeowners in your life, head over to our blog for fun lifestyle advice, helpful hacks and healthy recipes – it'll make perfect reading in their plush new pad!