The term “housewarming” has derived literally from the act of warming a new house. In the times before central heating, every guest would offer firewood as a house warming present and build fires in all the available fireplaces around the home. This was also believed to help fend off evil spirits by creating a protective atmosphere of warmth – an act that originated in the medieval times. Thankfully housewarming gifts have come a long way since then, and with little need for gifts of firewood, there are other traditional new home gifts that equally offer warmth, luck and wonderful wishes upon the new home owners.

If you’re thinking of giving a gift with meaning, then why not discover the symbolism behind traditional housewarming gifts from around the world. This gift guide will help you find the perfect new home gift in no time! We’ve even included personalised housewarming gifts to help you maintain the modern-day take on these new home traditions.

Wine Gifts

One of the most common go-to housewarming gift ideas, there’s a very good reason why this gift idea is so popular. Along with necessities for the home, gifts to be enjoyed at the gathering are warmly welcomed. A bottle of wine has long been a customary housewarming tradition and comes with the blessing, “May you always have joy and never go thirsty.”

Bread

The gift of bread is possibly derived from Jewish origins and is often followed in modern day society in Russia. Bread represents hospitality in many cultures along with the blessing, “May this house never know hunger.”

Olive Oil

Olive oil represents a wish for good health to the owner of the new home. Not only that, but it is a staple in the kitchen for cooking. It signifies the message, “May you be blessed with health and well-being.”

Wood

Wood signifies a wish for stability for the home and all who live there. A personalised wooden chopping board is a wonderful gift that can represent both stability, harmony, and hospitality (since serving boards are typically associated with parties – this is ideal!).

Rice

A gift of rice to a young couple signifies fertility and has been given for centuries to bless the couple with many children. Rice signifies the phrase, “May the love in your home multiply.”

Pineapple

A pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and is believed to originate from the Caribbean, where the fruit was present at the front of villages and huts. The concept was picked up by Europeans and Americans and sailors, who would bring them home to place a sign of welcoming.

Honey

Honey was once considered precious, and a gift of it represents wishes for a sweet life in a new home. You can source a nice jar of local honey for a thoughtful touch.

If you’re looking to go the extra mile to create the ultimate housewarming gift, then why not create your own hamper of traditional housewarming gifts? Collect several traditional gifts including personalised housewarming gifts to create a gift hamper that is totally unique to the recipients. A great combination would be a bottle of their favourite wine, paired with engraved wine glasses.

Looking for more housewarming gift inspiration? Head over to GiftsOnline4U to discover more traditional Housewarming Gifts and what they mean. Whilst you’re there, why not check out modern day housewarming gifts with a personalised twist to make their new home gift extra special.