Inviting people into a new home for the first time is exciting – showing off your new pad and letting others see how you’ve made it yours. If you have family members who’re in the process of moving, chances are you’ll soon be treated to the grand tour at a housewarming. And what better way to celebrate together than by giving a housewarming gift? There are many secular gift ideas available, but when you know the receiver has a strong faith, there are many appropriate religious-themed gift ideas to consider.
Wall Art
An elegant piece of art is a lovely way to acknowledge faith while adding appeal to an empty wall. The Bible is full of meaningful quotes that apply to all aspects of life, making it the perfect inspiration for a devout home. There are plenty of ways to display scripture, from elegant lettering on a plaque to a framed picture with verse.
Figurines
If you know your hosts enjoy knick-knacks, a figurine is a beautiful way to incorporate faith into a housewarming gift. Catholics especially revere the Virgin Mary, meaning a Virgin Mary statue wouldn’t look out of place in their new home. If you’re unsure of the denomination, consider an angel figure, as they’re universally popular and will act as a guardian for a new dwelling.
Food
Food is universal across all faiths, making it a safe gift option at any housewarming. Luxury fruits and nuts and non-alcoholic drinks such as tea will avoid any potential food restrictions. A fancy box of chocolates or sweet pastries is another excellent idea that typically transcends cultural boundaries. If you gift food items, give a little extra so that the hosts will have some for themselves later, as many people will share such a gift with their guests.
In some cultures, particular foods hold special meaning and make ideal housewarming gifts. For Jewish family members, gifts of bread and honey are a fantastic idea. Bread as it symbolizes life and the sustenance of life, while honey symbolizes hope and a blessing for a sweet life.
If in doubt about any religious dietary restrictions for the host, making discreet inquiries will save embarrassment later. You may even learn that your in-laws don’t keep halal and would love a bottle of wine to toast their new house!
Plants
Anyone who holds faith in God dear will surely appreciate a living connection to the world their god has created. While not a direct symbol of faith, bringing a plant into a house is a literal way to connect the inhabitants with the natural world. Studies have also shown that the presence of houseplants is good for people’s mental health. Something that helps bring calmness of mind will also help with spiritual health.
Birkat Habayit
A Birkat Habayit is a blessing of the home, making it the perfect gift for a Jewish family moving into a new home. The blessing wishes the occupants a healthy, happy, and successful life in their new home. Anyone will appreciate this sentiment as they settle into their new surroundings, especially coming from a loved one.
Clocks
Clocks look great in any home and are a practical and stylish addition. Infuse humor and religion with a “Jesus, would you look at the time” clock for the family member with a great sense of humor. Or perhaps a timepiece that features the recipient’s favorite bible verse wouldn’t go amiss. If you prefer to keep the focus on the timepiece and away from words, many clocks have religiously significant images that don’t detract from the viewers’ ability to see the time.
Cooking Dishes
Cooking for many people is much nicer when you have decent cookware to cook with. Baptists are famous for their potluck dinners, so cookware is a practical gift for a young couple moving into their first home. If you know the hosts regularly attend church potlucks, a set of good-sized casserole dishes will become a cherished gift.
Flowers
Again, if you’re unsure which faith someone follows or how strictly, flowers always make a wonderful housewarming gift. They bring color and cheer into any space, can be as big or small as you wish, and are an easy way to show someone you love them.
There are many ways to celebrate a new home when family members move. And if you know that religion is an integral part of their life, there are many options, from figurines to food, that allow you to give a gift that incorporates that faith into their new home.
