Many people, especially when they are single, have to work harder to move in to a new home. There is less time and resources when you are single to devote to moving furniture, boxes and unpacking. Obviously, this also pertains to cash with one person contributing instead of two.

When a couple or a single moves into a new home it may weeks or months before they have a housewarming party, and in many instances they will not have one at all. There are no rules on what constitutes a housewarming gift. While many people believe that that an appliance, lamp or piece of furniture is the best choice, the real answer is that whatever eases the transition from one home to the next is the best gift for the new homemaker.

Some people treat housewarming parties as major events that must be incredibly successful. This is undoubtedly due to the desire to present their new house or apartment—perhaps the first they’ve ever had for themselves—in the very best light possible. But if you are not enjoying your party you are not creating an environment for your friends and relatives to enjoy it either.

Let’s face it, while homemakers are anxious to show off their new digs to relatives and friends, they also hope to receive gifts to help furnish and decorate the house or apartment. I accept this and don’t mind a reasonably priced present to help them out. However, homeowners sometimes go all-out on a housewarming party as an incentive for the guests to ante-up with a nice gift and as a way to pay them back with a good time at the party when they do.

Housewarming gifts mean something, they have always had meaning. The young couple is beginning a new life together in their own home with very few of the things they need to maintain it. Housewarming gifts hold more significance than simply giving the newest appliance or a nice lamp.