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.

In the last several hundred years traditional housewarming gifts were simple, useful and always carried a meaningful message.

Then

Bread was a popular gift because grain was not always plentiful, especially for newlyweds. The new homemaker always appreciated a gift that saved her time and effort while getting the new household started.

Message

May your family never go hungry.

Now

Give the couple a quality bread making machine that produces not only bread but many other foods.

Then

Brooms were generally handmade and were of exquisite quality. The bride did not usually have one of her own and yet it was one of the first things she needed.

Message

May your home always be clean of evil influences.

Now

A robot vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer fulfills the original intention of the homemade broom.

Then

Candles were another elemental necessity of a good life. Before oil lamps, many families simply went to bed as soon as darkness fell.

Message

May your home always survive the darkest times.

Now

Give beautiful matching lamps for the living room for a very useful and appropriate gift.

Then

Knives were a popular gift because while they were a necessity for the homemaker, they were also expensive for the young couple.

Message

May your home be safe from intruders.

Now

A burglar alarm system is an excellent way to satisfy the original intention of keeping the home safe from intruders. This is a gift that must be discussed thoroughly with the recipient before deciding on the type of unit. The burglar alarm must also be of high quality.

Other traditional gifts included coins for good fortune, honey so the couple could enjoy the sweetness of life and plants to ensure the home would always be full of life.

It requires only a little imagination to decide what present day gifts would match up and be more appropriate while still fulfilling the message that accompanies it.