When a close friend or colleague is moving, many of us want to give them something that they will appreciate. However, when it comes to choosing a gift, people oftentimes wonder questions such as “What should I get?” and “How much should I spend?”
In this article, we’ll introduce the average price range for housewarming gifts, essential gift-giving etiquette, some inspiration for choosing a present, and ways to express gratitude when returning a gift. If you are wondering what to give as a housewarming gift, please use this article as a reference.
At Village House, we offer affordable rental properties all across Japan, with prices starting from as low as ¥20,000 per month. If you’re looking for a new home, be sure to check out our website!
What is a housewarming gift?
A housewarming gift is a present given to someone who has purchased a pre-owned detached house or condominium and has moved into it as their new home. On the other hand, a new home celebration gift is specifically given to those who have built a brand-new house. This applies not only to detached houses but also to newly constructed condominiums.
Moreover, when someone moves into a renovated home, it is customary to give a housewarming gift rather than a new home celebration gift. Meanwhile, when moving into a rental property, giving a housewarming gift is generally not considered necessary.
Additionally, when a company, office, or store relocates to a new location, a relocation gift is typically given instead. Relocation gifts are meant to celebrate business growth and future success. When sending a relocation gift to a business partner, it’s best to confirm their preferences in advance and ensure the gift arrives within two weeks before their moving date.
The price range for housewarming gifts
The typical price range for housewarming gifts is as follows:
- Friends and colleagues
When giving a housewarming gift to friends or colleagues, the typical price range is around ¥3,000 to ¥10,000. Giving an overly expensive gift may place a burden on the recipient when they feel the need to return the favor, so it is recommended to set the upper limit at ¥10,000.
- Superiors and seniors
When giving a housewarming gift to a superior or a senior at work, just like with friends and colleagues, giving something too expensive can make them feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is best to choose something that costs around ¥5,000 to ¥10,000. Additionally, be mindful that giving cash to a superior is considered rude, so it’s best to give a present instead.
- Subordinates and juniors
When giving a housewarming gift to a subordinate or a junior at work, it’s important to choose something that won’t make them feel obligated to return the favor. As a general rule of thumb, choose something in the range of ¥5,000 to ¥10,000.
- Siblings and relatives
When giving a housewarming gift to relatives or siblings, the typical price range is ¥30,000 to ¥50,000. However, if the person giving the gift is a student, it is perfectly fine to give what you can afford. For close family members, the value of the gift isn’t as important as the heartfelt intention of supporting their new chapter in life.
- Parents and children
When giving a housewarming gift from parent to child or vice versa, the typical price range is ¥50,000 to ¥100,000. Many people choose to splurge a little on these gifts as a way to express gratitude and support for their family.
Etiquette when giving cash as a housewarming gift
When giving cash as a housewarming gift, be sure to pay attention to the etiquette when preparing the gift envelope.
The type of decorative knot on the envelope should match the occasion. For example, for a housewarming gift, a chou-musubi butterfly knot is used. Meanwhile, for a wedding gift, a musubi-kiri binding knot should be used.
How to prepare and wrap a gift envelope:
- Prepare new bills to convey your feelings of celebration
- Carefully remove the decorative knot and open the outer envelope
- Write the amount on the front of the inner envelope and write your name and address on the back
- Place the bills inside the inner envelope with the portrait (face) side up
- Align the front of the inner and outer envelopes before sealing
- When folding the outer envelope, fold the bottom flap over the top flap for good luck
Etiquette for giving a housewarming gift
Just like with cash, housewarming gifts should be wrapped with a ceremonial “noshi” paper with a butterfly knot printed on it, while a printed binding knot is used for a wedding gift. It is common to write “Housewarming Gift” or “Celebratory Gift” on the front of the wrapping. Additionally, the following items are considered inappropriate as housewarming gifts and should be avoided:
- Items associated with fire (candles, heaters, incense, or red-colored items)
- Items that require drilling holes into walls (wall clocks, paintings, etc.)
- Items that symbolize stepping on something (slippers, rugs, socks, etc.)
Recommended gifts: ① Household items
Image Source: Imabari Towel
The appeal of household items as gifts is that they are highly practical and do not burden the recipient. Popular housewarming gifts include consumable towel sets and stationery, aroma diffusers that make excellent interior decorations, and blankets and cushions that enhance the room’s ambiance.
The key to choosing household items is to choose products with higher quality or more refined designs than the daily necessities you normally use. People will be happy if you give them high-quality household items or accessories that they wouldn’t usually buy for themselves.
Recommended gifts: ② Long-lasting treats
If you’re looking for a gift that the whole family can enjoy, a set of sweets or snacks is a great choice. Since they are consumable, you don’t have to worry about whether the recipient will like them. Another advantage is that individually wrapped treats are easy to share among family members and they can adjust the portion as needed.
To ensure the recipient has enough time to enjoy the gift, select items with a long expiration date or best-before date to avoid missing the ideal consumption period. In addition to sweets, if the recipient enjoys alcohol, a tasting set of sake or beer can also make for a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
Recommended gift: ③ Stylish home appliances
Image Source: BRUNO
Practical and stylish home appliances make excellent housewarming gifts. For instance, we recommend a mini bottle blender that allows the recipient to make quick and easy smoothies even on busy mornings, or a hot sandwich maker that allows them to enjoy freshly made, warm sandwiches right at the dining table.
Additionally, a sleek air purifier with a simple design that you can place in the living room or bedroom is another thoughtful option. To avoid gifting something the recipient already owns, it may be a good idea to ask them in advance about any specific appliances they might need or want.
Etiquette for showing your appreciation for housewarming gifts
▶︎ Expressing gratitude
Once you receive a housewarming gift, be sure to express your gratitude by phone or a handwritten letter within 2-3 days. However, if you already tried calling twice but are unable to reach the sender, it’s best to send a thank-you letter instead.
▶︎ Timing for sending thank-you gifts
After receiving a housewarming gift, try to send a thank-you gift within 1-2 months. Since time may pass before you send your thank-you gift, making a list of who gave you what will help you to avoid forgetting.
▶︎ Budget for thank-you gifts
When choosing a return gift, it is considered good manners to spend about one-third to half of the value of the received gift. One thing to be careful of is not to give something too expensive since it may make the recipient feel uncomfortable.
▶︎ Thank-you gifts for a housewarming gift that doubles as a new home celebration gift
If you receive a housewarming gift that doubles as a new home celebration gift, hosting a housewarming party is a great way to show appreciation. The housewarming party itself is a way of expressing gratitude for the housewarming gifts, so there is no need to prepare additional presents for the guests. However, it’s best to provide snacks and drinks to entertain your guests on the day to show your gratitude.
At Village House, there are no security deposit, key money, handling fees, or renewal fees（※）. If you’re looking to reduce moving costs, please feel free to contact us.
※ Depending on the contract details and screening results, a security deposit may be required.
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Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.