Five Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts

House warming gifts may seem old fashioned, but there is still nothing more flattering to a host than this traditional token of appreciation. Host gifts can be store-bought or homemade; they can take weeks to prepare or moments to pick up at the store. Below are five great ideas for housewarming gifts:

Homemade Vanilla: Vanilla is a wonderful host gift because it adds so much to cooking and smells wonderful. Pure vanilla like the kind you buy at the store is surprisingly easy to make: First, buy a tight-closing attractive bottle or jar, a small bag of dried vanilla beans, and a bottle of the plain vodka of your choice. Place the vanilla beans at the bottom of the empty bottle and pour vodka over them. Close the bottle tightly, and let sit in a dark closet or room for 2-3 weeks. Before giving this lovely present to your host, label the bottle with, "Homemade Vanilla", and tie a nice ribbon or tag around the bottle for a personal touch.

Champagne/Wine: Champagne and wine are classic, safe housewarming gifts. Go somewhere like BevMo (BevMo.com) and get a great wine or champagne for a great price. If you or your hosts aren't into alcohol, Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider is a fun substitute. Tie some curled ribbons around your gift and put it into a decorated wine bottle bag before giving it to your hosts.

Homemade Potpourri: Homemade potpourri makes a wonderful, sweet smelling gift, but it takes time to make. For a variety of simple recipes, go to: kids-cooking-activities.com/potpourri-recipes.html. Buy a small porcelain bowl to place your potpourri in before giving it to your hosts, and they'll have a lasting reminder of your thoughtful gift.

Board Game: Board games may be unusual house warming gifts, but I guarantee they'll be the most entertaining. This gift is perfect for new families and families with new houses. Before you come, mention you'd like to bring over a game for the kids to play and ask if there are any games your host doesn't already own. Put a bow and ribbon on your host's game of choice and voila, you've got an original housewarming present.

Homemade Cookies: Homemade cookies are scrumptious and exude care and love. As a housewarming gift, bring over a batch of freshly baked chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, or frosted sugar cookies. Serve the cookies on a beautiful serving dish for your host to keep, and include the recipe on a recipe card. Everyone loves cookies, so this gift is bound to be well-received.

Housewarming gifts may seem outdated, but they're wonderful to give and receive. Kids love to help with anything homemade, so be sure to include yours when preparing homemade host gifts. Follow one of these five housewarming gift ideas, and I guarantee you'll pleasantly surprise your gracious hosts.