Top Five Housewarming Gifts and Five to Avoid

The gesture of giving a housewarming gift is more than just doing something nice. A new chapter is taking place in someone's life and the gift is something that you want your friend, co-worker or family member to relish. There are good gifts and other common gifts to avoid.

A good gift is both thoughtful and fitting for all seasons and won't clash with decor.

1. Wine and cocktail glasses

Make your mark on parties by giving a variety of glasses to one who likes to entertain. The right glass makes a drink look good and more enjoyable. There are standard glasses that should be found in everyone's collection; the Highball glass, Martini glass, Champagne flute, Brandy snifter, Hurricane glass and Shot glass. Throw in a good drink recipe book with a dog ear on the page to your favorite drink. http://www.potterybarn.com

2. Specialty Store Gift Card

Moving can be taxing and a pain in the neck. Unpacking is probably the worst part of the activities, and cooking during this time is a nuisance. A specialty store gift card may cover a few deli type meals and a couple of bottles of wine. http://www.bristolfarms.com

3. Bath Towels

You can never go wrong with buying towels. Super large hotel or spa quality towels will astonish the recipient. This is a five-star gift that brings the luxury and feel of a hotel to a home bathroom. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

4. BBQ Grill

An inexpensive starter grill can be fun and useful for anybody. It doesn't have to be a huge back yard sized kitchen chef, but just large enough for burgers, hot dogs, a steak or two, or a couple of slabs of Baby Backs. Throw in grilling tools and an apron. http://www.lowes.com

5. A framed picture of you and him/her/them

It doesn't get any more special than this delightful gift. Choose a photo of a memorable time that you spent together. A table sized picture and frame is adequate. Digital frames allow you to load multiple images of your fun times. http://www.photoframes.net.

Certain gifts may lack thought and will likely become a dust magnet.

1. Plants and flowers

Plants are personal. Anyway, not everyone has a green thumb, and known allergies should be taken into consideration. Buying plants or flowers is actually a thoughtless gesture. You don't even have to leave your car to buy flowers. There are usually very accommodating merchants at most freeway exits. How easy is that?

2. A bottle of wine

Unless you plan to buy an entire case, there are much better ways to celebrate a new abode.

3. CD/DVD/Blue Ray

Don't be surprised if you see this gift used as a Christmas tree ornament, so don't go there.

4. Art

Paintings, posters, and sculptures can affect the entire theme of a room, especially if it's a bad choice. This white elephant intended for the living room could end up in the bathroom on your next visit.

5. Chimes

Chimes can literally be a nightmare that can even give your dog high blood pressure. To some chimes are spiritual and should be an individual choice.