House Warming Gifts

Next week, I'm going to Los Angeles (EEEE!!!!) to visit one of my very favorite friends, MM (whose fantastic blog can be found here). On June 1st, which unintentionally coincides with my visit, MM is moving into a new apartment. Up until now she has lived with room mates, the most recent of which an insufferable human on oh-so-many levels.
So they're parting ways, not quite amicably, and MM is moving into a one bedroom apartment. This, of course, means she gets a house warming gift.

So now, What am I to get her as a gift? What do people WANT as house warming gifts?

Well, my first thought for MM was monograms. Monograms on EVERYTHING!

These salt and pepper shakers are from Design Darling. These are number 1 on the list of what to get her right now.

Another great option:

A customizable throw blanket from West Elm

Not into Monograms? Ok fine.

A cocktail shaker is always a great choice. It's not style specific, which is important if you're not sure of what style the recipient prefers. And will inevitably come in handy.

Jonathan Adler post-it notes (OneKingsLane). 

No one packs up their home thinking 'Oh, I better leave some paper and a pen easily accessible!' but the truth is, they'll need it. Think of all the appointments that need to be made: Internet, TV, painters, installations...the list goes on. Obviously this gift is best given right upon the move-in, but it's pretty enough to be appreciated even if they've lived there for months.

Coffee table books are another great choice. They can be displayed on a table or hidden away on a bookshelf. They can be funny, like the one above, artistic, photographic, design-centric, or anything in between. Here on Amazon they have a great array of choices.

If you know someone well, go ahead and buy something taste-specific (like monogrammed salt and pepper shakers). But if not...stick to generic. They'll appreciate it, and you won't be offended if you never spot it in their home again.