Whether you're greeting a new neighbor, celebrating a friend's homeownership journey or thanking a real estate client, sending a gift is a thoughtful gesture. But what is the best thing to give someone who has just bought a new abode? Housewarming gift-giving is a common practice worldwide and dates back as far as the 16th century. Traditionally, housewarming gifts were simple and straightforward, often serving a specific purpose or function. New homeowners could expect to receive items such as olive oil, bread, salt, wine, brooms or coal. In addition to serving a purpose, they also possessed a symbolic meaning like bread meant "May this home never know hunger," and coal meant "May you always be warm.
