Moving into your first home results in a mixture of emotions; excitement, fear, feeling independent but also lonely. It’s difficult at times but generally a worthwhile experience too.

If you have a friend who has recently flown the nest or know someone who is about to, the great thing is that you can help settle them in with a unique gift idea. 

Sometimes all it takes is a few small reminders that life hasn’t changed completely forever, plus it means buying gifts this Christmas is going to be a lot easier than last year as new homeowners have a never ending lift of house essentials (and perhaps a few things that aren’t needed but are purchased anyway).

Here are some great little gift ideas that you can buy for your loved ones moving house this winter and if you’re stuck on ideas for the rest of your bunch, I’ve also put together a list of unique presents too.

1. Personalised Scrapbook

One of the first feelings any new homeowner will feel once the excitement has started to dwindle is loneliness.

Thankfully, this usually comes and goes fairly quickly but a scrapbook is a surefire way to cheer them up in the meantime.

If your best friend has moved away for a dream job, leaving behind her friends and family, she’ll certainly appreciate a scrapbook full of photos and memories.

2. We All Love Leftovers

One thing your friend or relative might be new to is the concept of cooking for just themselves.

Without saving what’s leftover, a huge amount of waste will accumulate and that is pretty costly for anyone, especially a new homeowner who is only just finding their feet. A simple set of tightly-sealed containers will help them in ways you wouldn’t have imagined. 

3. For The Coffee Addicts

One thing that is guaranteed for any move is stress and that is not just reserved for new homeowners.

There is a lot of lost sleep involved as it’s a huge change, so making their favourite drink a little easier to access with an at home coffee maker will certainly mean extra brownie points… expect to be one of the first invited round for dinner when they’ve got everything organised.

4. A sound night’s sleep

As mentioned, a lot of sleep will be lost in the process. One way to stop your loved ones from turning into the most crankiest person to walk the planet is to help them get a better night’s sleep.

There’s so much to buy and not always the sufficient amount of funds, so luxurious mattresses aren’t always at the top of the list.

I’m not suggesting you buy a mattress for your friends king sized bed (unless you're rolling in it of course!), but perhaps a king bed memory foam mattress topper would do the trick instead?

5. Cook Books

Your friend might already be a culinary genius, in which case I wouldn’t recommend a pile of cookbooks.

However you may have a friend who’s never progressed much beyond beans and toast and so they could definitely use the extra help.

6. An easy fix

It might not sound like the most exciting gift to buy your friend, but we bet they’ll be thanking you when they finally get the chance to use it.

No one wants to waste money on a boring toolkit that predominantly stays in the shed but there will come a time when it’s needed and you’ll save yourself that 2am phone call as well!