Who's on Your List?

As the holidays approach, gift giving, or more specifically gift buying, is likely on your to-do list. And more than likely, there are a few new homeowners on that list.

If you are short on ideas, may I offer a few suggestions of items new homeowners would love to receive.

Home Maintenance

Whether they bought a fixer-upper, new construction, or something in between every homeowner has a list of daily, weekly, seasonal and yearly tasks they must do to keep up their home. Cordless power tools, cleaning devices like brooms and vacuums, and kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers will all help homeowners stay on top of that new list.

A Decorative Flair

If tools are too impersonal, consider the tastes and personality of your recipients to choose a piece of art or vase that fits them.

Yards and Gardens

Homeownership brings its fair share of outdoor maintenance. Many new homeowners have yet to purchase the necessities of lawn maintenance like shovels, rakes, hoses, and even lawn mowers. These make great gifts for novice landscapers.

If your loved one has a green thumb, you might also consider planter boxes, bulbs of their favorite flowers, gardening gloves, a pretty watering can, or a rain-collecting barrel.

When All Else Fails...

Gift certificates to home improvement or home decorating stores are a sure hit every time.

From Home Depot and Lowe's to Pottery Barn and Target a gift card will be appreciated by anyone who is stocking a new home. If your gift recipient lives in another town, be sure they have access to the store from which you are buying the gift card or that the store has an online shopping site.

A Good Book

A good book is a gift that keeps on giving, especially if it's one homeowners will turn to again and again. Martha Stewarts Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home is a must have for any homeowner. The book contains seasonal maintenance checklists, suggestions for room-by-room appliance upkeep, tips for organizing difficult spaces, decorating ideas, and guidelines on how to do simple repairs.