Step1
Consider if this is this first house or apartment. If they are breaking out on their own, they will need a variety of things. Consider making them a basket of kitchen items like peelers, cheese graters, can openers, basters. Choose a laundry basket and fill it with towels or cleaning products.
Step2
Be sneaky. If a couple purchases a house soon after marriage, go to the store they registered at for the wedding. The list of items that no one bought will give you a good indication of what the couple still needs. They will be amazed that you knew “just what to get them.”
Step3
Consider the interests of the person you are buying for. If your friend loves gardening, pick up a few packets of seeds and some gardening gloves. If your friend loves tropical fish, bring them a beautiful fish to compliment their collection. By adding personality to your gift, it will be a sure fire hit.
Step4
Opt for gift cards. Anyone who is buying a home will be doing some form of home improvement. Pick up a gift card from a home improvement store, lumber store or specialty store for kitchen items or bath goods.
Step5
Opt for a standby of chocolate, wine or champagne. Any type of food or beverage will surely be put to use.
Step6
Choose a generic gift. Although it isn’t that exciting, most hosts and hostesses will put items like platters, plants, baskets, picture frames or candles to good use.
Step7
Think of any new amenities in their new home. If they bought a home with a pool give them a gift basket with sunscreens, magazines and beach towels for lounging by the pool. If their new home has a fire pit, get them some camping chairs or some skewers with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows.
Step8
Choose a magazine subscription. Get your friend a year's worth of home improvement, baking or decorating ideas. Just a cute message on an issue that you wrap and mention it’s the gift that will keep gifting all year long.
Novice 
Comments
AllanaBaroni said
on 3/10/2008 Giving a housewarming gift is such a great thought, just make sure it doesn't look like an after thought. Dump the mentality that a bottle of wine is your pass to enter and think outside-the-bottle. Check out gifting websites like www.delight.com, www.wishingfish.com, or www.uncommongoods.com to get a few alternative clever ideas. I always order a few things just to have around the house for when the opportunity comes up to give a gift, that way I'm never stuck raiding the wine cellar.