Someone close to you is moving to a new apartment or house, and they’ve invited you over to celebrate with a housewarming party. Of course you want to bring a gift to show your happiness at this important event. A housewarming gift basket made up of some thoughtful, useful items just might be the perfect present. Or maybe one large item in an attractively decorated basket would fit the bill nicely.

It’s hard to go wrong with giving a house plant as a gift, especially if it’s a first home for the recipient and they don’t have a lot of furniture. And plants are easily adapted to a gift basket. For example, buy several small, individually potted plants. Select a variety of plants with different colors of leaves or flowers and arrange them attractively in a large, decorative basket. Place a small watering can or plant mister in the center.

Another option is to buy just one large houseplant and a decorative pot. You can transform this into a housewarming gift basket by wrapping it up with some cellophane. Don’t close up the wrapping at the top like you would with a typical gift basket. Instead, secure the cellophane wrap with a ribbon tied around the top of the pot. Decorate it with a huge bow, and add a foil balloon on a stick with a congratulatory message. If you purchased your plant at a florist, you can ask for a stake to which you can attach a card.

Every home can benefit from the lovely aroma of scented candles, and this is a perfect pick for a housewarming gift basket. Go for a theme: a single scent, such as vanilla or cinnamon, in a variety of products such as a pillar candle, tealights, and votives. Or pick a variety of colors and scents for a bright and cheery look. Instead of a wicker basket, arrange the candles in a metal bucket or wooden box, with some coordinating paper or cellophane shred as a base. Include some votive and tealight holders, and a special candle holder for the pillar candle. Finally, wrap it up with some cellophane or tulle, and add a nice bow.

Moving into a new home usually involves a few trips to the hardware store to purchase supplies to fix up annoying problems. So another great idea for a housewarming gift basket could be some tools and small fixtures. Use a tool caddy or tool box as your base, and fill it with a hammer, some screwdrivers, nails, screws, and other odds and ends that will prove useful. Attach a big bow to the handle.

Another good idea for a housewarming gift basket is a garden theme. Whether the recipient has a backyard garden or a balcony window box, you can put together a useful mix of seeds, garden tools, gloves, and decorative stakes. Use a large watering can or a garden tote as your base, and fill it up with goodies.

This is just a start; I’m sure you can think of lots of other great ideas for the new tenant or homeowner. A housewarming gift basket is sure to be appreciated.