There are many ideas about the perfect house warming gift. When it comes time to pick out that perfect gift for friends who just settled into their new home, the trend is to forego the traditional gift basket and buy useful items that will provide years of service or wonderful reminders of the value of friendship.

In taking creativity to a newer level, forget the simple gift card from the local home improvement center. Although the gift cards are nice and useful, there are some other great ideas that will warm the heart of a friend and provide years of joy.

Outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular. People are entertaining guests outdoors and for that, they are in need of items that will help create a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Contribute to that trend by giving gifts that will help the new home owners create a wonderful backyard entertaining area. If they have trees, a hammock would provide hours of relaxation. Wind chimes, an outdoor temperature gauge or even a dwarf fruit tree would provide years of enjoyment. Even backyard games would be a great addition. Fire pits and accessories are also very popular today and would make a wonderful gift. Most back and front yards need some type of lighting. Solar lights can be found just about anywhere today. These are perfect for the new home owners and will save them on future electric usage.

Since many home owners have pools, consider the numerous pool tools, accessories and maintenance items involved. There are just too many things to mention in this category from pool lounge chairs, pool candles, pool toys, pool floats and pool games. This is a great category to find the perfect gift.

Since owning a home also entails ongoing upkeep and maintenance, hand tools, ladders, even a push broom or sturdy garbage cans with wheels are great gifts. There are a great abundance of gazing balls, yard signs and decorative stepping-stones. With so many outdoor decorations available today, try to find out the home owners decor theme prior to purchasing a gift.