Guest Author - Kathy Clark

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, disregard the simple gift card from the local home improvement center. Although the 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 growing ever more popular. People are entertaining guests outdoors and for that, they’re 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 homeowners 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.

Outdoor fire pits have become all the rage. Take a look at this company’s website for a large selection of styles and sizes: Outdoor Fireplace, Fire Pit and Fire Tables at backyardstuff.com
Who wouldn’t want to light a fire in one of these on a chilly night and roast a marshmallow or two?

Department stores carry a wonderful selection of colorful, durable, outdoors plastic for entertaining. Barbequing is always a fun outdoor activity, you can’t go wrong with a gift geared towards ease in preparation of a tasty meal hot off the grill.

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. If a little whimsy is the idea you have, there is a great abundance of gazing balls, yard signs and decorative stepping-stones. One of my favorites is the tree faces. These are sure to bring smiles to the faces of all the guests: Tree Faces at YardLover.com