Natwerk Designs

Is it proper etiquette to give a gift from an antique store for a housewarming?

I'm invited to a housewarming party, and they have a really unique place...very eclectic and retro. I thought I would find something interesting at one of those thrift/antique/catch-all type shops. I was going to browse some stores in this small town that have all kinds of items. It is obvious the gift will not be new, they are not living in a fancy house at all...it's a very old house they are renting and their style is all over the place. I was thinking a vase or ashtray from the 1960s maybe a candy dish...something retro and funky. Do you wrap a gift like that in fancy paper? Is it appropriate to give this type of gift? One more thing, nothing about this event is formal, their place is super casual and the partygoers will be wearing shorts and flip flops.

Public Comments

1. As long as it wouldn't be considered "junk" I think it's very thoughtful if they have similar items. Yes, you would wrap it. Perhaps wrap it in the color comic section from the paper so they know not to take it too seriously.
2. It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into their style and what they would like. I say go for it. Too many people give gifts that the giver likes, not necessarily the recipient.
3. Excellent idea, especially if it is in good shape. (no scratches, cracks etc.) A flower vase would be a good idea. Or perhaps a hurricane lamp. I have a few hurricane lamps in my house that come in handy when the power goes out. Wrapping it is appropriate. Perhaps bubble wrap and gift bag. I think your idea is great.
4. Wow, you seem like such an amazing friend! Putting so much effort into their gift. I think its an excellent idea! But I personally wouldn't wrap it. I would instead buy one of those small present party bags(have a look at the clintons card website for what I mean) Then I would buy a blank card with a pretty front design & just state that this present was bought to represent the home & so personality of your 2best friends. A vintage vase/ashtray from the 30s, which you can only hope will see the couple through the rest of their fruitful life yet to come, and blah blah (u get the idea). The key is to make it as personal to them as possible, so no matter the gift, it will always hold dear to them! Unless of course, they are robots. Good luck :)
5. If the gift fits their style I think it is absolutely appropriate. I would enclose a card from the "antique" store where I bought it, so that there was no misunderstanding that this is old, and it is what it is. Wrap it appropriate to the value of the gift, meaning if it's a $5 trashtray, don't wrap it like it was a $500 gift from Neimann Marcus. Just use good judgment, as housewarming gifts are traditionally small anyway.
6. I think it's a great idea! It's always fun to get something unique when you move into a new house and start thinking about decorating ideas
7. I would love it since I love old things.