Moving into a house is like starting a new relationship – hopes and dreams, thoughts of the future, and plenty of mystery and excitement. Though we may be approaching Valentine’s Day, we’d like to turn your attention to another tradition, housewarming gifts. Since home is where the heart is, now is the time to show a little love to someone beginning a new life at a new address. Read on to see our recommendations for the best places in RI and MA to buy housewarming gifts for every kind of person.
The RI newcomer
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https://rhody-craft.myshopify.com/collections/rhode-island-theme/products/copy-of-providence-power-tee
Make any Rhode Island transplant fall in love with The Ocean State. Discover unique, RI-themed items made by local artists at Rhody Craft on Hope Street in Providence. From Del’s Lemonade scented candles and Rhode Island Red Tea Towels to Crook Point Bascule Bridge Tee Shirts, your recipient will soon be saying “I 💓 RI!”
Perhaps they’d like to learn more about our state. Why not stay right on Hope Street and step into Frog and Toad? A poster of iconic Rhode Island foods, an RI Audubon Society bird coloring book, or the classic Mad Peck Providence poster will help familiarize them with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the region.
The audiophile
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Dollar Gill on Unsplash
https://www.timecapsulecomics.com
When you think of houses, vinyl siding may come to mind before vinyl records, but when considering a housewarming gift, you might like to scout out the area’s healthy array of record stores. Not only do records fill a home with pleasant sounds, but album art is an easy way to decorate bare walls. Consider Wakefield’s Looney Tunes II for records, posters, tapes, and equipment.
The Time Capsule in Seekonk also provides a fine selection of records, as well as a large inventory of 45’s and comic books. The gift of music will let any new homeowner know that their house “is a very, very, very fine house,” whether it’s “a brick house” or just a “love shack.” 💗🎵
The homebody
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Paola Chaaya on Unsplash
www.rusticroseri.com/vintage?pgid=kgtnpo38-d5f959cc-78ae-44af-803b-c39e87d91fcc
With telecommuting on the rise and cold months still ahead, many new homeowners will be seeking an instant warmth/coziness factor. Rustic Rose in Charlestown offers gifts and home décor with that automatic, lived-in and well-loved vibe. For the beachy, coastal touch, go for seaside-themed pillows and decorative signs. For the modern farmhouse feel, framed prints and candles set a pleasant country scene.🐄
But then let’s face it, nothing says comfy and happy like a box of chocolates (or a sack of them for that matter). Dan’s Chocolates of Westerly is well known for their fabulous truffles and assorted chocolates, all of which give new meaning to the phrase, home sweet home.
The sophisticate
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Jeet Dhanoa on Unsplash
A well-chosen gift can not only make someone’s day, it can truly inspire. JW Graham and the Yes Gallery in Wickford let you explore eye-catching, handcrafted items sure to please the most refined tastes. JW Graham offers truly personal, original jewelry and textiles, while the Yes Gallery provides sensual glass sculpture, whimsical clocks, and charming garden decoration to lend signature allure.
For the cerebral or artistic household, a large art book appeals equally to the mind and the heart. Main Street in Pawtucket is home to Stillwater Books, a perfect spot to spend the afternoon searching through thousands of new and used books. Owners Steven and Dawn Porter have been writers for decades and opened this lovely independent shop to share their love of books. 📚
The gourmet
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Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
www.edgewoodcheeseshop.com
Home is the place for life’s simple pleasures, and few things are as uncomplicatedly lovable as cheese. Head to Cranston to find some of the state’s true culinary gems. The Edgewood Cheese Shop lets you create a delightful selection of local and imported cheeses along with nuts and preserves. For a welcoming snack, grab one of their readymade platters. As a bonus, it’s a dine-in, BYOB establishment ideal for a fun date night.💋
Heading west, you’ll discover Sonia’s Near East Market and Deli. In addition to their delicious sandwiches and gyros, Sonia’s offers beautifully prepared mezze platters and specialty market items to dress up your recipient’s empty cupboards. Now they’ll need a bottle of local wine to wash it all down.
The exuberant host
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Stefan Schauberger on Unsplash
https://www.westportrivers.com
With Valentine’s Day near, why not surprise a wine lover with a dozen rosés?! (Talk about a lovely bouquet.) Westport Rivers Vineyard – located in Westport, MA, natch – has been crafting flavorful bottles for a quarter of a century. As small farmers, they care deeply about the local environment and economy and have created an estate-grown winery worth savoring.
Newport Vineyards – located in Middletown, go figure – sits on 100 acres of preserved farmland, making you feel as if you’re in California Wine Country. Aquidneck Island boasts an extraordinary coastal micro-climate. A combination of warm Gulf Stream waters to the south and the moderating effects of Narragansett Bay provide a long, cool growing season for seamlessly textured wines. 🍾
The tough customer
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Lauren Rader on Unsplash
https://homestyleri.com/shop-gift-baskets/kooringal-gray-maestro-fedora
We all know someone who’s hard to buy gifts for, 😣 so a store with just about everything is always good to have. Homestyle in Providence will be able to satisfy the notoriously tricky recipient. You name it, when it comes to gifts, Homestyle likely has it, whether it’s kitchenware, games, audio gadgets, cocktail supplies, pet needs, or bath and body products.
The same goes for Imagine in Warren, which is said to be one of the largest gift stores in New England with three floors of possible presents. Don’t underestimate the lighthearted atmosphere with its candy shoppe and ice cream bar – their inventory spans from rare antiques and fashion accessories to home décor.
The nature lover
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Tom The Photographer on Unsplash
https://jordansjungle.net
Know someone planting roots? Say “Happy Housewarming” with a plant from Jordan’s Jungle in Pawtucket. A healthy tree, shrub, or flower provides a life-affirming good omen for a new abode. This large greenhouse with its Zen atmosphere offers tropical selections of all sizes that are sure to add vitality to any space.
Eco-conscious homeowners will love Fenwick & Oliver, providers of reclaimed wood and upcycled furnishings handcrafted in Rhode Island. So-called "imperfections" resulting from the company’s minimal waste practices lend special character to their pieces. Some of their smaller items, including hanging planters, magnetic bottle openers, and candle holders, present a uniquely natural look that new homeowners will love.😍
Whatever your recipient’s housewarming love language is, there are plenty of local gifts to say, “Welcome Home!”
