House warming gifts don’t always illicit the response or appreciation the giver had in mind. From the house warming gift that disappoints, repulses or triggers an allergic reaction, there are five ways to tell if yours was a hit or a miss: 

1) After the recipient receives the house warming gift, the giver never receives a thank you note, nor a verbal expression of appreciation. 

2) The house warming gift contains ingredients or elements that the recipient has an allergic reaction. For instance, as delightful as the fruit bouquet is, not all recipients are ideal for these house warming gift ideas. From having an aversion to fruit or simply being allergic to citrus fruits, make sure the recipient likes the fruit contained in most baskets, which include: cantaloupe, grapes, pineapple, mangos, and strawberries 

3) On Facebook, the recipient mentions the bad house warming gift in a negative context.

4) While the re-gifted house warming gift is not a total wash, it’s another example of when a kind gesture is unappreciated by the recipient.

Opt for a generic house warming gift idea. Unless you know the recipient very well, avoid buying a present that is too personal. Placesettings, candles, candleholders, oven mitts and other household products that everyone can use. Remember to select items that are free of patterned designs and bright color. Select neutral tones that go with other household décor. Also, try to select items made of natural materials (wood, steel, rod iron, soy, et cetera).

Utilitarian house warming gifts make for great ideas. Like a box of compact fluorescent bulbs , batteries or a charge station are greatly appreciated house warming gifts.

In the end, a gift card from Wal-Mart, Home Depot or Macy’s are no brainer house warming gift ideas.*