• Give her a housewarming gift that will keep be useful and welcome.gift box image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com
  
  To buy a woman a housewarming gift that is both tasteful and practical, first consider her needs, her existing appliances, home décor and personal style. Include the receipt in the box to allow her the option of exchanging the gift for something that better suits her needs. Also consider the woman's experience and personality; for example, is she leaving home for the first time or living alone after a divorce? Is she an aspiring cook or a workaholic?
  
  

Kitchen Appliances

• Be sure the recipient needs a common appliance such as a toaster before buying it.duotone toaster image by Rick Sargeant from Fotolia.com
  
  Give a small kitchen appliance that she doesn't already own; match the appliance to the décor of her other kitchen appliances, for example, stainless with stainless. Microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers and blenders are staples needed in most kitchens. If the young woman does not have one, a food processor, crockpot or electric can opener is a welcome addition, as is an expresso machine or electric skillet or grill.
  
  

Kitchen Items

• Several smaller gifts can be given in another item such as a bread basket or dish rack. Kitchen towels, potholders and dishcloths are useful and inexpensive. Accessories include serving pieces, knives and items such as whisks, spatulas and scoops. A woman who want to get into doing more of her own cooking might enjoy a spice rack, but anyone could use drawer organizers or a step stool. A basic cookbook that covers meal planning and shopping might come in handy for someone living alone for the first time.
  
  

Security

• Rarely considered but extremely useful is the gift of peace of mind--consider a surveillance device for the home. Whether hidden in a household item to watch the interior or positioned outdoors to watch the perimeter, this gift will provide a measure of security. A peephole door monitor will allow her to see on her computer screen who is at the door before opening it. Smoke alarms, flashlights, extra batteries and nightlights provide another kind of safety.
  
  

Household Items

• Give her a tool set for those small jobs around the house or a step stool to change lightbulbs and batteries in the smoke alarms. Or choose items for a specific room. A set of bath towels and hamper might be appreciated. An older woman or one graduating from a dorm room might prefer decorative items such as a wall clock or an alarm clock for the bedroom or a vase or candleholder with a couple of tapers, or a tablecloth for her dining-room table.