Christmas is right around the corner and I know what you're thinking, our trusty realtor, John, will know exactly what the first time buyers in our lives want as a Christmas gift. Well, you're right, I do know what they want!
According to a 2024 report, over 1/3 of first time home buyers in Canada receive gifts to help cover their down payment. These gifts average over $125,000.
So there you have it, the first time buyers in your life want a massive cash gift for Christmas - no pressure! ;)
Ok fine, so you don't have $125k laying around this holiday season? How about co-signing for them? If you have good credit, and the first time buyer in your life has the cash for the down payment but may be too young to have a long credit history or hasn't been at the same job for long enough for the bank's liking, your signature on their mortgage could cost you no cash and have the potential to turn their mortgage application into an approval and afford them their first home!
And if you came to this post for some sightly more traditional gift ideas, like the ones you can wrap and put under the tree, here is a list of thoughtful and practical gifts that the first time buyer in your life is sure to love.
1. A Tool Kit
- A starter tool kit with essentials like a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a tape measure can be incredibly useful as they tackle their new home projects.
2. Personalized Housewarming Gifts
- Customized items like a doormat, address plaque, or engraved cutting board can add a personal touch to their new space. Etsy is a great place to find custom items like these, just make sure you leave lots of time for shipping!
3. Gift Cards
- Gift cards to home improvement stores, furniture retailers, or online marketplaces give them the flexibility to buy what they need for their new home. I can almost guarantee that every new home buyer needs something from Home Depot, Ikea, Homesense or Canadian Tire.
4. Kitchen Essentials
- A set of quality kitchen tools, such as a chef’s knife, measuring spoons, or a cutting board, can be a great addition to their kitchen.
5. Home Decor Items
- Help them personalize their new space with decorative items like picture frames, throw pillows, or a stylish lamp.
6. Meal Delivery Subscription
- Consider a subscription to a meal kit delivery service, to help them get settled in. Even an Uber Eats gift certificate could be a huge blessing to a busy family.
7. House Cleaner
- Paying for a house cleaner to come to their home could provide some much needed rest. I have a few great recommendations of local house cleaners if you need!
8. Smart Home Gadgets
- Consider gifting a smart speaker, smart plugs, or a smart thermostat to help them modernize their new home.
9. Outdoor Essentials
- If they have a yard or patio, gifts like a garden tool set, outdoor furniture, or a grill set can enhance their outdoor living space.
10. Emergency Kit
- A well-stocked emergency kit with items like a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and basic tools can be a practical and thoughtful gift.
11. Home Organization Items
- Help them keep their new home organized with gifts like storage bins, closet organizers, or drawer dividers.
12. Your Time
- Sometimes what the people in your life need most is you. Watch the kids or take care of the dogs while they are at house showings. Help them clean their space before moving out. Bring over some freezer meals. Lend your truck during the move. These are all practical and valuable ways to help the first time buyers in your life.
To be clear, the first time home buyer in your life would love $125,000 for Christmas. But if that isn't in the cards, any of these items would be a thoughtful and practical gift that they could enjoy in their new home for years to come. Merry Christmas!
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