When Anne of Green Gables was in a fluster being invited to her first housewarming tea party, her guardian Marilla Cuthbert gave this piece of excellent advice: "The trouble with you, Anne, is that you're thinking too much about yourself. You should just think of Mrs. Allan and what would be nicest and most agreeable to her." This advice is equally applicable when finding the perfect housewarming gift.

How, one may ask? Well, guests invited to a housewarming are usually either friends of the family or new neighbors. It will be easier in the case of the former, as they will generally have an idea of the family's background, likes and dislikes. However it is altogether too easy just to drop by at the newcomers' next door and have a quick chat to hazard a guess. Or if everything fails, a thoughtful selection of edibles, utilities or accessories may just be the thing.

Collectibles seem to be the byword in house decorations nowadays, and they make excellent gifts as well for the new homeowner. From valued antiques to new paraphernalia, the list is limitless.

Some may opt for a traditional feel for their homes, which also open up another range of possibilities. Well preserved antique cabinets and other furniture are often priceless heirlooms, and are often bequeathed to the homes of the younger generations with equally priceless love. Those avidly interested in heritage weaponry may be proud to add Civil War guns, Samurai swords, or even blowpipes from Africa or Borneo, reflecting the guests' own diverse backgrounds. Other items may include various headgears, costumes, beaded bags and feather fans, as well as miniatures and statuettes of all kinds add to the ever-growing list of suitable accessory gifts for a new homestead. As for feng shui practitioners, they will appreciate thoughtful items such as crystals that are purported to enhance luck and prosperity. However, guests are also advised to exercise caution and sensitivity over these ethic-related gifts as many of these items described carry connotations of culture and superstitions.

Modern souvenirs also belong in popular housewarming gift baskets - items in the treasure trove may range from limited editions of memorabilia, welcoming signs, framed paintings and clocks. New age hosts usually will appreciate sets of scented candles or an aromatherapy kit. Bath packages with soaps and perfumes fall under the health and beauty care categories favored, not only by the modern affluent ladies, but also the metro-sexually conscious young gentlemen. Mothers also generally welcome cushions, rugs and quilts, especially suitable for a household full of boisterous children who inevitably cause much wear and tear as they grow up in their new family home. The domestic goddess who reigned over her hearth enjoy receiving valuable additions to their domain such as electrical items, silver cutlery, porcelain dishes, crystal sets or glassware. Even bright pictures on a magnet set can also contribute particular cheer to a new unadorned refrigerator.

Green thumbed gardeners love to show off their new "bits of earth" to like-minded guests. What more suitable gift then can compare to adorable garden gnomes, beautiful potted plants, bonsai trees or new gloves or even gardening tool sets? Similarly, the handyman, or the handywoman, of the family will love to receive tool boxes or hampers of car wash items. Other gifts may of course, relate to other particular hobbies and interests of each host. Some may like golf, some may love reading, and some are musically-inclined.

Gourmet gift baskets are favorite gifts, as much as to the recipient as to the giver due to its convenience and easy disposal. Home prepared items were de rigeur ranging from pies, casseroles and cookies, to salads, cakes and tarts. Oriental choices include dim sums and shushi as well as various kuihs. However modern guests have the advantage of hampers filled with all types of edibles for the entire family are readily available in supermarkets, often with custom-made choices as well.

Conclusively, Marilla Cuthbert's common sense advice is still as effective in today situations as it was to the young Anne. After all, the best gift, even if it is as simple as a bouquet of flowers, comes from the heart that puts the host first.