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This is Highly Recommend, a column dedicated to what people in the food industry are obsessed with eating, drinking, and buying right now.
I always found buying housewarming gifts a challenge, and I used the pandemic (when I didn’t see as many of my friends’ new homes as early as I would have liked) to really hone my craft. I tried fancy soap, but soap is no longer fun. I tried booze, but delivery can be a pain; I tried flowers, but I hit a point where I was sending floral arrangements for so many reasons that they kind of lost all meaning.
I was near giving up—and then I found these Graf Lantz wine charms that come neatly arranged on a greeting card, ready to write, stamp, and send. The company specializes in colorful merino wool felt products (many of which—like these trivets and placemats—are on sale until 2/19), and these wine charms in particular are great because they’re chic and minimalist, unlike the more gaudy baubles you might picture when you hear the phrase. I love them because they’re fun and festive, affordable and thoughtful—a small gift and a personal note all in one. Sure, the cards may imply “better unpack those stemmed wine glasses” and “can’t wait to invite myself over,” but they do so with a really fun energy, especially when paired with the heartfelt note you’ll pen to congratulate your sibling or former roommate on their move. Plus, it’s a gift that clocks in under $16, including the stamp you’ll need to attach.
There are four options for messages on the front of the card, ranging from Joy! to Salud!, each with its own colorway. Seven felt wine charms are affixed to the front in a flower-like design (more sustainable than a bouquet!); they detach from the cardstock and can be reused for gatherings small and large well into the future. The back of the card does provide some information about peeling off and using the wine markers, but I like to add a little aside into my note (“hope these reusable wine charms serve you well as you toast your new home and for many more parties to come!”) so the person I’m gifting them to doesn’t accidentally toss them out.
I bought a whole stack before the holidays so that I can have them on hand for quick, easy housewarming gifts—and whenever someone I care about has something to celebrate. Pair the card with some new stemware, matching coasters, or a bottle of something you love—red, orange, white, spirit-free—or just pop one in the mail to wish someone well.
If you just moved, let this also be a reminder: Don’t forget to send your friends your updated address. Maybe you’ll get a little something in return.