Moving house is stressful.
There’s the packing, the unpacking, the wondering if you accidentally boxed up the cat.
But once the chaos settles, there’s this magic moment where a house becomes a home. And that’s where the tradition of housewarming gifts comes in.
Problem is, most housewarming gifts are… well, a bit naff.
A bottle of wine (gone in an evening). A scented candle (forgotten by next week). A weird ceramic thing that no one really wants but can’t throw away.
What if you gave something that actually stayed with them? Something that says, “Welcome to your new chapter.”
That’s where Metalbirds come in.
Why Birds Make Brilliant Housewarming Gifts
Birds are natural symbols of new beginnings.
They build nests. They move from place to place. They settle in, raise families, and remind us that home isn’t just about bricks and walls... it’s about belonging.
When you give someone a bird to install in their new place, you’re not just giving them décor. You’re giving them:
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A symbol of home
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A reason to get out in the garden (even if it’s just a balcony)
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A moment of calm in the middle of the cardboard box chaos
Creative Ways to Gift a Metalbird
You could just hand someone a bird silhouette in a box and say, “Here you go.”
But where’s the fun in that?
Here are some cheeky, creative ways to warm the nest properly.
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Bird + Houseplant Combo
Pair a Metalbird with a houseplant for an indoor-outdoor moment.
Pop a small Robin or Fantail silhouette into a pot of:
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Monstera (the classic)
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Fiddle Leaf Fig (if you’re feeling trendy)
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Kōwhai or native flax in a pot (if you want to keep it regional)
It’s a gift that says: “Here’s a bird for the garden... and one for the lounge while you unpack.”
Bonus: houseplants don’t mind if you forget to water them for the first week after moving.
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Bird in the Moving Box
Sneak a Metalbird into one of the moving boxes... preferably the one marked “Kitchen... Open First.”
When your friend or family member unpacks the pots and pans, they’ll find a bird silhouette nestled between the tea towels.
Cue surprise. Cue smiles. Cue a moment of lightness in the middle of moving mayhem.
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Frame the Door
Help someone mark their new front door with a bird that welcomes them home every day.
A Swallow or Robin installed near the door frame says:
“New place, same you. And we’re all cheering you on.”
It’s a small act that turns a plain wall into a story starter.
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Garden Starter Kit
For the mate who’s just moved into a place with a backyard for the first time:
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A Metalbird
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A packet of native plant seeds
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A handwritten note that says: “Start small. Grow something.”
It’s not about landscaping the whole yard overnight. It’s about staking a claim to the new life ahead.
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Window Watcher
If the new house has a kitchen window (and let’s be honest, most do), suggest installing a Metalbird in view of the sink.
Doing dishes is less of a chore when you’ve got a patinaed Robin or Kingfisher keeping you company.
Why It Works
Housewarming gifts are about ritual.
They’re about saying:
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“Good on you for making a big life change.”
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“Here’s something to make this house feel like yours.”
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“We’re rooting for you.”
A Metalbird does that without adding to the clutter. It’s not another thing to shove in a cupboard. It’s something to install, enjoy, and let weather into the landscape.
Rust is Part of the Story
We make all our birds from Corten steel because it rusts on purpose.
Why? Because new beginnings are messy. Life changes. Paint peels. Gardens grow wild. That’s how it should be.
A Metalbird rusts alongside you. It changes with the seasons, just like you do when you move into a new place and slowly make it your own.
Real Stories from the Nest
We’ve had people tell us they’ve used Metalbirds for:
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Moving in together
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Buying a first home
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Downsizing after the kids leave
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Starting fresh after a breakup
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Relocating to a new country
One woman wrote:
“We gave our daughter a Fantail for her first flat. She put it in the garden behind the washing line. Now it’s part of her morning routine... hang the washing, say hi to the bird.”
Another bloke said:
“My mate moved into his forever home, so we gave him a Heron. He reckons it’s keeping an eye on the barbecue area.”
Not Just a House... A Home
At the end of the day, it’s not about the house. It’s about the life that happens in it.
The meals. The parties. The quiet nights on the couch. The times you wonder why you moved, and the moments you’re so glad you did.
A Metalbird isn’t just a gift... it’s a little bit of daily grounding. A reminder that life moves, changes, and keeps flying forward.
Want to Help Someone Warm Their Nest?
If you know someone starting fresh, consider giving them a bird.
It’s not just about decorating a house. It’s about marking a new chapter.
Find your bird here.
Then go help them unpack the kettle.
Suggested Image:
A Metalbird being unboxed from moving boxes, surrounded by houseplants, bubble wrap, and half-unpacked kitchenware. Real light, real life, no staged smiles... just the honest chaos of a move.