Gifts Under $100 Perfect for the New Homeowner on your List

Between advertisements on TV, promotions online and the products on display in-store… It can be hard to know what the right gift is for anyone on your list. When it comes to buying for new homeowners, it can be especially hard. Sure, it’s easy to come up with a list of items they might need, but let’s be honest… Things like potholders and dish towels just aren’t fun to give or receive. In light of this predicament, we’ve crafted a list of items that are the perfect balance between enjoyment and practicality that they probably haven’t already been given as a housewarming gift all under $100. Talk about holiday magic!

PERSONAL CONCRETE FIREPLACE $99 at Huckberry.com

Help the new homeowners on your list up the ambiance in their new home with a personal concrete fireplace! The Flikr Fire Tabletop Fireplace brings the delight of a relaxing fire anywhere within the home… Roast s’mores in the kitchen, set the mood in the living room or simply add a unique touch anywhere in the house. Available for $99 at Huckberry.com.

Image source: Huckberry.com


MIXLY COCKTAIL MIXER BUNDLE $50 at MixlyCocktailCo.com

Many nights of hosting are ahead, get them started with a handcrafted cocktail mixer variety pack made with natural ingredients, fresh squeezed juices and a touch of honey! There are many flavor combinations to choose from including the Tropical Bundle: Pineapple Basil Lime, Grapefruit Jalapeño and Coconut Ginger Lime; the Seasonal Bundle: Strawberry Pomegranate, Pear Honey Vanilla Lime and Rosemary Lemon Honey; or the Top Seller Bundle: Pineapple Basil Lime, Grapefruit Jalapeño and Cucumber Mint Lime… A variety of flavors sure to please any houseguest. 

Image source: MixlyCocktailCo.com



APPLE AIRTAG $29 at Apple.com

This stainless-steel tracker allows an easy solution for those who are prone to misplacing things. Pair the AirTag with a leather keychain loop for $39 and say goodbye to lost house keys forever. Plus, engraving is free so you can add personalization for that extra special touch.

Image source: Apple.com



PIZZA STONE $54.95 at CrateAndBarrel.com
What’s better than homemade pizza in your new home? The answer is not much. This Emile Henry Glazed Pizza Stone is able to go from fridge or freezer to oven or grill. It’s not just a pizza stone either. This enameled stone can be used to bake cookies or breads, grill fish or meats or even serve as a chilled cheese tray. The $54.95 investment for this gift will pay off with the countless pizza nights you will be invited to. Win-win!

Image source: CrateAndBarrel.com


CAMBRIA USA CHEESEBOARD $60 at Shop.CambriaUSA.com

Up your giftee’s hosting game with this luxurious stone 11’’ x 14’’ Cambria cheeseboard that is all at once stylish, scratch- and stain-resistant plus nonabsorbent. It blends both form and function in one stunning presentation while allowing room for everything from artisanal meats and cheeses to appetizers and snacks. There are many designs to choose from as well to match the taste of just about anyone. The design shown here is called “Seagrove”.

Image source: Shop.CambriaUSA.com


INSTANT POT $89 at Amazon.com

This all-in-one solution is likely on their list already! A pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer all in one… This gift will keep on giving day-after-day with delicious meals that are simple and easy to make.

Image source: Amazon.com


RING VIDEO DOORBELL WITH CHIME $71.98 at Amazon.com

We haven’t met a new homeowner that wouldn’t want added security, simplicity and peace of mind. This technology’s advanced motion detection allows for real-time notifications straight to devices so they’ll always know when someone is outside. Smart home accessories are a great way to really make a new home come together. 

Image source: Amazon.com


INDOOR HYDROPONIC GARDEN $99 from Amazon.com

What’s better than fresh, local, in-season herbs right from their own kitchen? Nothing! With the Aerogarden, the recipients of this gift can grow fresh herbs and veggies year round. It even notifies them of when to add water and plant food as well as automatically turns lights on and off. The guesswork of growing is taken out of the process completely! Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil and Mint seeds are included. Another gift that just keeps giving.

Image source: Amazon.com


We hope this sparked some ideas for the new homeowners on your shopping list. Are you yourself looking to buy a new home or refinance your current mortgage? The opportunity to assist you in your home financing journey would be the ultimate gift. Reach out today, we’re here to add to the magic of the holiday season: 952-942-0110 / CambriaMortgage.com.

An Early Take on 2023’s Market

Let’s take a look back at the mortgage and real estate world we lived in throughout 2022, shall we? To be succinct, it was a tough time for the market. Interest rates continuously jumped, more than doubling over the course of the year while simultaneously home prices rose… Over and over again. After living through the glory of the pandemic housing market boom, 2022 conditions were simply challenging.

Top Spots For Families This Fall

With fall in full swing, we wanted to showcase some local activities that can be enjoyed by all… From parades and pumpkins to apples and corn mazes check out some of our top picks for family friendly fun this fall...

Too Soon? Fall Decor Tips For The Ghost-ess With The Mostest

September is near and you know what that means… Fall! Pumpkins! Crisp air! Crunchy leaves! Halloween! Candy! Spooky movies! Warm drinks! We just know we aren’t the only ones who look forward to this time of year. What’s not to like? For those of you who are like us and have an itch to decorate for spooky season as soon as September hits you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of must-haves to give your home that perfect fall feel. Here we go!

Moving During the School Year… Why It’s No Big Deal!

While it’s quite understandable why most would not view moving to a new school midyear as a positive thing, there are actually some added benefits to doing so. We’ve put together a list of five big advantages to making a move during the school year.

Our Best Ideas to Make Back-to-School a Breeze

The countdown to the end of the school year is always exciting; and then before you know it, summer break is here and just as quickly as it came, it is gone. With September just a few weeks away, we’ve put together a list of our best tips for getting your kids ready to get back into the swing of the school year. 

Do Your Wallet & the Earth a Favor with These Spring Cleaning Hacks

With all the time we’ve spent in the house over the colder months, our homes likely aren’t reflecting the freshness of spring. To put it frankly, you likely have some deep cleaning ahead of you. Rather than going out and buying a different cleaning product for each task at hand, we’ve cultivated a list of our best cleaning remedies, all using less-harsh and fairly common elements you might already have at home. 

5 Desserts That’ll Warm your Soul this Winter

Grab your fuzzy socks and your comfiest blanket because we’ve cultivated a list of the most soul-warming, cold weather desserts to indulge in during this deep freeze. You can thank us later. But seriously, these are delicious so please read on and enjoy… Literally, in real life… When you bake them… Yum!

Expectations of 2022’s Housing Market: A Cool Off, Not a Meltdown

I think we can all agree we are ready for some familiarity and to put these unprecedented times behind us. However, while we hate to say it, we must; there was nothing predictable about 2021, including the housing market. Interest rates hit record lows and we saw the strongest yearly growth in single-family home prices ever. Foreclosure rates were at historic lows and home sales hit their highest level in 15 years. Continuously, homeowners were able to sell their homes quickly and usually well above asking price. Potential buyers grew fatigued attempting to secure the winning bid after losing out on numerous homes. In short, 2021 brought one of the most competitive housing markets in recent U.S. history. 

Veterans: You’ve Earned These Exclusive Programs & Savings

November is truly a month of gratitude. Not only do the holidays start inching nearer with Thanksgiving at the forefront, but we also celebrate our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day. Cambria Mortgage recognizes it is a great honor and privilege to serve those who have served our country. Though it will never suffice in return for what we’ve received from our Veterans, we are proud to specialize in VA loans and offer exclusive savings to Veterans at closing. Are you a Veteran? Read on to learn more about the benefits you’re entitled to, and of course… Thank you for your service!

New House, New Host: A Fool-Proof Guide for First-Time Entertainers

It’s becoming apparent in every store display, TV commercial and radio ad that the holidays are fast approaching. Whether you’ve just purchased your first house or it’s simply time to stop going to your Aunt Pam’s every year, the first big gathering is right around the corner… Thanksgiving. Now is your chance to take the reins and host at your place. As exciting as it is, this of course can be overwhelming so we’ve put together a fool-proof guide to ensure it all goes smoothly.

Scary Simple No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Halloween is considered an especially fun time of year for many, especially the little ones. Between the costumes, the parties and of course the candy… What’s not to love? Perhaps the mess. If you want to fully embrace the spirit of the holiday, without the goop and gunk that comes along with crafting that perfect jack-o-lantern, look no further. We have a few ideas to keep you festive, and minimize the clean up.

Comforting Recipes for When the Temperatures Fall

We all know it is coming. The leaves are starting to change. The temperatures are dropping at night. The boxelder bugs are out in force. Winter is coming. With the cooler nights and the transition into autumn, it is time to dust off the casserole dish and bring out the apple peeler; comfort foods are on the horizon. Here is a list of some of our team’s favorite fall recipes.

Turn Your Tailgate into the Main Event

As summer slowly fades into fall, many of us are pulling out our canopies and mobile grills to get ready for tailgating season. Whether you are joining the fun for the first time or are a seasoned pro, there are always new and exciting ways to make your tailgating experience one of the highlights of game day. Here are some tips to elevate your game.

Fabulous Flowers for Spring Planting

For some people, the warming weather is a call to dust off the gardening gear and get out and tend to beautiful plants and flowers. For others of us not blessed with a green thumb (guilty!) there may be some trepidation around the spring planting season. One way to ease into spring planting is with container gardens since they can add instant color without a lot of effort. Here is a list of flowers to look for at your local nursery or garden center to create fun and easy potted gardens for your spring curb appeal.

Preparing Your Home for Extreme Winter Weather

Most of the country is in the deep freeze of winter right now, and it is important to properly care for your home to make sure you and your property come through safely. Read below for some tips to make sure you are prepared when the temperatures take a dive.

2020 in Review: Words of the Year

2020… The year of so much and so little. How is it possible that March lasted for 6 months and October, November and December were over in two weeks? If you are anything like us, the year has become a little bit of a blur; we decided to look back on how the world portrayed each month of the year using a single word. Read below for Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year and a highlight from each month of 2020.

Creating Your 2021 Vision Board: Is a New Home One of Your Goals?

In a year full of uncertainty, one thing is for sure… It was easier than ever to lose sight and hope of what’s next. Many who planned on buying a home this last year decided to postpone that dream. But interest rates are stellar and it’s time to act. If you’re like us, and ready to put the doom and gloom of 2020 behind you, you’ll enjoy this article.

Bored Indoors? These Games Will Liven Things Up!

The holidays are upon us and for many of us they will look very different this year. If you are staying in versus traveling over the river and through the woods, you may be wondering how to stay entertained. If Netflix isn’t really your thing, or you have already made it through the latest seasons of...well...everything, we’ve put together a list of games to keep you entertained well into the new year.

MN-Made Gift Guide: Shop Local This Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching and it looks like the COVID-19 pandemic wants in on the celebration. Unfortunately, we’ve watched this virus continue to take its toll on local businesses throughout the state. If you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season, you’re in luck; we’ve put together a Minnesota-Made Gift Guide to help you find local businesses to support online or in person. Keep in mind, these are just a few of our favorite gift ideas… If you have something else in mind but still want to support local, a quick Google search can take you a long way. Here’s some gifts we found priced from $25 - $100:

Easy Dessert Worth Getting Stuffed For

Whether you’re choosing to gather in-person with family or not this Thanksgiving, dessert is a must. When it comes to the delicious goodness we look forward to so much—we don’t know about you, but—we want simple. We sourced seven easy pie desserts that you’ll definitely be saving room for (or loosening your belt for) this holiday...

Homebuying Tricks & Treats: Creepin’ it Real

Dying to jump into the market but finding home buying horror stories and misconceptions are haunting you? With Halloween right around the corner, we’re addressing some common ghost stories and laying out what’s a true treat vs. a false trick. Let’s get to the thrills and chills, shall we?

15 Fun Things to Do This Fall

Sure, a lot about our daily lives has changed in 2020, but the earth hasn’t stopped turning meaning we are coming full speed into fall. If you are looking for fun activities that are COVID-19 safety approved, we have a list for you. Before you head out to a new location, however, make sure to check out the procedures for guests as a lot of places will have mask or reservation requirements. Take a look below to find some ideas to get you having fun this fall.

Tips for that Quick Fall Fix

Fall… It’s finally (or already?) here. The leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping. There’s no denying that there’s just something about this season—in 2020 especially—that’s tempting to bring it within the walls of our homes. When it comes to decorating for the fall season, there are a few ways to easily incorporate that comfy, cozy feel you’re after. We put together some key factors that’ll give you that quick fall fix.

Hop, Skip and Plant Your Way to Spring Curb Appeal

Throughout most of the country spring has officially sprung, even in the frozen tundra of the upper midwest (finally). Along with the spring sunshine comes new growth and blooming gardens that brighten up our homes and lives. To make sure your curb appeal is on point, check out these spring tips below.

Fall Décor Trends

When the seasons start to change it is fun to be able to update our surroundings with new and exciting décor. Read on for Etsy’s six fall home décor trends:

Preparing for Spring Cleaning

The thought of cleaning before cleaning may seem odd, but making sure that your cleaning tools are in tip-top shape can save you time when you start your spring cleaning. Read on for ways to get yourself prepared to get cleaning.

How to Host the Perfect Summer BBQ

Summer in the Midwest means time outside. On these beautiful summer days there is nothing better than a BBQ to bring friends and family together. Here are some tips on how to host the perfect summer BBQ.

Spring Cleaning: 8 Places to Focus to Freshen Up

Winters can get long and homes can start to show the effects of being closed up for months at a time.  As the warm weather approaches, getting the house in tip-top shape jumps to the top of most to-do lists.  Here are eight places to focus to get your home feeling fresh.

Cold Weather Curb Appeal: Easy Ways to Winter-Ready Your Home

Now that the Halloween pumpkins have been relegated to the compost heap and the autumn leaves have all been raked and bagged, it’s time to think about spiffing up the exterior of your home for the holidays and beyond. Here are some easy ways to give your home a warm, welcoming vibe that lasts all winter long.