47 Housewarming Gifts, Whether Their Place Is Turn-Key or Needs Some Work

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We’ll be the first to admit it: Finding the perfect housewarming gifts is no easy feat. While popping by their place with a bottle of wine is a welcome gesture, we know you can do better. Should you err on the side of practicality, say with something that will be immediately useful to them and help them with any projects they take on? Or do you opt for decorative — a little picture frame or greenery to cozy up the space? Consider the new homeowner you’re buying for, but either is a solid bet to help them move in, since wishlist fixes and decorating often are among the last things to get done.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered a selection of housewarming gifts in both veins. Whether the newly propertied friend or family member you’re buying for is a plant lover, a DIYer, or a newlywed, you should find something for them here. Our list features a mix of fun, sentimental, and practical finds including pet-friendly plants, gift cards to make meal prep one less thing for them to worry about while they settle in, and unique finds that make their home truly their own.

Ode to Home State Dish Towel

Whether you want to commemorate their new state of residence or give a shout-out to the one they’re from, these kitchen towels from Uncommon Goods are fun tributes.

They showcase colorful illustrations accompanied by a poem touting the state and what makes it special.

More: 40+ Gifts for the Friends to Show You Care

Tough Stuff Collection

This collection of hard-to-kill plants from Bloomscape — including a sansevieria, hoya, and ZZ plant — helps to liven up a windowsill or office space in their new pad with a bit of color. And, so as not to clash with their decor or paint scheme, you can choose between three different colors for their included planters.

The reBoard

Help brighten up their brand-new kitchen with this cutting board. We’re fans of Material’s reBoards because they’re cute, colorful, BPA-free, and made entirely of kitchen plastic scraps and renewable sugarcane. They can take a rough chopping, too — we use ours almost nightly, and it doesn’t look warped and worn.

Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml)

Give them this olive oil in the hopes that they'll break it out for the next party they invite you to. It’s made in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, and, as we say in our review of Kosterina’s Olive Oil, it's almost drinkably good.

It’s great for bread dipping or for tossing in a salad — even for drizzling atop vanilla ice cream. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

EKG Pro Electric Kettle

This Kardashian-level electric kettle is the best gift for the gadget lover who prefers tea over coffee. “The next-generation Stagg EKG Pro brings a full suite of features to tinker with (like chime loudness, hold-temp length, altitude adjustment, etc.), all from a beautiful high-resolution screen,” says our senior service editor, Melanie Yates in her review.

Using the knob on its base, they can toggle through numerous brew settings on its full-color screen. When not in use, this same screen stays on to display the time, either analog- or digital-style. (It can even play a secret video game.)

Indoor Herb Garden Kit

Click and Grow’s indoor herb garden is a clever gift that gives your recipient the right tools to grow fresh herbs and veggies year-round. It comes with a supply of basil pods and can grow up to three plants at once.

The system is self-watering and features lights that automatically turn on and off, so it takes some of the fussing and guesswork out of gardening.

It’s also a win for the space-conscious recipient. “I particularly appreciate the size and sleekness of this indoor garden, featuring a clean white exterior and a reasonable 5-by-12-inch size that doesn’t occupy too much table space in a tiny apartment,” shares our contributing editor Zarah Kavarana in her review.

12 Nights of Wine Box

While dropping off a bottle of wine is a little bit blah as a gift for new homeowners, getting them a Vinebox is a very different story. This advent calendar-style tasting sampler contains 12 glass tubes that all hold a generous pour.

Certified sommeliers selected the reds, whites, and rosés in this box, so you know your giftee is getting the top-shelf stuff.

The Starter Set Cookware

They’ve probably been using old take-out containers as food storage for far too long. Enter: Anyday Microwave Cookware. This set includes two frosted glass bowls and locking glass lids.

Everything can go in the microwave to heat up or cook food as needed. Both bowls in the Starter Set are a happy medium size for storing dinner leftovers and transporting them to work for lunch the next day.

Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent Device

Banish the bloodsuckers from their backyard with this grapefruit-size gadget. it creates a scent-free, 15-foot barrier against mosquitoes. And it can run for 6-7 hours on a charge and comes with a cartridge that lasts for 12 hours.

“It’s an easy-to-operate device that’s rechargeable, easy to refill, and wonderfully effective at repelling mosquitoes,” writes our senior electronics editor, Brandon Carte, in his review.

Bamboo Sheet Set

It’s a risk to get someone a set of sheets as a housewarming present, especially one this expensive. But not when you’re buying them the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets. You can feel good about it because the buttery-soft, cooling material is made sustainability and according to fair labor practices.

Our parenting editor, Cat Bowen, is also a fan. “If you want luxury bedding that you know is sustainable, durable, and beautiful, you want Cozy Earth,” she writes.

RoboVac G20 Hybrid Robot Vacuum

Make cleaning a hands-free experience. The RoboVac G20 is affordable, slim, and easily navigates around spaces.

It’s also a solid option for the recipient who prefers (relative) silence. “Despite its powerful suction, I found the vacuum to be quieter than other options,” writes Carte in our review of the best robot vacuums. “For comparison’s sake, this one measures in at 55 decibels compared to the iRobot i3 Evo’s 68 decibels.”

Cotton Knit Throws

Add a layer of cozy to their living room with this lightweight knit throw. “Its simple seed stitch is stretchy, lightly nubby, and way more pet-friendly than a chunky-knit blanket,” says Yates in our review of the best throw blankets. It’s available in a range of colors to match their new home aesthetic.

Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set

Whether they now have a built-in home bar or treated themselves to a fancy bar cart, this stainless steel bar set will help them make the most of it. We dubbed it the best housewarming gift on our list of best bar sets. It includes a muddler, a strainer, a shaker, and more, all in a stylish bamboo base that won’t make it a total eyesore.

Cotton Indoor Slippers

New home calls for new slippers. This pair is made of breathable cotton, so your recipient can keep their toes covered and dry. It’s available in tons of colors to match their new home’s look. They’re also, blessedly, machine-washable.

“It’s so comfy and really helps with supporting my feet when I’m wearing them around the house,” shared one reviewer on Amazon. “I also love that I can throw them in the washing machine.”

Home Portrait

Turn their new digs into a work of art. You can send your recipient the digital download or choose from different frame options to match their decor. “My daughter and son-in-law loved this framed print of their new home!” wrote one reviewer. “It arrived quickly and the seller was great to work with.”

Custom Wooden Key Holder

Give their new keys a home as well with this wooden map key holder. It features a map of their new location and hidden magnets to keep their keys and other important items safe in one place.

“I ordered a small key holder and it is just beautiful!” commented a reviewer online. “It’s exactly what I wanted, the magnet is strong and holds my keys very well.”

Gift Card

Owning a home means there’s always something to do, whether its unexpected kitchen repairs, organizing the garage, or front lawn care. This Lowe’s gift card will help them get it done. And they’ll have you to thank when they get the supplies they need for their next home project.

Mother-Of-Pearl Knobs Set of 2

This set of doorknobs from Anthropologie makes a thoughtful gift for the homeowner who appreciates a touch of class. Each knob is made from mother-of-pearl and brass to give cabinets, drawers, or wherever they decide to place it a vintage look.

“I am in love with these knobs!” raves a reviewer online. “They transform my kitchen cabinets. I get so many compliments on them. Total eye candy.”

Should Have Moved Closer Scented Soy Candle

If your friend bought a home across the country without considering you, this gift will let them know how you really feel about their move. It’s available in multiple scents and comes in three sizes.

Said one reviewer on Etsy: “I bought this for my BFF because she just moved into her first apartment. She absolutely loved it and thought the label was hilarious. I bought the sage and lavender scent and she said it smelled like a hug.”

Mini Money Tree

This pet-friendly plant is easy to care for, given it doesn’t require a lot of light. For plant lovers and especially not-so-green thumbs, it makes a nice gift.

I sent this to a close friend who recently moved, and she loves it. She mentioned it arrived intact with minor soil spillage and is easy to maintain.

Nebula Capsule Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector

Movie nights at their place will never be the same. The editor-favorite Capsule by Anker is a reasonably priced mini projector that doesn’t feel cheap. It dishes out a clear image and outstanding 360-degree sound.

Plus, it packs 4 hours of battery life — enough to fit in a viewing of the notoriously long The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring extended edition (though not the notoriously longer Return of the King).

Your recipient will get many uses out of, just like Carte did in his testing. “I’ve used my Capsule to play Mario Kart on a garage door, watch Netflix at an Airbnb in Mexico City, and to fittingly binge-watch soaps from a bathtub,” he wrote. “Despite its small shape, its speakers are surprisingly loud.”

Seasonal Pasta 6-Month Subscription

If they just moved in, we’re going to guess that their dinner menu is going to be 99% pasta for the time being. Give them a hand with a subscription to Sfoglini’s Pasta of the Month Club as a gift for the new homeowners who are still unpacking.

Each month for three months, they’ll get a letter, recipe cards, and two boxes of pasta: one signature shape and a surprise seasonal variety.

Duo 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker

This is a another gift for new homeowners that’ll put dinner on the table in a timely manner — or at least with minimal fuss. The Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart Programmable Pressure Cooker is beloved by thousands of reviewers.

This slow cooker also works as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and steamer. All of these presets can be programmed with just the push of a button, which sets the time and temp automatically. Its lid clamps on for a tight (and safe) seal.

Stone Diffuser

Make their (move-in) day by getting them the essential oil diffuser that they’ve seen in every chic home goods store. The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a petite 5 inches tall and holds 90 milliliters of water.

It has a 4- or 8-hour run time and an LED light band at its base that they can turn on or off whether they want additional ambience. We recommend also getting them the Pacific oil blend for a thoughtful gift combo.

Gift Card

Sending a Framebridge gift card (available in preset or custom amounts) is a tasteful way to help complete their space without imposing your personal style. This custom framing service is fit to tackle projects of any size, from finding the perfect frame to complement a prized piece to an entire gallery-wall consultation.

Hand Towel Set of 2

Even if they’re all set on bath towels, a fresh set of hand towels is almost never a bad idea. And Onsen’s waffle-weave material is one of the best we’ve tried.

“Onsen’s towel is a standout from all other types of waffle-weave towels because of its impressive absorbency level,” wrote Kathleen Willcox in our review of the best bath towels. “The stretchy, airy, multidimensional structure of the towel’s weave looks and feels great, but it also adeptly soaks up moisture while allowing it to dry out quickly.”

This set of hand towels is made of long-staple Supima cotton, which gives them superior strength and softness.

4-Probe Premium Smart Meat Thermometer

Gift them the assurance of a perfectly cooked meat every time with this smart thermometer. The set comes with four rechargeable probes that are made of stainless steel and built to withstand temperatures up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit. These connect to an app that provides updates on how cooked the meat is, along with how much longer each piece has left until it’s reached the desired temp.

“For me, the selling point of the Meater thermometer is its exceptionally helpful and easy-to-use smartphone app,” mentions Carte in his review. “It’s super intuitive and is extremely well-designed.”

WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

If their new place is also doubling as their home office, they’ll appreciate this tech gift. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are one of the very best you can buy because of their comfy design, strong noise cancellation, and crisp audio.

Available in silver or black, the new cans have a fast USB-C charging connector — you can get 3 hours of playback after only 3 minutes.

Streaming Stick 4K

The Roku Streaming Stick is an affordable gift, but its price belies its usefulness. It plugs in at the back of the TV and provides your giftee easy access to all of their streaming services in top-notch 4K quality. Also, we love the included remote for its comfortable shape and easy-to-press buttons.

Portable Air Purifier

The Westinghouse 1804 is a battery-powered air purifier that removes bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and allergens from the air.

“It’s about the size of a metal lunchbox and weighs only 2 pounds,” explains our Brandon Carte in his review. “It comes with a leather strap for easy transport, lasts for up to 8 hours on a single charge, and has two fan speeds.”

It’s a great gift for a new homeowner because they can use the 1804, and easily move it from room to room, to help reduce potential irritants. Plus, if they’re hosting a gathering, having it run quietly in the background will help give some peace of mind.

PureVis Pitcher

It’s time for them to break up with the Brita pitcher they’ve had since college. The PureVis is a next-level water pitcher that not only filters the water that comes out of their tap but sanitizes it with a built-in UV-C light. The pitcher also connects to an app that’ll give them a read on the light’s battery, the filter’s status, and their water intake.

“We love the size and efficiency of this filter,” shared one reviewer online. “The water tastes great and it filters easily and quickly. I used a Brita filter for years and this produces a much better cup of water and it doesn’t leak water like the Brita did.”

Clean Suite Kit

If you know that reducing plastic waste is important to them, help them get a fresh start in their new home with the editor-favorite Blueland Clean Suite Kit. “For those who want to stop the cycle of single-use plastic consumption in their clean routines, Blueland’s Clean Up Kit can help you live a little greener,” says Yates in her review.

This kit contains seven reusable containers for cleaning solutions and soaps for a variety of surfaces, along with corresponding formula tablets that just need water in order to be activated.

Best of all? Nothing in this kit needs to be thrown out after use. They can just buy new tablets whenever they run low on formula.

Card Game

A board or card game is a nice gift for new homeowners as an activity for their housewarming party. Anomia work for practically any group, even with kids around — it’s like Apples to Apples meets Scattergories.

In this card game, players take turns drawing a card and placing it face-up in their pile. Each card has a topic and a different symbol on it. If another person draws a card with the same symbol, both players have to yell out an appropriate answer that fits the topic listed on the other person’s card.

E-Gift Card

We love gifting decadent food gifts that don’t have to be enjoyed immediately, and Goldbelly provides exactly that. It isn’t an ordinary takeout site — the brand offers nationwide delivery from hundreds of different restaurants. The gift cards are available in increments of $25 to $500, or you can enter a custom amount.

More: 30 Digital Gifts for Instant Happiness

Serving Friends

Pretty, practical, and with just the right amount of arty intrigue, these beech wood serving utensils are sure to lend their salad bowl some character.

Besides being conversation-worthy, they’re also appropriately affordable. Make sure to check out the other cute shapes they come in, too.

Home Cook Duo

This is a gift that’ll probably also earn you a Friend of the Year award. The Home Cook Duo from Our Place is a cookware set that’s ideal for those who are short on space but want to be able to cook a lot with just two choice pieces.

Both the Perfect Pot and Always Pan are comfortably lightweight, and the set is chock full of useful design details like vented lids that double as strainers or steamers, pour spouts for an easy transfer of leftovers, and spoon rests built into the handles.

Smart Fragrance Diffuser Set

This is the air freshener of the future — it combines the convenience of a room spray with the ease of using a plug-in oil diffuser. To use, your recipient can insert two different fragrance cartridges and then set a custom schedule via the device’s app to have each one scent their space either continuously or at a certain time each day.

“I’ve spent three weeks with the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Device subtly scenting my home, and I’m enjoying it so much more than I ever expected,” wrote Yates. “Using it in appropriate doses, it makes my bathroom, a room in my apartment that’s just sort of there, into a space that feels really lovely to be in."

Plus, Pura’s enormous scent library features so many beloved fragrance brands like Apotheke, Brooklyn Candle Co., Caswell-Massey, and Homesick.

Battery-Operated Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder

The Pepper Mill & Spice Grinder is a battery-powered grinder that comes with interchangeable pods for blitzing different types of whole spices. It has six different degrees of fineness. We love how fun and easy it is to use, and it noticeably boosts the flavor in everything that we make.

Starter Pack

The Truff Starter Pack is an all-star bundle of the brand’s Original Hot Sauce, Black Truffle Salt, and Black Truffle Oil. It’s a handy sampler for lending some umami to their meals.

Retractable Clothesline

This nifty little gadget will certainly come in handy when laundry day rolls around. The GorillaLine is a retractable clothesline system that allows them to extend the 14-foot cord from one end of their space to the other so they can hang wet garments. When screwed in place, it can hold up to 40 pounds.

We know they’ll appreciate its ease of use as much as Carte did: “Hands down the best part about the GorillaLine is that it’s retractable. As soon as I’m done with laundry for the day, I undo the line and push a button, and the clothesline retracts into the wall-mounted piece and disappears like measuring tape.”

Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Keep the carpets and rugs in their new place looking pristine with this popular cleaner. The Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner is a small, 17-inch-wide device that makes it easy to shampoo and remove stains from carpeted stairs and fabric upholstery. Its cleaning nozzle moistens, shampoos, and dries the area in just minutes.

“The affordable price point and compact size of Bissell’s Little Green carpet cleaner gives it two thumbs up in my book,” shared Katherine Pittman in her review.

The Entry Way Set

Save them a trip to Ikea by getting them the Entry Way starter set from Leeway Home. This beautiful 8-piece collection of basics features four glasses and four bowls that will mix and match with the rest of their staples. We also love their subtle colors for a little pop of personality.

Luna Controller

If their household runs on Amazon Prime, level up their game with the Amazon Luna Controller. This gives them access to various game packages that they can play on a monthly subscription — no bulky consoles necessary.

It connects via cloud technology to any Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, or Android device — and via Bluetooth or USB cord to virtually anything else outside of those.

“As a mobile gaming solution, the Amazon Luna controller is fun, convenient, and very accessible,” explains senior editor Eunice Lucero-Lee in her review. “Those used to the specific functionalities of dedicated game consoles might find the onboarding into each game a bit tedious, but once you’ve got your settings all saved, the wireless convenience is ridiculously fun.”

The Toaster

For home bakers who like to freeze their dough and bake off a cookie here and there or reheat a piece of pizza when they don’t feel like making dinner, a toaster oven is a compact alternative to a traditional convection oven.

The Balmuda Toaster is sleek, but it comes with a secret weapon: steam. The chef you’re buying for can add water to a reservoir on the top of the oven to ensure their toasted bites stay moist.

As our senior technology editor, Stefan Vazharov, shares in his review: “Over several weeks of testing, The Toaster by Balmuda significantly upped the quality of my kitchen routine. It not only replaced my old toaster with superior results but also helped me rely less on my tiny kitchen’s gas-powered stove.”

Custom Gift Box Credit

Instead of giving sweets on top of more sweets to the new homeowners, try a gift credit to Daily Harvest. It’s one of our favorite meal-subscription services because the frozen, single-portion meals are all healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare in the microwave, stovetop, or blender. And the variety is impressive.

The brand’s harvest bowls, flatbreads, and smoothies are also convenient for busy people or new parents who have no time to cook.

Video Doorbell

We can’t think of a more thoughtful or practical gift for a close friend or family member than this video doorbell with 2K resolution. It also gives them the convenience of communicating with guests through the app from wherever they are.

Dashed Stripes Cooking Apron

For treating the home cook to something super nice, we love gifting one of Minted’s stylish aprons. Also available in kids’ sizes, these aprons even have the option to add a personalized embossed tag for free. Complete the gift with a nice pair of oven mitts, too.

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