32 Practical (and Thoughtful) Housewarming Gifts to Give a New Homeowner
So, your friend just moved into brand new digs, and has invited you over to take a look. You don’t want to show up empty-handed, of course, but you also don’t want to surprise her with something that she’ll never actually use. Fear not, friends: We did a little browsing for you and rounded up the best housewarming gifts so you can give with confidence (and ensure that you get invited back).
1. Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Diffuser
This potent reed diffuser looks oh-so pretty on display, but the real selling point is the perfume it releases: Aromatic basil, sweet mandarin and punchy lime combine to make a fragrance that’s clean, elegant and downright swoon-worthy. For a new home in need of a signature scent, this one is a winner.
2. Amai Decorative Tray
Decorative objects are key when it comes to giving a new home some personality. That said, they can be hard to buy for someone else. Enter, this sleek and sturdy wooden tray, which boasts an eye-catching pop of color that can work with any surrounding decor. Plus, there are a million different ways to put it to use, so this gift scores points for functionality, too.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern
Nothing brightens up a sterile new pad quite like a few live plants, but some houseplants are pickier than others. Fortunately, there’s the Bird’s Nest Fern—a low-maintenance and beginner-friendly option that will lend color and texture to any space without becoming a burden. And this one even arrives in an understated-but-pretty ceramic pot.
4. Brooklinen Luxe Starter Sheet Set
Fact: A new crib definitely won’t feel like a crash pad if the bed is well-dressed. The cost of quality bedding can be prohibitive, but this starter sheet set from Brooklinen—made of breathable cotton with a sateen finish and velvety feel—is budget-friendly and luxurious to boot.
5. Nambe Two-Piece Bread and Knife Set
This sleek and thoughtfully-designed kitchen item—an acacia wood cutting board that comes with a high-quality, stainless steel serrated knife and a convenient spot to store it—is sure to get a lot of use. (Hint: French cheese, rustic bread and a bottle of bubbly are welcome, but not required, accompaniments to this practical gift.)
6. Custom Pet Portrait
New home = bare walls. Help your pal solve the problem with a custom-made portrait of their beloved furry companion. A cheerful and beautifully-framed photo is sure to warm the heart and the home of any pet-lover—and all you need is access to a smartphone and a fur-baby to pull it off.
7. Veritable Smart Garden
This smart garden takes the guesswork out of growing herbs and edible plants indoors with adjustable LED grow lights and an automatic watering system. In other words, you’re giving the gift of fresh, home-grown goods year-round—no green thumb required. Who wouldn’t want one in their kitchen?
8. L’object Lapis-look 24K Gold and Porcelain Dish
Royal blue and flecked with gold, this porcelain dish is a striking and oh-so fancy decorative object—and the ideal size to serve as a display-worthy catch-all dish, too. A pretty, hand-painted plate is just the sort of thing that a person might covet, but never actually buy for themself (i.e., prime gifting material).
9. Jellyfish Air Planter
Air plants are a funky, pet-friendly succulent that don’t need soil to grow, so technically you can forgo the pot entirely for this gift. That said, when you have the option of a colorful, glass-blown hanging planter that turns an air plant into an eye-catching sea creature, the choice is clear—right?
10. Old Havana Pitcher
This milky white and blush-toned stoneware pitcher has a soft, vintage look that’s totally dreamy (and a rich glaze that can withstand the dishwasher). Aside from the obvious uses, this number can also be filled with fresh flowers for a vase that’s replete with romantic charm.
11. Riley Luxe Terry Bath Robe
This ultra-plush terry robe boasts an attractive mid-length design, complete with two deep pockets and a generous shawl collar to boot. Most importantly, this number is soft, warm and very absorbent (i.e., functional)—a combination that guarantees the recipient will be feeling nice and cozy in their new digs. Bonus: This bathrobe can also be personalized for an extra thoughtful touch.
12. Handmade Contemporary Moroccan Leather Pouf
As far as housewarming gifts go, this one is definitely a big ticket item. Still, this artisanally-crafted pouf scores points for both form and function: The buttery leather and modern design complement any space, while its generous size makes for an ideal seat, foot rest, or even coffee table.
13. Tom Ranch Mashuga Nuts
This duo of chocolate-dipped and cinnamon-spiced nuts is a delicious nosh that any host would be glad to have on hand at a housewarming party. And when the snacks are gone, the two retro-looking cans can be used as adorable pantry storage. Aren’t you thoughtful?
14. Soft Corded Pillow Cover and Throw Set
Both the pillow cover and throw blanket in this set are fair-trade certified and hand-woven from a sumptuous cotton and acrylic blend. They’re also super cozy, texturally appealing and available in a wide range of solid colors—so it’s not hard to find a home for them in any room where lounging is encouraged.
15. Rainbow Flip Flop Mat
Some welcome mats feel the need to spell it out for you, but we prefer the cheerful and inviting look of this rainbow-colored woven number instead. Plus, it’s made from recycled flip-flop rubber—so naturally it’s a nice, cushy place to step out of your shoes before you enter the house.
16. Opolis Dipped Planter Basket
These colorblocked baskets—a combination of leather, wood and paint—give off mid-century modern vibes. Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal, they’re also supremely versatile: linens and blankets, magazines or even large, potted plants will feel (and look) right at home here.
17. Beatrice Printed Pot
Sometimes a pot without the plant is the best housewarming gift you can give—perhaps your pal already has a plant, but it needs a home with a little more character, or maybe she’d prefer to pick her own botanical. Either way, this hand-painted terra cotta pot will be a charming vessel.
18. Meal Delivery
All new homes come with an empty refrigerator, which is fine if a good friend does you a favor and gifts you a week of free chef-prepared meals. Sunbasket meal delivery kits can be customized to suit specific dietary needs and come with all the ingredients needed to quickly prepare a healthy meal—and that means more time to devote to unpacking.
19. Reversible Glass Vase
The clever, reversible design of this handmade glass vase allows for sparse arrangements and fuller flower bouquets alike. The pop of vibrant color from the interior piece adds visual appeal with a modern vibe—so no matter what you put in there, this decorative item will still look lovely.
20. Only the Good Stuff: PureWow’s Top Recipes of the Past Decade Cookbook
Now that your friend has a beautiful new kitchen, she’s probably itching to whip up something delicious. Presenting: Only the Good Stuff: PureWow’s Top Recipes of the Past Decade. Divided into five chapters—breakfast, main courses, sides, appetizers and dessert—it’s a compendium of the recipes that never fail to impress. Think: a skillet-sized cinnamon roll (served by the slice), absurdly tender chicken tikka masala meatballs and dangerously addictive popcorn cauliflower.
21. Black and White Fish Pattern Ceramic Cups
We love the minimalist black-and-white design and the intricate fish-scale pattern that adorns these handmade and hand-painted ceramic Moroccan drinking cups. Another bonus: Both generously-sized cups come with a lid—making them ideal containers for candy, trinkets, biscuits...and hot and cold beverages, of course.
22. Amavii Wellness Candle
The heady, woodsy scent of lavender and pine is offset by notes of sweet geranium here, and the result is a comforting fragrance that’s just right for breaking in a new home. Plus, with its silky black-and-gold exterior, this clean-burning soy candle looks as good as it smells.
23. Dried Beech Branch and Hydrangea
Fresh flowers are always welcome, but their beauty is fleeting. Instead, opt for a housewarming gift that sticks around: This arrangement of beech branches and dried hydrangea blossoms is understated, elegant and absolutely pretty enough to hold its own in a vase.
24. Dried Lavender Trinket Bowls
These dainty, hand-crafted nesting bowls are true romance: Gold leaf rims, a flower petal shape, the faint fragrance of real lavender buds, and a neutral palette that’s easy to work with. Bottom line: You’d be hard-pressed to find a more charming trinket dish.
25. Olipac Chic Olive Oil Dispenser
A chic olive oil dispenser might not be a necessity, but it sure looks good in a brand new kitchen. Case in point, this sleek number from Olipac, which boasts a stainless steel construction to prevent air, light and random odors from messing with your future salad dressing.
26. Disney+ Subscription
Moving is hard work, but the unpacking phase is a whole different beast when there are kids in the picture. As such, one of the best gifts you can give to a new homeowner who is also a parent, is the gift of time...as in time to break down boxes while the kids watch Moana.
27. Colorblock Macrame Plant Hanger
Macrame is back, friends, and we’re not mad about it. Here, a macrame plant hanger with a mid-century modern twist and a pop of color. This guy can be used to hold a small to medium-sized plant or a fruit bowl—either way, it will lend some bohemian charm to a new space.
28. Aesop Reverence Hand Care Duet
After a recent move, everyone wants their new pad to be comfortable enough to accommodate guests. Help a friend out with a luxe hand care set for the main or guest bathroom and they’ll be one step closer to hosting time. Or maybe they’ll just enjoy several months of silky, heavenly-scented hands themselves; it’s a winning gift, regardless.
29. Bearaby Cotton Napper
The Bearaby weighted blanket gets all of its heft from pure organic cotton. Yep, no glass beads or foam pellets—just a big warm, cotton hug. Aside from ensuring a peaceful snooze in a new space, this hand-knitted throw blanket also comes in a wider variety of solid colors to suit the interior of any home.
30. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Wait, your friend doesn't own a cast iron skillet? Change her life immediately by gifting her this popular skillet and then direct her to one of these mouthwatering recipes, stat.
31. Creative Women Chesapeake Cotton Tea Towel
Can you ever have too many dish towels? The answer is no. Gift your friend one (or three) of these chic towels and she’ll be sure to put it to good use.
32. Molcajete and Tortilla Basket Set
A molcajete (i.e., a Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock) is a lovely addition to any kitchen, and a game changer when it comes to whipping up guac. This attractive one was handmade in Mexico and arrives with a colorful basket to keep tortillas warm and a book of recipes, too.
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
