The Best First Apartment Gifts, According to an Editor Who Finally Lives on Her Own

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Let's hear a round of applause for everyone who finally moved out of their parents' homes and into their first-ever apartment. Whether they have a small studio or multiple roommates in a flex unit, this move is an accomplishment worth celebrating with the perfect first apartment gift.

Earlier this year, I moved into my first solo place and had the exciting but rather daunting process of ordering home good essentials to fill my empty small apartment. As an editor at your most trusted gifting website, I spent several months carefully researching and personally testing a seemingly infinite number of products to determine the first apartment gifts worthy of your hard-earned money. After six months of testing, I can confidently say these are undoubtedly the all-time best first apartment gift ideas.

Kitchen and Entertaining

Everyone's gotta eat and drink, so we might as well encourage our loved ones to fully optimize their kitchen with products that utilize vertical space and are enjoyable to use. Convenient products like the ELYPRO Coffee Mug Organizers and Storage was something I stumbled upon during Amazon Prime Day. The budget-friendly, expandable gadget allows me to safely stack my mugs, thus doubling space in my small kitchen cabinets — genius!

Other kitchen gifts from Leeway Home, Fable, and Caraway are designed for entertainers — or those who just want enough dining and cooking essentials to ensure they don't have to wash dishes every night. Speaking of cleaning, my favorite Friends character is Monica Geller — sorry, Ross! — and Courtney Cox's Homecourt cleaning brand makes tidying up far more enjoyable. My kitchen now smells like dreamy, aromatic Moroccan mint tea — and when I'm in the mood to switch it up, I can opt for one of Homecourt's other four scents, like a rose-forward kit.

If you're shopping for someone who loves entertaining and is always the hostess (yet another reason Monica Gellar is my all-time fave), you should totally consider gifting my best overall pick: The Samsung Frame TV, which can work in any space in the home, like the living room and bedroom. Given my limited space, it's the sole piece of artwork in my home, but it would also make for a stunning centerpiece of a gallery wall — and no one would even know it's a TV until you start playing a movie.

Bedroom

Since my interior design vibe is inspired by various hotels, my biggest goal was to bring you items that marry style with function. Think crisp bamboo sheets from Oprah's favorite bedding brand Cozy Earth, a white Parachute duvet cover with black piping, and a luxe comforter from Saatva that will keep your giftee cozy during most seasons. And of course, I can't talk about an incredible, hotel-inspired bed without spotlighting the GOAT of mattresses from Beautyrest that outperformed more expensive competitors.

Home Fragrances, Office, and Living Room

And as a beauty editor, you already know my home needs to smell incredible. I've amassed plenty of candles and essential oil diffusers, but two standouts are from Snif and Vitruvi. As for essential oils, you gotta gift Aromatech! There are dozens of enticing scents to choose from, allowing me to transform my studio into a chic hotel lobby, relaxing spa, or trendy bar. Various scents can also help uplift my mood while working from home, it helps me mellow TF out in NYC.

Speaking of work from home, hybrid work is here to stay. Whether they live in a small space or have enough room for a separate home office, my first apartment gift ideas can help transform their at-home office into a functional and elegant workspace. I never thought I'd find a stylish, relatively affordable standing desk and ergonomic chair, but Branch blew my mind. Keep scrolling for more of my Best Tested, game-changing, first-apartment gift ideas that also include living room essentials, such as the Levity Campo Swivel Chair.

Kitchen and Entertaining

The Frame TV (32-Inch Class QLED)

If you could only give one investment-worthy first apartment gift, let it be the Samsung Frame TV that's perfect for art lovers, pop culture girlies, and techies alike.

The Samsung Frame TV is slim, and mounting it on the wall is surprisingly easy. But what really sold me on this TV isn't just the crisp quality, impressive audio, and vivid colors but the upgraded anti-reflection matte display that creates a realistic effect for the art from the Samsung store.

With 2,000 pieces of artwork available in the Samsung store, it can get a bit overwhelming to select just one. Yes, the iconic Mona Lisa is an available option — and it's like having a little bit of France at home. Even my family members who work in the tech industry are impressed by the realistic appearance of the paintings and photographs in art mode.

Best of all, your loved one can store up to 1,200 original images — hi, adorable snapshots of pets — and customize the final display layout to fit their unique vibe.

And get this: I cut cable and still can watch hundreds of movies and TV shows for free with limited ads, including Cruel Intensions and Killing Eve. The Frame TV also comes with apps to log into dozens of streaming services like HBO Max (Succession hive stand up), Apple TV (Ted Lasso), and Paramount+ to get my Tom Cruise fix.

More: Luxury Beauty Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything

MoGo 2 Portable Projector

Why am I suggesting both a Samsung Frame TV and this projector? Well, the Frame TV is wonderful in every way imaginable, but it's installed across from my bed, which means I can't watch it from my couch.

When I want to watch movies on "the big screen" while eating (sorry, I hate doing that in bed!) or want to transform my space into a winter wonderland with snow indoors or a cute winter fireplace, I turn on this projector. It's lightweight and travel-friendly, so your loved one can bring it to different rooms of their choosing.

As for the key specs, viewers can enjoy 4K video with Dolby audio. It's also got helpful features, such as Intelligent Screen Alignment and Obstacle Avoidance, meaning it'll adjust the video size based on the available wall space versus projecting it onto my dresser and desk.

Coffee Mug Organizers and Storage

We all know someone who has an overflowing amount of mugs. One of the best apartment gifts I discovered during Amazon Prime Day is this set of cup organizers, and it's made a huge impact on my mornings.

The expandable gadget fits most small and large cups, mugs, and glasses, allowing your giftee to stack their items without fear of them breaking. Best of all, it takes advantage of vertical space, which is a must when dealing with the limited space of kitchen cabinets and pantries.

Shelf Risers (Set of 2)

After your loved one secures their new dinnerware and glassware, they should invest in these stylish self-risers that instantly double their storage space.

They're fast to assemble without a screwdriver and fit into my small kitchen cabinets with ease. I appreciate that they have an adjustable, sturdy steel base along with a beautiful wooden surface that adds a luxe touch to my kitchen cabinet. Given my positive experiences with the brand, I definitely plan on ordering more for a hard-to-reach, extra-tall cabinet above my fridge.

Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set (12 Piece)

Sometimes, brands have a ton of social media hype and seem almost too good to be true — and it's my job as a journalist to sift out the BS. But I have some great news: Caraway cookware is totally legit — and it's an excellent gift for your favorite home chef, regardless of their skill set.

The non-toxic, PTFE- and PFOA-free cookware is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops and is oven-safe. I've tried their stainless steel steamers with handles, and their bakeware is so pretty to look at and durable that it's inspired me to get into baking. Everything is dishwasher-safe for easy, breezy cleanup.

I own the non-stick cookware in Sage (pictured), but it's also available in several other colors, like Cream, Black, and Navy. Anyone who prefers a pop of color will adore Marigold and Perracotta.

We all know and love Amazon, but if you want to gift any limited-edition colors, like the Tan France monochrome sets, you'll need to order directly via Caraway.

The Iconics

As much as I'd love to be able to dine out at the thousands of local restaurants NYC has to offer, it's just not feasible nor friendly on my bank account. Encourage your loved one to cook at least a few times a week with this all-inclusive set that includes everything they could dream of to meal prep.

Beyond a chic walnut block that's magnetic to hold the three included knives, there are other cooking accessories, like tongs, wooden and metal spoons, a fish spatula, a whisk for baking and omelets, and a slotted spoon. It's available in multiple colorways to fit any kitchen vibe.

Blender Plus

I hate to admit it, but I used to spend $12 on a daily afternoon smoothie to help me beat the dreaded post-lunch slump. Thankfully for my wallet, that habit stopped once I got my hands on this ultra-stylish, powerful blender that saves me money and time.

Equipped with a powerful engine that blends and pulses frozen and fresh produce quickly and efficiently, Beast is deserving of its moniker. This gift set is available in three colors — I own Cloud White (pictured) — and comes with a base, blade, and 500 and 1,000 mL vessels.

There's also a storage lid, drinking lid, and carrying cap so your loved one can drink their smoothie on the go. The kit includes the signature Beast hydration system, a 750 mL glass vessel with an infusion chamber so they can skip buying overpriced fruit-flavored water.

Pro tip: Further simplify and speed up their smoothie prep time with the W&P Cup Cubes that can fit their favorite ingredients.

Butterfly Lid Kitchen Trash Can

My parents have the voice-activated simplehuman trashcan and we all love it — but if your giftee has a tiny kitchen like mine, this is a great alternative worth gifting.

It's a classic step trash can that can fill up to 18 liters of garbage. Since I like to empty my trash at least every two days to prevent potentially attracting bugs into my NYC apartment, it's the perfect size for me. It doesn't fit under my sink, but it tucks neatly into a corner without having to contort my body.

Every order includes a set of trash bags, but if you're feeling generous you can order them a backup pack and the small sticky odorabsorbers that help prevent smells.

Kitchen Trio

Leave it to Courtney Cox, who famously played the clean freak, Monica Geller, to create a home cleaning brand. This Homecourt trio comes with dish soap, a surface cleaner, and hand soap — all of which keep my space (and hands!) feeling clean AF and smelling incredible.

The award-winning dish soap quickly dissolves food grease and grime on my dishes and cookware. It's infused with plant-derived cleaners and glycerin to prevent dryness.

Rounding out the giftset is the best, most luxurious hand soap I've tried. Now that temperatures have dropped, I noticed my hands have become drier, but swapping my usual hand soaps for this argan oil-infused cleaner keeps my skin supple, soft, and clean without hand cream.

There are four scents to choose from, and while they are all enticing, I have to give it up to Cipres Mint — eucalyptus oil, spearmint, black tea, white cedar, Indian papyrus — for delivering a dreamy aromatic scent.

The Round Dining Table

Levity furniture is just as easy to maintain as its sister brand, Ruggable's popular rugs. I own the now-discounted Scanivadian mini side table, but if I had the room for a larger dining table, I'd definitely order this one.

Like my small Levity table, the Round Dining Table is available in two washes — Walnut and White Oak — but more importantly, the finishes are all water-resistant. No more water-rings from ice-cold beverages saves me from wasting money on coasters.

These tables are also heat-resistant, which allows me to place my hot Leeway or Fable plate directly on the table. Plus, it makes it that much more durable, proving to hold up with frequent wear and tear.

Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle

Who knew a kettle could be chic?! Weighing only 2.75 pounds and holding.9 liters, Fellow's stainless kettle is in a stylish league all its own. The kitchen must-have features a precision pour spout to create foam latte art.

I'm no longer a coffee drinker, but I do enjoy tea and appreciate that the Stagg kettle heats up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit quickly when I'm in a rush in the mornings.

It's also equipped with an LCD screen where I can adjust the temperature to display in Fahrenheit or Celsius and use the hold-temp function to ensure my hot beverages are always at the perfect temperature.

Luna Rechargeable Faceted Crystal Votive (Set of 2)

If you're shopping for someone who's sensitive to smells or avoids candles because of safety concerns, they can still experience the warm glow candles emit with this stunning crystal votive set.

The rechargeable crystal votives emit a warm yellow light that can be adjusted with a push of a button. There's a high, low, and flickering light setting for a moody ambient lighting situation that adds major hotel vibes to my space.

Since they're cordless, I can move them around my apartment, like one on my dresser and the other on the kitchen counter. Anyone with more space to host can enjoy them as centerpieces by placing them on tabletops or mantels.

Compact Smart Toaster Oven

Forgo ordering multiple clunky small kitchen appliances and gift this compact tool that serves eight cooking functions: toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, and reheat.

Breville's Element iQ System offers precise cooking temperatures for perfectly cooked dishes, like veggies, chicken strips, and everything bagels. The stainless steel device can fit a 12-inch pizza, chicken, or several slices of bread. As a bonus, it comes with a 10 x 10 enamel baking pan and broiling rack.

Sustainable Kitchen Starter Set

Before W&P introduced their gift-worthy Sustainable Kitchen Starter Set, I gifted the meal prep bowls to my parents, and they say it's one of the greatest gifts they've ever received. We all continued expanding our respective W&P collections, and right now, this new release is their most giftable bundle.

There are three sizes to choose from — 8-, 13-, and 20-piece bundles — so I'm featuring the middle version in my favorite minimal color: Cream.

This set includes four of the aforementioned round seal-tight glass bowls my mom won't stop gushing over, plus three reusable bags that can hold anywhere from 36-50 oz of products, like washed strawberries. As a beauty editor, I've definitely repurposed these bags to store my skincare products while traveling.

Lastly, the 13-piece set includes six of the brand's newest inventions: reusable stretch wrap lids. Not only is everything on this bundle BPA-free but they're made of food-grade silicone. Many are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, to boot.

Stemware Set

I've tried several glassware brands and none of them hold up like Fable, making them perfect for the accident-prone clutz in your life.

Fable didn't lie that their German ion-toughening technique creates scratch-resistant and long-lasting glassware because I accidentally dropped a glass and it remained perfectly intact. Not a single ding, scratch, or worse broken glass appeared post-fall.

The stemware set includes four chic, restaurant-quality champagne flutes, coupes, and wine glasses so they can toast to many celebrations and happy moments in their new home.

Given my positive experience with Fable, I've gone on to try several of their other glassware and Beachgrass ceramic dinnerware, and couldn't recommend the brand enough.

For an even more elevated drinking experience, throw in an order of these W&P cocktail ice cube molds.

The Full Way 44 Piece Set

The best one-and-done kitchen gift set is from Leeway. And don't just take my word for it: The Full Way set earned is a two-time Oprah's Favorite Things winner, so you know it's legit.

The 44-piece set comes with four of everything, including mugs, large dinner plates, small plates, and medium-sized bowls that are great for cereal, oatmeal, and soup. There are also short glasses for their favorite non-alcoholic drinks and large wine glasses. Additionally, there are large and small forks and spoons to complete their mealtime.

Bedroom

The Bed with Headboard

Look, I like Ikea furniture just as much as the next Millenial, but my new place signified scoring new furniture that was elevated, stylish, and meant to last for several years. Enter Thuma, the maker of the easiest pieces of furniture to assemble on your own.

My original foray into the brand is The Bed with Headboard in Walnut (pictured). It took less than 20 minutes to unbox everything, lay it down, assemble, and dispose of the trash. It's a luxe apartment gift that I am confident will be part of my future homes.

The 100% wooden frame and headboard are available in three stunning finishes beyond Walnut, including Natural, Espresso, and Grey. If they want a soft, cushiony headboard, gift them the PillowBoard, which comes in boucle or linen-weave. If your loved one isn't keen on headboards, then they can forgo one, and it'll save you $750.

Harmony Lux

Since I'm a modest spender, I've tried my fair share of direct-to-consumer bed-in-a-box brands, but they honestly aren't worth using. And sure, there are more affordable beds across brands, including Beautyrest, but I'd argue the brand-new Harmony Lux is definitely worth the price tag.

The Harmony Lux model is equipped with 40% more support coils than regular Harmony versions, and it's made a significant impact on my sleep quality. It's plush in all the right places and accommodates my chaotic sleeping style that flips between being a side or back sleeper. The first night I slept on this mattress, I snoozed for over 12 hours. The subsequent nights have been filled with absolute blissful rest, which isn't always the norm for me, and I fully credit this mattress for great, truly restful sleep.

I also spent a lifetime sleeping on higher-tier mattresses from Sterns and Foster, and I'm loving this Beautyrest Harmony Lux so much more, and it's easier on the wallet.

Marlow Pillow

I've tried several pillows, but Brooklinen's popular Marlow is my winner. It is supportive, cooling-infused, and most uniquely equipped with an adjustable firmness. Simply zip or unzip to modify the thickness for optimal comfort.

Speaking of comfort, Marlow is made with 80% memory foam and 20% polyester fiber. The shell is surprisingly soft, but that's the genius of 120 GSM sateen fabric.

There are also two sizes to select from — Standard and King — along with quantity — 1 or 2 — making it a wonderful gift for solo sleepers or a couple.

Bamboo Sheet Set

If Oprah loves Cozy Earth, you know it's the real deal. For the past five years, she's highlighted their products as part of her annual Oprah's Favorite Things list, so you already know I had to try these Oprah-approved sheets.

These sheets are made from 100% viscose from bamboo that helps regulate body temperature, making them a seasonless gift your loved one can use 365 days a year. After initially unboxing the oversized sheets, I noticed they felt pretty nice, but they got even softer after the second wash, and now I totally get Oprah's obsession.

The inclusive kit comes with a flat top sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases and fits various mattress sizes, ranging from Twin and Twin XL to California King. Those with a Split King mattress can also use these sheets, which are available in 12 colors.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

After investing in a fantastic mattress, it makes sense to safeguard the purchase with a mattress protector. Consider Saatva as a form of insurance for arguably their most important piece of furniture.

This waterproof tool is fantastic for sweaty sleepers because it protects against moisture. This pick also ensures the mattress is clean and free of bedbugs and dust mites.

So if your loved one enjoys eating in bed or their pet likes to cozy up next to them in bed then they'll definitely need this Saatva mattress protector.

Slip Queen Silk Pillow Case

Slip makes the softest and smoothest silk pillowcases in the game! They're made from 100% pure 22 mommee mulberry silk, meaning they're high-grade with a super luxe look and feel. But here's the kicker: dermatologists and hairstylists previously told me that silk pillowcases improve our hair and skin health.

“I love Slip because of their super smooth texture and gorgeous colors. Plus, data shows that their pillowcases absorb significantly less face cream and create 43% less friction than cotton pillowcases,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., recently told me in our guide to silk pillowcases.

Organic Soft Luxe Duvet Cover

Sure, Parachute is popular online, but sometimes brands are just all hype. Also, I really only wanted all-white bedding and initially wasn't keen on the black pipping until I made my bed for the first time with this duvet cover. Thankfully, Parachute came through with their new duvet cover, and I won't shut up about it to my friends.

Not only does the chic black pipping bring the ultimate hotel vibes to my bedroom, but it's crazy comfy. The bedding is made from Parachute's new 100% cotton organic bedding, and because it's so comfy, my lazy weekends lounging in bed have leveled up substantially.

I also appreciate that I can fit multiple comforters or duvets in the matte finish cover. It's available in two colorways: White with black piping (pictured) and Bone with white piping.

The new collection is so popular most products are already sold out, so if you're loved one would be into their bedding, I advise purchasing ASAP before the holiday rush.

I enjoy these products so much that next up on my wishlist is the currently sold-out matching sham set, top sheet, and fitted sheet.

All-Year Down Alternative Comforter

The most versatile comforter in the game is this option from Saatva because it's comfortable to cover up with during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons in NYC. Those looking for a warmer comforter can opt for Saatva's thicker comforter, while sweaty sleepers will prefer the lighter version.

I appreciate the cloud-like look and lightweight feel of the comfort. But above all, this comforter doesn't bunch up in my duvet cover, which has been a problem with other products I tested.

It's filled with moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating lyocell filling instead of duvet feathers that might irritate sensitive skin. This comforter is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning it's free of chemicals the organization considers harmful, and it's not harmful to Earth, which is always a win.

Down Duvet Insert (Ultraweight)

Boll & Branch makes incredible, high-quality products that fully justify higher price tags. The top standout pick from the brand is their Down Duvet Insert, which is available in three levels of warmth. I tested the Ultraweight version, and I am obsessed with using mine. It's ideal for someone who is a cool sleeper or lives in a cold climate, like the Midwest or Northeast.

Boll & Branch promises the insert is made from ethically sourced down from U.S. farms. The insert comes triple-washed, which is great because it saves your loved one from having to do an unnecessary load of laundry.

The accompanying shell is made from 100% organic cotton for a comfy feel without a duvet cover. I also love that the fluffiness remains, even no matter how much I twist and turn in bed.

Large Underbed Storage Box (2-Pack)

Given my limited square footage, I spent countless hours researching closet and under-bed storage solutions to maximize my at-home organization. My favorite and most affordable under-bed storage box is from StorageWorks. I have a pair underneath my bed and enjoyed them so much that I ordered a second set for storing guest bedding and towels.

They're lightweight, and when empty, they fold down flat for quick and discreet storage. They're available in four colorways, but I like the Ivory White (pictured) version best since it matches my interior design.

Looks aside, they come in several sizes, including medium, large, and XL. The Thuma full-size bed can fit two large versions with plenty of extra storage room for other organizers or interests, like an exercise mat and small hand weights.

Dorsey Nightstand

I really wanted the gorgeous, full wooden Thuma nightstand, but it was $400, so I had to find a more affordable alternative. If you're on a budget and open to gifting furniture not made from 100% wood, then the Dorsey Nightstand is a great find.

The feet are made from wood, but the rest is a veneer. The dual drawers pull out with ease and can hold a surprising amount of miscellaneous goodies, like cords for my gadgets and paperwork.

Mine lives underneath my mounted Samsung Frame TV, so I rest the TV box on top. Others with larger spaces can carefully curate the tabletop with other aesthetically pleasing essentials, such as coffee table books, a desk lamp, candles, and a cloche, or their favorite house plant or bouquet of flowers.

Home Fragrances, Office, and Living Room

Prenup

I recently named this my candle of the year in our annual Best of Best awards. Prenup converted me from a fruity, floral girly into a fan of musky home fragrances. Beyond musk, there's warm vanilla and tonka bean that's been incredible to burn during the cooler season.

Cheeky name aside, Prenup smells like a dark speakeasy with luxurious velvet seats where every guest is dressed to the nines, and the drinks are strong as hell. It's pure opulence in candle form without the bougie price tag of other candles.

Plush Performance Towel Set

One of my favorite parts about staying at a hotel is the luxury of having clean, high-quality plush towels. Skip the basic towels and let me introduce you to the world of bath sheets. I first learned about them while watching The Ellen DeGeneres Show many years ago, where she noted Oprah gifted her bath sheets.

But let's backtrack — what exactly are bath sheets? They're basically supersized versions of towels, and these Luxome ones are plush AF. I tested several different towel brands and found that most plush bath towels and sheets take forever to dry after drying off and in the dryer. The Luxome ones feature a microfiber inner loop and cotton outside for a super absorbent towel and dry fast. They feature a pretty ribbed design that feels just as good as it looks.

Available in seven shades, including Sail (white), Clay, and Harbor (dark blue), your loved one is sure to find an option that matches their bathroom decor.

Tall Home Shoe Rack

Those with larger shoe collections should opt for the six-tier horizontal shoe rack with a wooden top that doubles as an entryway table. On the other hand, I have a smaller sneaker collection and own two of the Tall Home Shoe Racks.

One rack can hold up to five of my trusty Hoka and Allbird sneakers with ease, while the other fits my dressier ballet flats and ankle boots.

The shoe rack is available in two colors, but the White version matches the clean, minimal vibe I'm looking for in home decor.

Folding Hanging Coat Rack

I don't have space for a full coat rack, and if your loved one also lives in a major city, then there's a high probability they also need this over-the-door hook. The compact steel alloy hook creates ample storage space out of nowhere!

The space-saving fold-out design was easy to slip onto the top of my bathroom door without a step stool. (I'm about 5'8" and just stood on my tip-toes.) More importantly, it can hold up to 6 coats, including my beloved Aritzia Super Puff.

I enjoy mine so much that I'm already planning on getting a second for the opposite side of my bathroom door to hang my bath sheets.

Crosshatch Natural Rug

My apartment building requires a rug to cover at least 70% of the unit's floor. Since my future rug was going to take up the majority of my floor space, I knew Ruggable was the right rug brand for me because every piece is machine washable. Turns out, it's also easy to spot clean regardless of how light or dark your loved one's new rug is.

When movers dropped off my furniture, they accidentally dirtied up my light Crosshatch Natural Rug. However, I grabbed a clean, dry Scotch-Brite utility brush and gave the multiple dirt marks a good rub for about 5 minutes per section, and the mess was gone. It looked brand new, and no one was the wiser.

So if your loved one is a bit messy *cough crumbs and spilled wine* or has pets, consider ordering a Ruggable rug for their new space to help preserve their safety deposit. With hundreds of colorways and patterns to choose from, they'll easily find a design that complements their new space.

Move Cordless Diffuser

I tried dozens of diffusers, and the Vitruvi Move is undoubtedly that girl and fully deserving of its name. Unlike heavy and clunky diffusers I tested for this gift guide, Move is seamless to use and rotate between different rooms.

The battery life is impressive, as I find it lasts longer than the 4- and 8-hour preset settings. What I love most about this stylish diffuser is the ability to scent spaces up to 500 square feet. Others of similar size can handle between 200-300 square feet, while those that scent larger spaces cost significantly more. This is even more notable given that Move weighs 1.2 lbs and is incredibly compact.

I also love the gorgeous array of colors available, including Fog, Black, and Oat. However, the limited-edition gold finish is a collab with Mejuri jewelry, and it's stunning! Unlike other gold-tone home accents, the Vitruvi x Mejuri collab looks more like gold jewelry instead of cheap brass.

The Bestsellers Set

Speaking of diffusers, your loved one will need essential oils to actually scent their first apartment. Aromatech makes, by far and beyond, the best essential oils. Not only are the aromas long-lasting, but the scent variety is sublime.

Aromatech's The Bestsellers Set is a no-fail kit comprised of Santal, The Hotel, White Tea & Thyme, and Love Affair. While they're all enticing, if I could only pick one favorite, it would be The Hotel. It combines notes of soothing lavender with bright citrus — lemon, orange — and peach, while notes of red rose, geranium, and pine bring an elevated touch to the home.

Love Affair is also a killer way to bring a luxurious touch to the home. It combines heavier base notes, such as woody cedar and musky ambergris, with jasmine and saffron.

The Dresser

Friends told me I shouldn't skip a dresser, but I dismissed them. However, after using and loving Thuma's Japanese-inspired bedframe for several months, I decided to explore the brand further with the matching dresser.

Like the bedframe, this dresser has modular drawers made of upcycled rubberwood. To my delight, the Thuma dresser is easy and fast to assemble without any tools, like screws or a power drill. It took me around 15 minutes to put it together, but many reviewers say it took them 5 minutes to assemble.

There are four colorways — I own Walnut (pictured) and love how rich the grain looks and feels — and multiple sizes available. For example, your giftee can do a 3x1 to 5x1 dresser set. Those with larger spaces or a partner they live with can invest in a 3x2 to 5x set instead.

The Campo Swivel Chair

The first piece of furniture I ever ordered was Levity's super plush and comfortable Strauss Chair and a Half — which I love dearly and still have to this day.

Since it's been discontinued, this similar pick from the brand is another great option worth gifting — and to be honest, I'm a bit jealous of this model. It's comes in more than 50 interchangeable covers, all of which are machine-washable and stainproof. Your favorite pet-owned will thank you for this lovely gift — trust me!

Air Conditioner Smart Home (6,000 BTU)

I knew once I moved into my own place that I wanted to invest in a smart AC unit, and Windmill fulfilled everything it promised. The biggest selling point of this device is that it's powerful yet quiet. I enjoy using the intuitive remote control, but controlling it from my phone has been incredibly helpful. For example, whenever I fly out of town, I could double-check in the Windmill app that my AC is, in fact, off.

Best of all, controlling it from my phone allows me to turn on the aircon from my phone and be greeted by the perfect cool temperature during brutal heat waves (if you live in New York City, you know my pain).

Beyond it's smart cooling capabilities, the installation process is super easy. From unboxing to installing and disposing of the packaging, installation will take maybe 30-45 minutes. You can even make it a fun treat by gifting a bottle of their favorite non-alcoholic drink or delicious wine from The Prisoner.

Duo Standing Desk

I live in a tiny space, and it took what felt like forever to find a compact standing desk that wouldn't take up major space in my home. The Branch Duo Standing Desk is a well-made product that's comfy to use while standing for prolonged periods of time without breaking my budget.

It's relatively easy to set up and easy to use — simply lift the back of the control button to raise the desk and push it down to lower. This compact desk comes in an array of stylish finishes, but the model pictured is what mine looks like.

I use it for work, and it fits a Macbook Pro, Logitech keyboard, and my 2-foot-tall Riki Love Riki vanity mirror — all without being tight on space. There's even an optional drawer and power outlets available that make maximizing my space more efficient.

Ergonomic Chair

I needed a comfy chair to complete my work-from-home station that tripled as my getting-ready area and dining table. I wanted something in a neutral color to complement my minimal interior design — and Branch nailed it with their ergonomic chair. (There are two frame options and also five colors, like Black and Blue).

The chair is made from a breathable mesh to keep the back cool during warmer summer months, which is especially practical when working long days. Most notably, it has ergonomic functions, such as eight-points of adjustable and lumbar support.

Riki Tall Vanity Mirror

Yes, $500 is a lot for a mirror, but this luxury beauty gift isn't just any basic mirror. It's a 2-foot-tall lighted LED vanity mirror that doesn't overheat, boasts multiple HD light settings, and is adored by myself and J.Lo #casual.

Unlike cheaper options, the Riki Tall Vanity Mirror is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and comes with a magnetic smartphone attachment to record TikToks. There's also a magnetic mini 5X mirror that's the perfect addition for grooming your pores and extracting pores.

cleanstation

No matter how frequently we wash our hands, our phones are dirty and carry bacteria that can cause acne and irritate our faces. The simplehuman clean station remedies that issue by using high-intensity UV-C LED lights to kill 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds.

I keep mine on my desk, but those with more space can pop this on top of their entryway table or nightstand. It's also available in several finishes, including Brushed, Slate, and White, to name a few.

It can fit Apple and Android products, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a slim case.

MAG:2 Classics Dual-Device Charging Stand

My favorite way to quickly charge my iPhone and AirPods is with this stylish charging stand. Available in two fabrics — linen ($100) and leather ($150) — and several gorgeous colorways, you can find a station that matches your loved one's design vibe. Cortando, a gold-tone setup with tan leather accents, perfectly captures my aesthetic.

Regardless of which colorway someone orders, it can fit the iPhone 12-15 and Plus models with ease. The sleek design lives on my desk or kitchen counter but would look chic on someone's nightstand.

Adjustable Shower Caddy

As a beauty editor, it would be an understatement to say that I test a ton of new products, like body scrubs, body washes, and shampoos, so bathroom organization is essential. This rust-free shower caddy features adjustable shelves that slide up, down, and sideways to accommodate larger bottles.

Each shower caddy features suction cups and a secure top closure to ensure they won't swing. It's also available in four sizes, but if your loved one has a handheld showerhead, then they'll need the XL version.

HomeVac H11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

I wanted to highlight a handheld cleaning device that's budget-friendly and comes in this cute mint green color. There's also Black and White for anyone who prefers neutrals.

This ultra-light vacuum weighs only 1.2 lbs, so it's easy to maneuver with one hand. Since my place is tiny, I like using this cordless hand vac to clean up any crumbs on my work desk or after meal prepping in the kitchen. I also tested it by suctioning up post-drilling dust along my baseboard. Overall, it's a quick and handy tool for eliminating smaller messes.

Not a White Refrigerator Pen Cup

Nene Leakes made the Real Housewives of Atlanta the elite franchise of the Bravo universe — and your giftee knows it.

One of Leakes' most iconic lines was when she teased Kenya Moore about the unsightly white refrigerator in her temporary home and uttered the now iconic line, "I was shocked, honey. I was in tears almost. And it had a white refrigerator. I was like, 'Ugh! Oh, not a white refrigerator. Girl, please put your shoes on. Let's go find your home, honey. Ooh Lord.'"

Genius! I stored my mini white fridge on my desk, but now it proudly sits on the top acrylic shelf in my apartment. It's inexpensive, so I gifted one to a friend who is also obsessed with all things Nene Leakes.

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