The Best Housewarming Gifts for New Homeowners

A new home is a big reason to celebrate, and what better way to do it than with a thoughtful housewarming gift? Whether your friend just finished moving in to her new apartment or your cousin recently turned the key on his first house, everyone appreciates a small sentiment that shows you were thinking about them during such a momentous time.

When it comes to the perfect housewarming gifts, it really is the thought that counts. There’s no need to spend big, just focus on items that help welcome your friend or loved one to their new digs and their new life there. In case you need some help brainstorming, here are some gift ideas for new homeowners that are perfect for pretty much everyone.

A gift card to a nearby restaurant (preferably one that delivers)

When you’re in the process of settling in to your new home, cooking dinner isn’t exactly the first thing on the to-do list. Save them the trouble by gifting a meal to a place somewhere near their new home. When in doubt about where to get a gift card from, remember that pizza is almost never the wrong answer.

A fancy candle

Nothing evokes feelings of warmth and home more quickly than a nice candle. A little splurging goes a long way when it comes to candles, so look for something with a rich yet subtle scent that comes in pretty packaging. Make sure to include a lighter or a book of matches with the candle as well, since tiny things like that often go missing in the chaos of moving.

Fresh baked goods

There’s really no situation that can’t be made better with baked goods. Head to a local bakery near their new place for a box of goodies or whip up a batch of something sweet at your own home, then bring them over fresh. You could also pick them up something from their favorite bakery in their old neighborhood. It’s hard to go wrong when butter and sugar are involved.

Flowers in a pretty vase

Brighten up their new space with some gorgeous, colorful blooms in a pretty vase they’ll want to keep long after the original flowers have called it a day. Being around flowers can help reduce moving-related stress and lends an instant burst of put-togetherness to a space that otherwise might be looking a little empty.

A plant

If you’re looking for something that will last longer than a bouquet, spring for a green and leafy plant. Keep in mind though that a plant is a bit more of a responsibility than flowers, so if you’re not sure how good their green thumb is, be sure to pick out a plant that’s known for being low-maintenance, like a succulent or a snake plant.

A set of nice food storage containers

The best time to get your home organized is right when you move in. Help them out with a set of quality food storage containers they can use in their pantry or cabinets. Not only do these types of containers lend a nice touch of Pinterest-y chic to any space, they’re also long lasting and totally practical. And don’t worry if they already have a set – you can really never have too much storage.

A cozy blanket

Help them get cozy with a super soft throw blanket they’ll love curling up under. Blankets made with wool, fleece, cotton, or a cotton and polyester blend offer incredible softness at reasonable price points, or you can go big and splurge on a blanket made from cashmere, mohair, or faux fur. If you don’t know the color scheme of their home, pick out a blanket in a neutral color that will fit in wherever they choose to put it.

A personalized reminder of their last home

Most moves are bittersweet, evoking excitement at what’s to come and nostalgia for what was left behind. Honor where they’ve been with a custom item that celebrates their journey, such as a framed map of their old neighborhood or a serving board in the shape of the state they moved from. Etsy is a great place to go for these types of items, and you’ll find plenty of ideas for original and personalized trinkets and prints.

A welcome mat

A new home calls for a new welcome mat. You can go with something simple and classic, or get a mat custom made with their initials or a fun saying. This is likely something they were planning on buying for themselves eventually when they got around to it, so you’ll be giving them a thoughtful gift and doing them a nice favor.

A tool kit

Everyone needs a box of essential tools. This is an especially useful gift for those who are moving into their very first home or apartment and might not have acquired the basics – like a hammer, measuring tape, wrench, and screwdriver – over the years. Bulk it up by including a few of the necessary handy items they might not think of, like a level and a sturdy flashlight.

A gift certificate for a massage

Packing, moving, and unpacking are all seriously hard work. Help them take a load off and relax with a certificate for a massage at a nearby spa – their body probably needs it. Be sure to include tip too so that everything is covered.

A gift certificate for a cleaning service

Most moves require a lot of heavy cleaning on top of everything else. Cross this one major thing off their list by treating them to a free round of professional cleaning. Even if they’ve already done their move-in scrub down, this is one gift that will always be useful, no matter when they choose to use it.

A tried-and-true cookbook

A new kitchen means new cooking inspiration. Help them capitalize on it with a cookbook you know they’ll get a lot out of. It can be one you own yourself and love, or one that’s considered an essential for home cooks. Even if they don’t use it often, it will still look pretty on the shelf.

A fire extinguisher

Okay, so it’s not the most glamorous of housewarming gifts, but it is something that everybody definitely needs. You can go with a standard red one, or go a little fancier with a designer fire extinguisher from a brand like Safe-T. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

A quality key chain

The best gifts are the ones that the person will use often, so how about something they’ll see every time they take out their house keys? Go shopping for a stylish key chain you know will match their style, or get one custom made.

A bottle of wine or spirits

Sometimes you just need a nice glass of something strong after a long day of unpacking. Buy them a bottle of their favorite type of liquor or brand of wine, or go with a bottle of champagne since this is, after all, a cause for celebration. If you want to go a step further, include a set of glasses with the bottle just in case they’re not totally unpacked yet and would rather not sip a nice scotch out of a plastic cup.

The best gifts for new homeowners are the ones that are both practical and sentimental. Go with something that fits their style and personality and that will also have a real use in their new home. And don’t stress about it too much. A housewarming gift isn’t a necessity, so they’ll appreciate the extra effort no matter what you show up with.