15 Housewarming Gift Ideas for New Home Owners

You are searching for useful and thoughtful housewarming gift ideas for the new homeowner in your life – and this list of new house gifts has exactly what they need.

Getting a new place is always a huge milestone in anyone’s life, whether it’s the down payment on a first apartment or the ultimate dream home. And there’s no better way to help your friends and family members celebrate than by getting them some of these housewarming gifts.

In this guide, I’ve included gifts that are useful that they will be thankful to use every day, as well as ones that are simply pretty and luxurious!

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Choosing the right housewarming gifts means thinking about your recipient’s lifestyle and their new space. Especially if they are moving from an apartment into a house.

When I moved into my first house after renting for years, I thought I had everything figured out. I had towels, a basic tool kit, kitchen gadgets—all the essentials you accumulate in an apartment.

But once I was in the house, I quickly realized I was stepping into a whole new world of needs. One of the first things that hit me was the yard. I went from having no outdoor space to suddenly owning a lawn that needed care.

A lawnmower, a garden hose, and even a rake were things I didn’t think about when I was living in an apartment. I remember standing in my overgrown yard, looking at the grass, and thinking, “Oh, I’m responsible for this now.” A good lawnmower would have made a perfect housewarming gift at that point!

Another thing was space. I had more room, but that meant I needed more furniture and organizational tools.

Shelves, storage bins, and extra chairs were suddenly on my list. Also, things like curtain rods, blinds, and ladders became essentials. I didn’t need a ladder in my apartment, but now, with high ceilings and light bulbs out of reach, it was a must-have.

And don’t get me started on outdoor lighting and security. I went from feeling safe in my cozy apartment building to realizing my new house had dark corners and a lot more entry points.

Motion-sensor lights and a solid doorbell system would have been amazing gifts that I didn’t realize I needed until I was in the house.

So, for anyone who’s moving from an apartment to a house, think about those bigger, more house-specific items that make a world of difference. A lawn care set, extra storage, or even outdoor lighting can be game changers!

Useful Housewarming Gift Ideas

Before we get into the housewarming gifts that are purely luxurious and pretty, let’s start by going over the useful housewarming gift ideas.

Useful gifts are things that they can use around their new home daily or weekly (rather than purely decorative items like wall art).

These include everyday items like doormats, kitchen towels, and cleaning products. The key is to get items that are useful, yet really add a luxurious look to a loved one’s new home.

1. Narwal Vacuum

The Narwal Freo takes robot vacuums up a notch by offering all-in-one cleaning. This innovative cleaning robot has both a vacuum and a mop, making it one of the most versatile and useful housewarming gifts you can get!

One of the best parts about the Narwal vacuum is that you can program it to vacuum first, then mop, or the other way around. It can also vacuum only or mop only depending on your needs.

While some robot vacuums map out your home and make sure to clean every inch of it, the Narwal Freo takes this step even further.

The Narwal Freo’s algorithm will decide where it needs to overlap and vacuum/mop again if the area is still dirty.

One reviewer even purposely left a stain to see that the Narwal kept returning to it until everything was mopped up!

The Narwal vacuum comes with an app, as well as a large LCD display at the top for those who don’t use a smartphone.

The ability to schedule cleanings, make customized cleaning plans, and see detailed cleaning reports makes this a perfect housewarming gift. One that will greatly simplify your loved ones’ cleaning routine.

Here’s an image of the Narwal vacuum that I bought:

I have had my Narwal for years and it is one of the most used appliances in my home. It’s a workhorse!

Its quality is top of the line and saves us so much time now that we never have to manually clean the floors. Gifting a loved one their very own Narwal is a thoughtful and useful gift. And I bet you will want one for yourself, too!

2. Vitamix

Whether your gift recipient loves or hates cooking, an efficient blender is an essential kitchen tool. And there’s no better blender than the Vitamix. From smoothies to sauces to even soups, this powerful tool can whip up a meal or snack in seconds.

Unlike other blenders, the Vitamix has an extremely powerful motor and blades that can chop the most difficult ingredients. Vitamix blades and parts are metal – unlike other brands that are plastic. The Vitamix will last.

Another benefit to giving a Vitamix as a gift, is the speed and convenience it will bring to their lives!

While other blenders require you to painstakingly turn them off, add water, mix everything up, and blend again; the Vitamix effortlessly blends even thick mixtures on its own.

One of my favorite things about owning a Vitamix is that I can make thick items like dips without having to make them too watery out of necessity. In particular, the Vitamix 5200 blender is so good that some chefs say it’s the best blender they’ve ever used in their culinary careers.

So whether your gift recipient is single or has a large family, a Vitamix will simplify their routine and add dozens of new dishes to their cooking repertoire.

4. Quality Knife Set

The Knife Set from Our Place tops my list. This is a great gift for new homeowners, especially if they’ve been using a sub-par set. This set is versatile and indispensable in any kitchen. I’ve had mine for years, use them daily, and they are still like new.

5. Quality Cookware

Other useful items from Our Place include the Always Pan and the Perfect Pot,

These are perfect useful gifts to help someone reduce clutter too, because they do the work of 8 pieces of cookware. This takes the meaning of multipurpose to an entirely new level!

With the Always Pan, you can steam, fry, boil, serve, braise, sear, and store food. This makes it the perfect gift for cooking enthusiasts and those on the go like busy parents, students, and professionals.

For those who are concerned about the chemicals present in many non-stick pans, the Always Pan is made with a non-toxic coating free of harmful chemicals like PFOAS, PTFEs, and lead.

The Always Pan’s most popular color is lavender (soft, feminine purple), but you can also get the pan in colors like earth green and dusty blue. I purchased mine in the color ‘steam’ which is a pretty greige color.

The knife handles come in all the same colors as the cookware, so you can have a completely cohesive look in your kitchen. So chic!

Here’s a photo of my Always Pan, Perfect Pot and knife set from Our Place:

6. Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine

If your gift recipients are coffee lovers, why not make their morning brew easy with a new coffee machine or espresso machine?

A coffee machine or espresso maker helps keep a new kitchen clean from those messy coffee grounds that come with using a French press.

A coffee machine like a Keurig is also a great choice for friends/family members who have kids as it can also brew tea, hot chocolate, and hot water/milk for instant oatmeal and baby cereal!

And for busy professionals, Keurig’s pre-measured coffee pods cut out a lot of time (and waste) from their morning routine. Unlike some previous versions of Keurig (which were quite large and took up a lot of counter space), new models like the Keurig K-Mini are less than 5 inches wide.

Espresso machines can elevate a kitchen to a whole new level, especially if the new homeowner is a coffee aficionado.

There are a ton of fancy espresso machines out there for coffee enthusiasts of all levels, but we recommend opting for something with a built-in grinder and programmable options (hello, hands-off routine!). 

7. Turkish Cotton Kitchen Towels

Kitchen towels are great housewarming gifts for friends because they’re sure to use them, whether they’re passionate cooks or just need to get things done in the kitchen!

The best part about kitchen towels is that there are endless designs to choose from.

If you know your friend’s style, you can get them a set of two kitchen towels with an organic or eclectic pattern (fruit and stripes are a common pairing).

But if you don’t know what style they’ll decorate their new house in, go for a neutral set of kitchen towels. This doesn’t mean that they have to be boring black or white though—you can go for stripes or muted colors for added visual interest.

Be sure to get 100% cotton kitchen towels for optimal absorption and softness.

8. Wooden Cutting Board

Cutting boards go far beyond just a utilitarian piece of wood—they can also make thoughtful gifts for housewarmings that people are guaranteed to use.

Of course, simple doesn’t have to mean boring.

To amp up visual interest (and quality), go for a high-quality wooden cutting board, like this walnut one.

Not only are wood cutting boards better for keeping knives sharp, but they make for great serving platters that will complement your food.

9. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Kit

Kits like the Blueland Essentials kit come with everything someone needs to detox their home: glass cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and hand soap.

One thing that doesn’t often come to people’s minds when it comes to housewarming gifts is cleaning products. However, many conventional cleaning products are full of toxic chemicals, making them especially bad for families or people with allergies/sensitivities.

This is why getting an eco-friendly cleaning kit is a super thoughtful gift that helps your friends and family keep their new house clean!

Not only does a kit give them the full spectrum of cleaning products that they need, but it’s a great way for them to try out some new products that are better for their health (and that they might not have known about).

Not only are these cleaning products biodegradable, but they’re made without harmful chemicals like parabens, ammonia, or chlorine. This makes the set the perfect gift for anyone, but especially those with allergies, kids, and pets.

Luxurious and Pretty Housewarming Gift Ideas

Ok, now that we got the useful gift ideas covered, let’s explore some home decor gift ideas that will look amazing in your loved ones’ home.

1. Candle Holder Set

A good candle holder can instantly make even the plainest white candles look like they came from a luxury store.

For an even more thoughtful gift, get handmade candle holders, like these ones, pictured above from Etsy. Not only are you supporting small businesses, but you’ll also get a thoughtful gift your friends and family won’t be able to find in regular big-box stores.

The key to choosing a good set of candle holders is looking for a design that’s simple, yet elegant.

Go for luxurious metals like gold tones or brass (which really elevate the design), as well as glass and crystal.

When buying your candle holder, make sure to look at the dimensions carefully. While tealight candle holders can be great for making a statement, you don’t want to get a candle holder that’s so large that it’s impossible to find a good place for it.

This is another reason why a set of multiple candle holders like these handmade ones are perfect, as your gift recipients can choose how to arrange them depending on their existing furniture.

2. A Unique Doormat

If you’re worried about your gift matching with the rest of the house, go for a natural fiber, such as the mat above.

While most homeowners invest in a doormat pretty quickly, the designs can be pretty boring and generic.

The key to getting a thoughtful doormat gift is to go for a mat that has an interesting design, texture, or pattern to it.

Examples include stripes, interesting patterns, or designs woven into the fabric.

This eco-friendly material comes from the outer husk of coconuts and offers both and a neutral color that can go with any interior or exterior décor.

3. Elegant Hand Soap and Lotion Set

If you’re shopping online and can’t smell the scent in person, go for something with many five-star reviews, like the Capri Blue soap and lotion set pictured above.

A hand soap and lotion set is perfect for the bathroom and is especially great for sprucing up guest bathrooms.

Not only are your gift recipients guaranteed to use it, but a set like this can really add a luxurious feel to the bathroom. Just make sure to choose a high-quality set with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and olive oil.

To make sure your soap and lotion set is received well, think about the scent you’re going for. You’ll want to get something that smells fresh but isn’t overpowering. This set features citrus and sugar notes based on the brand’s extremely popular Volcano candle.

The other thing to look for is the presentation of the set. Choose something with aesthetically pleasing packaging that would look good as a piece of décor.

Many sets come with a metal caddy, which adds both luxury and practicality to any bathroom. Plus, your gift recipients can re-use the caddy for something else once they’ve run out of the initial product.

4. Decorative Clothes Hangers

Believe it or not, most people stick with plastic coat hangers all their lives because they’re durable and hidden in your closet.

But having decorative clothes hangers can be the one thing that transforms a closet from boring into one that feels like walking into a luxury clothing store. And with all the stress of moving, your gift recipients may not even have thought of changing out their coat racks to match their new house!

I always suggest staying away from velvet hangers, as these easily catch lint and pet hair (and are difficult to clean).

Instead, pick out wooden clothes hangers for a classic look or gold metal hangers for a luxurious feel (make sure they’re non-slip). Padded hangers are excellent choices for kids’ rooms or nurseries.

5. Cheese Board

A well-designed cheese board can instantly transform a table setting from plain to 5-star restaurant-worthy.

If you want to go the more traditional route with your cheese board gift, opt for high-quality wood like olive wood. This gives a rustic style to any food presentation and can double as a cutting board in a pinch. It also works well with pretty much any interior design style.

For a fine-dining look, choose a cheese board with wood and slate, or go for dark marble. For an airy, yet luxurious feel, pick a cheese board made of white marble, mixed with wood, or go for marble with brass handles.

6. Coasters

If you don’t know their style well, you can’t go wrong with wood and resin coasters.

Coasters are always good ideas for housewarming gifts because people can use them no matter what drink they prefer, whether that’s a hot cup of tea in the mornings or a Friday night whiskey.

Given that there are so many options available, try to zero in on what style your gift recipient might like.

These give a sophisticated, yet modern look that goes with almost all interior design styles.

7. Trinket Dish

Trinket dishes make for great gifts because they have so many possible uses. They’re also some of the most unique housewarming gift ideas due to the sheer number of designs and materials out there.

They’re perfect for storing your keys by the front door, as an earring or perfume tray on the vanity, or a stylish way to store small office supplies like paper clips!

They’re most commonly made of ceramic, but you can also get ones made of metal, terrazzo, and terracotta. When picking out a trinket dish, keep the dimensions in mind. You’ll want to go for something that’s no more than 4 or 5 inches in length.

This keeps the dish compact and easy to decorate with, no matter how someone chooses to use it. Some trinket dishes come in a set with a slightly larger tray, which makes for an excellent matching gift.

Home Maintenance Tools

The following products would also fall under ‘useful’ gifts, but I’ve given them their own section for clarity.

1. Tool Kit

A tool kit is a perfect gift for new homeowners.

Packed with essentials like hammers, screwdrivers, and measuring tapes, it’s their go-to for assembling furniture and handling minor repairs. It’s the key to tackling DIY projects and ensuring their new space feels truly like home.

2. Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is a superb gift for new homeowners, making various home projects a breeze.

We recommend looking for models with variable speeds and robust battery life for the ultimate versatility.

Alternatively, consider an electric screwdriver for quick fixes and assembly tasks.

While they tend to be less expensive, they’re just as useful, helping to cut down simple household tasks. Both of these tools can be a homeowner’s trusty sidekick for DIY adventures.

3. Gardening Tools

Gardening tools aren’t going to be the best fit for ALL homeowners, but if they love to spend time outdoors they could be a winner.

Equip your new home-owning friend with essentials gloves, pruning shears, and a watering can, and help them nurture their green space and add a touch of natural beauty.

Tech Gadgets

1. Smart Thermostat

Another brilliant gift for a brand-new homeowner is a smart thermostat.

This can help them have effective and efficient temperature control in their space without a ton of extra work.

Smart thermostats are great because they learn preferences and helps to save energy, ultimately lowering bills. Opt for models compatible with smart home systems, granting remote control and enhancing their home’s efficiency and comfort.

2. Video Doorbell

Video doorbells offer new homeowners both security and convenience – the best part is they don’t have to be overly expensive!

With good video quality and motion detection, it keeps them informed about visitors and enhances their home’s safety.

It’s a smart addition to their entryway, ensuring peace of mind and easy access control.

3. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are a practical gift for new homeowners, granting voice or app control over lights and appliances.

Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more, they transform the home into a connected oasis, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency with effortless automation. Bring your friend into the future with a few of these.

Miscellaneous Housewarming Gift Ideas

1. Subscription Box Service

Who doesn’t love getting mail? A subscription box service is an ideal gift for new homeowners, bringing monthly surprises to their doorstep.

We love that they can be perfectly tailored to the homeowner’s preferences, and you can find something that falls in almost any budget. 

Whether it’s goods, food, or books, there is a subscription box for everyone here. You can tailor it to their interests and needs. It’s a thoughtful gesture that keeps giving, adding excitement and convenience to their new chapter.

2. Gift Cards to Local Restaurants or Grocery Stores

If you’re not sure what to get but you don’t want to hand over cash, gift cards can be helpful – especially if they’re new to the town or city.

Go with cards for local restaurants or grocery stores, not only can you help them take advantage of the surroundings, but you can give them a bit of a break.

They come in handy on busy days when cooking isn’t feasible. Consider the recipient’s location and preferences, ensuring they have convenient options for delicious meals or stocking up their new kitchen.

3. Scented Candles or Essential Oil Diffusers

For those who identify smell with comfort, scented candles or an essential oils diffuser make for the perfect new home gift.

These can help create a relaxing atmosphere in their new space, fostering tranquility and comfort. Opt for calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to enhance their overall well-being and make their home feel even cozier.

4. Cozy Blanket or Throw

A cozy blanket or throw can be a wonderful gift for new homeowners, adding warmth and comfort to their living space.

Choose soft and durable materials to ensure it becomes their go-to companion for chilly nights and relaxing moments. If you’re not confident in their color scheme, air on the side of neutral for the most versatility.

Editor’s pick: The Organic Cotton Knit Throw from Parachute. This is a gift perfect for movie night – so if you want to step up your game, throw in a gift card to Netflix.

Ultimate List of Thoughtful, Useful Housewarming Gift Ideas – Conclusion

The most useful gifts for new homeowners are not pre-picked decor (unless you know their tastes really well) or copious amounts of things they won’t use – it’s most often something you have or use often yourself.

If this is the homeowner’s FIRST time living on their own, something like a quality knife set might be a good pick. But something cozy like scented candles or a throw can be meaningful and gets lots of use without the higher price tag!

It’s worth noting that before you go out and buy something fancy (regardless of how useful it is) you might want to consider checking in with the new homeowner. No one needs five blenders, and there might be something more meaningful you can get them.

The right housewarming gift makes people feel appreciated and even more excited to settle into their new home.

When picking out your housewarming gifts, always keep utility and aesthetics in mind. Think about your friend’s or loved one’s lifestyle, whether they can use the gift daily or weekly, and whether the gift would add to the design of their space. This will ensure that you get them the perfect gift!

Have any go-to housewarming gifts that you love? Share them in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts