Top 30 Gifts for Housewarming
3Large Embroidered Keepsake Box - Delphine
CNN Underscored picks it as a paper-themed first anniversary gift: a pretty embroidered box for keeping cards, letters and ticket stubs (anniversary-gift-ideas,
$60Rifle Paper Co.
5A hand painted print of the books that matter to them, made to order from their own favourites; a keepsake for a devoted reader.
$120Ideal Bookshelf
7Uncommon Goods | Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden | Hydroponic Grow Kit
A small hydroponic grow kit from PureWow's teacher list that brightens a desk or classroom windowsill.
$20Uncommon Goods
9P.F. Candle Co. New California Classics Candle Bundle | Save 15%
A candle bundle from CNN Underscored's pick-me-up gifts, a calming way to make a sickroom or sofa feel more comfortable.
$61.2P.F. Candle Co.
11Uncommon Goods | Ceramic Tea Caddy | tea caddy
CNN Underscored's pick for tea-loving mums; a ceramic caddy that holds around 50 tea bags and looks good on the worktop.
$58Uncommon Goods
136 Quart Essential Enamel Dutch Oven
Recommended by CNN Underscored for mums; a roomy enamelled casserole for stews and bread, ideal for a keen home cook.
$89.90Lodge
23Bobbin Leg Rectangle Accent Table - Storied Home
For the friend still furnishing a new place
$114.99Nordstrom
2Wirecutter's pick for book lovers: half-pot bookends that hold a small succulent, for the reader who has everything (book-gift-ideas, section 3: bookends).
$30The Morgan Library & Museum Shop
4CNN Underscored recommends a Framebridge frame for a first anniversary, to show a favourite photo or a piece of wedding stationery.
$75Framebridge
6Speckled Dog Bowl — Franca NYC
Handmade Brooklyn ceramic dog bowl in a speckled glaze, nice enough to sit in a stylish kitchen; a thoughtful gift for a design-minded dog owner (The Strategist
$52Franca NYC
8Popcorn Bowl Made With Integrity | East Fork
Wirecutter's pick in its mom gift guide: a speckled stoneware bowl that holds 2 quarts and works for popcorn, noodles or salad.
$88.00East Fork
10Bearaby® Weighted Blanket - 100% Cotton Knitted Weighted Blanket
A chunky knitted weighted blanket from CNN Underscored's pick-me-up gifts, comforting for someone resting or recovering at home.
$199Bearaby
12Chili Crisp Hot Sauce Gift Set | Fly By Jing
In CNN Underscored's mum guide; three Sichuan chili sauces in one box, a fun gift for a mum who loves cooking and spicy food.
$45.0Fly By Jing
14XGIMI Horizon S Max 4K IMAX Enhanced Projector
The first IMAX Enhanced 4K projector you can carry room to room; The Shortcut praised its huge brightness boost and IMAX picture quality. A big home cinema gift.
$1,429XGIMI
The best housewarming gifts solve a specific gap
New homeowners usually have a mental list of things the new place needs: a particular lamp, a rug for that one empty corner, something for the kitchen they didn't bring with them. Knowing that list in advance turns a generic gift into one that solves an actual problem. Ask them, or check their HintDrop list if they keep one.
Housewarming gifts by budget: under $15, $30 and $60
Under $15, a plant, a good candle, a nice tea towel or a bottle of olive oil and a loaf from a local bakery are all warm and easy. Around $30 you can look at a houseplant with a pretty pot, a set of glasses, a cozy throw or a framed print of their street. Around $60 opens up a good cast iron pan, a smart speaker, a quality lamp or a hamper of things for the first week in the house. Pick something they will use, not something that needs space they haven't got yet.
Housewarming gifts for friends, family and neighbours
For a close friend, go personal: a framed photo of you together, a house plant they can keep alive or a cookbook with a note inside. For family, think practical, such as tools, a first aid kit or good towels. For neighbours, keep it light and shareable, like biscuits, a bottle or a plant with a short note saying hello and giving your door number.
Useful first night gifts for the day they move in
On moving day nobody can find the kettle. A small box with tea, coffee, milk, biscuits, loo roll, a takeaway menu and a pack of bin bags is the gift people remember. Bring it on the day or leave it with a note and let them unpack in peace.
What to avoid giving as a housewarming gift
Skip anything bulky they have no room for, strongly scented items they may not like, and decor that clashes with their taste. Check that any plant is safe for cats and dogs, and avoid anything that creates work, like a high maintenance herb garden. If you aren't sure, ask first or give something consumable.
For furniture sized gifts, bring a few people in
Anything bigger than a candle, such as a proper piece of furniture, a good sofa or help with a big first purchase for the new place, is a natural fit for a group pot. Friends and family can split something meaningful rather than each giving something smaller on their own.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good housewarming gift?
Something useful or consumable works best: a plant, a candle, good food or drink, or something specific from their wish list. Match it to your budget and their taste, and add a short note.
How much should I spend on a housewarming gift?
Most people spend between 15 and 40 pounds. Close friends and family may go higher, and neighbours or colleagues can stick to under 15. A thoughtful gift matters more than the price.
Should I bring a gift to a housewarming party?
Yes, a small gift is polite, even if the host says not to. A bottle, flowers, a plant or something to share with the other guests is plenty.
When should you give a housewarming gift?
Bring it to the housewarming party or within the first few weeks after they move in. A first night box on moving day is also welcome if you know the date.
What is a good housewarming gift for someone who has everything?
Go for experiences or consumables: a restaurant voucher for their new area, a hamper, a good bottle or a subscription. You can also ask them to save a few ideas to HintDrop so you know what they actually want.
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