Moving into a new apartment or buying a new home is a big milestone to be celebrated, but it can be tough to know what housewarming gifts to give. Obviously, you want to give your friend something special that they would not ordinarily get themselves but you do not want the item to be so out there they do not actually use it. Here are 14 housewarming ideas that everyone should consider — from olive oil gift sets to digital photo frames:
Fancy coffee machine
Coffee people are very particular about how they make their coffee, so it is always a good idea to check in with your friend before splurging on the most expensive espresso machine money can buy. However, if your friend gives you the go-ahead, this is a fantastic housewarming gift that they are sure to use for years to come.
Electric kettle
If you are looking for something a little more versatile than a coffee maker, you cannot go wrong with an electric kettle. These kettles boil water in just a couple of minutes and do not take up valuable space on the stove. They also come with all sorts of nifty features that standard kettles do not have, such as the ability to keep the water warm for an extended period of time.
Air fryer
Air fryers are the healthiest, easiest way to fry food at home without messing around with a bunch of hot olive oil, which is why they are at the top of our list for great housewarming gift ideas. They do take up a bit of space in a cabinet, so they are not the best gift for tiny apartment dwellers, but new homeowners are sure to love this super handy kitchen appliance.
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Cast iron Dutch oven
If you prefer an analog cooking gift, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a cast iron Dutch oven (or a skillet, if they already have a Dutch oven). We recommend a 6-quart Dutch oven when first starting out. This mid-size oven is neither too big nor too small, and it is light enough that most people can lift it even when full.
Elevated pantry essentials
Most people clear out their food stores before moving, which means that they need to restock their fridge and pantry right away, making pantry essentials a thoughtful yet practical gift. Choose elevated basics, such as raw honey, chili-infused olive oil and raw balsamic vinegar. Your friends will think of you every time they cook a meal in their new place!
Digital photo frame
Your recipients will never have to worry about printing a photo again with a digital photo frame. They can send digital pictures directly to the frame from their phone and swap out the images whenever they want to. They can set the frame to display only one image like a traditional frame, or rotate between a whole album to show off their pics to all their guests.
Doorbell camera
For the techie friend of yours, consider getting them a doorbell camera, which allows them to see who is knocking, watch for package deliveries and more. These can be a bit of a splurge, so you might want to go in on it with a group, but the new homeowner is sure to appreciate this security measure for their new place.
By RossHelen / Shutterstock.com
Smart light bulbs
If you want a techie gift that gives off fewer surveillance vibes, smart light bulbs are a nice option. These light bulbs connect to apps that allow you to turn them on and off remotely, and some offer additional features such as motion activation or changing color for extra flair.
Nice bed sheets
If your friends are still sleeping on the same sheets from college, it is time to give them an upgrade in the form of a premium bed sheet set. Look for a high thread count and luxury materials such as genuine cotton, bamboo and even silk to help them sleep well in their new place.
Premium bath towels and mats
Giving your friend a set of premium bath towels and/or bath mats as a housewarming gift is a great gift idea in the same vein as the bed sheets. Again, look for premium materials such as cotton or bamboo and choose bath towels and mats with a high pile for maximum fluffiness.
Bathtub caddy
If your friend is moving into a place with a bathtub, then you should absolutely get them a bathtub caddy. These extendable platforms reach across the width of the tub and securely hold items so someone can read a book, enjoy a glass of wine or snack on a cheese plate while soaking in the bath.
By Elizaveta Galitckaia / Shutterstock.com
Essential oil diffuser
Candles are a classic housewarming gift, but they tend to burn down quickly, which is why we prefer an essential oil diffuser for an upgraded gift. These diffusers mix potent oils with steam and diffuse it into the air for a long-lasting scent that you can customize to your heart’s content.
Personalized welcome mat
Speaking of customization, we absolutely love to give a personalized welcome mat as a housewarming gift due to its customization and universal appeal. Like all personalized gifts, this one will require some lead time to get it made, but it will be so worth it to see the look on your recipient’s face when they open it.
Houseplants
Forget flowers, which die in a couple of days anyway. Houseplants are the housewarming gift that keeps on giving. Choose a hardy, easy-to-care-for variety such as a pothos plant so that even your friend with the black thumb can enjoy a little bit of greenery in their new house. Make sure to also get a cute pot with a drainage hole if the plant does not already come with one!
What is the best housewarming gift you have either given or received? Let us know in the comments below!
