Have you ever thought about how weird buying a new house is? One day you just decide, “I’m tired of living here. I want to go live in those people’s house.” And, then, you sign some papers, get the keys and — the next thing you know — you’re packing boxes and moving into a house someone else bought and already lived in. What happens next is usually a gathering of your friends and family to celebrate the fact you’re living in someone else’s house. OK, OK, it’s your house now, whatevs.
So, congrats! You know people who now live in someone else’s house! How do you congratulate them? With. More. Stuff. Because, let’s be honest, they didn’t move into that roomier home to stay stagnant; they did it so they can fill it up with stuff. This is where this list — and you — come in. I’ve pulled together 37 housewarming gifts they’ll actually want. I’m talking about a waffle maker with all the sass, a lamp that’s more than just pretty and a luxurious, ahem, attachment that’ll make their whole … bi-det. (See what I did there?)
In the Mix
There’s nothing the new homeowners want more at this point than a drink … except maybe a cleaning service. This mixology bartender set comes with a matching stand and includes a 24-ounce shaker, Hawthorne strainer, Mojito muddler, double jigger, ice tongs, mixing spoon, two liquor pourers, a bottle opener, and a corkscrew. It’s everything they need, all in one place, to drown out the sound of those moving boxes that still need unpacked.
That B**ping Waffle Maker
Have you ever poured batter into a waffle maker, walked off and forgotten all about it? No? Just me? Alrighty then. Well, for all of your perfect waffle makers, this beeping waffle maker might be more than you need but it’s handy to have a beeping sound that goes off when your waffle is ready. You can even adjust your browning controls to cook to your preferred settings.
Pillow Talk
Can you ever go wrong with extra pillows? Whether they need to replace the ones they use (and haven’t) or they’ve acquired an additional bedroom and need to outfit it, this is a sure-fire win. These pillows have three insert options with cool bamboo coverings, and they’ll work for back, stomach, and side sleepers. And, they come in standard, queen and king sizes.
Something Is Brewing
Are your friends coffee lovers? They need this cold brew coffee maker, a two-liter glass pitcher with a stainless steel spout and removable filter. Even if they aren’t coffee lovers, they can use this for lemonade, tea or any other beverage of their choice. (Super-sized margaritas, anyone?) As a coffee maker, it will brew up to 12 cups of cold brew and store it efficiently for up to two weeks. (Wait, coffee lasts that long?)
Baby Steps
One of the easiest things to overlook in the excitement of moving into a new home is baby-proofing things like outlets, drawers and cabinets. They’ll appreciate the reminder with this baby-proofing kit that includes 16 outlet covers, 12 corner guards, six strap locks, four magnetic safety locks, a magnetic key, a door guard, and 20 feet of PVC edge guard.
Blanket Statement
Like pillows, you can never have too many blankets and this weighted version will become their new favorite thing during naps and at night. Available in myriad colors and a variety of weights and sizes, this blanket features glass beads that provide even weight distribution and a removable cover that makes it easy to wash. They can bid restlessness farewell with this thoughtful present.
Go to the Mat
When you think of home, you probably envision a comfy couch or your cozy bed. But, the fact is, you do more standing at home than you realize, particularly in two areas: the kitchen and the bathroom. These thick anti-fatigue mats are great for prolonged standing, improving your balance and posture and alleviating stress on your knees, muscles and joints. Buy one for them and one for you.
Getting the Hang of It
There are some luxuries you just won’t buy for yourself and I’d put velvet hangers solidly in that corner. This pack of 50 will come in more handy than you realize thanks to their ultra-thin profile, 360-degree swivel hook, and textured material that keeps things on the hanger and not on your closet floor. Because these are so slim, they’ll give the user more closet space — you know, for stuff.
Worth Its Salt
Some things you buy for functionality; some things you buy for aesthetics. This Himalayan salt lamp covers both bases. Handcrafted from natural salt crystals, this lamp features a high-quality wooden base that delivers a soft amber glow while naturally ionizing the air. It’s an impressive gift choice that’ll look like you spent a lot more than its $21 price tag.
Ring My Bell
Depending on where your friends or family moved, they may well have a Ring doorbell or something similar … but they also might not. In some condos, apartments and townhomes, it’s simply not an option. If you do some sleuthing, you can figure out if this wireless doorbell kit is a good option. It comes with two receivers and two buttons that deliver 52 chime options and four volume levels. Use it in a classroom, on a back door, or as a helpful option for the hearing impaired.
Cutting Up
A nice carving board for meat like this extra-large version made of acacia wood is a great gift and a lovely way of saying, “I can’t wait until you invite us over to eat.” This one has the all-important juice grooves, cut-in handles for easy carrying and a flat surface on the reverse side for chopping veggies, herbs and garnishments.
Nice to Meat You
Speaking of meat, if you need a housewarming gift for the person who has everything, you can’t go wrong with something a little more unique like this ultimate meat kit. (Unless, of course, they’re vegan, in which case skip ahead to No. 13.) They can try their hand at making their own bacon, pancetta, biltong, jerky and kebabs in one kit. This comes packaged in a gift box perfect for, well, gifting.
Hold a Candle
I feel like a candle is a very easy gift choice; in fact, it’s almost too easy. Step up your game with this pillar holder tray they can use for years (and candles) to come. This tray accommodates wax pillar candles as well as their flameless LED cousins. Add greenery, flowers, candy or glass beads to the bottom and choose three candles for the top for a thoughtful all-in-one option.
Out of the Drawer
The organizer in your life will appreciate gear that helps them do things more efficiently. This bamboo drawer organizer has myriad uses, from the kitchen to the laundry room to the bathroom to the home office. The adjustable design means it’ll work in a variety of drawer sizes and you can even customize the number of slots when you purchase.
Cuts like a Knife
I’ve never been especially enamored with knives but this filet knife from Master Maison is a master class in both style and gift-giving. Each blade is crafted with 67 layers of stainless steel, condensed to mimic Damascus authenticity and quality, and then hand-finished for the ultimate in sharpness and performance. This purchase includes the knife with a wooden handle, edge guard cover, sharpening stone, embroidered drying cloth, and wooden storage box.
Grill Power
Summer is the perfect time to show up at a housewarming BBQ with the most timely gift of all: a grilling utensil set. This grill tool kit, if you will, includes a chef’s three-in-one spatula, serrated grill tongs, silicone basting brush, a cleaning brush with a replacement head, eight corn holders, and a lined aluminum carrying case. Their burgers are about to reach a whole new level.
Tapped Out
If your housewarming involves a house with little ones, they’ll love an inventive gift like these automatic drink dispensers. This pack of six will fit atop most non-carbonated water and beverage jugs for easy, one-handed dispensing. Press your cup, glass or bowl to the trigger and enjoy. You can easily stop lifting heavy bottles and jugs with this genius battery-powered attachment.
To a Tee
They don’t have to be golfers to appreciate this Tee Toss game that’s a golf-related spin on a more traditional hook-and-ring game. Easy to mount in less than five minutes, the young and the old can try their hand at sinking the ball into the tee. They’ll love adding this to their game room, patio, covered porch, or man cave.
Record Breaker
Everyone I know who owns a record player (and it’s a surprisingly high number) can’t stop at just one … or five … or 50 albums on vinyl. Storing them, however, can be tricky. These vinyl storage boxes hold up to 75 records a piece and they come in a ton of cool options like the tie-dye pictured or the Pink Floyd design.
Super Food (Storage)
The best thing about this minimalistic food storage set is that is can go with literally any decor (which means no awkward, probing conversations about paint colors and kitchen towels). This set includes pieces labeled for tea, sugar, coffee, bread and cookies, with each piece adorned with its own bamboo lid. This gift looks a lot more expensive than its $39 price tag.
Holding the Bag(s)
I don’t care who you are or how big your house is, you always need unique storage solutions. This over-the-door purse organizer will come in handy for storing purses and handbags in a way that you can not only easily see them, but also grab them and go. It has six pockets, with two being a smaller size perfect for clutches and wallets.
Bowled Over
A good set of mixing bowls is worth its weight in gold and this stainless steel set of six that nests is a great option. They are easy to clean with a space-saving design and a flat bottom that eliminates accidental tip-overs. These come in seven different color options with six sizes ranging from three-quarters of a quart to eight quarts. You can also step it down to five pieces but why would you?
Make My Bi-Det
Some may consider it a gag gift but no one will be laughing once they try this non-electric bidet attachment that can be attached and in use in minutes. This bidet attachment has both adjustable water pressure and an adjustable spray nozzle, and the whole thing is environmentally-friendly since it will likely replace some toilet paper usage. You’ll be their new BFF, even if they don’t have the nerve to tell you.
Dish It Out
Inject a little bit of European culture into their home with this 10-pack of Swedish dishcloths. Super absorbent, reusable and biodegradable, these dishcloths are safe for all types of surfaces and can basically replace paper towels but — get this — can be reused multiple times after being cleaned in the washing machine. These come in solid sets or this nice rainbow assortment.
Clear the Air
If you’ve never heard of smudging a house to rid it of negative energy, you clearly haven’t been on TikTok or social media over the past couple of years. This white sage energy-cleansing candle is a blend of earthy sage that creates a natural harmony in the home and body. Soothe anxiety, improve clarity and give them an energy boost — all in one $12 candle.
A Light(er) Touch
They’ll never be without a lighter again if you go with this USB-rechargeable electric lighter that produces no flame but works well for BBQs, fire pits, fireworks, candles, and more. An extended wand means they’ll not risk burning any fingers and the design helps resist moisture if you’re using it outside. One charge gives several days of usage and a safety measure requires three clicks to activate this gadget.
Lead the Charge
I’m all about practical gifts that people will actually use, which is precisely what this six-port charging station is. I mean, who doesn’t have a hundred gadgets that need juice these days? This station comes with seven short cables and is compatible with both Android and Apple devices. An adaptive smart chip detects and delivers an optimal (read: fast) charging current for connected devices.
Worth Your Salt — And Pepper
Just say “no” to those tacky salt and pepper shaker sets at the grocery store. You know the ones — they’re emblazoned with the words “salt” and “pepper” all over the body. This stainless steel grinder set works well and looks beautiful with any decor. Plus, it gives you the option to grind fresh salt, pepper and other spices with an adjustable coarseness dial.
Warm the Bench
For a lot of people, a new home means a new yard, and even if that yard is already in great shape, it’s going to require maintenance to stay that way. This foldable garden seat works as a knee bench or sitting stool with heavy-duty foam and a strong metallic frame. Included with your purchase is a pair of garden gloves perfect for digging up weeds.
Between the Sheets
If you’ve racked your brain and can’t think of a single thing to buy that they don’t already have, let me remind you about a gift we can all use extras of — bed sheets. These are reasonably priced, come in several different colors and have a range of sizes to choose from. Made from comfy microfiber, they’re guaranteed to get good use out of this as a gift.
Be Ready to Pop
Help them launch new traditions in their new space like movie night with this silicone microwave popcorn popper that conveniently collapses for storage when not in use. Dishwasher-safe with built-in handles, this popper will hold up to 15 cups of the popped stuff so there’s plenty to go around. Pair this with their favorite movie or a Redbox gift card for a complete gift.
Off the Shelf
Whether it’s picture frames, planted pots, or souvenirs collected from far-flung locations, most people would gladly accept a gift that gives them additional space to display their possessions. This corner shelf works in tight spaces, comes in eight different colors and finishes, and is both stylish and functional. One reviewer said, “I highly recommend this product to anyone who needs a little splash of decoration in their home.”
Burn This Oil Anytime
If your friends do any amount of cooking, they’re using oil and vinegar along the way. This modern oil and vinegar set lets them control the amount being used and delivers its products in a sleek see-through design. Wide openings make these easy to clean and refill, and they’re ergonomically designed and have a non-slip bottom. They’ll look just perfect sitting on a table or kitchen counter.
I’m on Board
They’ll be ready for any entertaining gig with this charcuterie platter and serving tray that comes with a drawer that holds four included knives. Complete with a non-absorbent, odor-free surface, the unique design of this set puts everything within easy reach. Pair different cheeses with fresh fruit, nuts, cured meats, crackers, and a variety of wines to make a beautiful spread.
Down to a Fine Art
Are you more into literal gifts? This framed burlap print features a homey saying with blessings for the days ahead: “May this home be a place of happiness, laughter and health; a place of joy and contentment, of generosity & hope. a place of creativity and kindness, of daydreams and hard work, of memories made and traditions begun. may those who live here and those who visit, know only blessings, peace & love.” Already framed, it’s a great buy for less than $39.
This Is My Jam
Punny sayings are my favorite and these kitchen towels are not only well made but also supremely clever. This pack of four comes with sayings like, “This is my jam” and “Let’s get them something to taco’ bout.” Versatile and fast-drying, these are ultra-absorbent for all types of kitchen tasks … unless, of course, you’re like me and refuse to dirty the “funny towels.”
Coast Along
When I think about housewarming gifts, my mind immediately goes to something customized or personalized specifically for the recipients. These wooden coasters are a classy gift that won’t break the bank at less than $25, and you can even customize it right on the Amazon product page. These are laser-engraved so they’ll stay in like-new condition for a long time.