Gifts for New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is exciting but expensive — new homeowners are usually stretched thin after the down payment, moving costs, and the endless list of things they didn't realize they needed. The best housewarming gifts are things they'll use daily but wouldn't prioritize buying right away.

1A Quality Cutting Board

Most new homeowners are working with a flimsy plastic cutting board from college. A large, durable wood or bamboo cutting board is a kitchen upgrade they'll use for years. Look for one with juice grooves and enough surface area to actually prep a meal on.

Large wood or bamboo cutting board with juice grooves$20–$40

2Smart Home Essentials

A smart plug, smart bulb, or a voice assistant like an Echo Dot is the gateway to a connected home. These are affordable, genuinely useful, and most people wouldn't buy them on their own. They make the new house feel like a smart house.

Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) - Vibrant sounding speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Great for bedrooms, dining rooms and offices, Charcoal

$49.99

View on Amazon

3A Nice Set of Kitchen Towels

This sounds boring, but hear us out — new homeowners are using whatever ratty towels they brought from their old place. A set of thick, absorbent, good-looking kitchen towels in a neutral pattern is the definition of a small luxury they won't buy themselves.

Set of premium cotton kitchen towels$12–$25

4A Toolkit for First-Time Homeowners

Every new homeowner quickly learns that things break, screws come loose, and shelves need hanging. A compact but complete toolkit — hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, measuring tape, level — is one of the most practical gifts you can give. They'll thank you within the first week.

Compact home toolkit or basic tool set$25–$50

5A Statement Indoor Plant or Planter

A potted plant instantly makes a new space feel like home. If they're not plant people, go with something nearly unkillable — a pothos, snake plant, or ZZ plant. Pair it with a nice ceramic planter, and it becomes decor and a gift in one.

Decorative ceramic planter or self-watering planter$15–$30

6A Cozy Throw or Candle

The first few weeks in a new home always feel a little bare. A soft throw blanket for the couch or a set of quality candles helps make the space feel warm and lived-in. These are the finishing touches that turn a house into a home.

Soft throw blanket or premium candle set$20–$40