When your friends, family, or coworkers move into a new place, shopping for a housewarming gift can be a struggle. It would be nice if there were such a thing as registries for people who’ve recently moved, but since that isn’t the case, it’s up to you to come up with gift ideas.
Luckily, some gifts will instantly brighten up any new home, even a cramped apartment. Any new space could use some improvement with a small houseplant, a handy cooking appliance or a fun doormat. Kitchen gifts can be a great option if your friend is a foodie, whereas those who are more artistically inclined might prefer a vintage piece. Here are some gift ideas you can use the next time you want to get someone you care about a housewarming gift.
1. Knick-Knacks
Moving can be difficult, and when you’re moving into a space bigger than your old one, you might end up with less art on the walls or fewer homey pieces than you’d prefer. If you have a friend in a situation like this, we might recommend the time-honored knick-knack as a housewarming gift.
But what exactly is a knick-knack? Well, it could be just about anything that you associate with your gift recipient. A whimsical clock, some fun-themed bookends, coasters or anything else you end up brainstorming is all knick-knacks. Try to find something that fits the personality of your recipient.
It never hurts to play it safe with these go-to ideas. Find out what sports team they support and get them a beer bottle opener that supports the team. The main point of a housewarming gift isn’t always to knock the recipient’s socks off. Sometimes, you just want to let them know you’re in their life and care about them.
2. Practical Items
If you’re shopping for someone who’s a minimalist or fairly picky about what aesthetic they want in their home, you might want to consider getting them something practical. If they like to mix cocktails, you could consider getting them some unbreakable silicone tumblers or a new wine opener.
Another fun option might be an umbrella stand with a new umbrella, especially if they’ve moved somewhere that gets a lot of rain. With practical items, you’re giving them something they can use!
3. Clothing
The great thing about housewarming gifts is that they can be anything. After all, you’re just trying to make your gift recipient feel more comfortable in their new home. What better way to make someone feel more comfortable than hooking them up with a big fuzzy sweater, comfy slippers, and colorful socks?
4. Board Games
Why not set up your gift recipient with a fun new board game? Board games are very popular, and they’re a great way to spend an evening with some friends: You can never go wrong with something like Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. The competitive types might enjoy Monopoly or a new chess set. For the people who just want to have a good time, consider something silly like Cards Against Humanity or Pictionary.
5. Electronics
A lot of modern homes make use of smart devices to make their lives a little easier. Lights, speakers, and coffee makers can be some of these smart devices that can make routine tasks a bit more efficient to go through.
Options like these don’t have to be too expensive, either. You can find decent portable speakers at affordable prices these days. A new food processor, rice cooker, or coffee grinder could be a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you’ve heard about how they’re going to start cooking more now that they have their own place.
6. Personalized Projects
If you have a close relationship with your gift recipient, you might consider getting them started on a project they’ve discussed. If your friend finally moved into a place with a backyard and is always talking about starting their garden, then some fun gifts for plant lovers could include a seed kit, a small set of gardening supplies, or some sturdy gardening gloves.
Your musical friends might appreciate some new sets of strings, guitar picks, or headphones. If your recipient is outdoorsy, something simple like natural bug spray or luxury sunscreen could be a nice gesture.
How about a gift perfect for relaxing once things get cooler outside? A thoughtful gift might be a Welcome Home Gift Box, which comes with coffee, mugs, a candle, and a fun card game you can play together.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
We understand that shopping for someone can be a bit intimidating sometimes, but remember that no matter what you get someone as a housewarming present, they’re just going to remember that you were there when they started in a new place. Try not to sweat about the “perfect gift” or making the right impression. Just trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Happy hunting!