Last Updated on November 27, 2023
A housewarming gift is a thoughtful way to celebrate a milestone in your loved one’s life. It should be memorable, sentimental, beautiful, and functional. Need inspiration? We’ve got you covered with great ideas from kitchen gifts to zen toys so that you turn up with the best housewarming gifts for your friends and family.
1. KROK Handcrafted Granite Mortar and Pestle
A mortar and pestle set is an essential tool to make delicious pastes and sauces at home. The authentic Thai mortar and pestle made of granite, such as the beautiful and handcrafted KROK, is an amazing kitchen gift. Its natural stone texture makes it very easy to crush and grind spices and herbs and make many versatile recipes, from sauces to curry pastes and spice mixes. The mortar and pestle also stands for longevity, as they are durable tools that can last for generations, which makes them a great choice for a valuable gift.
2. A Nice Chef’s Knife
Cooking gifts are always appreciated as thoughtful housewarming gifts because they’re very practical.
A regular knife can do the job, but a really nice chef’s knife will make life easier for home cooks. Quality knives are made from higher-quality materials, have better handles, and are sharper. Overall, a high-quality knife offers comfort and durability and makes chopping, slicing, and dicing a breeze.
3. Magnetic Knife Strip
You can put kitchen knives in a drawer or a knife holder block, but there are better ways to store your knives. Overall, a magnetic knife strip is a very good solution to keep your knife set dry, separate, and safe.
4. Japanese Sand Garden
A perfect housewarming gift that delights the senses and soothes the mind, this handmade zen garden is designed for both tactile and visual play. Roll the sand spheres to feel the varied textures against your fingers and watch distinct patterns unfold — perfect for meditation or stress relief. It’s a wellness gift your close ones will appreciate for the positive vibes and relaxation it brings.
5. Gift Card for the Local Frame Shop
A fabulous wall decor goes a long way to turn rooms into beautiful, personal, and inviting living spaces. Instead of trying to guess which frame they would like best, you can get your loved ones a gift certificate to the local frame shop. It encourages them to decorate their new apartment with artwork, positive messages, and memories.
6. Kitchen Herb Gardening Kit
This indoor plant-growing system from iDOO Hydroponics is the perfect housewarming gift for anyone who loves gardening and wants to bring a little bit of nature into their new home. The hydroponic system is 20% faster than traditional soil planting methods.
Using it is child’s play too. You just choose the mode for vegetables or flowers/fruits and let it fill your kitchen with lush, green edibles and flowers, or even edible flowers.
7. A Custom House Portrait
First-time homeowners will love this custom house painting to document their first digs. Commission an artist online — you can do this on Etsy, Upwork, or their personal websites — and provide them with a picture of the new home your friend is celebrating.
8. Fancy Hand Soap
When it comes to housewarming gifts, you want to find something that’s both thoughtful and practical. One great rule of thumb is to get a high-quality version of a regular item that they may be hesitant to splurge on rather than a low-quality version of a fancy item. In that case, a little soap goes a long way when it’s the fanciest in town.
9. Smart Bulb
A smart bulb allows homeowners to control their lighting with just a tap on their smartphone or voice commands with compatible devices. They can easily adjust the brightness and color of the lights to set the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Plus, with features like scheduling and energy-saving modes, it can help them save on their electricity bills.
10. A Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell comes with features like live video streaming, motion detection, and two-way audio. This way, homeowners can see and talk to visitors even when they’re away and receive alerts when someone is at their door.
It also connects with other smart home devices, like lights and security cameras, to create a seamless, connected experience. It sure is a thoughtful and practical gift for any new homeowner.
11. A Wool Throw
A wool throw is sure to be appreciated, especially during the winter months. The soft and cozy texture of wool makes it great for snuggling up on the couch or adding an extra layer of warmth to the bed. Wool also adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any room and helps make any home feel cozier.
12. Luxe Sheets
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with a luxurious bedding set. Not only will it prioritize the well-being of your loved ones, but the soft sheets will remind them to rest peacefully in their new home. A luxurious bedding set is bound to satisfy even the pickiest of friends.
13. Set of Salsa Bowls
Is your friend or relative a Mexican cuisine aficionado? A nice set of salsa bowls can turn a dinner party into an authentic Mexican dining experience. And who would stop them from using it to serve all kinds of dressings too? This gift is a sure winner and will quickly become a kitchen tool they won’t be able to imagine their lives without!
14. Wind Chime
A wind chime hung on your porch or balcony adds some peaceful sounds to your home. Their deep and high tones create positive vibes, and they’re quite pretty to look at.
Feng shui says the sounds discourage evil spirits or negative energy. Whether you believe in it or not, we can all agree that a wind chime really shifts the energy of any space.
15. Smoothie Maker
Best cooking gifts are the ones that add value to people’s lives. Smoothies are great for quick and easy breakfasts on the go or quick, healthy snacks during the day. Unlike regular blenders, you can crush ice safely in smoothie makers and prepare ice-cold smoothies in the summer.
They are typically more compact than blenders, and you can blend right into the cup you’ll be drinking from. A practical smoothie maker is guaranteed to motivate your loved ones to make more healthy drinks.
16. Indoor Grill
An indoor grill can be a paradigm shift for home chefs who love grilling. The convenience of plugging it in and starting to cook without having to set up the grill in the backyard or wait for nice weather is priceless. If you think that woody, smoky flavor is indispensable, you can add a bottle of liquid smoke in there. Just a couple of strokes with a brush will do the trick.
17. Simple Human Trash Can
Made of brushed stainless steel, these trash cans repel fingerprints and are very easy to clean. They let you dispose of your trash and recycle it in one place. The lid has a sensor that reacts when you wave your hand or use a voice command.
Even though any old receptacle can do the trick when it comes to containing the trash until it’s time to take them out, Simple Human trash cans change the game.
18. Set of Ramekins
If you’ve ever had french onion soup, then you know how much value a set of ramekins can add to a kitchen. These small oven-friendly (also microwave-safe) bowls are incredibly versatile. They can broaden a cook’s recipe arsenal with single portions of meals, soups, desserts, all kinds of quiches, creme brulee, souffle, or lava cakes.
Ramekins don’t take up much kitchen space and are perfect for both daily meals and special occasions. Easy serving and easy clean up!
19. Stylish Salt and Pepper Grinders
The best housewarming gifts are sometimes an upgrade on things they use every day. Make their dining table stylish with a set of high-quality salt and pepper grinders. Opt for grinders that feature glass reservoirs, a burr mill for precise grinding, and adjustable fineness settings so they’re not only visually appealing but also practical for everyday use.
20. Coffee Brewer
Coffee brewing techniques have come a long way, and the options are endless. The perfect cup of coffee is achievable by using different methods, each with its own unique flavor.
There are manual techniques like the aero press, french press, pour-over, and V60, which can make for the perfect housewarming gift for your beloved coffee lover. Small appliances like a moka pot, a filter coffee maker, or a high-tech espresso machine, if you can afford one, are also great gifts.
21. Specialty Coffee
Different coffee beans also make different cups of coffee. Help your new homeowner fill their house with delicious coffee fragrances from all over the world by getting them an assortment of coffee grounds. Now that’s an excellent housewarming gift for a coffee enthusiast.
22. Handmade Porcelain Ceramic Mugs
A set of handmade porcelain ceramic mugs is not only beautiful but also functional, perfect for sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea in the morning. The durability of porcelain and the craftsmanship of a handmade piece make these pieces truly unique and perfect for adding some character to your loved ones’ kitchen.
23. Air Fryer
An air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses hot air to cook various foods with little to no oil. It can air fry, bake, roast, and grill with just a little bit of olive oil, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
An air fryer is a great housewarming gift for the health-conscious home chef, offering the chance to make healthier versions of favorite dishes and try new recipes like fried ice cream and air-fried sushi.
24. A Kitchen Rug
A kitchen rug not only provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the home, but it also protects the flooring while keeping it warm for the cook. Get a durable, non-slip rug to complement the overall design aesthetic in their kitchen. Choose one with a similar color palette to their curtains, a minimal one if they like to keep it sleek, one with a vintage-inspired pattern or a modern geometric design and watch it elevate their new space.
25. A Classy (or Quirky) Spoon Rest
The best kitchen gifts are not always judged by their size. A spoon rest may seem minor, but you don’t realize you need one until you stand in front of the stove with a dirty spoon in your hand looking for a place to rest it.
26. A Wine Chiller
A wine chiller keeps your favorite bottle at the perfect temperature while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home bar or kitchen. With a variety of sizes and styles available, you can find the perfect chiller to match your favorite winebibber’s decor and personal taste. And, if you’re feeling extra generous, you can even pair it with a bottle of their favorite vintage.
27. An Electric Wine Opener
By dacey dacey
Most people have a corkscrew, but if your beloved new homeowners are wine enthusiasts, an electric wine bottle opener can be a thoughtful and luxurious gift that they haven’t thought of yet. It’s a practical, high-quality, and elegant way to make them feel special in their new home.
28. Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker makes a both practical and fun housewarming gift, particularly if you happen to be friends with a mixology enthusiast. It allows the new homeowners to entertain and make delicious drinks for their friends and family.
29. Automatic Pot Stirrer
Unique and quirky housewarming gifts are the best! This UÜTENSIL automatic pot stirrer does the job for you so that you can multitask and focus on other tasks, such as binge-watching on Netflix. Jokes aside, it can be especially helpful for those who enjoy cooking but may have limited mobility or difficulty with manual stirring.
30. Instant Pot
Practical kitchen gifts are always appreciated. For example an Instant Pot is a versatile, easy-use, easy-cleanup kitchen tool. It doesn’t take up too much space and is the ultimate multitasker. It can serve as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, or yogurt maker.
An instant pot can turn even an aspiring home cook to a private chef with minimal effort. When all the features are considered, it’s a device that even the most mild-mannered cooks will fall in love with.
31. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a beloved cookware that ruled the slow cooking game before instant pots and slow cookers. A good one, like a Le Creuset, has thick walls that let you slowly simmer stews, soups, or whatever you fancy on a particular day. The Dutch oven is also capable of searing, browning, and braising – techniques that will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Because cast iron is almost unbreakable, it’s a great outdoors kitchenware too.
32. A Pizza Stone
Sometimes gift ideas come from the most popular cuisines. A pizza stone helps you achieve a crispy crust and an evenly cooked pizza by distributing heat evenly and drawing moisture away from the dough. It’s a must-have for cooking Italian pizzas and a versatile kitchen accessory that can be used to make bread, pastries, and even steak.
33. Wooden Cutting Board
A solid wooden cutting board is practical and stylish and can be the best cooking gift for any home cook. Wooden cutting boards are also more hygienic than plastic, thanks to their natural antibacterial properties, and they won’t dull knives. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it also helps with most of the kitchen tasks and food prep. Plus, it can double as a rustic serving platter for a charcuterie or cheese board.
34. Terracotta Garlic Keeper
A terracotta garlic keeper is a small clay pot designed to keep garlic fresh and dry by allowing air to circulate around the bulbs while protecting them from light and moisture. The porous terracotta absorbs any excess moisture, so no more sprouting. Just put the garlic bulbs in the pot and store them in a cool, dry place. It’s a perfect gift for those who like to cook with fresh garlic and want to keep it in the best possible condition.
35. Rattan Serving Tray
A rattan serving tray can be a pretty, sustainable, and functional housewarming gift as it’s a versatile piece that can be used in many different ways. It’s great for serving breakfast in bed, displaying candles or a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, a catch-all tray for keys and other small items, or even a wall hang for rustic kitchens.
36. Baking Sheets
Baking cookware is a must-have, especially for those who enjoy baking and roasting. Made of durable materials that can withstand high temperatures, they allow for even cooking and browning.
Baking sheets are great for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and broiling meats. They are also usually dishwasher-safe and come with silicone handles, so you don’t have to use mittens or a dish towel to hold them.
37. A Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet’s even heat distribution and retention properties make it irreplaceable for a wide range of cooking tasks such as searing, sautéing, frying, and even baking. It can be used on the stovetop to make roasted vegetables, in the oven to make a quiche, or even over an open flame. You can even use cast iron pans for baking or as a panini press by placing a heavy pot on top of your sandwich as it cooks.
38. A Bathtub Tray
A bathtub tray such as this one is perfect for anyone who loves to unwind in the tub. With a variety of compartments and holders, it keeps all the essentials, like books, candles, wine, and even a tablet or phone, right at your fingertips, transforming an ordinary bath into a spa-like experience.
39. Spice Jars With Labels
Mastering the art of spices starts with having fresh, easily accessible spices at hand. Gift your beloved new homeowner a set of spice jars with labels, so they can keep their spices organized, visible, and fresh. With labeled jars, your loved ones will never have to settle for that old, expired jar of curry powder hiding in the back of the cupboard again.
40. A Food Basket
A food basket is a great option for the person who doesn’t need one more kitchen staple. Moving into a new house is always chaotic and tiring, so a basket of homemade bread, jam, cookies, tea, or artisan coffee can be a thoughtful and helpful gift. To make it more personal and memorable, add a couple of handmade coffee cups so they can remember this thoughtful gift for years to come.
Sharing Is Caring!
Getting a first apartment, or moving into a new home are important milestones. And as a good friend you’ll want to be at the housewarming party with a thoughtfully chosen housewarming gift.
Hopefully, this list made you feel more confident in picking the right one to make a loved one smile, whether it’s a kitchen gift, a beautiful token of your love, or a functional home appliance.
If you feel like you could still use some inspiration, check out our 25 useful gifts for people who like to cook and great Christmas gifts for your favorite chef for the holiday season.
