Buying a house is one of the biggest milestones in a person’s life. In fact, homeownership is now considered a bigger life milestone than marriage for many Britons. But despite this, only 37% of people surveyed said they felt housewarming gifts were necessary.
So why get a gift for a new homeowner? A housewarming present is a thoughtful way to celebrate their achievement and help make their new place feel more like a home.
But if you’re not sure what to get, this guide will take you through some of the best housewarming gift ideas.
What’s a good housewarming present?
A good housewarming present is something that’s useful and personal. But if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a few things to think about.
Who are you buying for?
A couple moving into their first flat together will have different needs than a friend moving in solo. If it's a family home, look for something everyone can use and enjoy.
What's their new place like?
A compact flat would suit smaller, multi-purpose gifts. But a larger home would have room for bigger appliances or smart home upgrades. Neutral designs are also a good idea to fit any décor.
What are their hobbies or daily routines?
Think about how they spend their time. If they start their day with a cuppa, they’d likely appreciate a coffee machine. Whereas someone who works from home could get more use from office accessories.
Should you choose something practical or decorative?
The best housewarming gifts tend to be a bit of both. Practical gifts usually get the most use, while stylish touches can help a new house feel more personal.
What do they already own?
Some homeowners start from scratch, while others already have the essentials. Choosing something they don't own yet makes your gift even more useful.
It’s a good idea to go for something they can use immediately over something flashy.
Housewarming gifts for the kitchen
During the chaos of moving, simple meals and hot drinks can help busy days feel a bit easier. That's why kitchen appliances are such great housewarming gifts, as they keep mealtimes moving as normal while the rest of the kitchen is packed away.
Coffee machines for long days
A quality coffee machine helps take the edge off an exhausting move. The Philips LatteGo 5400 is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine that can make 20 different drinks with the touch of a button. Its automatic cleaning programme is particularly useful when there’s lots else going on. And it’ll save them a trip to the coffee shop when everything’s still in boxes.
Check out our guide to the best smart coffee machines for more options.
First meals with an air fryer
Air fryers can be a real hero when pots and pans are stashed away. The Ninja 6-in-1 air fryer can roast, reheat and dehydrate food, all while using less oil than traditional frying. And when comfort food is calling, Max Crisp technology makes perfectly crispy chips and nuggets. So they can still count on a hot meal when they don’t have the energy to spend ages in the kitchen.
A toaster they’ll use every day
Toasters are a kitchen staple for quick breakfasts and simple snacks. The Kenwood Elegancy toaster includes four slots, adjustable browning settings and a choice of colours to match the kitchen aesthetic. There's even a matching kettle if you want to complete the set and make the kitchen feel more put together.
Housewarming tech gifts
Moving into a new home is the perfect opportunity to upgrade with smart tech. Whether it’s hands-free help around the house or improving security, these devices are useful long after moving day.
Peace of mind with a smart doorbell
Smart doorbells help with all the packages and new faces at the door. Models like the Ring Battery Retinal 4K doorbell let you see and speak to whoever’s outside, even when you’re not in. With 3D motion detection, you’ll get alerts straight to your phone when movement is picked up.
Smart voice assistants for hands-free support
A smart home assistant can be a huge help to keep everything organised during those busy first weeks. Voice assistants like the Amazon Echo Dot Max can set reminders, answer questions, control compatible smart devices, create shopping lists and more. Voice control is particularly useful for building your to-do list of tasks as you think of them, so you don’t forget later.
Smart lights for bright homes
Smart lights are a unique way to add personality to rooms without fully redecorating. Strip lights like the Govee H615A are really easy to install – just peel off the adhesive and stick them where you want. Then control colours, brightness and effects from your phone or with simple voice commands. It’s a simple way to help them put their own stamp on a space and make it feel more like home.
If you’re not sure what’s smart lighting, read our guide for more info.
Practical housewarming gifts
Moving house comes with plenty of jobs, from tackling ambitious renovation work to cleaning up after unpacking. Practical housewarming gifts help take on those tiring tasks and make for highly appreciated presents.
Power tools for DIY projects
Power tools are a really useful gift idea, especially during those first few weeks of building flat-pack furniture and putting up shelves. Tools like the Stanley Fatmax Cordless Combi Drill and Impact Driver set are great for dealing with DIY projects. But if you’re not sure which tools would do the job best, check out our guide on impact drivers or drills.
Accessories for a home office
If they’re hybrid or remote workers, they’ve not just moved home, but offices too. Home office accessories like new PC monitor or an office chair are a great way to get their workspace up and running quickly. But if they have all that covered, a Kensington foot rest or gel seat cushion are a good idea to keep them comfortable after the aches of moving.
Vacuum cleaners to keep it looking new
Moving is messy work, so a new vacuum cleaner is a standout gift. If they've upgraded from a single-storey to a bigger home, a lightweight stick vacuum like the Dyson Cyclone V10 makes cleaning stairs and multiple floors much easier. It also converts into a handheld vacuum, so it’s easy to clean inside cupboards and other spaces before filling them.
Best gifts for a housewarming party
Once the boxes are gone and the furniture's in place, it's time to invite people over. These gifts help homeowners host guests and personalise their new space.
Multi-room speakers for entertaining
Multi-room speakers keep the music flowing, whether you're entertaining friends or putting on background tunes for housework. The Sonos Era 100 is a solid choice that uses the Trueplay™ Tuning feature to make music sound its best in any room. And it’s super simple to set up, so you can have a soundtrack on moving day.
For more sound advice, check out our guide on the best multi-room speakers.
Evergreen decorations with LEGO Botanicals
Instead of bringing flowers that fade after a week, LEGO botanicals is a longer-lasting alternative. The Bouquet of Roses set is fun to build and adds a bright finishing touch to shelves and side tables. The best part? No watering required.
Streaming sticks for movie nights
Once they’ve settled in, a streaming stick gives them a chance to put their feet up and stream their favourite films and series. An Amazon Fire TV Stick has access to apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV so there’s plenty to pick from. And to make movie nights even cosier, learn how to create a home cinema.
Need more help?
Whether it's a kitchen upgrade or a thoughtful piece of décor, the best housewarming gifts are ones that help new homeowners enjoy their space from day one. If you need more present inspiration, check out our full range of gifting ideas.
FAQs
What are good housewarming gifts for friends?
Good housewarming gifts for friends are practical and personal. Items such as kitchen appliances, smart home technology, speakers, and home accessories can all help them settle comfortably into their new home.
What is a good housewarming gift for a young couple?
A good housewarming gift for a young couple is something they can enjoy together. A smart coffee machine, a multi-room speaker system or a streaming stick are all solid picks as they’re useful day-to-day and are great for entertaining friends.
Are flowers a good housewarming gift?
Flowers are a good housewarming gift to instantly brighten a new home. However, decorative items, smart technology or practical household essentials provide better long-term value.
How much should you spend on a housewarming gift?
There's no set amount for a housewarming gift. A thoughtful gift that suits the homeowner's lifestyle is usually more appreciated than an expensive one.
Are housewarming gifts expected?
Housewarming gifts aren't essential, but they're a thoughtful way to celebrate someone's new home and help them settle in.
