This post is all about 18 Beautiful Housewarming Gift Ideas! Celebrating a friend’s housewarming? Buying a home or moving to a new place is a big accomplishment and you’d hate to show up with something generic or underwhelming. What do you get from someone who has just made a big move? We’ve got some of the best ideas below, from gorgeous tableware sets to custom keychains.
18 Beautiful Housewarming Gift Ideas
Home Décor
What better way to warm a fresh, new space than some stylish home décor options? The key here is to go personal and thoughtful yet adaptable enough to fit into any décor style.
- Fresh greenery. Easy-care live indoor plants make an excellent gift because they bring in color and life to yet-to-be-decorated spaces. Place it in a pretty ceramic pot for a presentation that’s sure to knock their socks off.
- Photo frames or artwork that can be used to create a personalized gallery wall. Mix and match frame styles or go for a unified, cohesive look.
- A candle to become their “signature scent.” Whether you go for something novel — one that smells like their hometown, perhaps—or something classic, you’ll never disappoint with a great-smelling candle.
- A cozy throw blanket made of soft materials for the living room or bedroom.
- Artful fridge magnets. You’ll never disappoint when you go for a gift that’s equal parts stylish and useful. Why not some eye-catching fridge magnets?
- Artsy coffee table books. Coffee table books are amazing gifts because they double as chic décor and quality reading material in one. Pick out a title honoring an artist or theme they love by Taschen or Thames & Hudson.
Kitchen Staples
Help your loved one graduate from cheap plastic spoons and low-quality cookware to top-of-the-line kitchenware that they will want to use for a lifetime. When shopping for kitchen gifts, the key is to help them upgrade to better versions of the basics that will last for decades.
- A quality cutting board. Cutting boards are fundamental kitchen utilities that add a big pop of style and personality. Go for a wooden board — wood is more attractive than plastic and is easier on your knives — rather than plastic. A few top makers of wooden cutting boards include John Boos & Co. and Teakhaus, but there are probably many talented local makers in your area to consider.
- Enameled cast iron anything. Classic and colorful enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch ovens and pots are the most versatile and beautiful cookware options you can buy. Start their collection with something small in a pretty color.
- A set of walnut spoons. Gorgeous walnut spoons do it all — mix, stir and serve — but won’t scratch nonstick cookware or melt when things get heated. If you’re on a budget, bamboo spoons will work as well.
- A high-quality chef’s knife. A chef’s knife is the most versatile tool in the kitchen, and it can do it all. Go for one made by a vetted German or Japanese knife-maker (think: Wüsthof, Zwilling, J.A. Henckels, Global or Shun) as they have a reputation for making the best knives in the world.
- A set of new plates. If your recipient is the type to throw dinner parties or small gatherings, they’ll no doubt appreciate a set of new dinner plates or a pretty serving platter that matches their current set.
- Cookbooks by cooking authorities. Even if they’re not big on cooking, your recipient will get lots of inspiration (or at least some stylish kitchen décor) from a trusted cookbook. Go for timeless titles by Martha Stewart, Melissa Clark, Auguste Escoffier, Dorie Greenspan, or Julia Child. For a more trendy flair, give the gift of titles by J. Kenji López-Alt or David Chang.
- Luxurious kitchen towels. Kitchen towels are the kind of gift that you know will get used even if they’re not immediately needed. Pick out a set of quality kitchen towels made of soft cotton, terry cloth, or waffle weave.
Thoughtful Mementos: 18 Beautiful Housewarming Gift Ideas
You’ll never go wrong if you opt for a custom housewarming gift. Think about the people, places, and things your recipient loves and design a gift that honors it all. You can find amazing versions of all of these gifts on Etsy or through your local maker’s market.
- A custom keychain with their name or the date they moved into their new home. New keys call for a new keychain, right?
- Framed recipe cards. If your goal is to give the most thoughtful gift you can think of, ask one of your recipient’s relatives to provide you with a meaningful family recipe, preferably one that’s handwritten on a recipe card. Have it framed for them to hang in the kitchen or dining room.
- An artist’s rendering of their home. Commissioning a painting or drawing of their house is an awesome way to support a local artist while giving a thoughtful gift your recipient will cherish for a lifetime.
- A custom throw pillow featuring their home, address, or the date they moved in. You can order this on Etsy or, if you’re crafty with a needle or a sewing machine, make it yourself using fabric and a pillow form.
- A custom welcome mat. A personalized welcome mat helps your loved one say “come on in” in style. Order one with their initials and a special date or go with a fun, novelty style that plays to their sense of humor.
Warming the Home with Special Gifts
There is something so satisfying and rewarding about purging your belongings before a big move. Donating or pitching the old, unused, and out-of-style options opens up more room for exciting new décor while making organizing a bit easier at the new house. But getting rid of stuff that doesn’t spark joy can leave us devoid of décor options when we go to unpack. Surprising a friend or loved one with special housewarming gifts is a great way to replenish the supply!