We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The Best Housewarming Gifts of 2024 Make them feel right at home with plants, candles, picture frames, and more. By Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Rock Taylor Rock Taylor is the senior commerce editor for Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on June 18, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa A housewarming gift is a nice way to welcome anyone to a new house or apartment. While it doesn’t have to be anything grand or expensive, it’s important to look for products that people will use, such as doormats, drinking glasses, or gift baskets filled with delicious wine or food. To make it even more special, many gifts can be personalized with their name, initials, or new address. In this guide, we put together a list of practical gifts, including bed sheets, charcuterie boards, and wine glasses. We also spoke to gifting expert Jane Park, founder and CEO of Tokki, for expert advice on the best housewarming gifts to buy as well as ones to avoid. Our Place Home Cook Duo PHOTO: Our Place $250 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Fromourplace.com The Home Cook Duo Pro features an 8.5-inch pan and a 2.5-quart pot for deep frying, sauteing, steaming, and more. (It can completely replace a 16-piece cookware set!) It’s PFA free, extremely durable, and can withstand temperatures up to 1,000ºF. Not to mention, the set is super cute and comes in a variety of colors suitable to bring joy to any kitchen. The Home Cook Duo Pro is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops. Buffy Breeze Sheet Set PHOTO: Amazon $175 at Amazon $169 at Nordstrom View on Buffy Made from cooling eucalyptus, this Buffy sheet set makes a great gift for those who want a comfortable night’s sleep. The sheets are lightweight and breathable, ensuring that hot sleepers stay cool and sweat free. You get a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases, and there are 30 colors to choose from and sizes ranging from twin to California king. Homesick New Home Candle PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $30 at Homesick.com $27 at Barnesandnoble.com Homesick has a candle for nearly every occasion, and the New Home one is perfect for, well, a new home. The luxury candle uses a natural soy wax blend with notes of jasmine, cedarwood, lime, sandalwood, oakmoss, and musk. The long-lasting candle is housed in a glass jar and burns for 60 to 80 hours. Collective Home Ceramic Jewelry Tray PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon This jewelry tray can be used to keep earrings, rings, keys, and other knick knacks organized and in one place. The plate is small with a beautiful gold design around the edge and a monogrammed initial of your choice (you can choose one letter from A through Z). It comes in a beautiful gift-ready black box—no wrapping required. Pottery Barn Hayes Fuax Mohair Throw PHOTO: Pottery Barn $55 at Pottery Barn They’ll be gorgeously cozy with this 50 by 60-inch faux mohair throw blanket from Pottery Barn. It’s extra large and super soft—the perfect combination for snuggling up. The blanket is easy to clean, as well, as it can be safely tossed in the wash whenever it gets dirty. It comes in five neutral colors: ivory, navy, rosewood, chambray, and camel. UGG Scuffette II Slippers PHOTO: UGG $95 at Amazon $95 at Nordstrom $95 at Zappos Fans of the soft and plush signature Ugg boots will be instant fans of the brand’s Scuffette II house slipper. They’re crafted with suede and a real sheepskin lining for an extra-soft feel on the foot. Just keep in mind that these shoes need to be washed by hand with soft cloth and gentle detergent—a special care routine for a special pair of shoes. Get them in a wide range of colors, including chestnut, espresso, and a combination of gray and black. P.F. Candle Co. Sandalwood Rose Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon View on Pfcandleco.com What’s homier than a warm scent circulating throughout your space? This reed diffuser from P.F. Candle Co. comes in sandalwood rose but also teakwood and tobacco, Ojai lavender, and more. The bottle contains 3.5 fluid ounces of fragrance oil, which should fragrance their new home for around three to four months. Anthropologie Anelise Vase PHOTO: Anthropologie $40 at Anthropologie The Anelise Vase from Anthropologie is a stunning statement piece. It comes in two sizes—small and tall—in a pretty lilac color, with a three-dimensional flower bloom design on one side. We recommend going the extra mile by buying flowers to go inside so they can use the vase as soon as they receive it. Food52 Five Two Kitchen Utensil Collection PHOTO: Food52 $20 at Food52 The Five Two Kitchen Utensil Collection features a turner, a ladle with pour spouts, and two stainless steel whisks, and two silicone spatulas with nooks to rest on a mixing bowl. Each tool has an acacia wood handle, so be aware that none of them are dishwasher safe and must always be cleaned by hand. Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame PHOTO: Amazon $149 at Amazon $150 at Nordstrom $150 at Target Unlike a traditional picture frame, the Aura Carver Digital Frame can be used to store hundreds of pictures and 30-second videos—all they need is Wi-Fi and the Aura app. Your giftee can also use the app to invite their loved ones to send photos directly to their frame. It’s compatible with both Apple and Android phones, so everyone can share. Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board PHOTO: Boarderie View on Boarderie.com View on Harry & David $160 at Williams-Sonoma Looking for a gift that appeals to the heart and stomach? Boarderie’s Cicetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board has a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, meats, chocolates, dried fruit, nuts, and more served up on a beautiful (and reusable!) board made from acacia wood. These curations are made fresh every day and can be shipped overnight to your loved one’s address at no extra cost. Get it in small, medium, or large sizes. Pottery Barn Personalized Framed Doormat PHOTO: Pottery Barn $99 at Pottery Barn Nothing says “welcome home” more than a doormat, and this custom natural coir option gives them a special place to wipe their feet. Add their name, address, or anything else up to eight characters. The rectangular border comes in black or espresso, and the mat itself is available in three sizes: 22 by 36 inches, 30 by 48 inches, or 24 by 57 inches. Williams Sonoma Marble Wine Chiller PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $70 at Williams-Sonoma If your giftee likes to have a glass of wine, this Williams Sonoma chiller will keep their vino cool until it’s ready to be served. The 7-inch sleeve is made with marble, which is well known for its excellent insulation properties. To keep the bottle as cool as possible, put it in the freezer about an hour before serving time. Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Edge Dinner & Salad Plates PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $90 at Williams-Sonoma A good dinnerware set is necessary in any home, and this crisp white set from Williams Sonoma is perfect for entertaining and everyday use. The collection includes four salad plates and four dinner plates, which you can buy separately, as well, if you don’t want to gift the whole set. Made from glossy white porcelain, they’re great for mixing and matching with other tableware. Azulina Home Cali Bath Mat PHOTO: Azulina View on Azulina.com This bath mat is made from 100% cotton with a 3-inch fringe that looks chic in any bathroom, kitchen, or entryway. The beautiful woven design, handcrafted in Colombia, offers ultimate softness underfoot. It comes in small, medium, and runner sizes, and you can add on a rug pad to make it even cushier and keep the rug in place. We love the ivory color, but it also comes in gray, sand, and black. Anyday io Collection, The Complete Set PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $165 at Williams-Sonoma View on Cookanyday.com Perfect for anyone short on time—and people who simply don’t like to cook via stovetop or oven—David Chang’s Anyday io Collection allows them to whip up a quick meal in the microwave. The 12-piece set includes six heavy-duty bowls with airtight lids. The bowls are also oven-safe up to 500°F, and the lids are oven-safe up to 400°F. (Yes, they’re dishwasher safe, too!) Although a bit pricey, it’s worth it to have a set they can use to cook, serve, store, and reheat. Uncommon Goods Custom Map Coaster Set PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $70 at Uncommon Goods Make friends and family feel special with one-of-a-kind coasters featuring a map of their local area or an address that’s meaningful to them. These coasters come in a four-piece set, each containing a part of the map showing streets, special landmarks, and a star to highlight where they live. You can also buy a matching coaster stand for storage. The Sill Succulent Dish Garden PHOTO: The Sill $60 at Thesill.com For a hardy plant that blends in with any decor, look to succulents. This from happy curation from The Sill features assorted pre-potted succulents in a small 6-inch concrete planter. Because the plants don’t require a lot of care and don’t need to be watered often, it’s even a suitable gift for those who don’t have a green thumb. Urban Stems The Fresh Start PHOTO: Urban Stems View on Urbanstems.com This white orchid set from Urban Stems will add a touch of elegance to your loved one’s new space. The 3-inch flower comes in a ceramic pot alongside a sea salt grapefruit candle. You can add a personal written note to accompany the gift, too. They’ll also get a card detailing how to care for the plant so they can keep it looking gorgeous for as long as possible. Georgetown Cupcake Best Seller Cupcake Dozen PHOTO: Goldbelly View on Goldbelly.com Georgetown Cupcakes is famous for a reason—its cupcakes are divine. The brand’s Best Seller Cupcake Dozen features a dozen 3-inch jumbo cupcakes made from gourmet ingredients, with 12 different flavors including coconut, red velvet, lava fudge, and key lime. Just be aware that the cupcakes arrive frozen and will need a few hours to thaw before eating. Hedley & Bennett Smock PHOTO: Hedley & Bennett View on Amazon View on Hedleyandbennett.com This Hedley & Bennett smock has no ties or strings, so it’s easy for home chefs to slip on and off—plus, it’s super cute. It’s not heavy, either: It’s made from a light cotton/linen blend. Get it customized with their initials, name, or moniker up to 10 letters. Just note that if you get the smock embroidered, it will take a week longer to ship and cannot be refunded or exchanged. If green isn’t their color, the smock is available in a surplus of other colors and patterns. Pottery Barn Marble Coasters PHOTO: Pottery Barn $25 at Pottery Barn $25 at Havenly.com To protect their coffee table or bedside table from dreaded water rings from drinking glasses, these marble coasters from Pottery Barn are a must. They come in a set of four and are handcrafted from natural marble from India. They’re available in white and black, and for an extra fee, you can add their name or initials. West Elm Starlight Crystal Red Wine Glass Set PHOTO: West Elm $48 at West Elm Made from scratch-resistant crystalline glass, the Starlight Crystal Red Wine Glass Set is ideal for wine lovers who enjoy a little cabernet, malbec, or pinot noir with friends. It comes in a set of four or eight glasses that are easy to clean (they’re dishwasher safe!). East Fork The Mug PHOTO: East Fork View on Eastfork.com $44 at Food52 A nice handmade mug is a thoughtful edition to their coffee station. East Fork’s The Mug is made by artisans in Asheville, North Carolina, and holds 16 ounces of a hot beverage of their choosing. As a bonus, it fits neatly into an Aeropress. You can buy The Mug individually or as a set of four in six core colors or the changing seasonal designs. Papier Wine Pairings Recipe Journal PHOTO: Papier $38 at Papier.com Aspiring and expert cooks alike can appreciate this wine pairings recipe journal. It’s a notebook and organizer rolled in one that they can use to jot down their favorite recipes, cooking tips and hacks, and the perfect wine or food accompaniments to go with each meal. There are even dedicated pages at the back so they can remember restaurants they like and new ones they want to try. Our Place Short Night & Day Glasses PHOTO: Our Place View on Fromourplace.com Glassware is a practical gift for anyone—the Our Place Night & Day glasses just add a bit of pizazz to the equation. They come in 12- and 16-ounce sizes and are stackable, so they won't take up a lot of space in their cabinet. They come in a bunch of fun colors, too, including clear, sunset, and dusk. You can even mix and match them for a funky multicolor curation. Made In 8 Inch Chef Knife 8 Inch Chef Knife PHOTO: Made In $45 at Amazon View on Madeincookware.com The Made In 8-inch Chef Knife is a high-quality tool made in a region of France known for its knife making. The uber-sharp and optimally balanced knife is full tang and fully forged, featuring a single rod of stainless steel that extends from the tip all the way down to the handle. You can get it engraved with custom lettering for an extra fee, and it even comes with a lifetime guarantee. West Elm Kaloh Melamine Outdoor Serveware PHOTO: West Elm $23 at West Elm Chips and dip are the backbone of get-togethers, but they may want to leave their nice serveware inside and opt for something a little more durable for outdoor hangs. This one from West Elm is made from lightweight melamine, a strong material that can stand up to bumps and drops. It has a bowl in the middle for the dip and five removable compartments for chips, veggies, and more. Anthropologie Cucina Olive Oil Cruet PHOTO: Anthropologie $48 at Anthropologie Sure, the bottle their olive oil came in is probably fine, but this one sparks joy. The rustic and rectangular Cucina Olive Oil Cruet from Anthropologie is made with a glazed ceramic and holds around 20 ounces of olive oil. While you could use it to pour olive oil on your favorite dishes, it also makes a nice decoration in any kitchen or dining room. It comes in four vibrant colors: red, white, yellow, and green. Graze PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon This book is proof that it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort for anyone to create culinary masterpieces that are pleasing to the eye and stomach. Graze features more than 80 recipes for home cooks looking for charcuterie ideas, tapas, and delicious nibbles to eat any time of day or night. Some dishes to look forward to include prosciutto, asparagus, and arugula rolls; lemon-tarragon chicken skewers; and brown butter brownies. Anthropologie Fluted Taper Candles Set PHOTO: Anthropologie $30 at Anthropologie Tapered candles bring an elegant ambiance to the dinner table, their meditation practices, or around a relaxing bubble bath. These tall paraffin candles feature an attractive fluted design that looks stately in any candle holder and can burn continuously for 12 hours. It comes in a set of four, and there are a dozen colors to choose from. Ten Thousand Villages Bowl of Berries Colander PHOTO: Ten Thousand Villages View on Tenthousandvillages.com A colander is infinitely useful, whether you’re rinsing fruits and vegetables before organizing them in the fridge or draining a pot of linguine for carbonara. This one, handcrafted in Nepal, can do all of the above and be used to serve fruit. Its striking blue and white design makes a beautiful decor for any dining table or countertop, and it’s even dishwasher safe. De Soi Golden Hour PHOTO: De Soi $20 at Amazon View on Drinkdesoi.com This non-alcoholic aperitif from De Soi is a sparkling and deliciously bright concoction of citrus, lemongrass, and leafy herbs. Golden Hour features natural ingredients including lemongrass, lemon balm, and L-theanine derived from green tea—a combination that aims to promote focus and relaxation. After opening, it stays bubbly for a week. Graza “The Duo” PHOTO: Graza View on Graza.co Graza has taken the world by storm with its 100% pure olive oil that’s never blended or cut with cheaper oils. The brand’s trendy gift set features two bottles: “Sizzle” to cook with and the flavorful “Drizzle” to put directly on salads, pasta, meats, or popcorn. We love that it comes pre-packaged in a nice gift box, so there is no need for wrapping paper or fancy packaging to present it. Questions You Might Ask Are you supposed to bring a gift to a housewarming party? While you don’t have to bring a housewarming gift, it’s always a kind gesture to show your support and care for friends and family who moved to a new house or apartment. According to Park, it’s also a way you can connect to others. How much should you spend on a housewarming gift? The amount you spend on a housewarming gift is entirely personal—it doesn't have to be expensive for it to be appreciated by the receiver. Also, gifts that have meaning attached to them—like ones that symbolize past experiences or personalized gifts with their initials—are also good options. “A gift should always be expensive in attention, not necessarily in price,” Park says. Is there anything you should avoid giving as a housewarming gift? Paying attention to cultural norms is very important if you don't want to make a faux pas when giving someone a housewarming gift, Park says. “In Korean culture, gifting knives means that you want to cut off all ties,” she says. You also don’t want to buy a gift based on your personal tastes, so it’s better to go for functional items that a person can use, like coasters, glassware, or plants. When in doubt, gift cards also make a great gift, as the person can choose exactly what they want. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple, and Taylor Rock, senior shopping editor for Real Simple. To find the best housewarming gifts, we researched a wide range of gifts that homeowners and renters would find practical or happy to receive. We also spoke with gifting expert Jane Park, founder and CEO of Tokki, for tips on how to find the best housewarming gift.