Looking for a housewarming gift? You can't go wrong with one of these practical gifts for new homeowners.
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25 Practical Gifts for New Homeowners They’ll Happily Use in Their House
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Do you know someone who just got the keys to their first (or just new) home? If so, you might be in the market for a housewarming gift. It can be difficult to know what to get a new homeowner that isn’t your typical throw blanket, three-wick candle or cool coaster set.
Don’t get us wrong, we like those things, too, but the new homeowner will likely receive those gifts in abundance as they settle into their new abode. That’s why choosing a practical gift can be the most thoughtful route to go. Here are our top picks of gifts for new homeowners—in a range of gift-giving budgets—that they’ll be happy to receive.
For the Water Sommelier
Countertop Water Filter
Your new homeowner might have a water pitcher with a built-in filter from their old place, but if they’re like me, they probably forget to refill it. Who has time to go from the fridge to the sink and back multiple times a day?
With the Aquasana clean water machine, a countertop water filter, you eliminate a step to crisp drinking water. I keep mine right next to the sink for easy refill access. That way, clean water (free of chlorine, lead, mercury, microplastics and other harmful contaminants) is just the press of a button away. Plus, the Aquasana countertop filter removes 15 times more contaminates than most pitcher filters, so this is the ideal gift for the new homeowner who is a little bit of a water snob.
For the One with a Dust Sensitivity
Personal Air Purifier
Who doesn’t like to breath easy? Say goodbye to stuffy, dusty rooms and airborne contaminants with a personal air filter. The slim and compact personal air purifier from IQAir removes allergens, bacteria and viruses from the air and traps them on filter materials. The Atem Desk is also ultra quiet, so it’s fitting for a bedroom or nursery. I put mine in my book-filled office, which tends to collect dust, to form a little protected bubble around my workstation.
For the Breakfast Lover
Hand-Built Toaster
Want to upgrade the breakfast lover to the Cadillac of toasters? Get them a Dualit toaster. Dualit has been hand-building their classic toaster in the UK since the ‘50s, and its toasters are made to last for years and years. I love that Dualit appliances fit into any kitchen design scheme seamlessly, and look nice when left out on the counter.
You’re not going to sacrifice toasting quality for classic style, either. Dualit toasters have defrost settings, browning controls, a removable crumb tray and superior heating elements. Pulling bread or bagels from the freezer? No problem. This toaster defrosts your bread and toasts it to perfection.
For the Ultimate Meal Prepper
Food Vacuum Sealer
If your new homeowner loves to meal prep, help them upgrade their prepping practice with a food vacuum sealer, which help keep food fresh five times longer, prevent freezer burn on food, prevent food waste and eliminate extra trips to the grocery store.
We like the FoodSaver space-saving vacuum sealer, because it takes up very little counter or cabinet space. (Mine fits in a shallow kitchen drawer under the counter.) Plus, it’s super easy to use and comes with a vacuum seal roll, precut quart-sized bags, precut gallon-sized bags, a handheld adapter and an accessory hose, so your new homeowner will have everything they need to seal away.
For the Coffee Connoisseur
Compact Espresso Machine
Know someone who needs an upgrade from their coffee maker of their college years? Breville’s Bambino Plus delivers professional-level specialty coffee making in a compact system. This little machine heats up in just three seconds and has a steam wand so you can make micro-foam milk right at home. I make cappuccinos, lattes, iced lattes and more with my Bambino Plus.
For the Home Cook
Quality Stainless Steel Pans
Give the gift of a kitchen upgrade with the five-piece set from Heritage Steel, an American family-owned brand with decades of experience in specialty cookware. The pots and pans in this set are made with titanium strength and last a lifetime. Best of all, they cook like a dream.
Each piece in this set is induction ready, too. I use them on my induction stovetop, and they provide an impressive even heating experience. Food just turns out better in these pots and pans. They’re also easy to clean, and I love that I don’t have to worry about Teflon or other coating chipping into my food.
For the Cozy Homebody
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets can help settle the nervous system while inducing a calm feeling by simulating a warm hug. This sherpa weighted blanket from Luna is a soft, cozy weighted blanket for the homebody who loves a night in to relax and unwind. The weighted beads are woven into the fibers for even distribution. You can even throw this blanket in the washing machine without fear of disrupting the weight!
For the Adventurer
The Gift of Experience
“Tinggly is the perfect gift for people who prefer experiences—not things,” says senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinsky. “Need to get something for a friend who just moved to a new city? Tinggly has unique tours, bar crawls and restaurant experiences at the ready in tons of locations. Want your brother to relax after a day of unpacking boxes? Tinggly has spa experiences, picnics, carriage rides and more to help them decompress.”
Tinggly is available in more than 100 countries worldwide, and the gift vouchers do not have an expiration date. So, your new homeowner has time to settle in before booking their one-of-a-kind adventure.
For the Amateur Chef
Knife Block Set
Nothing’s worse than getting ready to prepare your first meal in your new home and discovering that all your knives are dull. In fact, a quality knife can make chopping and slicing produce less of a chore and more of an enjoyable part of the cooking process.
This knife set from Cangshan includes five razor-sharp knives with solid olive wood handles, shears, a honing steel and a maple knife block. And when I say razor-sharp, I mean it. I nearly sliced my finger just opening the knives. They’re the only knives I use now while preparing a meal.
For the Composter
Countertop Compost Bin
Composting can be a smelly job, but thanks to this countertop compost bin from Epare, waste odors can be sealed in and combatted with a carbon filter. I love this bin because—while it says it’s meant for the countertop—you can actually hang it anywhere in your kitchen without sacrificing precious counter space.
This waste bin comes with a removable inner bucket, 50 compost bags and a hook system. The lid fits snuggly, so you don’t have to worry about bugs being attracted to kitchen waste—because nobody wants fruit flies.
For the Kitchen Organizer
Fresh Produce Containers
Anyone else always seem to lose half the lids to their plastic food containers after a move? Might as well upgrade your containers when you have to replace them. With this bisphenol A (BPA)-free fridge storage container set from Luxear, you don’t have to settle for standard food storage containers. This set of containers is designed with multifunctionality in mind.
Wash, drain and store produce all in one step with these containers. They even have a built-in colander and drain plug at the bottom, so new homeowners can stock the fridge with ease. Plus, the lids have a venting system that helps to regulate airflow, keeping fruits and veggies fresher longer.
For the Luxe Bathroom Type
Bidet Attachment
You don’t need a separate bidet to have the bidet experience, thanks to Tushy. The Tushy 3.0 is a popular, affordable bidet attachment that anyone can install and use on their toilet. Made of renewable bamboo, it allows users to choose the water temperature and pressure they prefer. And the precision angle adjuster of the Tushy 3.0 makes getting clean a quick and efficient task. Plus, you save big on toilet paper. It’s a win-win, am I right?
For the Creative Type
Customizable Tile Mat
The customizable Letterfolk tile mat is a throwback to 1920s decor, but made with modern materials. The unique doormat is constructed out of easy-to-clean vinyl and silicone, and the small, removable hexagon-shaped tiles can be arranged (and rearranged) to create words and designs.
“If you adore changing your decor every five seconds (guilty), you’ll likely be obsessed with the Letterfolk tile mat. The customizable tiles make this an ever-changing fixture in your home that you can make new repeatedly,” writes Lubinsky.
For the DIYer
218-Piece Tool Kit
Every homeowner needs a tool kit for quick fixes and DIY projects. This 218-piece kit has everything they need to start immediately. It includes wrenches, a hammer, a tape measure, pliers, a level and more.
For the Spa Lover
Towel Warmer
If the new homeowner in your life loves to pamper themselves, then this Zadro towel warmer will be one of the best gifts they’ve ever been given. The extra-large, ultra-stylish towel warmer holds and heats large towels and bath robes for the ultimate spa-like experience. This pick will give new meaning to the concept of a housewarming gift.
For the Bath Fan
Stone Bath Mat
With bathrooms in mind, this stone bath mat absorbs water and wicks it away from wet feet when you step out of the shower. Unlike terrycloth and other bath mats that get soggy after use, stone bath mats keep floors bone dry. As soon as you step onto the Sutera bath mat, water evaporates almost instantly, leading to safer floors.
“I love my Sutera stone bath mat and hardly remember life before it. Minimal upkeep, stylish modern design and a slip-free experience were enough to convince me that I need one for each of my home’s three bathrooms,” writes our tester.
For the Handy Homeowner
Small Parts Organizer
Small fasteners, like screws, nails and bolts, can easily get lost at the bottom of a tool box. This 10-compartment organizer by Craftsman relieves that headache. The clear lid allows you to easily find what you’re looking for and seals in the compartments to prevent spilling. It’s also fully customizable with two long cups, two large cups and six small cups inside. Plus, if you have more than one of these organizing units, they stack on top of each other using side latches.
For the Outdoor Partier
Smokeless Fire Pit
For evenings outdoors, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 will be the smokeless fire pit of their dreams. We can’t get enough of our Solo Stove fire pit here at Family Handyman. It can be used for lighting the patio, making s’mores, cooking a pizza and so much more. Your new homeowner will use it year after year!
“I tested the Bonfire 2.0 in my backyard, and let me tell you: This thing is sleek. The design is timeless, simple and polished,” writes our associate shopping editor, Mary Henn.
For the Serious Handyman
Nine-Drawer Work Bench
This durable Kobalt work bench stores all your tools and charges them. An integrated power strip with multiple outlets and USB ports keeps your tools and electronics ready to go. Wheels at the base of the work bench let you move it around if needed. Talk about a useful gift for new homeowners!
For the Cautious Homeowner
Wireless Home Security System
A home security system is a tremendous way to keep your home and family safe. SimpliSafe’s home security system has everything you need, including recording abilities, high-definition (HD) resolution and motion sensing. You can pair the security system with your smart home integration platform, as it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
For the Picture Hanger
Stud Finder
Want to hang a gallery wall with some weight? A stud finder is a must-have if you plan on mounting a TV or attaching other heavy items, such as heavy picture frames, to walls. This one by StudSensor is a solid entry-level choice. The WireWarning detects live electrical wiring, and the light clearly points out studs.
For the Relaxation Enthusiast
Double Classic Hammock
Homeownership doesn’t have to be all work and no play. This comfortable double hammock by La Siesta supports up to 355 pounds and looks nice in the yard, by the pool or under a patio. The tear-proof material resists mold, mildew and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
For the Heat Monitor
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
You could see immediate results on your energy bill by installing a smart thermostat. The Google Nest learning thermostat is one of the top programable ones available, and it easily pairs with your other Google smart home devices and your phone with the Nest app. The home/away assist automatically adjusts your home’s temperature after you leave to reduce energy usage.
For the Repairman
Pro Tool Box
Lightweight, yet durable, Dewalt’s pro tool box holds a ton of tools and gear while resisting water and dust. The padded handle makes carrying comfortable even when fully loaded. This tool box holds up on jobsites, and tucks away in a garage or shed when not in use. It doubles as a useful gift for the construction pro in your life, too.
For the Exterior Cleaner
Electric Pressure Washer
Pressure washing is a fun DIY project once you get the hang of it. This pressure washer by Greenworks has 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) and can handle tasks like cleaning a driveway, deck, fence and more. This particular model is an electric pressure washer, but maybe you’ll find a gas pressure washer is a better fit.
