Buying your first home is one of those milestone moments that sticks with a person forever—it's likely the biggest investment you'll ever make, and unlike those forgettable cars and student loans you'll be paying off until you're old and gray, it's probably one of the things you'll be happiest sinking a serious chunk of change into. So when your best friend finally signs on the dotted line for that dream home, what better way to celebrate your pal's big purchase than with a congratulatory gift that's a bit more inspired than a bottle of wine or Christmas ornament? We’ve rounded up the very best—and most practical—housewarming gifts for the members of your inner circle, each sure to become a treasured heirloom. And if you have friends or family members headed to college, help them warm the dorm with one of the 30 Best Gifts for College Students.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | These stylish cheese knives
Anthropologie$38; buy now at Anthropologie
A cheese board is only a good cheese board if the hardware that accompanies it is up to snuff. The good news? This gilded set looks great, and can effortlessly cut into everything from brie to manchego without issue.
2 | This aromatic reed diffuser
Urban Outfitters$22; buy now at Urban Outfitters
A new house never really feels like a home until it smells just the way you want it to. Luckily, this diffuser will cover everything from bathrooms to guest bedrooms, all without the worry that accompanies keeping a scented candle lit.
3 | This chic throw blanket
Nordstrom$100; buy now at Nordstrom
Pendleton blankets are an American institution, but their traditional plaids don't go with every aesthetic. If your friend is going to get comfy (and keep with their modern minimalist interior design scheme), they might as well look this good doing it!
4 | This self-watering herb garden
Uncommon Goods$40; buy now at Uncommon Goods
Even if your friend is lucky enough to have a brand new backyard, there's virtually nothing that beats the convenience of having fresh herbs growing right in their kitchen. And with this convenient planter, they can keep basil and oregano fresh with minimal effort. And for more foodie must-haves, check out these 17 Great Summer Picnic Essentials You Needed Yesterday.
5 | This portable storage bowl
Anthropologie$26; buy now at Anthropologie
Sunday meal prep can save you time, money, and calories, but without the right tools, it's hard to find yourself inspired to keep crafting those big batch recipes week after week. Fortunately, these bowls are perfect for preparing and packing food for later, making it easy for your pal to stick to their meal plan with minimal effort.
6 | This high-end scented candle
Nordstrom$75; buy now at Nordstrom
Sure, you won't be the first person to think of bringing a candle as a housewarming gift. But when your friend lights their first wick from the ultra luxe Le Labo line, they’ll know that some serious thought was put into this present. And if you’re looking to expand your relaxation techniques beyond aromatherapy, check out these 27 Relaxation Gifts You’ll Want to Keep for Yourself.
7 | These nesting prep & storage bowls
Joseph Joseph$75; buy now at Joseph Joseph
Storage space is precious, even in large kitchens. No matter how much cabinet space your pal has, these practical stainless steel bowls, which nest together as a set, are sure to become a well-loved gift, working well as prepping vessels and to-go bowls, thanks the silicone tops they come with.
8 | These dry food storage containers
Amazon$96; buy now at Amazon
Spices, grains, and legumes rarely get finished before they go bad. These air-tight containers from OXO not only preserve their contents, but also stack neatly in any sized cupboard.
9 | This bartending multitool
The Grommet$30; buy now at The Grommet
The problem with giving a traditional bar set as a gift is that pieces tend to go missing when you need them most. This Bar10der tool, however, is like a Swiss Army knife for mixologists, keeping everything from a zester to a jigger on hand at all times.
10 | This heirloom-quality casserole dish
Le Creuset$110$80; buy now at Le Creuset
A housewarming party is the perfect excuse to gift a friend with an heirloom gift, like this Le Creuset casserole dish, which is sturdy enough to be handed down from generation to generation—and attractive enough to be used as a serving dish, too.
11 | This top-rated bread maker
Nordstrom Rack$100; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
If your friend is into carbs—and we mean really into carbs, this compact Cuisinart bread maker is sure to be a well-loved gift. Fully automated and pre-programmed with 12 menu styles, this sleek machine easily can bake up to a two-pound loaf using your pal's favorite flavors.
12 | This barista-approved kettle
Urban Outfitters$60; buy now at Urban Outfitters
It doesn’t matter whether you’re into coffee or tea—the gooseneck on this kettle is essential for pour-over brewing. It also doesn’t hurt that its sleek design looks great on a stovetop.
13 | This retro turntable
Nordstrom$70; buy now at Nordstrom
If your friend decided to lug all of that vinyl into their new home, make that schlep worthwhile with this stylishly retro record player. Not only is it light and portable, but it also syncs with Bluetooth speakers to deliver high-quality sound without a major investment of space.
14 | These dazzling champagne flutes
Anthropologie$56; buy now at Anthropologie
You can’t raise a glass to a new home without the right glassware. When you want to toast to your friend's health in their new home, make sure you're doing so in style with these gilded flutes.
15 | This smart lightbulb starter set
Amazon$150$130; buy now at Amazon
Dimmers are great. The only thing better? Light bulbs that turn on that automatically turn on when you walk in the front door—or can dim to the perfect sunset hue for a romantic date. And luckily for your friend, this easily installed Philips Hue set makes adopting a smart light system as easy as changing a bulb.
16 | This cat cheese board
Urban Outfitters$18; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Every part of entertaining should involve a bit of the host’s personality. If your friend is a cat lover, this feline-focused cheeseboard is a perfect gift—and it's just as fun as it is functional. And for more great gifts for the feline fan in your life, check out these 20 Purrfect Accessories for Cat Lovers.
17 | This vegetable spiralizer
Bloomingdale's$40; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
Not only does this OXO spiralizer makes preparing zoodles and carrot spaghetti a breeze, but it also cleans easily and stores compactly in one neat piece. And if this compact utensil has triggered your need for a storage solution of your own, check out these 20 Gorgeous Pieces of Storage Furniture That Will Save You So Much Space.
18 | This elegant vase
Bloomingdale's$100; buy now at Bloomingdale’s
Nothing in the world says “welcome home” like fresh flowers. Someone else is sure to bring a bouquet, so why not show up with this stunning vase, a perfect addition to any bedroom, hallway, or foyer?
19 | This hanging wine rack
Anthropologie$88; buy now at Anthropologie
Do you and your friends celebrate Wine Wednesdays? This handmade wrought iron rack is perfect for showcasing your friend’s finest bottles and elegant stemware front and center.
20 | This wooden serving tray
Nordstrom$69; buy now at Nordstrom
Good hosting requires good hardware. This acacia wood tray is the perfect size for ferrying drinks or simply setting up guests with tapas and appetizers.
21 | This infusion pitcher
Urban Outfitters$20; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Finally, fancy cucumber- and lemon-infused water will no longer be relegated to the spa! This pitcher allows you to get creative with whatever fruit and herb infusions you see fit—it even works for making cold brewed iced tea! And if you're looking for a way to take your infused water on the go, check out these 25 Cute Water Bottles That Will Keep You Hydrated All Summer.
22 | This cold brew coffee maker
The Grommet$80; buy now at The Grommet
If you want to give your friend a gift that keeps on giving (and lets them avoid the interminable morning lines at Starbucks), bring them this cold brew coffee maker. This device slowly steeps and filters without batteries or electricity, making refreshing cold brew that’s good for up to two weeks. And if your friend is wild about java, consider gifting them one of the 25 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers.
23 | This chic wine dispenser
Uncommon Goods$65; buy now at Uncommon Goods
Bag-in-box wine may be a fantastic deal, but its aesthetic appeal is questionable, at best. This dispenser can remove the stigma and help keep that vino cool, thanks to an included gel pack.
24 | This compact waffle maker
Urban Outfitters$18; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Nothing beats fresh waffles for breakfast, but having to store a massive appliance for a single use can be hard to justify. Luckily, this mini machine works culinary wonders while still fitting in even the tiniest cupboard.
25 | This durable food processor
Nordstrom$120; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
A new kitchen begs for new appliances, and there’s nothing more traditional than gifting a new homeowner with a top-of-the-line food processor. Just make sure that they know that giving them this gift means you have a standing invitation the next time they whip up a batch of pesto or hummus.
26 | This smartphone-controlled aroma diffuser
Anthropologie$59; buy now at Anthropologie
Traditional essential oil diffusers are notoriously tricky to use, and all but impossible to modify. Pura uses an app that allows users to control intensity, blend scents, create schedules, and warns when oil is running low. The unit even doubles as a customizable night light!
27 | This whiskey decanter set
Nordstrom$105; buy now at Nordstrom
Many an etiquette expert will tell you that it's impolite to show up at a party empty-handed. However, since there's a good chance that everyone else will be showing up with a bottle, you can make your own gift stand out from the pack by coming with this stylish whiskey decanter set in tow instead. And for more great presents for the members of your inner circle, check out these 30 Perfect Birthday Gifts Ideas for Your Best Friend.
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