27 Practical Housewarming Gifts for the New Homeowner

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!

$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.

$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.

$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!

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$100; buy now at Nordstrom Rackae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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?

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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.

$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!

$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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