The 32 Best Housewarming Gifts

The dishwasher-safe Falcon Enamelware 3-Pint Jug would look good serving mint-flecked mojitos, Arnold Palmers, or good old-fashioned ice water. Unlike glass, the ceramic-coated steel isn’t prone to nicking and shattering. And the tall, slightly tapered pitcher comes in almost 20 modern colors, like mustard yellow, tarragon green, and a blue-trimmed white. For a jaunty flourish, present it with a tall bouquet of fresh flowers overflowing from the jug’s mouth.

Document safes and security cameras are worthwhile if somewhat starkly utilitarian gifts for new homeowners. Slightly cheekier is the Empty Book, a 7-by-5.5-inch canvas-covered, velvet-lined box ideal for wads of cash, jewelry, or a small stash of weed. The distressed covers sport technical titles, including Rapid Identification of Some Metals and Alloys, that are unlikely to entice anyone to leaf through their nonexistent pages. Offered in four muted shades, the books are playful and practical, ideal as objects of curiosity displayed on a coffee table or nestled discreetly on a shelf.

Nothing says “You really live here now” quite like custom stationery, and this is one gift you can be sure they don’t have already. We love the Papier Wave Border Notecard Set, but if you think a different design might better suit their style, Papier has plenty of other options to choose from. The paper is thick and nicely textured, and the personalization module is easy to use, with almost 20 classy fonts on offer. Plus, you can choose from three envelopes, including ones printed with the return address for an additional fee.

This shapely borosilicate vase resembles a fully ripe Bartlett pear, complete with a leafy green accent. At 3.75 by 2.75 inches, the petite vessel is about the size of the actual fruit and would neatly fit on a bookshelf or small side table. It can hold one stem, but it’s artful enough to stand solo. Aesthetic loveliness aside, pears symbolize beneficent abundance, an ideal sentiment for friends christening a new home.

The Botanica Flameless Lighter, which comes in six attractive color combos, more closely resembles a fancy pen than a Zippo. Just slide away the safety switch, and two small rods protrude to spark a hot arc of plasma (ionized gas). This lighter is smoother to use than finicky matches, and it is less of an eyesore than gas-station lighters. Equipped with a USB port and a 5-inch cable, the windproof lighter is also rechargeable and butane-free. Similar to those of other flameless lighters, its ignition emits a soft, high-pitched sound that can irritate some people and animals; our tester was unbothered.

One of the great joys of being a new homeowner (or renter) is hosting friends and family in the space. This typically calls for celebratory drinks—lots of ’em. The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails is an encyclopedic assistant that features over 400 classic and contemporary cocktails, all organized within wide-ranging drink categories, such as martinis, Manhattans, and sangrias. What sets the book apart, though, are the artful accompanying essays from food and drink experts, including New York Times contributors Robert Simonson and Rosie Schaap and bartender Toby Cecchini (the somewhat reluctant inventor of the cosmopolitan).

If your loved one has forwarded you the Zillow listing for their new digs, you have a bespoke housewarming gift right at your fingertips. Just submit a high-res image of the front of the home to MyDaVinci (don’t let the Y2K-style website deter you), and choose an artistic medium, from a softly dappled watercolor to a restrained pencil sketch to a rich oil painting. Three or so days later, you’ll receive a quaint, artful, and accurate proof to review. The company offers a generous satisfaction guarantee, with options for unlimited revisions, changing the artist, or even a full refund. But you won’t need it. We ordered a simple, 5-by-7-inch watercolor of a family cabin pictured above, and we got an instant heirloom that has elicited compliments from every visitor.

Whether a new homeowner is calling their people in from the back 40 or from the home office, this Old West–style dinner bell is truly effective. While it’s from Lodge, maker of our favorite cast-iron skillet, it’s made of steel (not cast iron) and outfitted with a striker and a leather hanging strap. This thing gets louder the harder you hit it, so it can quickly train family members and pets to come running when dinner is ready. Some users have complained about the paint chipping, but we appreciate the well-earned patina.

At Wirecutter, every employee gets a Maui Gold Pineapple on their yearly work anniversary, and we always look forward to receiving these tropical beauties. Picked ripe from the fields in Maui and shipped to arrive within two days, they are ready to eat immediately. If your recipient falls in love with this pineapple, the Maui Pineapple Store also offers a monthly or quarterly subscription service.

The oldest backgammon board ever discovered is dated around 3000 BC, and the game has been enthusiastically played ever since. MoMA’s Colorplay Backgammon Set is a decidedly modern take on the ancient game, and it’s pretty enough to leave out as decor. The stones are made of beechwood and plastic, so they don’t have the pleasing heft of some other versions. But this set is not flimsy, and it folds nicely for storing or taking along.

Part slippers, part socks, the Merippa Reversible House Shoes are a modern, machine-washable variation on uwabaki—Japanese house slippers. These shoes are softer and warmer than their traditional counterparts, and they come in a plethora of colors and patterns. The slippers boast a two-in-one reversible design, and they roll up into compact balls, for Marie Kondo–approved packing. Wirecutter’s Gregory Han keeps a striped pair in his Southern California home office to wear on colder mornings, and they’re also great to have on hand for guests, if your home is a shoe-free zone.

There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelit home, but there’s also nothing scarier than the idea of an unattended flame. The Wick Portable Table Lamp offers a high-tech solution: an LED light based on the form and function of a traditional chamber stick. The touch-sensor lamp glows warmly, like a real candle, but depending on which of its four brightness settings is activated, it can stay “lit” for 12 to 115 (!) hours between charges. There’s even a pulse mode to mimic the flicker of genuine candlelight. And if this lamp is brought outside, the breeze won’t blow it out.

For someone who is getting to know a new place—or is still pining for the sights and streets of their former home—consider the Personalized Hometown Puzzle. This custom-printed, 400-piece puzzle is designed from a map covering 4 miles north/south and 6 miles east/west of the recipient’s address. The box features a generic image, but it contains a folded, full-color map of the location, so they will have something to follow. A note on addresses situated near a big body of water: There will be a lot of extra-challenging solid blue pieces.

For the hard-to-please friend or the proverbial pal who has everything, the GurglePot Fish Pitcher would be a charming new-home companion—just ask passionate fan Mandy Patinkin. It’s made of durable stoneware and comes in a kaleidoscope of different colors. And as it pours, this 42-ounce vessel makes a soft and pleasant gurgling sound, not unlike that of a babbling creek (this could be considered cute or cheeky, depending on the recipient). Supervising editor Hannah Morrill also uses hers as a flower vase.

If you’re thinking, “Wait, that doesn’t look like a pig,” you’re right (some corners of the internet say this use is Scottish slang for an earthenware container). Regardless, the Emile Henry Salt Pig is a step up from most countertop salt containers. The curved, open vessel is easy to pinch from, yet it protects salt from spills and splatters. The unglazed interior also absorbs moisture, so the crystals inside won’t cake or crust.

There is perhaps no time someone will be more finicky about rings on the table as when said table is brand new. If a recently relocated pal has also invested in a few new pieces, these colorful merino wool assortments from Graf Lantz will be much appreciated. Among our staffers’ favorites, the absorbent felt coasters suck up condensation from the chilliest glasses and insulate from the heat damage of piping coffee mugs. Supervising editor Hannah Morrill reports that even after she’s used hers for nine years, their vibrant tones haven’t faded. And though they do eventually collect dust, a swift pass with a lint roller easily revives them.

Houseplants sometimes don’t survive moves, but even if they do, it’s nice to outfit a new home with more fresh greenery. Rooted is our favorite spot to buy plants for gifts online, thanks to the company’s affordability, easy-to-use website, and well-packed and labeled shipments. And the Baby Pet-Friendly Box offers a trio of houseplants that won’t sicken dogs or cats who like to chew on leaves. Each comes with three mini terracotta planters with drainage holes.

For a unique alternative to chocolates, try the melt-in-your-mouth Seed & Mill Best Sellers Halva Trio from the New York City confectioner. Whether your recipient will be serving this halva to guests visiting their new home or just snacking on it while unpacking, the nutty, flaky bars are a rich, unexpected treat. The three flavors here—Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Toasted Sesame, and Pistachio—are so decadent that the person who receives this gift might be surprised to learn the bars are vegan, gluten-free, and certified kosher. And if the recipient is a baker or loves experimenting in the kitchen, this gift is even better: Halva makes a nutty addition to brownies, ice cream, and more.

First designed in 1982 by a family owned Danish company, the teakwood Skagerak Fionia Tray retains aesthetic charm, thanks to its intricate, checkered inlay and minimalist lines. Teak’s moisture-, heat-, and light-resistant properties make this tray an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use. The 19-by-13-inch tray’s sturdy handles and deep sides make it well suited for schlepping cocktails and appetizers to the patio or for delivering breakfast in bed. When it’s not in service, this tray is lovely atop a coffee or console table, adorned with a vase of flowers and a stack of books.

A dose of stress relief is a no-brainer for the recently relocated. For some, a weighted blanket can simulate the coziness and comfort of a warm hug from a loved one or, at the very least, encourage rest and sleep. The machine-washable Bearaby Cotton Napper—the most beautiful and least institutional-feeling option we tested for our guide to weighted blankets—is as natty and comfortable as a chic, oversize sweater. The blanket’s chunky, loose-knit cotton yarn is warm but doesn’t overheat, and it comes in five colors, so you’re sure to find a hue to suit the recipient’s new home. It’s available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound versions; for most resters, the 15- or 20-pound option is a good bet.

The Nix Mini 2 Color Sensor is a rechargeable handheld scanner that connects to an Android- or iOS-compatible app, captures any surface color, and matches it to a catalog of 150,000 paint swatches from Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar, Sherwin-Williams, and other brands. Beyond interior paints, the pocketable Nix Mini 2 is capable of extracting color values from upholstered furniture, wall prints, bedding, and other decorative items, to improve the odds that your interior decor will appear planned (as opposed to being a random mishmash of disparate favorites).

The Hasami Mug is a favorite among Wirecutter staffers, thanks to its timeless aesthetic, which works beautifully in nearly any home. Each mug is made and glazed by hand, so slight variations in color and finish are all part of the charm. They’re also stackable and microwave-safe, so they can be used every day. Pair a couple of mugs with one of our favorite teapots, such as the Hario ChaCha Kyusu “Maru” Teapot. Then, once the new homeowner is settled in, invite yourself over, and arrive with a favorite tea blend in hand to help warm the house in person.

If your loved one is an introvert who sometimes needs “alone time,” they may certainly empathize with the humorous, passive-aggressive messaging this reversible doormat serves up. One side welcomes everyone with a friendly, “Come in.” Flip it around, and the uninvited will probably feel more amused than offended by the curt, cursive demand to scram. It’s made from compostable coconut coir, but it has a non-compostable, nonslip backing.

Burning incense at home is a lovely ritual that leaves the home smelling gorgeous. But cleaning up the ash left behind is a little less enchanting. With its slightly depressed top, Maison Balzac’s chic and simple Pebble Incense Holder is designed to hold incense and neatly catch the spent remains. It’s made of shatter-resistant borosilicate glass, so it’s tougher than its delicate curves let on. Pair it with P.F. Candle Co.’s Golden Coast Incense Sticks, which capture the scent of Northern California—sun-warmed coastal sage, sea salt, eucalyptus, palo santo, and redwood.

Silicone oven mitts are a terrific upgrade from traditional mitts, but frankly, most look like garish cat-grooming gloves. That’s why these cotton-silicone hybrids are such a gem. Among the oven mitts and pot holders we tested, the Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts (which come in a pack of two) offer the best combo of good looks and good coverage. They’re heat-safe up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit and long enough to protect against splatters or hot handles (up to the tops of your forearms). These mitts are an ideal gift for the prolific baker or even the aspiring backyard-BBQ pit master.

The maker of one of our favorite gift baskets, Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor, Michigan specialty food shop whose delicious offerings have attracted fans from across the country. The Weekender Gift Box includes some of its most popular items, such as the Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Zingerman’s Peanut Brittle, Holy Cow Beef Sticks, Nor’easter Cabot Cheddar, and Zingerman’s Farm Bread. All of the contents have a relatively long shelf life, so the recipients can nosh for days while unpacking.

Don’t be fooled by the 5-inch size of Iris Hantverk’s oiled-beechwood-and-horsehair Table Dustpan and Brush Set. Due to its compact dimensions, this set can be tucked anywhere around the house for cleaning up dust, crumbs, and other small debris, and the soft bristles won’t mar most surfaces. Since the brush nests neatly into the half-circle dustpan, it stays out of the way between uses. Give a set to your tidiest friend, particularly if they grind their own coffee beans—they’ll appreciate how easy it is to sweep up between brew sessions.

An elegant tablecloth can elevate a simple meal into a special occasion, and it will likely inspire your loved one to fill their new home with friends. Rough Linen’s Smooth Linen Table Cloth is among the best we found in our testing (and, contrary to the company’s name, it is ridiculously soft). Made from 100% Belgian linen, this table cloth is machine-washable and resistant to puckers and wrinkles (though it’s easy to steam or iron). Many new-home dwellers may already own a set of neutral linens, but Rough Linen’s offerings come in a range of subtle colors befitting of both holiday parties and festive taco nights. We also love the rougher Orkney Linen Tablecloth, for a more-relaxed vibe.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a slow-simmered meal, and any serious cook knows that Dutch ovens, which heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven, are the right vessel for the job. Lodge’s 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is our top pick. It performed just as well as pricier models we tested, and the large handles make it easy to carry—even when it’s weighed down by, say, a hefty roast or a batch of Super Bowl chili. Thanks to an assortment of cheery color options, this Dutch oven also looks darling sitting on the stove or table.

Many Jewish homes have a mezuzah (a decorative casing that holds a parchment inscribed with a prayer) affixed to the door frame as a reminder of God’s presence. This pretty brass version, from New York City–based designer Jonathan Adler, is made from solid brass, and it’s coated with lacquer to help keep it rust-free in rough weather. Note: It does not come with the klaf (prayer-inscribed parchment), but you can find one at most Judaica shops.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

Dorie Chevlen contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.