Housewarming gifts are a venerable tradition. And we have some unique options! Skip the usual suspects — you know your friends will be inundated with candles, potted plants, flowers, and wine.

If you really want to bless the new homeowners, arrive with a gift that stands out. Here are some practical, clever, and memorable housewarming gifts that say: “I get you. Here’s something you’ll actually use.”

The concept of home 

It’s more than the thought that counts. Your gift and presence at a housewarming party or your first visit to their new home say so much more. It’s not just: “Congrats.” It’s: “I’m here for you.” A thoughtful gift says, “I want to help make this place feel like home.”

That being said, you don’t need to splurge on a housewarming gift. Marshalls and Homegoods are great places to start your search.

Return address stamp

This is an easy one, because it’s thoughtful and original without reinventing the wheel. It’s perfect for those future Christmas cards, thank yous, and snail mail. It adds a touch of class to the title of homeowner, especially if it’s their forever home.

From doormats, personalized cutting boards, garden signs, and even stationery (feel free to take these ideas too), anything custom with one’s name on it is usually a winner. 

Tiered serving tray 

Inspire a culture of hosting, community, and get-togethers by giving your new homeowner a tiered serving tray.  Whether thrifted or new, it’s a timeless piece that turns any spread into an invitation to connect.

Boardgames

The overlooked hero of every function! Classic board games like Clue, Scrabble, and Battleship often come in bookshelf editions that can be displayed for a classy look. Whether you want to spring for the fancy kind or not, board games bring life into the home and can even be played on the night of the housewarming!

Mortar and pestle 

Muddler, molcajete, hamam dasta, this age-old kitchen tool goes by many names. For the at-home chef, who has everything, or the crunchy one, who makes everything from scratch, this gift is the perfect find!

Framed photo of you and the homeowner with thank you cards  

This idea is simple with a whole lot of heart. Bonus: It can be put together on the cheap and the night before the housewarming! 

Outside-the-box salt and pepper shaker set

Need a personalized gift that can harmonize well with an inside joke? It’s all in the shakers. Whether brand-new or thrifted, a kitschy, old-fashioned salt and pepper shaker is thoughtful, unique, and fun. 

Herb garden seeds

This gift is for the green thumb. Instead of giving yet another potted plant or succulent (one whose life expectancy drops the minute it leaves the store), give seeds instead. 

Grocery list with a magnet for the fridge

This one is cute, easy, and pairs well with practically anything. It’s also something that a homeowner wouldn’t naturally spring for when buying essentials. It’s not only a thought, but a sweet detail to make the day-to-day run more smoothly.   

Restock the spice cabinet (so they don’t have to)

Put together a few uncommon spices, wrap them all up in a cute package, and voilà! The same can be done for olive oils, salad dressings, jams, tea, or coffee bags: the possibilities are endless. As long as you are intentional about your selections and have the right amount of ribbon, this gift is a unique and cute way to celebrate everyday rituals.

A lazy susan 

She is anything but lazy. This practical gift can be placed in the fridge or inside the cupboards to maximize storage. I currently have one in both places, and it’s a game-changer for miscellaneous spices, oils, honey, and even for drink storage. 

Essential oils diffuser 

Skip the candles and go for a gift that’s long-lasting with therapeutic health benefits. It’s an elevated way of saying: “take care of yourself and relax, get cozy in your new space, you’ve earned it!”

Table setting essentials 

Help your host get dinner-party ready with gifts that blend charm and function. Think matching dish towels—whether playfully witty or beautifully designed—to brighten up their kitchen. Placemats and cloth napkins with napkin rings that suit their style or home’s vibe are another thoughtful touch.

And don’t overlook decorative paper napkins and plates. Just because they’re disposable doesn’t mean they can’t be elegant. In fact, they’re perfect for effortless entertaining—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a last-minute gathering.

Cocktail shaker set 

Perfect for the aspiring mixologist or the seasoned sipper, this gift suits anyone who loves to craft a good drink—be it a bold brandy old-fashioned or a refreshing herbal mocktail. It’s made for the creative host who knows that good company deserves a great pour.

Consider including a wine key or bottle opener, too—because let’s be honest, you can never have too many, and they always seem to disappear when you need them most.