A while ago, I visited a friend's new house, just after she had been married. In every room, there were framed silver photos of her and her husband at their wedding, pillows emblazoned with images from their wedding, photo blankets of the happy couple, champagne glasses engraved with the date of their wedding… basically, her whole house looked like a weird museum to her wedding day. We're close enough that I could ask her about it. She looked a little overwhelmed and explained they'd all been gifts from friends and relatives, housewarming presents and wedding gifts that she felt she had to display — at least for a year or so, she said — because they were so personal, but she felt that while each one was kind of a nice thing, en masse, they were kind of…creepy.
This is all to say that as nicely-intentioned as some super-personalized trinkets can be, it's a good idea to remember that when we're shopping for a happy couple who have just moved into their new home, we're not the only ones doing so. And while the thought is what counts when it comes to housewarming gifts, it's not the only thing that counts. Personally, when I give a couple a nice gift, I don't want them to just enjoy the thought behind my action, I want to make sure they actually enjoy the gift, too. So here are a list of gifts that people actually want in their home. While a lot of these are really good for anyone (I defy anybody in their right mind to turn their nose up at takeout), there are a few that are better for some personality types than others. After all, while a gift doesn't need to have a couples' initials (or faces) printed on it to be personalized, some gifts should just really fit the people receiving it.
Self-Care Kit
Moving is stressful. And so is buying a gift for someone's home without being 100% sure of their personal style. Instead, consider give them a housewarming gift for themselves! This self-care kit will help them relax after a difficult move.
Self-Care Kit ($13, Papersource)
Pineapple Door Mat
Pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality, so they're the perfect pattern for a sweet new doormat.
Pineapple Door Mat ($30, Etsy)
Marble Catchall
Everyone has a catchall filled with paperclips and loose change. Not everyone has a marble catchall filled with paperclips and loose change. Instant life upgrade.
Marble Catchall ($13, CB2)
Electric Raclette Set
Raclette is like if fondue were cool (and way less 70s). It's a fantastic gift–and a great excuse for a party.
Electric Raclette Set ($35, Google Express)
Aloe Vera in Ezra Planter
We positively defy anyone to kill an aloe plant—no matter how black their thumb. These guys are great around a new home because they add a little green, help rid the air of formaldehyde, and should someone suffer a minor burn, just cut off a stalk and rub it on for instant relief.
Aloe Vera in Ezra Planter ($23, The Sill)
A Candle That Turns Into a Planter
These candles come in really yummy scents, and the best part: When the candle has burned down, it turns into a planter. The paper label is embedded with wildflower seeds, making this candle eco-friendly (and adorable).
A Candle That Turns Into a Planter ($30, The Growing Candle)
Brown Agate Coasters
Everyone needs coasters, and no one more than folks with a new home (and some fresh furniture to go with it). This set is beautiful and each one is unique.
Brown Agate Coasters ($50, CB2)
A Seamless Gift Card
Right after a move, the last thing anyone wants to think about is figuring out where the frying pan is—not to mention what to cook. Give the gift of Seamless, the ability to Just Not Think About It for another day.
A Seamless Gift Card (From $25, Seamless)
Bodum Chambord Copper 34 Ounce French Press
This pretty French press makes an incredible cup of coffee–and looks so beautiful, it can be left out for display.
Bodum Chambord Copper 34 Ounce French Press ($50, Crate and Barrel)
Metal Photo Frame
An elegant, simple photo frame is the gift of a memory–present it with a photo of a favorite memory together.
Metal Photo Frame ($13, H&M)
Gold Mercury Glass Votive Candleholders Set Of 3
Candles add a lot of atmosphere to any space, and this set of small votive candleholders will go with any space.
Gold Mercury Glass Votive Candleholders Set Of 3 ($12, World Market)
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws
Reusable straws are all the rage these days (and with good reason). They're environmentally friendly, cute–and this set of four comes with its own cleaning brush.
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws ($8, Bed Bath and Beyond)
Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives
What's better than a cheese board? Four cheese boards in one, complete with a built-in cheese knife set. This way, sweet and savory flavors don't mingle (unless that's what's desired). Anyone can be a host with one of these.
Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives Uncommon Goods ($42, Uncommon Goods)
Tillandsia Air Plant and Amethyst Crystal Cluster
Air plants are amazing because they require so little attention–and they look great in this amethyst cluster. Perfect for friends who are into crystals (even just as decor).
Tillandsia Air Plant and Amethyst Crystal Cluster ($15, Etsy)
Olio Verde Oil Olive Extra Virgin
A bottle of really nice olive oil is perfect because it's the kind of gift people feel is too indulgent to get themselves (but everyone really wants).
Olio Verde Oil Olive Extra Virgin ($21, Amazon)
Mirage Corkscrew
An iridescent corkscrew isn't the perfect gift for everyone (we're imagining Ron Swanson's reaction rn), but it is the dream housewarming gift for some (just imagine Leslie Knope's reaction).
Mirage Corkscrew ($8, Amazon)
Herringbone Soft Touch Throw
A soft, warm throw is the gift of coziness. This thoughtful gift is also customizable with a monogram.
Herringbone Soft Touch Throw ($20, West Elm)
Living Composter
Scientifically designed to be smell-free, this living composter is small enough to fit on a kitchen counter—and really helps reduce food waste. Super cool gift for a new home and a new green approach to life.
Living Composter ($200, Uncommon Goods)
Mystical Playlist Unicorn Shower Speaker
Perfect for friends with kids who hate bath time (or who just have a whimsical sense of style themselves). Waterproof, Bluetooth-enabled, and obviously the cutest thing ever, this speaker definitely makes baths way more fun.
Mystical Playlist Unicorn Shower Speaker ($40, Modcloth)
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*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
