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Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time for anyone, but it can also be stressful. That’s why finding a thoughtful or helpful housewarming gift can help them feel at home in their new apartment.
We’ve found gifts that include everything from apartment essentials to gifts that are fun, creative, and decorative. In this guide, you can find practical housewarming items from a set of mixing bowls and a dinnerware set to a stylish catchall tray and a coffee table book made for dog lovers. We’ve included gift ideas for the bedroom, bathroom, living spaces, and kitchen, so no matter what they need (or want!), you can find a great housewarming gift in this list.
Here are 46 practical and thoughtful gifts for their new apartment:
Amazon
Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Laptop Bed Lap Tray, available at Amazon, $39.96
Space is limited in an apartment, so this versatile lap desk will definitely come in handy. With its adjustable top and portable design, they can set up a workstation anywhere.
Spice House
Best of Spice House Collection, available at The Spice House, $195
A spice set is a perfect present for someone who has just moved into a new place. This practical gift includes 24 popular spices that will help the recipient tackle any recipe.
Amazon
“Dogs” by Lewis Blackwell and Tim Flatch, available at Amazon, $39.49
A coffee table book is lovely to look at and can also double as decor. This one has over 200 pages featuring all kinds of dogs and was created by an award-winning photographer.
Amazon
This is the perfect cookbook for the first few weeks when they’re tired of takeout and still haven’t unpacked all their pots and pans. In this new book, David Chang and coauthor Priya Krishna explain how to make fast, easy, and unpretentious meals at home.
If they already love to cook, check out some of our other favorite cookbooks.
Goldilocks
Utensil Set, available at Goldilocks, $80
Whether they’re a master chef or enjoy baking in their free time, Goldilocks’s 12-piece utensil set includes everything they need from mixing bowls to a grater to a fish spatula. Your giftee will appreciate this quality utensil set in their new kitchen.
Zola
Estelle Colored Wine Stemware (Set of 2), available at Zola and Estelle Colored Glass, from $84.99
Raise a glass to new beginnings in their new apartment with these colored wine glasses from Black-owned brand Estelle. The glasses come in pastel colors like blush pink, mint green, and coral peach, and are beloved by celebrities like Beyoncé. All of Estelle’s colored glassware is handblown in Poland.
The Sill
ZZ Plant, available at The Sill, $88
If your giftee loves plants, but can’t seem to keep them alive, the ZZ plant is a great option because it can thrive in low light and stores water, only needing to be watered every two to three weeks.
Amazon
Asakuki Smart Wi-Fi Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, $33.99
If they’re into essential oils and have an Amazon Echo, the Asakuki Smart Wi-Fi Essential Oil Diffuser could be an excellent gift. It’s compatible with Alexa, has seven lighting options, and has multiple mist settings. We picked this as the best essential oil diffuser for large rooms in our buying guide.
Maliah West/Insider
Summer Fern/Simple Modern Watercolor Bath Mat, available at Society6, $16.80
Bath mats are one of those necessities that no one likes to spend money on or think twice about. Shopping for one at Society6, you can support independent artists and choose a unique pattern that matches the new homeowner. We tested these mats and the non-slip backing keeps them in place even when soaked through.
Brightland
The Essential Capsule, available at Brightland, $112
Brightland specializes in creating authentic olive oils and vinegars without filler ingredients. The Essential Capsule set includes everything they’ll need to cook delicious meals in their new home.
Amazon
Brabantia Tasty+ Bowl, Colander, and Juicer Set, available at Amazon, $39.80
Space is often tight in apartment kitchens. All the pieces in this mixing bowl set stack for easy and compact storage. The set contains two large mixing bowls, a small colander, and a small container with a juicer lid — all the essentials they need to food prep in their new space.
Target
Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe Steam Mop, available at Target, Amazon, and Bissell, $102.99
Help them keep their floors clean with our top pick for the best steam mop. The mop sanitizes hardwood floors while scrubbing away stains and dirt.
Amazon
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, available at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy, $39.99
If they’re looking to cut cable out of their lives, a streaming stick is the way to go. It turns a regular TV into a smart TV by making all their favorite media apps like Netflix and Hulu available through a voice-controlled remote.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Simple Human Tension Shower Caddy, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, and Amazon, from $149.99
This shower caddy is one of the most useful things in my apartment. It uses an adjustable tension rod to hold itself into place and it can fit everything from a weirdly shaped bathtub ledge to a full floor-to-ceiling walk-in shower. It’s a little pricey, but Simplehuman is known for making quality home products that rarely if ever need to be replaced. I’ve had mine for more than three years and it hasn’t rusted at all (you can read my full review of it here). —Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Amazon
Power Strip with USB C, 3 Outlets 4 USB Ports, available at Amazon, $17.99
More likely than not, they’ll have frustratingly limited outlets in their new space. Help them solve their outlet shortage with this handy power strip which has three regular outlets, four USB ports, and one USB-C port. This power strip was also designed to allow space for another plug to be used in the second outlet and has a length of five feet.
Amazon
Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Extender Starter Kit, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot, from $10.09
Dusting is one of the less glamorous responsibilities that comes with moving into an apartment. This Swiffer Heavy Duty Extender Kit has everything they’ll need to get the job done quickly and efficiently, including 12 duster refills. The handle can extends up to three feet, making it easier to reach into corners and crevices.
Amazon
Umbra Hangit Photo Display, available at Amazon and Walmart, $20
If they’ve been in their apartment for several months and still have bare walls, this hanging wall mount display is the perfect fix. This display is easy to set up and is a fun way for them to incorporate their favorite memories into their space. It comes in several finishes including black, gold, and natural wood.
Chloé Seytre/Courtesy of Owen Burke/Insider
Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine, available at Amazon, $429.55
Kitchen gifts are always appreciated, and there’s nothing that accentuates a new kitchen quite like a powerful espresso machine. If you have the budget to treat a loved one, we recommend the top pick in our guide to the best espresso machines.
Amazon
Riedel O Stemless Wine Glasses (Set of 4), available at Amazon, $52.50
When my partner and I moved in together years ago, their mom bought us a nice set of tall, thin-stemmed wine glasses — likely because I had once served her Cabernet in a mason jar. Though I like using those to entertain occasionally, I prefer these stemless glasses that are much more casual and much less breakable (…kind of like a mason jar). —Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Brooklinen
Gift Card, available at Brooklinen, from $50
Our executive editor calls Brooklinen’s sheets one of the best purchases she’s ever made, and many of us at Insider Reviews feel the same way. Your giftee will be able to choose from quite a few weaves and materials as well as a huge selection of fun prints and colors. A basic full set costs around $130.
Mark and Graham
Greek Key Ceramic Catchall, available at Mark & Graham, from $19.99
Catch-all trays are the kind of gift that may seem underwhelming until you realize how useful they are. That was certainly the case when I was gifted one after college. Now I have a few of them around my apartment — one for keys and sunglasses by the door, one for my rings and jewelry by the bed, and another in the living room for lip balm, candle matches, and other small items. This one is customizable with their initials as an extra sweet touch.
Amazon
Nutribullet Pro Blender, available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond, from $89.99
They’re likely not going to need a full-sized blender for any reason other than making large batches of frozen margaritas. Gift them a personal-sized one for making healthy smoothies at home — and if they want to make a few frosty cocktails, they’ll just have to put in a little extra work.
Amazon
Eufy RoboVac 15C Max Robot Vacuum, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $249.99
Vacuuming is one of the great time-sucks in life — literally. Give them back their Sunday afternoons with the gift of a robot vacuum that’ll take the work out of cleaning the house. We love this vacuum as a budget option that performs well on carpet and hardwood. You can read a more thorough review this vacuum and our other favorites here.
West Elm
Loop Wall Hooks (set of 3), available at West Elm, from $33
If they’re living the big city life in a small city apartment, they’ll appreciate any extra storage they can get. These wall hooks can be hung up by the door to hold coats, keys, and bags, or they could go in the bedroom to store additional items that won’t fit in the closet.
Amazon
Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven, available at Williams-Sonoma, $420
A Le Creuset Dutch oven is one of those coveted kitchen items that most people don’t get until their weddings, if ever. It’s a special gift I only recommend giving to someone who really loves to cook. If you want to get them something a little less expensive but equally as useful, go for an eight- or nine-inch cast-iron skillet.
Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens also made our list of the All-Time Best Products we’ve ever tested.
Amazon
Black+Decker Programmable Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $48.34
They can brew tons of coffee in this classic coffee maker — a priceless gift, if you ask me. For under $50, this machine has helpful features like brew-pause and a digital display.
Wayfair
Jannike Folding Desk, available at Wayfair, $65.99
This desk makes an excellent gift for the person who works from home or enjoys writing. It’s easy to assemble, and if they want to optimize their space, the desk can be folded and stored away in a matter of seconds.
Williams-Sonoma
Smeg Two-Slice Toaster, available at Williams-Sonoma, from $199.95
If they don’t want to sacrifice design for functionality, Smeg’s kitchen tools and appliances are the way to go. We’ve deemed Smeg’s toaster the best for the design-obsessed for this exact reason.
TheDoormatory/Etsy
TheDoormatory Doormat, available at Etsy, from $35
A welcome mat is another home basic they’re going to need but aren’t going to want to purchase. This simple one is fun enough without bordering on tacky.
Otherland/Alyssa Powell/Insider
Otherland Candles, available at Otherland, $36 each or 3 for $89
Otherland’s candles have gorgeous packaging and intriguing scents (think: sandalwood and amber, or champagne and saffron). This is one gift you’ll love giving as much as they’ll love getting, and it will add a sweet touch to their space.
This is another product that made our All-Time Best list.
Amazon
Command Hooks (9-pack), available at Amazon, $10.99
You can never have enough Command Hooks, especially if you’re a renter who can’t nail anything into the wall. This multi-pack makes a great stocking stuffer.
West Elm
Deco Handle Tray, available at West Elm, from $76
Whether they have a proper bar cart or not, one simple way to add sophistication to space is to store liquor and/or barware on a pretty tray. This neutral option is great for anyone who entertains a lot — they can use it as a serving platter or hold their at-home minibar.
West Elm
Textured Utensil Holder, available at West Elm, $19.25
Unless they absolutely love to cook, a utensil crock probably won’t be the first thing on their mind when they move into a new space, so this is a smart and useful kitchen gift they’ll appreciate.
Redbubble
Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo Canvas Print (Medium, 12″x17″), available at Redbubble, $89.50
Redbubble helps more than 700,000 independent artists and designers share their work with the world through its online marketplace — all while committing to sustainable and socially responsible practices.
We love Redbubble’s original, quirky art printed on products ranging from canvas prints to cell phone cases to bath mats. This canvas print is a perfect piece of wall art for any Hitchcock film buff.
Crane & Canopy
Knotted Throw, available at Crane & Canopy, $89
This is the blanket we fight over in my house — it’s cozy, warm, breathable, and supremely soft. You’ll find it in a few different colors at Crane & Canopy.
Wayfair
Lakwanzaa Rustic Freestanding Coat Rack, available at Wayfair, $42.99
Coat racks can go overlooked, but they need a place to hang their hat (and coat) just like everyone else, especially now that they have a place to call their own. Rustic and modern at once, this one will work almost anywhere.
Casper
The Down Duvet (Full/Queen), available at Casper, $299
Casper makes three equally excellent comforters, but this one is the more basic option. Its stitched compartments keep the ethically-sourced down from spreading through the blanket, and the organic cotton shell is gentle and cooling.
Crane & Canopy
The Classic Hand Towels, available at Crane & Canopy, $18
Hand towels are a necessity made all the more fun when embroidered or monogrammed. Crane & Canopy offers a variety of colors and styles for a personalized touch.
West Elm
Onyx Marble Coaster (Set of 4), available at West Elm, $47.50
Hopefully, it’s a lesson they won’t ever have to learn the hard way: always use a coaster. If you get them this beautiful set, they’ll actually want to.
West Elm
Round Weave Laundry Baskets, available at West Elm, from $75
A laundry basket is another much-appreciated gift they’ll be thankful not to have to buy themselves. The lining of this one is removable, and if they already have a laundry basket, they can use it to store extra sets of sheets and towels.
Year & Day
Dinnerware, available at Year & Day, from $44
Most people’s first apartments (and the next few after that, if we’re being honest) feature cabinets full of mismatched plates, glasses, and mugs they’ve collected over time. Get them a new set of dishes, glasses, or flatware from Year & Day, one of our favorite startups out there. If you’re not ready to commit, you can read a full review of their dinnerware here. The Year & Day Big Bowls also made our list of the best things we’ve ever tested.
Amazon
Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $19.99
I swear by my salt lamp for creating a relaxing vibe at home. This one was gifted to me two years ago and I still use it every day.
Nordstrom
Diptyque Baies Room Spray, available at Nordstrom, $68
A room spray is a fun twist on the classic gift of scented candles — and you can’t go wrong with anything from Diptyque. During the cooler months, there’s nothing more gorgeous than the iconic, floral Baies (roses and blackcurrant leaves) scent, which you’ll find concentrated in this beautiful mist.
Amazon
Echo Dot 4th Generation, available at Amazon and Home Depot, from $49.99
You can’t go wrong when it comes to gifting the Echo Dot. It’s a small speaker with major power, and Alexa can answer all their questions about the weather, traffic, and more. They’ll also be able to play music, games, and control other smart devices around the house.
This one also tops the list of the All-Time Best products we’ve tested.
Best Buy
SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker, available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart, from $104.13
If La Croix sparkling water is their main source of hydration, they’ll love having a SodaStream around to make seltzer on demand. They can flavor it with drops meant to taste just like the real thing or create their own infusions — either way, they’ll save a lot of money over time.
Target
Cole Classics Square Storage Ottoman, available at Target, from $119.99
Every extra ounce of storage space matters in a small apartment, which is why this storage ottoman makes a perfect (and decor-neutral) gift. The lid lifts to reveal enough space for throw blankets and a pair of slippers.