Our Favorite Housewarming Gifts For Every Budget

A great way to bless a home is by getting someone a good housewarming gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, it just has to be from the heart.

It can be overwhelming trying to pick out the right gift for someone who just moved into a new home. You want it to be something they’ll actually use but still genuinely enjoy. If you struggle with coming up with ideas for the perfect housewarming gifts for your friends and family, we’re here to help. 

“Certain gifts have universal appeal and can suit a variety of personalities and preferences,” says Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. “A personalized welcome mat, a monogrammed picture frame, or a set of embroidered linen cocktail napkins are practical and thoughtful choices. A cozy throw blanket or a succulent plant can add a touch of comfort to any living space.”

Whether they’re moving into a new apartment or buying a house, we’ve found gifts to welcome anyone home, including products tested firsthand by our editors. From customizable keychains to cookware, here are our top gift picks for everyone in your life. 

Under $25 

Santa Barbara Design Studio Keychain

There’s nothing like getting the keys to your first place. It makes everything feel real. Help your friend or family member celebrate their new home by gifting them this fun keychain. 

The vintage motel design is fun and features the phrase “Keys To My Happy Place” on it. It has a metal double jump ring to keep keys securely on the keychain. They’ll always be able to find their keys and every day they’ll be able to think back on the happy memory of you giving them their happy place keychain. 

Jennice House Kitchen Potholders Trivets Set

Anyone who has pots needs pot holders. This set of three from Amazon comes in four different color schemes, including pink, purple, gray, and blue. They’re made from 100% cotton thread weave, so they’ll last awhile. 

The best part about these particular pot holders is that they are multipurpose. You can use them as coasters and spoon rests as well. And given the price, it could be worth purchasing more than one set and keeping them on hand for last-minute housewarming parties.

Morigins Swedish Dishcloths

Dishcloths don’t have to be boring. This six-pack of dishcloths comes in a variety of fun patterns. These are reusable, machine washable, and dishwasher safe. And they’re compostable and biodegradable, so they’re great for someone who prioritizes sustainability. 

In two hours, the cloths will dry by up to 50%. Each cloth can also absorb 20 times its own weight in liquid. They clean all surfaces including ceramic, glass, metal, and more. These stylish dishcloths make cleaning a little less humdrum. 

Cowboy Boot Photo Stand

This is the perfect gift for someone who likes to capture moments. A picture can be worth a thousand words and can hold a memory someone can treasure forever. This fun cowboy boot photo stand is great for the photographer in your life. 

The ceramic picture holder is made for Polaroids but can hold other pictures as well. You can even include a picture of yourself and other family members with the gift. They’ll appreciate the heartfelt gift and always have a piece of you with them. 

Gobel Madeleine Sheet Pan

If your homeowner loves to bake, then this would be a great gift to give them. This 15- by 9-inch Madeline nonstick pan bakes 12 Madeleine cookies. They’ll make delicious cookies every time, fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside.

Made in France, the steel pan conducts heat evenly with no grease or oil needed. They can also utilize the pan to make other things like candies and shortbreads.

iCustomWeddings Personalized Coasters

These coasters can be made for literally anyone—the seller gives you the option to add names and a year to each. Whether you’re getting it for newlyweds who just moved into a new home or someone moving into their first apartment, they’ll love these coasters. They look way more expensive than they are, and it’ll help the receiver protect the furniture in their new home.

Vadaka 2024 New Home Keychain Set

Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the most special. This keychain will help celebrate the new homeowner's milestone. 

It comes with two keychains that join together to make a heart. Each has little home charms and says “Home Sweet Home,” with 2024 at the bottom. At only $10, it’s an affordable gift that they’re sure to love. It makes a great moving day gift that can be given to a couple, best friends, siblings, or housemates. 

Sara Luke Creative Custom Return Address Stamp

Personal and practical, this custom address stamp will help them personalize their snail mail and make sure all their recipients have their new address. Choose from a wood stamp, a wood stamp with a handle, or a self-inking stamp.

Under $50

Grateful Gnome Large Blue Egg Hummingbird Feeder

This hand-blown glass feeder will make a statement in their new outdoor space. In fact, we named this our favorite decorative hummingbird feeder for its colorful glass and generous 36-ounce size that required less frequent fillings.

State Spoon Rest 

These state-shaped spoon rests can also be used for keys or jewelry. Each one is unique, handcrafted, and made of stoneware. It adds a bit of personality to the kitchen and can either be used to represent their home away from home or the state they now call home.

Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp

This functional decor is a great gift for candle lovers. The candle warmer lamp will allow them to enjoy candles without an open flame. The dimmer, which has several brightness adjustment options, will give them control over the speed at which the candle or wax burns.

The wooden base and glass lampshade are far enough apart to fit popular candle brands like Yankee Candles. And though it looks elegant and expensive, it’s less than $50.

Lenox 2024 Our New Home Front Door Ornament

Help them to commemorate their move with this keepsake ornament. This front door ornament from Lenox will help the homeowner look back on moving and smile every year.

They’ll place it on their tree and always remember the times they shared with you in their new home. Since these ornaments include the year, they can even collect one every year they’re in their home and make it a new tradition. 

Coco Mats ‘N More Coir Personalized Doormat

Nothing says welcome home more than a welcome mat. A doormat can be an item people forget to pick up in the chaos of getting other necessities for their home. Bringing it as a gift will help knock one thing off of your loved one’s list. 

"I think a nice doormat is something everyone needs for a new home but might not think about. It's almost like gifting a little first impression!" says Mary Shannon Hodes, digital editor.

Made in the U.S. from natural coir, this personalized doormat comes printed with a custom monogram letter for a personal touch.

Homesick Candle New Home Candle

Homesick is a great home fragrance brand that sells candles for every occasion. This new home candle is made for anyone moving into a new space. With that fresh, new home smell, this would be perfect to light while guests are over or for the new homeowner who wants to relax after unpacking and moving in. With top notes of jasmine and cedarwood, this candle is sure to make any house smell like home. 

Sweetgrass Home Harbor Stripe Tissue Box Cover

"I've never thought to buy myself a tissue box cover, but loved receiving one as a gift!" says Besty Cribb Watson, senior home and features editor. "This one from North Carolina-based Sweetgrass Home is adorable—plus it comes in lots of colors so you can choose one that best suits their decor."

Friend of Mine Dinner Cards 

From Dallas-based influencer and House Guest podcast host Kenzie Elizabeth, Friend of Mine was created to inspire others to host and enjoy gathering together.

These dinner cards are the perfect gift for a new homeowner. The deck has 59 cards, each with a different question that will spark interesting conversation. They can use the first dinner party hosted in their new home to learn more about their guests.

Aromatique White Amaryllis & Rosemary Reed Diffuser Set

A diffuser is a great way to keep the house smelling fresh for weeks. This Arkansas-brand brand has many scents to choose from, but we especially like the White Amaryllis and Rosemary fragrance that has notes of lemon, rosemary, ginger, oak moss, and cardamom.

"I recently gave this scent to my mom and it was a hit!" says Melanie Fincher, shopping editor. "It's a complex yet calming scent that's perfect for anywhere in the home."

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

If you know someone with allergies, then this is a gift they’ll appreciate. This Honeywell humidifier blows a cool mist, adding moisture to the air that will help keep the home's humidity level adequate.

Unlike other humidifiers, this one keeps quiet, so it won’t disturb them at night. It also shuts off automatically and can run for 24 hours. The water tank is half a gallon and there’s an essential oil tray. There’s also no filter needed, so it’s quick and easy to use. It’s a nice size that can fit in a small space and provide relief in any home. 

Biscuit Home Cowboy Boot Tip Towel 

These hand-embroidered tip towels make a cool gift. The cowboy boot design is playful yet chic. They’re 100% linen and super unique.

The Houston-based brand Biscuit has plenty of tip towel designs to choose from to create a whole set. If you want to stick with the Western theme, there’s also a cowboy tip towel and coasters. These would be perfect for a housewarming or dinner party. 

Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker

The Takeya Flash Chill earned our top spot during iced tea maker testing. It produced delicious iced tea for us in just 30 seconds. If the new homeowner in your life loves to entertain, this pitcher while ensure they don't keep guests and family waiting for refreshments.

Mark & Graham Wood Margarita Board

Who doesn’t love a good margarita? With the help of this Mark & Graham margarita board, anyone can be a mixologist at home. It’s made of certified wood bamboo, so it has a nice sleek look. Plus, it includes laser-engraved monogramming for that extra personal touch. 

There’s enough room to cut limes and place them next to your drink on the wood board. There’s also a handy circle for salting the rim of your glasses. This is great for hosting and having guests over. The person you're giving it to will think of you each time they make a drink after a long day. 

Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin

A great part of Southern culture is passing down family traditions. If your family likes to cook, some of those traditions include family dinners on holidays. Whether it’s a secret chili or a special banana pudding, getting ahold of family recipes is a gift in itself. This recipe tin can make the taste even sweeter. You can put family recipes in the tin and give it to someone moving into a new place. 

This particular recipe holder comes with 24 cards to write recipes on and 12 dividers. It has a darling floral design with a gold-framed label and a gold metallic interior. Be sure to leave a few cards blank so they can add family recipes of their own.

Sydney Hale Co. Garden Mint Candle

"You can never go wrong with a candle," says Betsy Cribb Watson. "It's a surefire way to make even their unpacking chaos feel a little more home-y. I especially love this one from Richmond, Virginia-based brand Sydney Hale, which donates a portion of its proceeds to community organizations. Win, win!"

The New Southern Style: The Interiors of a Lifestyle and Design Movement by Alyssa Rosenheck

Know someone moving into a new Southern home? Get them a Southern coffee table book. Alyssa Rosenheck, a former Southern Living contributor, takes readers on a tour of over 30 homes and discusses Southern interior design. It will give any new homeowner inspiration for decorating their brand-new home. 

The book includes beautiful images and interviews with designers and artists. Whether they know a lot about architecture and interior design or just appreciate it, they’ll enjoy this book. It would also look great sitting on a coffee table—guests will surely want to pick it up and enjoy it as well.

Mark & Graham Wood and Marble Beveled Cheese Board

A nice cheese board works as a great gift for someone who likes to host. This one from Mark & Graham is made with wood and either white or charcoal marble. The look of the board is sleek and is sure to impress. You can personalize it for an additional $13 by adding initials, and there are various font styles to choose from. 

The small size board is great for serving one to two people, and the large size is ideal for serving a group. This gift will make movie and game nights a whole lot better. 

Lark Handmade Porcelain State Platter

Help them rep the state they call home with this state-shaped serving platter. This will be the star of the show at any gathering. They can use it to serve everything from breakfast to dessert. 

The platter itself is handmade from porcelain and finished with a white glaze. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe, too. It’s easy to pull out when guests come over and will be greatly appreciated as a housewarming gift, especially if the person likes to host or has a big family. 

Under $100

Artificer Woodworks Home Sweet Home Classic Wine Box

Home is where the wine is. Handmade in the U.S., this Artificer Woodworks house wine box is the perfect housewarming gift. It fits most standard wine bottles and has a pineapple design on the front with the saying “Home Sweet Home.”

You can also get a message engraved inside the box for free and add a handwritten card. Pair it with their favorite wine, and you’ve got a top-tier housewarming gift. They’ll be able to keep the box forever and always think of you while using it.

Petite Plume Women’s Twill Robe 

After all the stress of moving and unpacking, rest and relaxation are needed most. Gift your loved one a robe, like this one from Petite Plume, so they can have a chill night in their new home.

This robe has a beautiful gingham print available in both blue and pink and is made of 100% cotton. You can also have it monogrammed for an additional fee.

L.L. Bean Fisherman Cabled Fleece Throw

This fleece throw blanket is great for someone who likes to spend a lot of time on the couch reading or watching TV. The cable knit fleece is nice and soft and will keep them cozy all winter long.

It’s machine washable and made of 100% acrylic and polyester. It comes in four colors, classic navy, cream, dark red, and feldspar, all perfect for holiday season. 

Anthropologie Waterfall Stemless Wine Glass Set

Anthropologie is known for its beautiful glassware, and this set is no different. This stemless wine glass set includes four 10-ounce glasses, each with a sophisticated gold rim.

The glasses come in clear, pink, mint, honey, and blue. All the colors are gorgeous and would make the perfect first dinner gift paired with a nice bottle of wine. If they like this gift, Anthropologie has a whole Waterfall collection with matching items like flutes and a carafe. 

Uncommon Goods Personalized Book Nook Reading Valet 

This personalized book nook is perfect for the reader in your life. It features a dedicated spot for a book (where they can save their place), and there’s space for a phone, reading glasses, and a beverage. You can even personalize the bookplate by adding the name of your choice and including a decorative icon. They can put it on their nightstand or wherever their favorite reading spot is. 

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A coffee maker under $100 is a steal. This mini Keurig is great for anyone moving into a smaller place. Since it’s under 5 pounds and just 5 inches wide, its size allows it to fit on almost any kitchen counter.

There’s also a cord storage compartment in the back so you can really save space. This also makes it portable and easy to move anywhere. It makes up to 8 ounces of coffee with the touch of a button. There are six colors to choose from. 

Cuisinart Classic Triple-Rivet 15-Piece Knife Block Set

A quality knife set is a necessity in any home. This 15-piece set from Cuisinart comes with a chef’s knife, slice knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, two paring knives, six steak knives, a sharpening steel, all-purpose shears, and a wooden block. The set is great for beginners, since it’s made with an extra-wide forged safety bolster for better stability and control.

Under $250

MaKenzie-Childs Courtly Check 2 Quart Tea Kettle 

A new kettle is perfect for a new home. This 2-quart tea kettle from MacKenzie-Childs has a pretty checkered design. If you wish to create a custom set, there are teacups, sugar bowls, and more of the same design.

It’s rimmed with bronzed stainless steel with brass accents and a wooden handle. Any tea lover will enjoy the hand-glazed and hand-painted kettle in their new home. 

Our Place Home Cook Duo

If you know someone who loves to cook, then this cookware set is their dream come true. Moving into a new home is already expensive, and buying cookware just adds to that already extreme cost. 

Even though it’s on the pricey side, this Our Place Cook Duo set is a great investment. It comes with two of the brand's best sellers, the Perfect Pot and the Always Pan 2.0. The Perfect Pot can be used in the oven or on the stovetop with a special eight-in-one design. You can use it to bake, fry, roast, and so much more. The Always Pan 2.0 can steam, saute, sear, and more. It’s compatible with all cooktops and has a Thermakind ceramic nonstick coating. 

Cocktail Kingdom Essential Copper-Plated Cocktail Set

Stock their bar cart or cabinet in one fell swoop with this elegant, copper-plated barware set from Cocktail Kingdom. "This set looks so nice displayed on my bar cabinet, and it has everything I need to make cocktails when guests come over," says Melanie Fincher. "Plus, the copper-plated design is a nice change of pace from the typical stainless steel bar tools."

Questions and Answers

How much should you spend on a housewarming gift? 

Other than the gift itself, figuring out how much to spend is the biggest obstacle while shopping for a housewarming gift. This is personal and depends on your financial situation. Durr recommends spending $20 to $50 on a gift, but at the end of the day, you’ll be able to make the best call for you. 

Whitmore says, “The price of a housewarming gift can vary greatly based on your relationship with the recipient and your budget. Generally, it’s the thought and effort that counts the most.” 

At the end of the day, the price of the gift doesn’t matter. If it’s meaningful to the person you’re giving it to, no matter the cost, they’ll appreciate the gift. “A modest yet meaningful gift can convey your best wishes just as effectively as a lavish one. Consider factors like your relationship, your own financial situation, and the local customs,” adds Whitmore.

Do you have to give someone a housewarming gift?

A housewarming gift isn’t always given when someone moves into a new home. “It’s not required, however, if you are unable to get a gift, a special card congratulating them on their new home would also be kind,” says Durr. 

Some people have housewarming gatherings or get-togethers when they first move in to commemorate the occasion. Others may have unpacking parties or simply invite friends and family over for dinner once they’re settled in. Depending on the situation, a gift may or may not be necessary.

“While there’s no strict obligation to give a housewarming gift, it’s a lovely way to show your support and happiness for the recipient,” says Whitmore. “Your presence at the housewarming celebration is already appreciated, but a thoughtful gift adds a special touch.” 

What are some good last-minute housewarming gift ideas?

You may be invited over to a celebration that’s coming up soon or might have waited too long to pick up a gift. Durr recommends things like gift cards and quilts for anyone needing to buy someone a last-minute housewarming gift.

There are many items at your local shopping center or convenience store that are acceptable gifts. “Consider items like scented candles, a cheese board, a bird feeder, potted plants, artisanal chocolates, or a bottle of fine wine,” says Whitmore. “These items are easily accessible and can still be presented with a personal touch.”

Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by EnJanae’ Taylor, contributing writer for Southern Living who has written shoppable content for various publications for over three years. To curate this list, she relied on firsthand testing by Southern Living editors as well as her own knowledge of the best gifts across a variety of categories. For expert insight, EnJanae’ spoke to Karryl Durr, an etiquette consultant who runs The Swann School of Protocol in Baton Rouge, as well as etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. Melanie Fincher, an editor for Southern Living, also contributed to this guide.