For first-time homebuyers, buying a home is both stressful and a reason to celebrate. If you like joining in on the celebration and giving a nice housewarming gift, we’ve got ideas for you.

There are few events that are as exciting as when your friend, loved one or client takes the plunge and purchases their very first home. Like most major life events, purchasing and moving into a new home can be very stressful.

For first-time buyers, it’s both an intimidating time — making what is likely their largest financial commitment to date — and a time to celebrate.

If you like joining in on the celebration by giving a nice housewarming gift, we’ve got ideas for you that include something for everyone — from the practical to the whimsical.

1. Tools

Photo by Eugen Str on Unsplash

First-time homeowners might never have had to take care of their own home before, most likely moving from a rental, and in cities like New York residing in buildings with live-in superintendents who are available at any time to help fix issues.

This all-in-one tool is very practical, doesn’t take up a lot of space and is not intimidating to a newbie handy person. In addition, any new homeowner will need a solid power drill to hang pictures or put together furniture — help them out with one of these gifts!

2. Plants

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

It’s always nice to bring flowers as a housewarming gift to brighten up a room and to help decorate.

However, the truth is that regardless of how beautiful a bouquet is, it eventually fades and gets thrown out. Succulents are beautiful, fragrant, and they last! Some come in cute, quirky pots to truly make a statement in the new home.

3. Candle

Photo by Arnold Leung on Unsplash

A simple go-to gift when visiting someone’s new home is a candle. Diptyque and Atelier Cologne both offer some amazing scents to match any décor or personality.

4. Bubbles

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

If you are looking for something practical and environmentally friendly, the Soda Stream range of products are perfect. With Soda Stream you can make your own sparkling water at home without having to purchase plastic or glass bottles every week.

Once the carbonation cylinder runs out of gas, you can exchange it for a new one at a discounted price at various locations. This gift helps new homeowners stay hydrated and reduces unnecessary waste — a win-win.

5. Wine

Personal Creations / Flickr

For those who enjoy a nice glass of wine or a drink, a beautiful decanter is a perfect move-in gift. Not only are they practical, but make for nice decoration as well. Georg Jensen’s wine and bar carafe is absolutely gorgeous, and Orrefors makes stunning barware as well.

6. Coasters

Mark Hintsa / Flickr

Although crystal glasses are an obvious choice to complement the gift of a decanter, some colorful coasters can really brighten up a new home, and they’re a fun way to match someone’s personality. Jonathan Adler never fails to deliver quirky accent pieces for any home, and these agate coasters add a little bit of glitter and glam to any room.

7. Caffeine

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Whether they are coffee or tea drinkers, a new coffee machine or tea kettle is a thoughtful and useful gift.

Plus, moving into a new home often requires long days and late nights of unpacking, decorating, adjusting and fixing, which can be made easier if fueled by a little caffeine.

Nespresso makes a range of models at various price points, and this Raven Kettle available at Moma is both sleek and functional.

8. Coziness

Photo by Ember + Ivory on Unsplash

Every new home can be made warmer and more comfortable with a beautiful throw or accent pillow, especially if you know the color scheme of a room and the style of the homeowner. They can be a very thoughtful gift.

Williams Sonoma offers monogramming on its cashmere throws, while Anthropologie and West Elm both have an extensive collection of unique throw pillows, and Hermès carries beautiful, classic and life-long pieces that add elegance to any room.

9. Cooking supplies

Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

For the new homeowner who loves to cook, or perhaps one that needs a bit of inspiration to do so, Oliviers & Co has some wonderful gift ideas, including olive oils, condiments and wooden bowls and servers.

10. Champs and snacks

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

When in doubt, a savory gift basket or a beautiful bottle of champagne are never unappreciated, especially when celebrating something as huge as the purchase of a new home — an excellent time to indulge a little bit.

In New York, Astor Wines has a great selection of all things bubbly, while Murray’s Cheese and Chelsea Market Baskets make tasty gift baskets.

Hopefully this guide will inspire some practical, tasty and fun gifts for your favorite first-time homeowner.

Anna M. Hehenberger is a licensed real estate broker with Warburg Realty in New York City. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×