50 practical items that make perfect housewarming gifts
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Space is always at a premium in New York City – even for people moving into a larger place. When thinking about housewarming gifts, quality always takes precedent over quantity. And since new homeowners and tenants need to maximize their space, our list of best housewarming gifts includes practical, well-made, durable, and long-lasting choices that are also fashionable enough to work in any design style. We also went beyond the typical housewarming gifts to include some new, cool, and fun items that you may not have thought of.
All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Kitchen essentials
New homeowners will appreciate a beautiful set of flatware that can be used in both formal settings like parties and holidays as well as casual settings and everyday meals. This set is made of 18/10 stainless steel and is rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, so it’s designed to last – and look good – for a long time. The set contains four six-piece place settings. Lenox Cantera 24-Piece Flatware Set, $129.95 at Amazon |
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Cooking is quick and easy with this 6.8-quart air fryer, which can also reheat, roast, bake, broil, and keep food warm. It also has presets for steak, chicken, fries, seafood, veggies, and frozen foods like pizza. The air fryer uses 360 ThermoIQ Technology to evenly cook both sides of the food without the need to flip it over. In addition, the smart app can be used to control the air fryer remotely. Cosori 6.8-Quart Air Fryer, $152 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: Williams Sonoma |
This brushed platinum smart toaster does everything but take the bread out of the bag. It has three toasting modes (fresh, frozen, reheat), seven toasting shades, and custom settings for 34 different bread types, including waffle, iced toaster pastry, English muffin, and artisan bread. The InstaGLO heating system leaves bread crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. There’s even a countdown timer and a chime when the bread is ready. And when not in use, the toaster doubles as a clock. Revolution InstaGLO R270 Toaster, $399.95 at Williams Sonoma |
If you’re on a budget, consider gifting this stainless-steel toaster, which has a digital display, extra-wide slots to hold a variety of breads, and an adjustable countdown timer. The toaster also has three cooking modes (reheat, defrost, bagel), and seven browning shades. In addition, the crumb tray can be removed and easily cleaned. Chefman 2-Slice Digital Toaster, $29.99 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: W&P Design | This clever eight-piece fridge bundle is also perfect for picnics. It is not only beautiful but also super easy to clean. Best of all, it’s made of borosilicate glass and LFGB-certified silicone, making the items more sustainable than single-use plastic. This set includes a bowl, wide-mouth bottle, glass, seal tight 16-oz bowl, seal tight 24 oz bowl, 10 oz snack bag, 34 oz sandwich bag, and 50 oz stand up bag. The set is available in slate, cream, charcoal, blush, and mint. Porter 8-Piece Fridge Bundle, $130.00 at W&P Design |
This cookware set is aluminum on the outside, and stainless steel with a copper-hue trim on the inside. The aluminum-alloy cores heat quickly and evenly, can be used on any type of cooktop, and the cookware is oven safe up to 500 degrees, while the vented glass lids are oven safe up to 350 degrees. The set includes a 12-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid and steamer insert, 7-quart Dutch oven with lid, and 4-quart sauté pan with lid. Viking 3-Ply Black & Copper 11 Piece Cookware Set, $900, at Wayfair |
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This brand-spanking-new prep and serve tray set is convenient, colorful, and made of 100% plant-based Astrik, which is also biodegradable, and also safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave. The set includes a large carry tray, half utility tray, and six prep cups. Bamboozle Prep N Serve Tray Set, $80 at Amazon |
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This sleek, touchscreen blender has five built-in settings: smoothies, hot soups, dips and spreads, frozen desserts, and even a self-cleaning mode. It has a commercial-grade motor, a programmable timer, and can recognize the various containers and automatically adjust the power and speed accordingly. In addition, the app provides access to over 500 recipes. The blender is available in brushed stainless steel, white, candy apple red, and copper. Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Blender, $650 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: Kencko | Busy new homeowners and tenants will enjoy instant organic smoothies. They’re made of fresh fruit that is flash-frozen, slow-dried, and blended in single servings. Simply pour the packet into the included bottle, add water, and shake. The smoothie packets include mochas (such as cacao beans), peaches, purples/mixed berries, reds (like strawberry and raspberry), greens (spinach, kiwi), and yellows (pineapple, mango). They’re available in minimum orders of 10 packs. Instant Organic Smoothies, from $75.90 at Kencko |
Some people like drip coffee while others prefer espresso-based drinks. Fortunately, a combination coffee maker and espresso machine can do both at the same time. It brews 10 cups of coffee in the glass carafe on the right side. On the left side, the 15 bar pressure pump brews espresso, and there’s also an advanced steam wand for making cappuccinos. The machine has a programmable timer and a digital touchscreen for easy use. De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine, $279.95 at Amazon |
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One very practical gift is this smart thermometer. Merely insert it into your meat or fish, and then open an app on your smartphone to measure the doneness level. It also provides notifications on when to flip the meat, adjust the temperature, and it lets you know when the meat is done. Yummly Smart Thermometer, $129.99 at KitchenAid |
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The right citrus juicer can automatically squeeze oranges, limes, and any type of citrus fruit. Just press the handle down to start the automatic squeezing process, making it quick and easy enough to use every day. There’s also a drip-stop juice outlet that can be opened or closed to control the amount of juice being poured. The juicer is available in stainless steel or pink. Hurom CJ Citrus Juicer, $149.00 at Amazon |
For cleaning & housework
This lightweight vacuum (1.78 lbs), has various attachments, including the mini-motorized pet brush and a pet hair magnet for people with dogs and cats. Also, the 2-in-1 crevice tool can clean under furniture, in cracks and corners, and also reach light fixtures, air vents, and the tops of high shelves. It has two cleaning modes for light and heavy cleaning. Eufy HomeVac H30 Mate Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, $179.99 at Amazon |
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Some floor messes include both liquids and solid materials. This newly-released, lightweight, cordless wet-dry hardwood floor cleaner can easily clean both. It has separate water tanks to ensure that only fresh water is used to clean. Also, solids and liquids are separated – so the dirty water can be poured down the drain, while the solid waste is thrown in the trash. No vacuum bags are required, and the floor cleaner is self-cleaning. Lifestyle by Focus SLYDE Cordless Wet-Dry Floor Cleaner, $169.95 at Amazon |
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Another cool release that makes a great housewarming gift is this 6-in-1 compact laser measure. It includes a digital laser measure, 2D floorplan scanner, scale/rolling ruler, curve measurer, bubble level, and protractor. The battery lasts for 16 hours on a single charge, and the app provides additional functions, such as importing, drawing, editing, and sharing. Meazor All in One Measuring Tool, $199 at Amazon |
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People who hate to vacuum will love this robot vacuum, which has a 200-minute runtime. And since it has a D-shape (as opposed to the typical circular design), it can fit into corners and clean flush against walls. The large, multisurface brush can pick up dust and debris on any floor surface. Using the app, the robot vac can be customized to avoid certain areas or clean certain spaces more intensively. It can also be set to clean on-demand or on a schedule. Neato D9 Robot Vacuum, $699 at Amazon |
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Vacuuming is essential, but sometimes those carpets also need to be deep cleaned. This housewarming gift can save thousands of dollars over the years in steam cleaning costs. It has a quick clean mode (which dries in 30 minutes), a max clean mode, and also a pre-treater function. There’s also a 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool and tough stain tool. The tank holds 1 gallon of clean water, and the cord extends for 25 feet, making it convenient to use. Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner, $270 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: Thane Direct, Inc. | This housewarming gift is ideal for people who prefer eco-safe cleaning methods. The low voltage electro current electrolyzes water and salt to create oxidants that deodorize and sanitize, and also cut through grease and grime. This cleaning system, a 2021 product of the year, can be used with the sprayer or trigger handle mop, and even includes a squeegee for soap scum and streak-free windows. H20e3 Total Home Natural Cleaning System, $69.99 at Thane |
For a professional strength hard floor cleaner, consider this new smart cordless wet dry vacuum cleaner and mop. It can sweep, mop, and vacuum in one step -and the iLoop Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts the roller speed, suction power, and water flow based on the items on the floor. The enhanced edge cleaning can reach right up against the wall, and the battery has up to a 35-minute run time. The vacuum also has a LED display to provide various notifications and includes a one-touch self-cleaning cycle. Tineco Floor One S5 Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $425 at Amazon |
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A leaf blower is a handy aid for removing leaves and debris to keep the home’s exterior tidy. However, this leaf blower is so powerful that it can also be used to blow water off of vehicles and blow snow from vehicle windows and front stoops. It’s a lightweight, cordless, rechargeable blower so there are no cords or wires to trip over. The blower is also lightweight (weighing only 4.4 pounds) and can be assembled in less than a minute. SnapFresh Rechargeable Cordless Leaf/Snow Blower, $129.99 at Amazon |
For bed & bath needs
A new mattress can help anyone sleep well in a new home – especially when it has breathable materials, cooling technology, and 1,024 individually encased coils. And being affordable helps your wallet. The mattress comes in medium, soft, and firm versions and it ships compressed and rolled into a 45” x 19” x 19” box, which makes it easy to deliver and bring inside. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress, $899.20 at Amazon |
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These gel memory foam pillows have a cooling gel-top layer on one side, and they’re covered with rayon from Bamboo to produce warmth and charcoal memory foam that alleviates pressure. The pillows are naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. They also have a medium firmness, so they’re good for those who sleep on their side, back, or stomach. Cariloha Gel Memory Foam Pillow, $109.00 at Amazon |
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Another great gift is these 1000-thread-count luxury cotton sheets. They have deep pockets and although the fabric has an ultra-luxe regal weight, they’re cool and breathable with a smooth and luxurious feel. The sheets are available in light gray, ivory, blue, bright white, dark gray, and deep blue. California Design Den Luxury Sheets, $99.99 at Amazon |
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An additional option – especially for those with allergies – is a set of organic bed sheets. These 300-thread-count sheets have no added dyes and are a healthier choice than sheets made of synthetic or heavily-processed fabric. They’re GOTS Certified Organic, and fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick. Happsy Organic Sheet Set, $99 at Amazon |
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Many waterproof mattress covers are made of scratchy, uncomfortable materials – or they don’t stay in place. However, this pad actually covers the whole mattress like a sheet. It’s made of two layers of organic cotton jersey, with a waterproof polyurethane layer, so it’s breathable while also blocking liquids. Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad, $159.00 at Amazon |
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Every new home can use new towels, and these 100 percent Turkish cotton towels are soft and absorbent. You can purchase the set of three, or choose to buy the bath, hand, and wash towels separately. Color choices include white, beige, blush, gray, indigo, mint, and slate. DWR Aerocotton Towel, $65 (set) at Design Within Reach |
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Stress and anxiety are among the primary causes of insomnia. However, this wearable device is scientifically proven to reduce stress and help you fall asleep faster – and also experience a deeper level of sleep. The device can be used any time while working, playing, or relaxing, and uses vibrations to gently produce calm and emotional balance. Also, the app lets you track your progress and even set reminders Cove Wearable Stress-Relief/Sleep Device, $349 at Amazon |
Entertainment & fun
Photo credit: Dugout Mugs | Fans of the New York Yankees will love this “dugout” mug, which holds 12 ounces of their favorite liquid and can keep their beverage colder or hotter for longer. The double-sealed mug is made of solid wood and is officially licensed by Major League Baseball. It’s also available in mugs for the Mets, Braves, Red Sox, and other MLB teams. New York Yankees Dugout Mug, $69.99 at Dugout Mugs |
Enjoy home movies indoors or outside with the solar portable projector, which projects in 1080p and supports 4K images and can project up to 120 inches. It also has a built-in stand, digital zoom, and three-hour battery life, so there’s no need for wires. In addition, you can mirror content from your smartphone and other devices, and choose content from more than 5,000 apps. Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector, $599 at Amazon |
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Here’s a fun housewarming gift for music lovers. An acoustic guitar that both kids (ages 8 and older) and adults can learn how to play. It only has three strings (which makes it easier and faster to learn). It’s a real guitar made of real wood and has steel strings. Also, there are flashcards containing chord diagrams, in addition to free video lessons, and the guitar app provides even more tutorials. The guitar is available in black, yellow, pink, white, and green. Loog 3-String Pro Acoustic Guitar and App, $139 at Amazon |
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Help to christen the new home with crystal clear music from this iconic speaker. It uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly up to 2 devices from 30 feet away, but it can also connect via the RCA or 3.55mm jack. It’s a relatively small speaker (13.78 x 7.68 x 7.28 inches), but the sound can fill both small and large rooms. In addition, the app can be used to control the music or customize audio settings. Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $379 at Amazon |
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A soundbar can make any TV sound so much better, by clarifying dialogue and creating a movie-going experience at home. This one has presets for movie, music, and night mode. The soundbar is also easy to connect via HDMI ARC, optical audio input, and USB-A. It can also use a smartphone or tablet for unlimited streaming and can be controlled via Alexa. Polk Audio React Soundbar, $179.00 on Amazon |
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A turntable is a fun housewarming gift that can provide hours of entertainment. This fully automatic belt-drive stereo turntable can connect wirelessly but also includes a detachable dual RCA output cable. The turntable has two speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, and the aluminum platter minimizes vibration. It’s available in red, black, white, brown, and gunmetal. Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable, $229 at Amazon |
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These lighting strips can totally change the environment in any room. They’re 65.5 feet long, and the LED strips change colors. There are 64 different scene options, including night, happy, meteor, and party. The lighting strips can be placed under cabinets in the kitchen, around TVs, and even underneath and behind beds and other types of furniture. Also, the lights can be set to sync with the music playing in the background. Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights, $67.99 at Amazon |
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Outdoor lights can create fun spaces and safety for entertaining outside. These string lights are safe to leave outdoors even in the rain. From patios to balconies, they’re easy to use and can be plugged into an outlet or hooked together. The lights can also be used inside. Bulbrite Indoor/Outdoor String Lights, $27.60 at Amazon |
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Everyone wants to make new memories in their new home. People who love taking photos and videos to document their home and new adventures, as well as capturing baby’s first steps and words, will love this camera. It provides detailed, realistic images – even in dim lighting – while the stabilization feature ensures that the footage is smooth. And since it’s rugged and waterproof, you don’t have to have to worry that your gift will be ruined if it accidentally falls on the ground or gets dropped in the sink or tub, since it’s waterproof up to 33 feet. GoPro Hero 10 Waterproof Action Camera, $471.85 at Amazon |
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Regardless of what kind of camera homeowners have, they’ll appreciate being able to print out photos to put on the fridge, share with friends, and keep in a scrapbook. This printer can connect wirelessly to any type of smartphone and instantly print out 3” x 5” photos. The app also provides access to templates, and stickers, to help personalize each photo. Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer, $149 at Amazon |
Safety & security essentials
This housewarming gift will stop porch pirates in their tracks. The battery-operated video doorbell is not only easy to install, but it also provides 1080p video and even has night vision to clearly see who is at the door. The video’s zones can be customized, and the doorbell sends mobile notifications when the motion sensors have been triggered. This makes it possible to view live footage of the front door from any room in the home – and even when not at home. Ring Video Doorbell 4, $199.99 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: Wasserstein | Homeowners already in the Google ecosystem may prefer a battery-operated Google Nest Doorbell since it works seamlessly with the rest of Google’s products. In addition to recording head-to-toe, crystal clear video, it also sends alerts when activity is detected and lets you answer the door in real-time even if you’re not actually there. You can also leave pre-recorded messages for visitors. This bundle also includes a solar panel, so you’ll never have to worry about recharging the doorbell’s battery. Google Nest Doorbell + Solar Panel Bundle, $219.99 at Wasserstein |
When the power goes out, a safe, portable power station is a lifesaver. And this one plugs into a wall outlet to charge – or it can use solar panel to catch light from the sun for solar recharging. As a result of not using gas or oil power, it is safe, and also quiet. Plus, it’s easy to use. All you have to do is simply press the button to start it. The portable generator can, for example, charge a laptop 4.5 times, and a TV for 7.5 hours, and a lamp for 40 hours, so homeowners can don’t have to sit in the dark. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, $499.99 at Amazon |
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Clean air is important in every home and this air purifier can filter and clean 99.95 percent of viruses in the air. It uses four levels to clean everything from airborne bacteria and germs to hair and pet dander to smoke and odors. It covers up to 400 square feet and uses washable graphene collecting plates instead of expensive air filters. AirSoap Filterness Air Purifier, $399.95 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: JUDY | In the event of an emergency, a safety kit should contain everything needed to survive for at least a few days. This kit provides the essentials for staying at home or leaving in a hurry, and it can sustain a family of 4 for up to 72 hours. The puncture- and rip-proof waterproof bag (which has cushioned adjustable straps), contains a hand-crank radio, first aid kit, multi-tool, water, KN95 masks, glow sticks, hand warmers, biohazard gloves, meal replacement bars, and more. JUDY Mover Max Safety Kit, $195.00 at JUDY |
Furniture & home accessories
Every new home needs a trash can, and this one is quite versatile. It sits on legs, so there’s no need to bend over to get the trash out. However, the legs are removable for homeowners who may prefer the can to be lower. The two inner buckets and lid can also be easily removed. The trash can is available in matte black, mineral concrete gray, matte steel, and passion red. Brabantia Bo Touch Trash Can, $247.12 at Amazon |
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Some homeowners may not have enough space for a dedicated office desk. This modern desk can serve double duty as either a desk or table, so it can be used in any room in the house. The durable desk has a laminate top and steel legs. The tabletop is 48” x 24,” supports up to 150 pounds, and is available in either black or white. Vari Essential Desk/Table, $219.99 at Amazon |
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Another item that serves double duty is this ottoman bench with storage. It can be placed in the bedroom, living room, or entryway, and can be used to sit on, while also hiding objects inside. The bench has solid wood legs, thick padding, and is available in white Sherpa or gray velvet. Harmati Sherpa Ottoman Bench, $129.99 for Amazon |
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Photo courtesy of Monos | Homeowners take business trips and go on vacation so luggage is also a great housewarming gift. This medium-sized case is not too big and not too small. It has a water-resistant unbreakable shell with a sturdy telescopic handle, and the lock is TSA-approved. The suitcase’s interior is made of anti-microbial fabric. There are 10 colors to choose from, including desert taupe, olive green, blue haze, ocean blue, and midnight black. Monos Check-In Medium, $290.00 at Monos |
Who doesn’t love displaying photos? However, they tend to take up a lot of valuable space. This smart digital photo frame (which can be displayed in either landscape or portrait mode), lets homeowners upload their photos and videos to the app and create playlists. Family members and friends can also automatically send their own images directly to the display. Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame, $149.99 at Amazon |
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Every new home needs an umbrella by the door, but this isn’t just any umbrella. It’s made of industrial-strength fiberglass and has been wind-tunnel tested to 55 mph against inverting and breaking. The material is also water-repellant and comes in numerous color choices, including deep ocean, orange, gray, black, and purple. Weatherman The Collapsible Umbrella, $64 at Amazon |
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Photo credit: Solios | Busy homeowners who don’t have time to remember to wind watches or replace watch batteries will appreciate this solar-powered watch in brown eco vegan leather with a silver case. The watch can be recharged with natural and artificial light and has a 5-month power cell reserve. It’s also water-resistant up to 30 meters, and the strap is interchangeable with five total eco vegan leather colors, and four mesh metal colors. The Solar Black Watch, $275.00 at Solios |
Homeowners with new electronic equipment will appreciate somewhere to store it – especially if it’s a stylish storage unit with a modern design. This low-profile media console has plenty of space for a large flatscreen TV and speakers on top. It also has adjustable shelves to hold other media components – including a cut-out in the back for wires. On either end are glass doors to keep clutter out of sight. The console is available in dark walnut or in light walnut with white doors. Harmati Oreo Media Console, $199.99 at Amazon |