50 housewarming gift ideas for every budget and new home size, according to a recent first-time buyer

After spending my 20s renting rooms in random spareroom houseshares, living with boyfriends and even a stint back at my childhood home with my parents, at the grand old age of 30, I can finally say I’m an official homeowner. And it feels *so* good.

Buying a house is exciting, stressful and completely exhausting. This purchase in particular has not been without its struggles. My partner and I (caveat, this is 2022, I cannot afford to buy on my own) originally put an offer on a completely different property six months ago, and it wasn’t until we moved out of our flat (and put all our life’s belongings into storage) that the house fell through and we had to start our search from scratch – all while living out of a suitcase; sofa surfing between our parents’ places. Luckily, we’re now officially moved in, and I couldn’t be happier. 

Of course, when a good friend or family member finds a new home to make their safe haven, it’s only right to show some love, excitement and support. We’ve been bombarded with the most thoughtful new home cards and housewarming gifts. But, sometimes, these new home gifts – however considerate – miss the mark ever-so slightly. A beautiful bouquet of freshly picked spring flowers is lovely, of course, but if you haven’t yet unpacked your box of vases, where are you supposed to put them? The kitchen sink? And while a new print or piece of art for your bare walls is kind, if that person doesn’t know what your new house looks like (or your home decor style, for that matter), it could end up going straight back into box labelled ‘storage’.

If you’re looking to purchase the perfect housewarming gift for a loved one who has recently changed address, my best advice is to ask them what they actually need. Perhaps their kettle is 15 years old and they want a sparkly new one to go with their new kitchen. Or, they’re moving into their first-ever home and don’t actually own a hoover, because the flats they’ve been renting for the past decade always had one provided by the landlord? A Dyson might seem like a boring gift, but it’s probably one of the most useful items I’ve been given (thanks, mum!).

If you prefer to send surprise gifts, think back to the last time you visited them at home. If you know their last pad had 50 or so houseplants, please don’t buy them another. While pretty crockery is nice, if it’s a couple moving in together, they may now have double the number of plates and bowls, and simply won’t have storage space for a brand new 16-piece dinner set.

When it comes to the best gifts, consider buying something the recipient wouldn’t usually buy themselves – a luxurious scented candle from Jo Malone, a bottle of wine and carafe, or some fancy hand soap from Aesop for the downstairs loo. If you want to help them put their stamp on the space and buy something specifically for their home – such as a doormat, wine glasses or candlestick holders – remember to really think about their personal style (rather than yours). If they’re going for a minimalist ‘White Company’ vibe, then bright, eclectic wall art from Cath Kidson will sadly just end up in the charity shop.

Whether you’re looking for housewarming gift ideas for friends who have just moved into a new rental, or housewarming gift ideas for couples who’ve managed to edge their baby toe onto the property ladder, a thoughtful housewarming gift will never go unnoticed. So, if you really want to certify your place as favourite housewarming party attendee, read on for the very best housewarming gifts to buy now.

Top 10 housewarming gift ideas, according to team GLAMOUR:

1. Best housewarming gift idea for couple: Cast Iron Round Casserole, £185 – £430, Le Creuset
2. Best housewarming gift idea for friends: 15 Aperture Fine Wood Memories Photo Frame, £150, The White Company
3. Best housewarming gift idea for single woman: Heart Key Ring, WAS £45, NOW £22.50, Aspinal of London
4. Best housewarming gift idea for men: Ooni Fyra portable wood-fired outdoor pizza oven, £250, Selfridges
5. Best luxury housewarming gift idea: Wild Berry & Bramble Townhouse Candle, £90, Jo Malone
6. Best simple housewarming gift idea: 3 month flower subscription, £70, Bloom & Wild
7. Best unique housewarming gift idea: Green Cabbage Ceramic Serving Bowl Large, £35, Oliver Bonas
8. Best cheap housewarming gift idea:
9. Best practical housewarming gift idea: Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal vacuum, £299.99, Dyson
10. Best last-minute housewarming gift idea: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut NV, £45, Waitrose

After more gift guides? It’s nearly Father’s Day, so head this way for the best Father’s Day gift ideas of them all. After something more specific? We’ve got first Father’s Day gifts and personalised Father’s Day gifts, too. Elsewhere, find best friend gifts, graduation gifts for her, gifts for teenage girls, new job gifts and baby shower gift ideas.

Scroll for our full edit of the best housewarming gift ideas for their stylish new space.