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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
