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A new space — owned, rented, borrowed — can make a world of difference in quality of life and well-being. Studies show that a beautiful living environment can make us more organized and productive, soothe us when we’re stressed, and even trigger the release of dopamine in the brain (the feel-good “more” chemical associated with rewards.) So it’s no wonder that we absolutely *love* to nest, decorate, and overall feel like our homes feel like “us.”
Similarly, celebrating the occasion for others has always been a part of our culture. The origins of “housewarming” parties or gifts may go back to the Medieval ages, in which one’s community would literally bring firewood to a new abode to keep its occupants warm.
Nowadays, there are multiple reasons to help a friend, relative, or loved one deck out their new place: a fresh graduate with absolutely nothing but a red solo cup.
Regardless of occasion – whether a pair of newlyweds creating their first shared habitat together or a friend finally (!) getting out of that cramped, shared situation and rocking their first solo apartment – it can sometimes feel tricky to come up with the perfect housewarming gift. As stewards of taste, having waded through hundreds if not thousands of the best products on the market, The Quality Edit stepped in to create the all-you-need guide to the best housewarming gifts of 2024.
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For the Bare-Bones Kitchen
In my first post-grad house, I fondly look back at the first nights drinking cabernet (the priority purchase, obviously) out of the few jars or receptacles we were able to scrape up—all new to the city with no belongings. The day we got a coffee table? Euphoria.
While most friends and family of yours are likely operating from the standpoint of having some possessions—or at least a nearly-worn futon—some elevated essentials make an excellent gift for the demographic starting entirely fresh, whether post-breakup, post-grad, or something else entirely.
Set their table with durable indoor and outdoor dishes. Double their counter space with a gorgeous prep-friendly cutting board that also makes a striking serving dish. Of course, a 10-in-1 ceramic non-stick pan would also go a long way in making sure their first meals in the new place aren’t solely takeout.
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When In Doubt, Go for Cozy Luxury
When in doubt, opt for a cozy or spa-like gift: one that adds warmth and softness to the home. An indulgent throw, upgraded linens, or plush towels can immediately make the hard lines of an empty space feel more intimate and relaxed as someone settles in.
What’s something indulgent they wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves, like soothing eucalyptus to hang in the shower? Or what’s helpful to stock up a linen closet so they’re not solely living off of the one towel set they managed to snag in an “essentials” department store run?
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The Classics Are Classic for a Reason
Housewarming gifts tend to favor a few specific genres for a reason. You don’t necessarily need to go massive, but you want to be thoughtful in your gesture. Gifting exceptional food and beverage items is always welcome, especially if you’re unsure of what the new resident may need on a stuff level.
There’s a reason why the housewarming cliché is to bring a fabulous bottle of wine. Default consumables are also beloved, like a fragrant candle that might settle someone in from the get-go. Across many cultures, salt is also a traditional housewarming gift as a symbol of hospitality and good luck. What about a washable doormat to help make their home feel lived-in (yet still chic?)
Wild Cards and Splurges
The new resident in question might be a close friend, partner, or family member—someone deserving of the big grand gesture. Or sometimes, it can make more sense for multiple friends or family members to go in on one big housewarming gift rather than smaller, more numerous (but still appreciated) tchotchke. In that case, there are definitely some worthy luxury offerings or “wild card” splurges.
For the recipient moving in with roommates they don’t know (or at least well), a conversation starter game can go a long way in forging the friendship and familiarity that makes a household run smoothly. Or how about a smoke-free fire pit for everyone to gather over in the backyard? (Bonus points for drastically improving every evening hangout from now on.)
For splurges, a gorgeous speaker is sure to make their shelves stunning—and see frequent use. As for the daily, one phenomenal, on-sale coffee maker can go a long way in improving their morning routine.
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Other Housewarming Gifts Under $50
No matter your budget, there are plenty of savvy housewarming gifts to appreciate under $50, especially if it’s less of a registry occasion and more of a “hey, they’re having something casual at the new place—but I feel weird showing up empty-handed” kind of shindig.
You might offer a feel-good non-alcoholic option that still makes sippers giddy; just mix in with soda water and add a squeeze of lime. For a homesick friend conflicted about an out-of-state move, grab their home state as an adorable spoon rest for under $30. For the person with the new, chef-worthy kitchen, consider gifting them a (personalizable) recipe book to get them started on recording their culinary genius.
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