Gifts for New Homeowners (That Aren't Another Candle)
Someone just got their keys. Congrats to them, and good luck to you finding a gift. Most housewarming gifts are candles, wine or a sign that says "Home."
New homeowners need tools and cleaning stuff more than decor. These are the things they'll be glad someone else bought.
- Top pick
BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet Cleaner
A small carpet and upholstery cleaner for spills, pet accidents and couch stains. New homes come with new carpets, and this keeps them that way.
Best for: anyone with pets, kids or light-colored furniture.
Check price on Amazon HOTO Pocket Laser Measure
A tiny laser measure that reads room sizes in a second. Measuring for furniture and curtains is the first project in every new home.
Best for: people about to buy a couch that may not fit through the door.
Check price on AmazonMCGOR Motion Sensor Cabinet Lights
Stick-on lights that turn on when you walk by. Put them under cabinets, in closets or on stairs. No wiring needed.
Best for: dark kitchens and late-night snack trips.
Check price on AmazonGovee Color Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs that change color and dim from your phone. A simple way to start a smart home without rewiring anything.
Best for: renters-turned-owners finally allowed to change everything.
Check price on AmazonTUYU Electric Spin Scrubber
A cordless spinning scrubber for tubs, tile and grout. The first deep clean of a new house is a big job, and this does the elbow work.
Best for: older homes with a lot of grout.
Check price on AmazonThe Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste
A cleaning paste for stuck-on gunk on stoves, sinks and pans. Cheap, and it's great for that first move-in scrub.
Best for: an easy add-on to a bigger gift.
Check price on AmazonRetractable Under-Appliance Duster
A long, thin duster that slides under the fridge and stove. Every new homeowner is shocked by what's under there.
Best for: the move-in clean.
Check price on AmazonVtopmart 25-Piece Drawer Organizer Set
A set of clear trays in different sizes for kitchen and bathroom drawers. New drawers stay neat if you start organized.
Best for: people who want things to have a place from day one.
Check price on AmazonTouchless Bathroom Trash Can (2-Pack)
A slim trash can that opens when you wave a hand over it. Comes in a 2-pack, so one for each bathroom.
Best for: households with more than one bathroom.
Check price on Amazon"There's Some Horrors in This House" Doormat
A doormat that says "There's Some Horrors in This House." A funny one for people who love a good meme.
Best for: the friend who quotes everything.
Check price on Amazon
Honorable mentions
Flameless LED Pillar Candles
If you must give a candle, these flameless LED ones on a timer are safer for a busy new home.
Check price on Amazon
Before you buy
Ask what they still need. New homeowners usually have a list, and it's often boring stuff like a ladder or a toolkit. Boring gifts get used.
If they have pets or kids, lean toward cleaning gear. If they love projects, lean toward tools.