Housewarming Gifts for New Homeowners That Are Actually Useful

Settling into a new home is cause for celebration, especially for first-time homeowners. Yet, finding the perfect housewarming gift to express your joy can require some thought. Showing up with a bottle of wine, some kind of “Live, Laugh, Love” wall art, or a coffee table book isn’t always the best way to congratulate new homeowners. 

Break the mold of quintessential housewarming gifts for your friend, family member, or loved one. Gift items they’ll actually use, like a Drift wall diffuser plug-in, reed diffuser, room spray, or scented candle. Every time they smell your thoughtful housewarming gift, they’ll think of—and thank—you. 

Housewarming Gifts Every New Homeowner Will Appreciate

Decorative housewarming gifts can feel sentimental, but it’s the most useful gifts that often earn a special place in the home. As you plan to celebrate the new homeowners in your life, consider items they can use to keep their house clean, add comfort to their lives, try out new recipes, and tackle any home repairs they encounter. Use the following housewarming gift ideas for inspiration. 

Cleaning and Maintenance Must-Haves

Giving the gift of clean can go one of two ways, but many new homeowners may welcome tips on the best products and solutions. Caring for a new home isn’t a small task, especially if it’s a fixer-upper. Here are a few cleaning-related home products that make for useful gifts:

• Broom and dustpan

• Cordless vacuum

• Lint rollers

• Microfibers

• Scrubbing sponges

• Boot tray 

For the eco-conscious homeowner, sustainable and natural cleaning products are a must. It’s worth asking about this personal preference before you fill your cart with house cleaning products. 

Comfort and Ambiance Gifts

Dorothy sums it up pretty well in The Wizard of Oz, because there’s no place like home to relax, put up your feet, and indulge your senses. Curling up with a good book just isn’t the same without a soft throw blanket and cozy slippers. New homeowners may also appreciate plush machine-washable area rugs, smart LED bulbs for a warm amber glow, and a Bluetooth speaker perfect for playing their favorite tunes. 

Wall Diffuser Plug-Ins and Other Scented Home Products

Besides physical aesthetics, a home’s fragrance is one of the key characteristics that make it memorable. Whether it’s the smell of baked goods coming from the kitchen, the aroma of grease that fills the garage, or the subtle, calming scents of the living room, each home has its own layered fragrance. Below are luxury scented home products perfect for any new homeowner:

• Home Scent Diffuser: More than your average wall diffuser plug-in device, the Home Scent Diffuser from Drift features three customizable scent levels, clean ingredients safe for pets and kids, and a magnetic cover that makes changing out scents easier than saying “Home Sweet Home.”

• Room Spray: When you need a quick spritz of fragrance, our Room Spray does the trick, with a water-based mist that’s safe for pets, furniture, fabrics, and carpet. 

• Scented Candle: This premium candle features a 45-hour burn time and emits a passive scent for up to 60 days when unlit, but it’s the cotton core wick and soy and coconut fragrance oils that make it feel indulgent. 

• Reed Diffuser: Low-maintenance but no slouch when it comes to deluxe scents, this oversized reed diffuser infuses your home with sumptuous aromas for up to 60 days. 

If you’re someone who likes to vet personalized gifts—like any scented products designed for your home—before you give them, Drift’s Scent of the Month Club is the perfect way to experience our luxury home products. Crafted by scent experts, these stylish products enhance your home’s decor while infusing each room with a fresh signature scent you’ll receive every month. Experience the joy of each season in your home with Drift. 

Kitchen Upgrades That Make Life Easier

There’s seemingly no end to the number of giftable kitchen items, especially if the homeowners you know enjoy cooking their meals. The items listed below are but the tip of the iceberg in kitchen upgrades:

• Kitchen towels

• Oven mitts

• Airfryer 

• Silicone utensil sets

• Cutting boards

• Spice jars

• Beeswax covers

• Coffee station kits 

If your head’s spinning after looking at so many kitchen gadgets, try a cookbook instead. Go with something in the new homeowner’s wheelhouse, or challenge them to try something different. If you play your cards right, they may even invite you over to sample their new creations. 

Plants and Low-Maintenance Greenery

It’s best to go with plants for new homeowners who have expressed their interest in flexing their green thumb—a skill not everyone can claim. Potted herbs, succulents, and houseplants that are easy to care for can bring life and color to a new space. Plant care kits are also a viable option. 

Essential Everyday Tools

Even if the new homeowner in your life isn’t necessarily a handy person, having a few tools around the house can make tackling small home projects simpler. Here are a few essential tools every homeowner needs:

• Hammer

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)

• Utility knife

• Tape measure

• Leaf blower

• Wrenches

• Pliers

• Level 

• Stud finder

• Fire extinguisher

If new homeowners already have a set of tools, a handy workbench or an oversized pegboard can help with organization. You can purchase many tools separately or as part of an inclusive set, depending on which tools and brands you’re looking for.

How to Find a Gift That Feels Personal and Practical 

With as many gift ideas as there are listed above, finding the perfect housewarming gift should feel more like an achievable goal. But if you’re still looking for inspiration to find a gift that’s both personal and useful, it might be time to change up your approach. Consider the following as you brainstorm ideas for a housewarming gift your friend or loved one will actually use:

• Gift card to their favorite fast food restaurant—because cooking after unpacking feels like punishment, not nourishment

• An item that brings good luck—as in bamboo, a horseshoe, or salt and bread

• A plush bathrobe—for that premium spa experience

• A home decor or improvement store gift card—every homeowner makes a few changes

• Home services references—for all the unexpected home repairs that come their way 

While it’s often rewarding to surprise a new homeowner with an unexpected gift, there’s nothing wrong with asking what they need. It may feel like cheating a bit, but requesting a list of options can help you choose one that fits your budget and the connection you share. Plus, you can recycle the list they give you for Christmas or upcoming birthdays. 

Fresh Scents for a Fresh Start

Moving into a new home can bring with it numerous emotions, but reminding new homeowners of your support can make overcoming any challenge feel more achievable. Check out Drift’s exclusive lineup of expertly curated home products designed with personal ambiance in mind. Don’t forget to join our Scent of the Month Club to receive a fresh scent every month.