New Home Essentials: Housewarming Gifts & Must-Have Home Picks
“A new address deserves more than a gift card and best wishes.”
Moving on and moving out
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
Everything your new place needs before the first dinner party.
There's a reason every design-obsessed TikTok apartment tour starts with the same three things. A coffee table book, a candle that costs more than it should, and a kettle that looks good on the counter. Moving is chaotic. But having the right stuff that fits your new space makes it feel exciting. This guide covers the decor that earns compliments, the kitchen essentials you'll actually reach for, and the security basics nobody puts on their registry but everyone needs.
SECTION 01
Aesthetic Hosting & Decor
Pieces that make guests think you've always lived this way.
1.1
Assouline
AD at Home: Architectural Digest Hardcover Book
Architectural Digest has been the it-girl of interior design since 1920. Every celebrity home tour by AD makes you rethink your whole style and sometimes become obsessed with limes like Dakota Johnson claimed she was. The Assouline hardcover is the perfect book to place slightly askew on your coffee table and let it do all the talking.
1.2
Nordstrom
Bella Wood Tray
Interior designers have been using trays to anchor surfaces long before they appeared on moodboards. A good tray makes a collection of random trinkets look intentional. Nambe's version has a solid weight to it and is the perfect place to put all your on-the-go essentials in.
1.3
Capri Blue
Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Glass Jar Candle
If you've ever stopped mid-stride in Anthropologie to figure out what that amazing smell is, it's this. Volcano has been the store's best selling candle and scent for a while now. It's fruity and citrusy without making your space smell too sweet.
1.4
Target
Slanted Wine Glasses
This slanted silhouette is everywhere on TikTok right now. Whether you display your wine glasses or only pull them out for special occasions, these glasses will elevate your wine bar. The blue colorway is unique and will definitely end up as an aesthetic picture on your friend's story later. Safe to use without the dread of breaking something expensive.
SECTION 02
Kitchen & Living Essentials
Things that actually get used, not just unpacked and forgotten about.
2.1
Fellow
Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle
Pour-over coffee is sometimes a personality trait. And, that's okay! It's good to be passionate about something that starts the tone for your morning. This electric kettle is a great upgrade for someone's pour-over ritual. The spout is great for controlling where the water lands, and it holds the water temp for a long time. Plus it looks good on your countertop.
2.2
Our Place
Our Place Always Pan 2.0 Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
The Always Pan went viral for a reason. If you're working on downsizing for your new place, this pan replaces ten things you might already have in your kitchen. It's ceramic, nonstick, oven-safe, and comes in every color under the sun. Make sure you hand wash it so it lasts longer.
2.3
Ninja
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4 Quart)
If you don't have an air fryer in your kitchen yet, what are you doing? It's compact enough for a small kitchen, heats up leftovers in minutes and makes frozen food taste better. If you hate using and cleaning your oven, this is a great small space replacement.
2.4
OXO
OXO Good Grips POP Container 5-Piece Food Storage Set
Every pantry organization TikTok uses these. Not only do they make your ingredients look more aesthetic, but it also gives off the impression that you have your life together. And, whatever you're storing stays fresh for longer.
SECTION 03
Home Security & Tech Must-Haves
Porch pirates are real and your new address is public.
3.1
Ring
Ring Video Doorbell (Latest Model)
Ring cameras are the perfect device for catching porch pirates or funny moments from people entering the door. Either way, knowing who's at your door before you open it or when you're not home is essential when you're new to the neighborhood. It has night vision, live video tracking and sends mobile alerts straight to your phone whenever someone is on your porch.
3.2
Eufy
Eufy Security Smart Lock C210
Changing the locks on a new place is an underrated way to add some peace of mind while you settle into your new home. The Eufy C210 is an easy switch and because it's just a code, you won't be scared about someone having a random key to your new place. It installs with a screwdriver in about 20 minutes and is a major safety upgrade.
3.3
Amazon
Heavy Duty Security Door Bar
If you're a girl who lives alone, this is a non-negotiable. A steel bar that you wedge underneath your door handle from the inside is truly unstoppable and may help you sleep a little better at night.
3.4
Dyson
Dyson Purifier Cool AM11 Purifying Fan
While this isn't necessarily a security device, it is a major upgrade to your quality of life. The Purifier Cool catches 99.97% of particles in the air, which helps when you've just moved into a place that still smells like the previous tenant.
SECTION 04
Foolproof Gifting Under $50
Gifts that feel considerate without breaking the bank.
4.1
Graza
Graza "The Duo" Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set
Graza showed up a couple years ago and made every other olive oil look boring. The squeeze bottle makes for easy cooking or drizzling, depending on which of the two you use. Wirecutter called it their top pick and friends who cook will appreciate the set.
4.2
Voluspa
Voluspa French Cade Lavender Classic Textured Candle
These candles actually look like how they smell, and the French cade with lavender makes any house smell like a spa or Provencal farmhouse. It's clean, warm and inviting. Perfect to light when guests are over.
4.3
Tocca
Tocca Cleopatra Hand Soap
Named after Cleopatra, who famously bathed in milk and honey. The scent (grapefruit, jasime and vanilla musk) makes any guest bathroom feel like a boutique hotel.
4.4
Burlap & Barrel
Burlap & Barrel Spice Set
Burlap & Barrel source ingredients directly from small farms, which gives them a leg up from any regular grocery store spice. And you can definitely taste the difference. This is the perfect gift for anyone setting up a new kitchen who doesn't know what spices they'll need yet.
Home is in the details.
Save this to your Listful wishlist and send it to anyone who asks 'what are good housewarming gifts'. The people in your life will thank you for making it easy and so will the version of you who just moved in.