Housewarming Gifts That Aren't Just Candles (and Are Actually Useful) 2025

Brighten their mornings with the Hatch Restore 3 in Rosy, which, in our research, offers a noticeably stronger sunrise light than the prior model for gentler wake-ups. The added physical buttons and large knob are great for sleepy, screen-free control, and the extensive library of white noise and unwind content helps build a relaxing routine. Note that some premium audio and dynamic light options sit behind a Hatch+ subscription, and setup relies on the Hatch app. Sunset/dimming transitions are also less gradual than some competing alarms.

Ring’s Battery Doorbell Pro is a strong pick for renters or anyone without existing wiring, with radar‑powered 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View reducing annoying false alerts in our testing. The 1536p HD+ head‑to‑toe view captured packages and faces clearly, and optional hardwiring trickle‑charges the removable battery to cut down on swaps. Keep in mind many advanced features require a paid Ring Protect plan. Also, heavy activity shortens battery life and the micro‑USB charger feels dated next to newer USB‑C gear.

Moving into a bigger place? The Eero Pro 7 makes set-and-forget networking simple while stepping you into Wi-Fi 7's tri-band speeds for crowded homes full of smart devices. Setup and management through the app are painless in our research, and the two 5 Gbps Ethernet ports are great for multi-gig internet or a fast NAS. The compromises: only two LAN ports per unit, no USB, and many advanced features sit behind a subscription. Plan on adding a switch if you've got lots of wired gear.

We like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium as a future-proof upgrade: the zinc body feels upscale and the larger, sharper touchscreen is easy to read across the room. Built-in air quality monitoring for VOCs and CO2 gives at-a-glance insight, and it works with major platforms plus Ecobee's remote sensors for multi-room comfort. The tradeoff is price, and in our research some users experienced app sluggishness or inconsistent readings. Support feedback is mixed, so consider buying from a retailer with solid returns.

A smart plug is a deceptively handy housewarming gift, and the Kasa EP25P4 adds energy monitoring so you can see real-time and historical usage. We like that the slim body lets two units share one outlet, and it plays nicely with Siri/HomeKit, Alexa, and Google for voice control. In our research, some users hit occasional HomeKit dropouts or firmware/setup quirks that required resets. It's best for lamps and small appliances; avoid continuous heavy loads or high-draw gear to prevent failures.

Anova’s Precision Cooker 3.0 nails the fundamentals: fast, accurate heating and strong circulation that kept water temps even across the bath in our testing. The simple on-device controls and guided cooks in the companion app make restaurant‑level results approachable for beginners. Just note the screen doesn’t show current water temperature, so you’ll rely on the app, and some users needed firmware updates to fix pairing or low‑temp quirks. Its shorter design and clamp may also demand a deeper container and higher fill line.

As a gift for a pour-over devotee, the Fellow Stagg EKG Pro nails precision with single-degree temperature control and an ultra-steady gooseneck pour. The programmable keep-warm and built-in timer streamline morning routines, which, in our research, owners really appreciate. Keep in mind the 0.9-liter capacity is modest, and the price sits at the premium end. Some users also report firmware or Wi-Fi update quirks and occasional plastic/burnt odors after boiling, so advise a thorough initial clean and updates.

A countertop workhorse, the Breville Smart Oven Air handles weeknight cooking with faster preheats and a roomy interior that fits a 13‑inch pizza or muffin tin. In our testing, baking and roasting were consistently strong, though air‑fry results were less even than a dedicated basket model and toast browning varied by rack position. Manage drips and grease and you’ll avoid smoky messes. For new homeowners with limited kitchen space, the versatility replaces several gadgets without sacrificing everyday performance.

If they love fixing their own gear, the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit packs a 64-bit driver set that covers modern phones, laptops, and tiny electronics. We liked, from our research, the magnetic project mat for corralling screws and the sturdy case and tools that hold up to regular tinkering. The tradeoffs: it's a bit bulky for EDC, and some users wish the bit holder magnet were stronger. A few buyers also received slightly different bit assortments compared with older kits.

Moving into a larger space? The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra impressed us with monster 10,000 Pa suction, a FlexiArm side brush that actually cleans edges, and sonic mopping that scrubs stuck‑on grime. The RockDock Ultra is the real quality‑of‑life win, handling self‑emptying, hot‑water mop washing, and even optional drainage so maintenance stays hands‑off. It’s undeniably pricey, onboard voice features can be flaky, and obstacle avoidance still struggles with cables—so we found tidying cords first prevents tangles and stops.

During our review, the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute delivered excellent cleaning on hard floors and low‑pile carpet, and the laser‑equipped soft roller head made fine dust impossible to miss. Runtime approached 70 minutes in ideal conditions, enough to tackle most apartments on a single battery. It is heavier than many cordless rivals and the smaller bin means more frequent trips to the trash. We also handled it with care, as some users report fragile small parts and build‑quality concerns.

Looking for a weighted blanket that won’t overheat? During our review, Bearaby’s 15‑lb Cotton Napper felt noticeably cooler thanks to its breathable, open‑loop knit and bead‑free construction, and it’s machine‑washable and dryer‑safe for easy care. The organic cotton and tactile heft make it a cozy, sustainable splurge, but it is pricier than many alternatives and quite bulky to move or store. Cold sleepers may also find the open weave doesn’t retain enough warmth, especially in drafty rooms.

If your friend sips slowly, the Ember Mug 2 keeps coffee or tea at a precise temperature so every sip tastes just right. We found the USB‑C charging coaster handy for all‑day desk use, letting the mug maintain heat indefinitely when docked. Off the base, expect around 60–90 minutes of battery depending on settings, and many adjustments live in the app. It’s not dishwasher‑safe and requires handwashing and drying before charging, but the matte finish and comfy handle feel premium.

Space is tight? This slim Yamazaki 6‑tier rack tucks behind doors or into narrow entryways, yet still swallows a surprising number of pairs, and the wood top is a handy landing zone for keys and mail. In our testing, it works best when loaded evenly; lightly filled, it can feel a bit wobbly. Large shoes or tall boots may require removing a shelf, and each tier has limited load capacity, but for most households it’s an elegant, clutter‑taming upgrade.

Instead of another print for the wall, these Nanoleaf Elements panels add warm, wood‑grain ambiance that looks good even when they’re off. In our experience, installation was straightforward with the included linkers and the Layout Assistant, and music‑sync scenes create a cozy, immersive mood for gatherings. They’re decorative rather than task lighting—the Elements are dimmer per panel than Nanoleaf Shapes. We also recommend gentle handling, as some users report finicky app connections and occasional controller or adhesive hiccups.

Small-space bartending is where the Bartesian Duet shines: it's compact and makes on-demand cocktails or mocktails with minimal mess. In our research, setup is straightforward and you can keep two favorite spirits loaded for quick pours. The biggest caveats are its proprietary pods, which add ongoing cost, and the two-well design that limits multi-liquor recipes unless you swap bottles. A minority of owners report occasional dispensing or pod-seating hiccups, so be prepared to reseat or run a cleaning cycle now and then.

For hosts who swear by chewable nugget ice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 delivers the real deal and can crank out plenty for parties or daily iced coffee. App control and Wi-Fi make it easy to schedule batches or get alerts when the bin is full, which, in our research, many owners found helpful during busy weekends. It's pricey and the stainless unit takes real counter space, so measure first. Also expect regular cleaning and multiple parts to rinse to keep ice tasting fresh.

Swapping single-use plastic for refill tablets and reusable bottles, Blueland’s Clean Essentials Kit makes a thoughtful, eco-forward housewarming gift. In our testing, the labeled bottles for hand soap, multi-surface, bathroom, and glass cleaner kept the routine organized and looked tidy on a counter. Performance is solid day-to-day, though the glass cleaner can leave streaks and a few nozzles/pumps felt less durable over time. We’d also order early—our experience shows some buyers encounter shipping delays and customer service can be slow to respond.