Housewarming Gifts Under $50: Perfect Presents for New Homes

Meal-prep mavens will appreciate the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set’s tempered glass containers that resist stains and odors and transition from fridge to oven. We found the range of sizes genuinely useful, but the plastic lids are the weak point—some warp or crack over time. To avoid shattering, let glass come to room temperature before microwaving and never move hot dishes onto cold surfaces. The set can be bulky to store, so plan a dedicated shelf or organizer.

For new kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner makes rinsing and drying greens fast with its one-handed pump and generously sized bowl. On our test bench, it handled family salads easily, though we often needed a second spin to remove stubborn moisture. The bowl and basket are top-rack dishwasher-safe, but the lid and pump assembly can be awkward to dry fully, and plastic may cloud or crack over time. Still, it's a practical, under-$50 upgrade for fresher salads.

If they cook, a Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is a lifetime-worthy gift under $25. During our review, heat retention and searing power were excellent, though the initial factory seasoning can be uneven—many users add a quick re-season for best results. The pan is heavy and the handle gets scorching hot, so a mitt or silicone holder is a must. With basic care, it becomes naturally nonstick and versatile for oven-to-stovetop meals, burgers, cornbread, and more.

Elevate a blank wall with Umbra’s Trigg Planter, a modern geometric accent that includes all the hardware you need to hang it quickly. We love that it doubles as storage for small items like pens or makeup brushes, making it a flexible gift for apartments. Because there’s no drainage and the opening is small, we recommend using a small inner pot, faux plants, or low-maintenance succulents. During our testing, quality was generally good, though minor chips or visible branding can appear.

Cozy up a new space with the GentleSoft Faux Fur Sherpa Blanket, a reversible throw that feels exceptionally plush on both sides. In our testing, the faux fur/sherpa combo held up nicely after machine washing, and a quick wash also tamed mild shedding and itchiness. It’s not the thickest blanket, so consider layering if they run cold, and slight color variation from photos can happen. Still, for under $40, it’s a giftable, snuggle-ready upgrade for movie nights or chilly mornings.

Outfitting a guest room on a budget? The Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows set delivers four plush microfiber pillows for a price that’s hard to beat. In our experience, they’re soft and comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, though some packs arrive with inconsistent fill and the loft can flatten faster than premium options. They shine for occasional use: rotate, fluff regularly, and add pillow protectors to stretch their lifespan—perfect for guests, dorms, or short-term rentals.

The Capri Blue Volcano candle is a crowd-pleaser for housewarmings, with an iconic scent that quickly fills rooms and a pretty jar you'll want to reuse. In hands-on use, we got 70 to 85 hours from the 19 oz size, but be sure to let the first burn melt to the edges to avoid tunneling. It isn't a 100% soy formula; it contains some paraffin, and the price sits on the higher end under $50. Still, it feels special and gift-ready.

Mark the milestone with the Homesick New Home Candle, which pairs gift-ready packaging with a fresh, clean scent. During our review, the burn time stretched impressively long—often 60 to 80 hours—but the fragrance throw felt moderate, best suited to bedrooms or smaller living rooms. Some buyers have reported inconsistent shipments or weak scent in big, open spaces, so purchase from a retailer with easy returns. If they love subtle aromas over overpowering candles, this is a charming, under-$30 housewarming pick.

This compact Kasa Smart Plug Lite keeps the second outlet free and lets you schedule lamps or fans from the Kasa app (no hub needed). During our review, voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Cortana worked seamlessly, making it a renter-friendly way to smarten up a new place. Be aware it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and some units may need a reset after power outages or fail early. If your router is set, it's an inexpensive, useful upgrade for everyday convenience.

Set the mood in a new home with the Kasa KL125, which delivers 16 million colors plus tunable whites and a bright 800 lumens. Our experience shows the high CRI makes decor look true-to-life, and Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings support keeps control easy. Setup relies on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and can be finicky, and some bulbs may drop off the network or default to an on state after outages. If you can live with those quirks, it's a fun, under-$50 upgrade for any room.

Renters swear by Command Large Picture Hanging Strips for damage-free decorating, and we do too when walls are smooth and prepped. In our testing, they reliably held frames up to their rated capacity, and a single pack was enough for multiple projects. Adhesion can fail on textured or dusty paint, and improper removal may pull off weak finishes, so follow the instructions closely. For heavier pieces, use extra pairs and weigh frames beforehand to stay within limits.

If their container lids are always escaping, the YouCopia Organizer brings order with adjustable dividers and an expandable base. In our testing, it made finding the right lid much faster, and the BPA-free plastic wipes clean easily. Note that underfilled slots can let dividers tip, and the unit isn’t anchored—pulling one lid can shift the whole organizer—so a non-slip mat and fuller rows help. Measure first; very tight cabinets may be too narrow or tall for the frame.

Space-starved drawers get an instant upgrade with the DrawerStore Bamboo Compact Cutlery Organizer, which stacks utensils vertically in tidy, tiered slots. We found it especially helpful in shallow drawers where standard trays won’t fit, and the natural bamboo finish looks upscale. A heads-up: tiny items can fall into gaps beneath compartments, and overfilling—especially with knives—can cause jams. To extend longevity, avoid soaking and wipe dry; bamboo can warp or splinter over time if exposed to excess moisture.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the Aeropress Original for its compact, go-anywhere design and super-fast cleanup. In our testing, it consistently brewed smooth, low-bitterness cups with minimal grit—great for anyone who finds French press too heavy. It’s single-serve by nature and requires a bit of technique, but the learning curve is short and repeatable once dialed in. If plastic components are a concern, note the trade-off: portability and speed versus materials typical of larger brewers.

At under $15, the Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper is a smart, practical gift for pour-over beginners or travelers. In our testing, the cone shape and spiral ribs promoted an even extraction and clean flavor, especially when we preheated the brewer to offset plastic's lower heat retention compared with ceramic models. It's lightweight and great for small kitchens, though some users report hairline cracks and a faint plastic smell when new; thorough cleaning helps. For best results, rinse well and preheat before brewing.

The Costa Farms Sansevieria is a gift that thrives almost anywhere, tolerating low light and infrequent watering, which is perfect for busy new homeowners. In our experience, the included decorative pot makes it feel thoughtful right out of the box, though customers report inconsistent sizes and occasional mixed varieties. Watch for overly wet, compact soil on arrival, which can cause root issues; letting it dry and repotting later helps. Marketed as air-purifying, it also adds a sculptural touch to shelves and corners.

Looking for a gift that's instantly cheerful and low-maintenance? We found this six-pack of assorted succulents offers great value under $25, with drought-tolerant varieties that suit beginners and brighten shelves, desks, or DIY projects. Plants typically arrive small in 2-inch pots, so plan to repot for better drainage and growth, and note that quality can vary by shipment. If a few look stressed on arrival, a gentle repot and a week of bright, indirect light usually does the trick.