Housewarming Gifts That Aren't Just Candles (and Are Actually Useful) 2025
July 16, 2025
Overview
Tired of giving the same old housewarming gifts? This guide moves beyond candles to offer truly useful and appreciated presents for any new homeowner in 2025. Discover a curated selection of practical and stylish gifts, from must-have kitchen gadgets and home organization solutions to cozy decor items that will help them settle in and personalize their space. We've compiled a range of thoughtful options to celebrate their new beginning, ensuring your gift is both memorable and genuinely helpful as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
Our picks
The Best Kitchen Gadget for the Aspiring Chef: Artisan Stand Mixer, $379.99
The Most Stylish Decor for a Modern Home: BOURINA Knit Throw Blanket, $18.99
The Coziest Blanket for Ultimate Relaxation: Cotton Weighted Blanket, $279.00
The Best Smart Home Tech to Simplify Living: Eufy S350 Indoor Camera, $450.00
The Ultimate Housewarming Gift Basket: Personalized Charcuterie Board Gift Set, $27.99
Essential Kitchen Gadgets for the New Home
Equipping their kitchen with helpful tools for cooking and entertaining. Consider these must-haves!
Smeg 2 Slice Toaster
$229.95
Brighten their new kitchen with the iconic style of a Smeg 2-Slice Toaster. This retro-inspired beauty isn't just a looker; it boasts extra-wide slots for bagels and bread, six browning levels, and convenient settings like defrost and reheat. It's a thoughtful gift that combines functionality with a touch of vintage charm, making breakfast a stylish affair.
The Good
• Stylish retro design available in multiple colors.
• Even toasting with six adjustable browning levels.
• Includes bagel, defrost, and reheat functions.
The Bad
• Higher price point compared to other toasters.
• Exterior can become excessively hot during use.
• Some users report inconsistent toasting results.
Artisan Stand Mixer
$379.99
Elevate their culinary adventures with this KitchenAid stand mixer! This kitchen workhorse boasts a generous 5-quart capacity, ideal for whipping up batches of cookies or prepping for Taco Tuesdays. Its durable design and 10 speeds handle any recipe with ease, and the optional attachments expand its capabilities to a whole new level, ensuring they'll be cooking up a storm in their new home.
The Good
• Easily handles tough doughs.
• Impressive array of optional attachments.
• Heavy-duty bowl with handle.
The Bad
• Heavy to move.
• Coated attachments could chip.
• Wire whip is not dishwasher safe.
H400 Slow Juicer
$699.00
Help them kickstart their healthy home with the Hurom H400 Slow Juicer! This innovative appliance makes fresh, nutrient-rich juice a daily breeze. Featuring a self-feeding hopper for easy use, an easy-clean design, and a whisper-quiet motor, this juicer delivers maximum yield with minimal fuss, making healthy living both delicious and convenient in their new kitchen.
The Good
• The H400's innovative two-part auger system and self-feeding hopper deliver high juice yields while minimizing preparation and cleanup time.
• Easy Clean technology allows quick maintenance with warm water and dish soap, eliminating tedious strainer cleaning common in traditional juicers.
The Bad
• The H400 produces low-pulp juice, but it’s not as pulp-free as models with dedicated mesh strainers.
• At $699, the H400 is a splurge... If you’re new to juicing... the price might feel steep.
Starter Pack
$59.99
Elevate the housewarming game with the TRUFF Starter Pack, a decadent pantry upgrade. This collection delivers the ultimate in flavor, featuring TRUFF's signature “OG” sauces and oil. It's a thoughtful gift for the food lover, instantly adding a touch of gourmet luxury to any kitchen and making those first meals even more special.
The Good
• The TRUFF Starter Pack offers a unique flavor profile combining black truffle with chili peppers, enhancing various dishes.
• The packaging is elegant and makes for an impressive gift.
• The product is vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
The Bad
• Some users find the product to be overpriced compared to other hot sauces.
• The heat level may be too mild for those seeking a spicier experience.
• The truffle flavor might not appeal to all palates, especially those unfamiliar with truffles.
Signature Round Dutch Oven
$460.00
Elevate their culinary game with this iconic kitchen workhorse. This premium, enameled cast iron Dutch oven, a favorite of cooks everywhere, boasts superior heat retention, perfect for braising, roasting, and baking. Its durable, easy-to-clean design and vibrant enamel make it a beautiful and essential addition to any new home, guaranteeing delicious results for years to come.
The Good
• Superior heat distribution and retention ensures evenly cooked meals.
• Durable enamel resists chipping, staining, and cracking.
• Versatile design compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F.
The Bad
• High price point compared to other Dutch ovens.
• Heavy weight may be challenging for some users to handle.
• Light-colored interior enamel may show stains more easily.
Philips Avance Pasta Maker
$399.99
Skip the takeout and empower the new homeowner with fresh pasta in minutes! This Philips pasta maker is the ultimate kitchen upgrade, effortlessly crafting delicious noodles and pasta shapes using its four included discs. From weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining, this gadget is a fun and functional gift they'll use again and again.
The Good
• The pasta maker is user-friendly and efficient, simplifying pasta-making and allowing enjoyment of fresh pasta without much hassle.
• Clean-up is straightforward, saving time and effort, and the design is stylish.
• The machine is well-built, with robust metal parts ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.
The Bad
• The included recipes can be misleading; measurements often require adjustments for best results.
• It can be finicky with dough consistency, requiring precise measurements.
• The pasta thickness might not suit everyone’s taste, especially if thinner pasta is preferred, requiring additional purchases.
Barista Express
$549.95
If fresh, café-quality coffee is their dream, the Barista Express is a kitchen game-changer. With a built-in conical burr grinder, we found it delivered intricate flavors, freshly extracted from each bean. The professional design complements any kitchen aesthetic, although it does require regular cleaning to stay in top form. While the steam wand takes its time, the result—a perfect cup of coffee—is worth the wait.
The Good
• The built-in conical burr grinder allows for fresh grinding of beans right before extraction, enhancing flavor.
• The machine's design is sleek and professional, adding aesthetic appeal to the kitchen.
The Bad
• The steam wand can be slow to reach optimal pressure, making milk frothing a lengthier process.
• The machine requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it functioning optimally.
Signature Round Dutch Oven
$260.00
The Signature Round Dutch Oven is a must-have for culinary enthusiasts. We experienced its superior heat distribution firsthand, perfect for even cooking. While it's a bit heavier than alternatives, the enameled coating resists stains and chipping, ensuring longevity. This versatile piece is compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F making it a worthwhile investment for any serious home cook.
The Good
• Superior heat distribution and retention ensures even cooking.
• Durable enamel resists chipping, staining, and cracking.
• Versatile design compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F.
The Bad
• High price point compared to other Dutch ovens.
• Heavy weight may be challenging for some users.
• Light-colored interior enamel may show stains more easily.
Courtly Check Salt & Pepper Shakers
$89.95
Add a touch of artistry to their kitchen with the Courtly Check Salt & Pepper Shakers. Hand-painted and elegantly designed, these shakers are a true statement piece, enhancing any dining experience. While their size may not fit all tablescapes, the investment in quality and style is unmistakable. It's the balance of whimsy and sophistication that makes them such a captivating gift.
The Good
• Hand-painted design adds a unique and stylish touch to kitchen decor.
• High-quality, durable construction ensures longevity.
The Bad
• Large size may not be suitable for all table settings.
• High price point may be prohibitive for some buyers.
Ooni Koda 12 Pizza Oven
$399.00
Gift them the joy of gourmet pizza-making with the Ooni Koda 12 Pizza Oven. It's perfect for creating authentic, stone-baked pizzas in no time, thanks to its quick heat-up and high 950°F capability. We found it excels in outdoor settings, though turning to avoid burning is necessary. While weather conditions can affect heat distribution, it remains a top choice for pizza aficionados who love alfresco cooking.
The Good
• Heats up quickly, reaching 950°F in just 15 minutes.
• Compact and portable design makes it ideal for outdoor use.
• Gas-powered convenience with instant ignition and precise temperature control.
The Bad
• Uneven temperature distribution, especially in breezy conditions.
• Requires constant attention and frequent turning to prevent burning.
• Limited to outdoor use only, which may not suit all climates or living spaces.
Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates
$129.95
If brunch is their favorite meal, the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates is a must-have addition to their new kitchen. With dishwasher-safe, removable plates, cleanup is a breeze, while the six-setting temperature control ensures perfectly customized browning. During our review, we enjoyed its easy switch between waffles and pancakes, though some found the pancake plates a tad small. Remember to handle with care, as the outer shell can get quite hot.
The Good
• Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make cleanup easy.
• Produces evenly cooked Belgian waffles with crispy exteriors and spongy interiors.
• Six-setting temperature control allows for customized browning.
The Bad
• Short power cord may limit placement options.
• Some users find the pancake plates too small for their liking.
• Outer shell gets very hot; careful when touching the machine.
Demi Kettle
$84.00
Add a vibrant touch of elegance to their kitchen with the Le Creuset Demi Kettle. This colorful kettle heats water quickly, thanks to its lightweight carbon steel construction, making it perfect for those tea or coffee moments. In our testing, the enamel resisted stains beautifully, though the handle can get quite warm with prolonged use. This kettle's compatibility with all cooktops ensures long-term utility, combining practicality with timeless design.
The Good
• Heats water quickly due to lightweight carbon steel construction.
• Enamel coating is non-reactive and resists stains, rust, and scratches.
• Compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
The Bad
• Some users report enamel corrosion after less than a year of use.
• The lid can be difficult to remove at times.
• The handle may heat up during prolonged use, requiring caution.
Smeg Drip Coffee Machine
$259.95
Introduce a touch of vintage elegance to their daily routine with the SMEG Drip Coffee Machine. Its iconic retro design is not just for looks—the smooth, flavorful coffee it produces is a testament to its quality. We appreciated its customizable aroma settings, although descaling might become a bit frequent, especially in hard water areas. A stylish and functional addition, this machine promises delightful mornings filled with aromatic coffee experiences.
The Good
• The machine's retro design adds a stylish touch to any kitchen.
• The coffee brewed is smooth and full of flavor.
• The reusable filter is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
The Bad
• The glass carafe handle feels less durable over time.
• The water reservoir lid doesn't open far enough, making it difficult to pour water without spilling.
• The machine prompts descaling more often than expected, especially with hard water.
Stylish Decor to Spruce Up Their Space
Gifts to enhance their home's aesthetic appeal, from artwork to decorative accents.
Aura 10.1" HD Digital Photo Frame
$219.99
Say goodbye to generic housewarming gifts and hello to memories! This stylish digital photo frame lets your loved ones instantly display a curated collection of photos. With its stunning HD display and easy WiFi setup, it's a thoughtful gift that adds a personalized touch of beauty and warmth to any space.
The Good
• High-resolution 10.1-inch HD display with vibrant colors.
• Easy setup and user-friendly app for seamless photo sharing.
• Sleek, minimalist design that complements various home decors.
The Bad
• Touch bar responsiveness can be inconsistent, requiring multiple taps.
• Frame supports only landscape orientation, limiting display options for portrait photos.
• Auto-dimming feature occasionally misjudges room brightness, affecting display visibility.
Meyer Lemon Tree by Via Citrus
$65.00
Brighten their home and their recipes with a living Meyer lemon tree! This fragrant, compact citrus tree thrives indoors or out, delivering fresh, juicy lemons right to their kitchen. A perfect blend of beauty and functionality, it adds a touch of greenery while offering year-round access to delicious, homegrown fruit. It's an ideal gift for those who love to cook, entertain, or simply enjoy fresh, zesty flavors.
The Good
• Meyer lemon trees are self-pollinating and resistant to diseases and pests, making them easy to grow.
• The fruit has a distinct, somewhat floral taste, less acidic and sweeter than typical lemons.
The Bad
• Meyer lemon trees can attract pests like whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects.
• The fruit's tender peels don't transport well, making them difficult to find in stores.
The Olive Bottle
$170.00
Bring a slice of Mediterranean charm to their counter with The Olive Bottle. Hand-blown from durable borosilicate glass, this exquisite piece isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it’s also heat-resistant, adding a functional edge. While it requires hand washing, a routine that may deter some, we found its unique, olive-adorned design to add delightful artistry to everyday kitchen use. This blend of decorative appeal and practicality makes for a truly memorable gift.
The Good
• Hand-blown from 100% borosilicate glass, offering durability and heat resistance.
• Features a unique design with green olives adorning the bottle, adding a decorative touch.
The Bad
• Hand washing is recommended due to its delicate nature, which may be inconvenient for some users.
• Slight variances in shape, size, and color may occur due to the hand-blown process, which might not appeal to all buyers.
Mimosa Diffuser Refill
$110.00
Transform their home's atmosphere with the Diptyque Mimosa Diffuser Refill. The velvety, honeyed scent creates an inviting ambiance that exudes warmth and tranquility. Though priced on the higher end, this luxurious fragrance offers longevity with the included rattan reeds. While some might find the fragrance's intensity waning over time, regularly replacing the reeds maintains a consistently delightful scent, making this a sophisticated, yet practical, housewarming choice.
The Good
• The Mimosa fragrance offers velvety, honeyed notes that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• The refill includes six natural rattan reeds, ensuring optimal fragrance diffusion.
• The diffuser is designed to be infinitely refillable, allowing for long-term use with various scents.
The Bad
• At $110, the refill is relatively expensive compared to other home fragrance options.
• The product is specifically designed for Diptyque's glass diffuser vessel, limiting compatibility with other diffusers.
• The fragrance's intensity may diminish over time, requiring regular replacement of reeds for optimal diffusion.
Stone Diffuser
$90.99
Give the gift of serenity with the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser. Its sleek, matte ceramic design seamlessly elevates any room's decor while quietly diffusing essential oils to craft a calming atmosphere. With its simple operation, this diffuser is user-friendly, even if some find the water reservoir's size necessitating more frequent refills. Despite a few users noting longevity issues, its aesthetic appeal and quiet functionality make it a treasured addition to any home environment.
The Good
• The matte ceramic design adds a touch of elegance to any room.
• The diffuser is easy to use and disperses essential oils effectively.
• It operates quietly, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or offices.
The Bad
• Some users report the diffuser stops working after a few months.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other diffusers.
• The water reservoir is small, requiring frequent refills for continuous use.
Cozy Comforts for a Welcoming Home
Creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and more.
Cotton Weighted Blanket
$279.00
Transform a new house into a haven of relaxation with this organic cotton weighted blanket. It's the perfect housewarming gift for anyone craving a sense of calm! Designed to soothe and promote deeper sleep, this knitted wonder uses gentle pressure for ultimate comfort. Help your loved ones create a cozy retreat they'll adore.
The Good
• The blanket's breathable knit design prevents overheating, making it suitable for hot sleepers.
• Its stylish and modern appearance enhances home decor.
• The blanket is machine washable, allowing for easy maintenance.
The Bad
• The open weave design can cause fingers and toes to poke through, which may be uncomfortable for some users.
• The blanket's weight and bulkiness make it cumbersome to move and store.
• The high price point may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
BOURINA Knit Throw Blanket
$18.99
Elevate their new space with the BOURINA Beige Throw Blanket, a must-have for ultimate comfort. This super-soft, textured throw blanket adds warmth and a touch of modern style to any living room or bedroom. Perfect for snuggling up on the couch or draping over a chair, this versatile blanket is a cozy gift that makes a house feel instantly like home.
The Good
• The blanket is very soft and has a lovely color.
• The blanket is thin and lightweight, making it suitable for warmer climates.
• The blanket is available in a variety of colors to match different decors.
The Bad
• The blanket sheds excessively, leaving fluff on clothes and furniture.
• The blanket's thinness may not provide sufficient warmth in colder environments.
• Some users reported that the blanket's color did not match the advertised images.
Premium Starter Kit
$125.00
The Premium Starter Kit by Branch Basics offers a fresh start for any new home, promoting a healthier, eco-friendly cleaning routine. Our tests show its plant-based concentrates are versatile for a range of applications, though the laundry detergent doesn’t match up to all commercial alternatives. While it misses a disinfectant component, the non-toxic formulas provide peace of mind in households with kids and pets.
The Good
• The concentrate is versatile, allowing users to create multiple cleaning solutions from a single product.
• The cleaning products are non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets.
• The starter kit includes reusable bottles, promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing waste.
The Bad
• Some users find the laundry detergent less effective compared to other products.
• The initial cost of the starter kit may be considered high by some customers.
• The product lacks a disinfectant component, requiring additional products for thorough sanitization.
BFS HOME Linen Duvet Cover - King
$71.99
Transform their bedroom into an oasis of comfort with the BFS HOME Linen Duvet Cover. This linen/cotton blend duvet cover feels incredibly soft and is machine washable for easy maintenance. While some users reported shrinkage after washing, it's a minor trade-off for the breathable, year-round comfort we've experienced in our testing. The subtle, versatile design makes it a thoughtful gift that adds a touch of understated elegance.
The Good
• The linen/cotton blend provides a soft and comfortable feel.
• The duvet cover is machine washable and maintains its appearance after multiple washes.
• The zipper closure is convenient and functions well.
The Bad
• Some users reported significant shrinkage after washing, affecting the fit.
• The fabric may feel rough to some users, especially initially.
• Color discrepancies have been noted between the product images and the actual item received.
Smart Home Tech to Simplify Living
Explore gadgets that add convenience and efficiency to their new house.
Eufy S350 Indoor Camera
$450.00
For unparalleled clarity and security, the Eufy S350 Indoor Camera is a standout choice. Its stunning 4K resolution captures every detail, offering peace of mind with its 360° pan and tilt capabilities. During our review, we noticed the AI-powered tracking was particularly adept at monitoring both humans and pets, although the manual controls can respond a bit slowly. Keep in mind, this is tailored for indoor use with a constant power connection required.
The Good
• Stunning 4K UHD resolution with dual-lens setup.
• 360° pan and tilt for full-room coverage.
• Accurate AI-powered tracking for humans and pets.
The Bad
• Requires a constant power connection (plug-in only).
• No weatherproofing – indoor use only.
• Manual pan-and-tilt responds slowly to input.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
$64.99
Help them keep track of their essentials with the Apple AirTag 4 Pack. In our testing, the easy one-tap setup and integration with the Find My app proved invaluable for locating misplaced items quickly. While its reliance on nearby Apple devices may be limiting, especially in less-populated areas, the durable design and water/dust resistance make it a reliable choice for daily organization and peace of mind.
The Good
• Easy one-tap setup seamlessly integrates with iPhone and iPad for quick use.
• Tracks various items like keys, wallets, and luggage with accuracy through the Find My app.
• Durable design with IP67 water and dust resistance ensures reliability in diverse conditions.
The Bad
• Relies heavily on nearby Apple devices, limiting tracking in areas without Find My network presence.
• Lack of features like geofencing and scheduled updates compared to GPS trackers.
• Not ideal for tracking fast-moving objects or pets in remote areas.
Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Echo Buds
$31.99
Welcome them to a smarter home with the Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Echo Buds package. We found the improved sound quality a noticeable upgrade, making it easy to manage music and smart home devices via Alexa. While the Echo Buds lack noise cancellation, they still deliver rich audio, although the control lag can be a minor hiccup. Despite these points, this bundle is perfect for adding convenience and entertainment to their new abode.
The Good
• The Echo Dot (5th Gen) offers improved sound quality over previous generations.
• The Echo Buds provide rich and full audio quality, surpassing expectations.
• The Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Echo Buds are easy to set up and use.
The Bad
• The Echo Buds' tap controls can experience occasional lag during use.
• The Echo Dot (5th Gen) has limited bass, which may not satisfy audiophiles.
• The Echo Buds lack active noise cancellation and have limited passive noise isolation.
eufy Omni E28 Robot Vacuum and Mop
$999.99
Redefine cleaning ease in their new home with the eufy Omni E28 Robot Vacuum and Mop. This high-performing combo offers powerful suction and an advanced mopping system for spotless floors, while the detachable cleaner is perfect for tough spots. Despite its noise during mop cycles, our experience shows it's a great all-round cleaner for pet hair and debris. Consider its height for low-clearance furniture and connectivity limitations when gifting this innovative gadget.
The Good
• Powerful 20,000 Pa suction effectively picks up debris and pet hair.
• Advanced mopping system with HydroJet™ ensures consistent performance.
• Detachable portable deep cleaner adds versatility for spot cleaning.
The Bad
• At 4.37 inches tall, it may not fit under some furniture.
• Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, limiting connectivity options.
• Mop washing cycle and dust emptying are notably loud.
Gifts for the Home Bar Enthusiast
Everything they need to stock and stylishly display their bar essentials.
Personalized Charcuterie Board Gift Set
$27.99
Make entertaining a breeze with this Personalized Charcuterie Board Gift Set. Its high-quality craftsmanship and custom engraving create a memorable and unique addition to any gathering. During our review, we noted the engraving is small but still charming. With included cheese knives and utensils, it’s a practical and stylish way to showcase their culinary delights while adding a personal touch to their new home.
The Good
• High-quality craftsmanship with beautiful design details.
• Personalized options make it a unique and memorable gift.
• Includes essential cheese knives and utensils for easy entertaining.
The Bad
• Some users reported the engraving is very small and hard to read.
• The size may not be suitable for larger gatherings.
• Handwash only to maintain engraving and wood quality, requiring extra care.
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