Megan C. Hills
Looking for the best housewarming gifts? Look no further. It's an unspoken rule of adulthood that you and your pals are going to rent, and then have to move house, and then rent, and then move and rent with seemingly no end in sight. That means there's always going to be another wedding or housewarming on the horizon and you don't want to be the person who comes empty-handed - or the person whose present instantly gets binned when everybody's left the building. So what makes a great housewarming gift? We spoke to a few home interiors experts to get their insights.
So what makes a great housewarming gift? Team MC chatted to Alessandra Wood, interior design site Modsy's Director of Style, to get her advice on the ideal pick. She told Marie Claire, "Housewarming gifts should be three things: thoughtful, useful and affordable. There is no need to outshine others with an expensive gift; as long as it is from the heart and something you can envision your friend using, your job is done! Try to think of a gift that brings people together and will also add a pop to the decor of their new home"
When it comes to a failsafe home gift, you want to think predominantly practical, avoiding pretty-yet-clutter-prone items like flowers in favour of something they'll use time and time again. Kelly Collins, Interior Designer & Head of Creative at Swyft, tells us "Traditionally, people bring flowers as gifts when someone moves in, but if they've just moved, their vases may still be packed away, so flowers aren't always the most ideal gift. A throw is something really easy that they can drape over a sofa, instantly updating its look." In terms of style, she says "it's best to stay neutral since you may not know the colour scheme of their new home".
Alternative gifts Collins would suggest include “a really beautiful candle with a relaxing scent…particularly since moving house can be quite stressful” or “trays and trinket bowls for keeping all their pieces organised” - essentially, we’re aiming for products that look chic but are actually useful too!
Victoria Fletcher, Senior Buyer at Garden Trading, suggests a different approach. “Nothing conveys thoughtfulness and care more than a homemade gift” she says, “a crafted item not only adds a personal touch but also brings a unique charm to their new space.” For example, she suggests creating a handmade wreath as “a versatile piece that can be customised to fit any season or decor style.”
As a Shopping Editor who has just moved home, chic pieces of decor are all I seem to be thinking about lately - from the best air fryers to what's trending on H&M Home's new in page. So naturally, I've curated an edit of affordable housewarming gifts that your friends will fall in love with and use again and again. And if any of my friends or family happen to stumble on this list, they should know that I'm totally not dropping any hints...
The best housewarming gifts to shop in 2024
I can’t think of a more cosy addition to your giftee’s home than this maple matcha candle - yes, it’s based on the scent from the already iconic Blank Street x MMMDI maple matcha drink. I’ll take five.
For a gift they'll genuinely use for years, you can't go wrong with this Wildsmith hand soap and lotion set. Firstly, the formulas smell absolutely beautiful, but when they're done they can refill the handmade ceramic bottles time and time again.
Create a soothing atmosphere in their new space with an iconic Neom diffuser. This limited edition matcha glass design has just been released and it's utterly stunning.
For the people who love to host: these hand blown margarita glasses from Velvet Smoke are perfect. The set comes with a chic matching salt tray, and come in three stunning colours. Personally? I want them all.
Listen, moving house can be stressful. This soothing candle from ESPA aims to rebalance and comfort the senses, which is probably just what your giftee needs right now.
This new TBCo x Abisola Omole throw makes a failsafe gift. The deep red tones offer a pop of colour, but will still go with a neutral colour scheme.
I can't decide if I want this boucle knot cushion in the statement yellow or chic cream - I might just have to buy one for myself and one as a gift.
Everything I've ever tried from Addison Ross has been of an impeccable quality. Each piece makes a statement yet is surprisingly easy to style, and this curvaceous salt grinder is no exception.
The new Beats Pill speaker is the perfect balance of compact and powerful. I've had so many compliments from house guests on the chic design, so it goes without saying that it would make an excellent housewarming gift. It also comes in a classic black and - my personal favourite - a luxurious champagne shade.
This cosy throw from Swyft makes a gorgeous gift - the neutral shade and timeless design will go with any style of decor.
Who could be upset at receiving a new set of fluffy white towels? These ones from Torres Novas are luxuriously soft, and even if they already have a main set, they make brilliant extra set for guests (AKA you).
A set of these classic white waffle robes makes the perfect housewarming gift for a couple. Even better - it's currently discounted at The White Company!
If they're a fan of cooking, chances are they'll have their eye on a great set of knives. This set from Jamie Oliver's Tefal range comes with a chic wooden stand plus each knife has a high-quality German stainless steel blade that is ice hardened for superior performance.
I own a Charlotte Manser ceramic piece myself and trust me - these handmade designs make for super thoughtful gifts. If your giftee loves to entertain, this wine cooler bucket is perfect.
As someone who has just moved into a new home herself I can confirm: you can never have too many serving platters. I love the playful design of this one from Anthropologie - just make sure you know their personal style before buying something this colourful.
A Fortnum's hamper will always go down well. If you want to give them a real treat, the classic Fortmason hamper is just the ticket.
If they've only just moved in, they're probably lacking the basic essentials like tea - surprise them with this decadent offering from Newby Teas.
Per Collins' suggestion above, a tray makes an endlessly useful gift. This scallop-trimmed ottoman style from Addison Ross makes a sophisticated statement: ideal for breakfast in bed or as a display tray.
This stunning jewellery case from Wolf is perfect for when they're at home and away.
If you don't mind spending a little more on a really luxurious (and still incredibly useful) gift, L'Objet's Neptune collection is a perfect choice. This seashell bowl is the ultimate decorative piece.
You can't go wrong with a cushion, and this embroidered cover from gifting experts, Elizabeth Scarlett, looks far more expensive than it is.
A table lamp will always come in handy - especially when it looks as chic as this brass one from Industville.
