- Housewarming gifts aren’t always necessary, but they’re a nice gesture.
- If you want to celebrate a friend’s big move but don’t want to spend a lot of money, we’ve got you covered.
- Below you’ll find 25 housewarming gifts all under $50, all well-equipped for socially distant celebrations.
- Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all Insider Reviews gift guides here.
Editor’s note: In the wake of the novel coronavirus, housewarming gifts and celebrations are looking a bit different. Nothing takes the place of time spent together, but if you’re looking to send a gift to new homeowners in lieu of a visit, we hope this list will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Maybe you just graduated college and you’re off to start your next chapter in a new place. You’re not alone – you have plenty of friends in the same position. Although in-person housewarming parties are off the table for the time being, your calendar is probably already bursting with virtual potluck dinners and celebratory video calls.
Perhaps you’re a real-life adult with friends who are buying their first homes or moving into bigger apartments. Watching them settle into their new places is a joy. And, while housewarming gifts aren’t always necessary, they’re a nice way to celebrate your friend’s big move.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a housewarming gift, but you still want to acknowledge this major step in their life, we've got you covered.
The 5 best housewarming gifts under $50:
- A case of six wines from up-and-coming winemakers ($39.99)
- Customizable plant marking tags for their garden ($27.50)
- A cozy throw blanket (from $31.50)
- A cheese board to commemorate their move to a new state ($48)
- Margarita glasses fitted with a handy diagram ($25)
Keep reading for 25 thoughtful housewarming gifts that won't cost you more than $50:
An elegant bottle of olive oil
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, available at Sardel, $35
We love the cookware from new brand Sardel, as well as its EVOO, which is produced in Puglia, Italy. The UV-coated glass bottle looks great on their countertop and protects the precious contents from sunlight.
A pie to share with all the housewarming party guests
Milk Bar Pie, available at Milk Bar, $46
This celebratory dessert isn't as traditional as say, an apple pie, but the surprise is just as sweet. Buttery, sugary, and dense, Milk Bar's famous pie (serves 8-10) is the definition of indulgence.
An attractive houseplant that's not too difficult to take care of
Bird's Nest Fern, available at The Sill, from $15
Even if they don't claim to have green thumbs, this wavy fern shouldn't cause too much trouble, requiring only weekly waterings. Plus, it's pet-friendly.
A cheese board to commemorate their move to a new state
State Cheese Boards, available at Uncommon Goods, $48
If they're brand new to a state, they'll love a cheese board that's shaped just like their new home.
A luxurious soap set
Claus Porto Guest Soap Box, available at Nordstrom, $26
Claus Porto's beautiful, moisturizing soaps come from one of the oldest family-owned soap and perfume manufacturers in Portugal. This box set includes 15 of Claus Porto's most popular scents.
A set of nice coasters to protect their new furniture
Clouded Agate Coasters (set of 4), available at West Elm, $40
A new apartment probably means new furniture. And you know what nobody wants on their new table? Water rings. Help them preemptively protect their new surfaces with these agate coasters that are as practical as they are pretty.
A hand-poured candle that's equal parts beautiful and giftable
Otherland Rattan Sandalwood, Amber, and Moss candle, available at Otherland, $36
Help bring relaxing energy into their new home with this hand-poured candle made from soy and coconut wax. With a burn time of 55 hours, their new place will always smell like sandalwood, amber, and moss.
A mini tool kit for any apartment mishaps
Fix it Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $30
Even if they don't know how to use a hammer or a slot screwdriver, it doesn't mean they won't need one. Prep them for furniture building, artwork hanging, and any apartment mishaps that they might encounter along the way with this small tool kit filled with the basics.
A set of shot glasses to liven up any party
Margarita Diagram Glassware - Set of 2, available at Uncommon Goods, $25
Get the (virtual) party started with these glasses that map out the perfect margarita recipe. The artfully designed glasses are top-rack dishwasher safe, so they can be used and washed time and time again.
A personal touch to add to their garden
Garden Markers, available at Etsy, $27.50
If they're just as excited about their new garden as they are for their new home, these personalized garden markers can help them identify their plants as they grow. The set of five tags can be entirely customized based on the recipient's gardening preferences.
A toast to their new home
Red, White, or Mixed Wine Case, available at Nakedwines.com, $39.99 with voucher
Nakedwines.com provides a platform for new winemakers to create and sell affordable, up-and-coming bottles. Currently, Nakedwines.com is offering $100 off this case of six wines with a voucher.
A smart speaker to play music at their housewarming party
Echo Dot (3rd Generation), available at Amazon, $49.99
Give the gift of music with this Amazon smart speaker that can play from a number of streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and many more. This Alexa-compatible speaker also comes equipped with over 50,000 skills to help them around their new home.
A nice keychain to hold their new keys
Annie Bukhman Leather Wrist Key Chain, available at Etsy, $25
Give them a nice and easy way to keep track of their brand new keys. The leather key strap can be clipped right onto their keys or even onto a small pouch or clutch for even more room to hold little knick-knacks.
An easy-to-use French press for their morning coffee
Bodum Chambord French Press, available at Amazon, $29.99
A French press won't take up much space in their new kitchen, but it will brew a delicious cup of coffee every time. They'll thank you for this upgrade to their morning routine.
A blanket for them to bundle up in
Waffle Weave Throw, available at West Elm, from $31.50
Nothing feels more homey than cuddling up on the couch in a cozy blanket. This one is lightweight and airy, making it the perfect choice for a spring or summertime housewarming.
A fun game for impromptu game nights at their place
What Do You Meme? Party Game, available at Amazon, $29.99
Did you just volunteer them to host all game nights moving forward? Maybe, but this one will make them laugh so hard that they'll probably be glad you did.
A device that gives them peace of mind when they leave the house
Amazon Smart Plug, available at Amazon, $24.99
Allow them to turn any appliance in their new home into a voice-activated one with this Amazon smart plug, compatible with the Alexa App (meaning they don't necessarily have to have an Amazon Echo to use it). It'll also give them the ability, and the peace of mind, to turn off electronics remotely.
A candle that smells like home
Homesick Scented Candle, available at Amazon, from $27
Whether it's the college town they just left or the state they grew up in, a Homesick candle is a sweet and sentimental way to bring a little piece of their old home to their new one.
A set of classy serving spoons
Dipped Serving Set, available at Anthropologie, $36
These gold-dipped serving spoons will add a classy touch to any kitchen. Each spoon is hand-finished so they really are one of a kind.
A set of containers that are decorative and functional
Measure and Store Canisters, available at UncommonGoods, $40 to $45
Help them keep their new kitchen organized with these hand-crafted jars made from recycled wine bottles. Each container also has at least one acacia wood measuring cup that stacks into the top (the larger one has two measurers).
A hand-carved salt lamp for added ambiance
Natural Himalayan Hand Carved Salt Lamp, available at Amazon, $24.99
Made from 100% pure, natural Himalayan salt, this lamp can create a cozy, warm glow in any room. The light strength can be adjusted via the dimmer knob located on the cord.
A frame holding a picture of you together
Terrazo Frames, available at West Elm, $34.99
Pop a picture you know they love into a nice frame for a gift that's simple, thoughtful, and sure to make their place feel a little more like home.
A throw pillow to add a personal touch to their space
Frankie Print Co. Happy Place Pillow, available at Etsy, $20-$34
This little throw pillow is the perfect accent for their new spot. Get it with a pillow insert already inside, or just give them the cover so they can put it on one they already own.
A decorative tin to keep family recipes
Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin, available at Anthropologie, $38
They'll be excited to keep their family recipes safe inside this sweet floral tin. It comes with 12 dividers and 24 recipe cards so they can start building their meal arsenal as soon as they're settled in.
A different way to pop some bubbly
Talking Tables Prosecco Pong, available at Amazon, $22.47
Giving a bottle of champagne or prosecco may be more commonplace, but this game is a more fun way to ring in their next chapter. And, if they don't want to play, they still get a cute set of reusable plastic champagne glasses perfect for a celebratory cheers.