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The 25 best housewarming gifts for the new homeowner in your life

Welcome them to their new nest with thoughtful, charming and practical gifts that will make their new house feel more like a home.

silicone popcorn popper, digital picture frame, Anthropologie floral pitcher
Give them a warm welcome with these thoughtful gift ideas — from kitchen essentials like silicone baking mats and Scrub Mommy sponges to personalized pieces they'll keep forever. (Amazon, Anthropologie)

Moving is equal parts exhausting and exciting. Take it from me, someone who's moved five times in ten years. And while some of these moves were bigger than others, each one came with its fair share of stress. I'm talking delayed furniture deliveries, last-minute runs to the hardware store and the inevitable missing box or two. So, it's safe to say that the housewarming gifts from my friends and family were a surefire way to lighten the load (and, well, lift my mood).

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Although a housewarming gift isn't necessary by any means, Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, tells Yahoo that a "practical, thoughtful and universally appreciated" present can go a long way. "You should aim to send the gift within the first few weeks of their move. This timing ensures that they are likely settled in enough to appreciate the gesture without the chaos of the move overshadowing it," she tells us.

It might be tempting to go all out on custom decor or big kitchen buys, but Whitmore recommends steering clear of anything too bulky or personal. Instead, stick to tried-and-trusted kitchen staples (like reusable food wraps) or small accents that'll dress up their space (from a chic stoneware pitcher to a flower grow kit). Gift cards, meal kit delivery services and cleaning products also fit the bill. The more unique and useful the gift idea, the better.

Of course, you might to give the new homeowner something that'll stand the test of time. In that case, opt for a personalized Christmas ornament or monogrammed serving board they can use whenever they host parties or gatherings.

Best housewarming gifts by category:

Now that they've unpacked and furnished the place, it's time to enjoy the fruits of their labor — and by that, I mean cozy up on the couch for a movie night. No movie night is complete without a heaping bowl of buttery, theater-ready popcorn. Over 25,000 Amazon shoppers love this silicone popper because it stores flat, is dishwasher-safe and doesn't call for butter or oil. "I have always been a big fan of stovetop popcorn cooked in oil. This new popper made me a convert to microwave popcorn," one five-star fan raved.

$12 at Amazon

Everybody cleans — and for that reason, no one would turn down some free cleaning supplies. Mrs. Meyer cleaning supplies are a little bit splurgy, made with sustainable ingredients and — even though they have a utilitarian function — smell like luxury. 

This three-piece set, which comes with dish soap, hand soap and multi-surface cleaner, will help them tackle everyday messes in the kitchen and beyond. Throw in some sponges (more on that later) and microfiber cloths for good measure.

$20 at Amazon

Let this woven tray take the place of a gift bag. Fill it with small doodads — coasters, candle holders, cocktail napkins and more finds for the hostess with the mostest. The options are truly endless.

When they're done enjoying all the gifts it was filled with, they'll love having it to carry drinks to their patio or coffee to their bedside. 

$15 at Walmart

Twelve years ago Sponge Daddy won over the sharks on Shark Tank — and now, these smily-faced sponges are a staple in homes everywhere. Take it from our home writer Kristin Granero, who included a variety pack on her list of the best gifts she gives and receives. "They’re tough on grease and soap scum yet soft enough that they don’t scratch," she wrote, adding that they "aren't just regular sponges, they're cool sponges."

$14 at Amazon

Right now, all of their attention is on furnishing, decorating and organizing the inside of the house. So, take it upon yourself to get them something that they can put outside to make their backyard feel a little more magical. This multi-colored hummingbird feeder isn't just for show; they can hang it by a window to see all of the fast fliers who stop by for a drink. 

This feeder comes in 12 different color options, and all are hand-blown by artisan glassmakers. Even when this artful piece isn't flanked by birds, it makes for a spectacular show-stopper when the sun shines through the design. 

$28 at Amazon

There's a time and a place for parchment paper, but our kitchen product tester (and pro baker) says nonstick silicone mats are superior in most cases. They're reusable, easy to clean, oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and better on the wallet than throw-away options. This two-pack has racked up more than 90,000 five-star reviews, with one happy shopper raving that they use it for "baking, freezing or as a drip catcher for under our pies."

$13 at Amazon

Zero-proof, non-alcoholic, spirit-free — no matter what buzz-word (get it?) you prefer, there's no denying that mocktails are a fail-safe way to ensure that everyone at the table has something delicious to sip on. This book will teach them how to make 60 drinks, whether they're in the mood for something sparkling or dark and spicy.

$20 at Amazon

In case it isn't clear, I'm all for practical, dare I say, unsexy housewarming gifts. These reusable paper towels are a must in my kitchen for drying dishes, cleaning up spills and wiping down countertops — and apparently, hundreds of other Amazon shoppers feel the same. "They don't smell like dishtowels tend to when they get damp. When they need to be washed, I just throw them in the washing machine with towels and then let them air dry," one five-star fan wrote.

Plus, these are so much prettier than your average dishrag. 

$17 at Amazon

New address, who this? Nothing feels better than a truly permanent permanent address. And having a customized address stamp that they can use for years only makes it feel that much more official (and special).

You can customize their stamp with six different design options — from modern to romantic. Go with a self-inking stamp, so they're set and ready to stamp.

$6 at Etsy

Their new home is about to be the spot — ya know, the one you go to for dinner parties, game nights and a heavy pour of vino. Speaking of wine, these color-coded felt charms will make sure none of their guests mistake their glass for someone else's. They're made with soft, scratch-resistant wool, so they don't have to worry about marking up their fanciest glassware.

$22 at Amazon

A couple spritzes of this fabric spray will elevate their bedtime routine. One well-rested shopper claimed that the scent isn't overpowering and doesn't last too long, which is actually a nice plus. "I want to be welcomed into sleep, not marinate in lavender," they wrote, adding that it makes them feel like they're "going to bed in a five-star hotel." Not a fan of florals? Choose from an array of other calming scents, including amber cashmere and warm cedar.

$10 at Amazon

Because somebody's gotta get them an ornament. And if it's not you, then it's probably going to be up to them, which is just unacceptable. Celebrate this exciting new chapter with a glass ornament, which will hang on the tree during all the Christmases to come. 

$15 at Amazon

Once you swap plastic wrap for beeswax, you'll never go back. Take it from me: I picked up this pack of three beeswax wraps three years ago in an effort to be a little more sustainable, and I've turned so many friends onto their press-and-seal magic. They come in three different sizes and mold to just about anything — half-eaten avocados, lemon slices, casserole dishes, you name it.

$17 at Amazon
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$15 at Target

Photos of loved ones are priceless, but digital picture frames definitely come at a premium. Yahoo's Executive Tech Editor Rick Broida put all the top frames to the test and this standout selection took top honors for its similarity to pricier models, offering comparable features. He highlighted that this well-priced model offers high-end specs, including "solid picture resolution, auto-rotation and expandable storage."

Reviewers agree with Broida and say this frame is "easy to set up" and offers a high-quality, "crystal clear" picture. 

$70 at Amazon

Candle lamps were one of the most-Googled gifts last holiday season — and there's a good reason why. Instead of lighting a candle directly, the lamp warms the candle and slowly emits fragrance — no fire, no soot, no stress. Our Deals Writer Britt Ross says it's one of her "favorite home items," writing that she enjoys "candles with more peace of mind, and they look prettier without a bunch of ash scattered all over them."

$35 at Amazon

Shipping a bouquet straight to their door is a sweet gesture and all, but it's pretty standard. I'm all for giving flowers to brighten up their home (especially if everything's boxed up and their walls are bare), but this grow kit is a more personal way to do so. Pick up a kit that corresponds with their birth month — once the flowers bloom, they can plant them in their garden and use the vase for freshly cut buds.

$36 at Uncommon Goods

This isn't your average game of Monopoly. Well, the game is the same one you played as a kid, but the box it comes in is chic enough to be set on a bookshelf. If Monopoly isn't their board game of choice, then check out the other classics in the vintage-inspired collection — Scrabble, Boggle and Clue, to name a few. Or shop from this list of the best board games for couples, according to enthusiasts.

$40 at Amazon
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$45 at L.L.Bean

A change of scenery does wonders for a home cook. Now that they have a brand-spanking new kitchen, they'll feel more inspired to whip up homemade meals. This spice trio, complete with ground lime, garlic and cinnamon, is a foolproof way to bring flavor to any dish.

$30 at Amazon

Even if they're nowhere near baking sourdough from scratch, they can give store-bought bread the fresh-from-the-oven taste. Just place a loaf on the hot terracotta stone (heat it for at least ten minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and close the lid to trap the warmth.

$48 at Uncommon Goods
Anthropologie

A pitcher is one of those things you never think to get until you need it. Gift them this stoneware stunner from Anthropologie to ensure it'll never get to that point. Start with a pitcher, then build out their collection over the years with a platter, mug and set of dessert plates in the same floral design.

$42 at Anthropologie

Pizza lovers know the power of a good oil. This one combines classic flavors like oregano, basil and rosemary with a little heat to wake up even the saddest leftovers. Although it was made with pizza in mind, it's also a simple way to spruce up eggs, avocado toast or pasta dishes.

$28 at Brightland

This Crate & Barrel design is so timeless, they'll be using it to serve charcuterie and crudités for many years to come. Get one with the initial of their last name, which will be especially exciting if they recently said "I do."

$50 at Crate & Barrel

They've got a lot on their plate right now — and coming up with new dinner recipes every night surely isn't at the top of the list. Hello Fresh makes it easy to whip up quick, nutritious meals for the whole family. Send them a gift card ($90 feeds four people twice a week), then let them choose from a whopping 100+ meals each week, tailoring it to their dietary needs and preferences. Not sold yet? Read our in-depth review on Hello Fresh and see why it's Yahoo's No.1 pick for the best overall meal kit delivery service.

$90 at Hello Fresh

Throw blankets and candles are some of the most basic (er, boring) gifts you can give, but hear me out on this one. Barefoot Dreams isn't your standard throw; it's made out of an ultra-cozy microfiber fabric that doesn't pill, shrink or wrinkle. Plus, it's a favorite among celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen, which means it's a real treat for the rest of us. Snag the striped version for 58% off right now.

$60 at Nordstrom Rack

Any gift card will do, but this one gives them access to a whole year of same-day deliveries (on orders over $5) from CVS, Costco, Petco, Sephora, Target and other nationwide retailers. It'll save them time and stress when they settle in, which is, perhaps, the best housewarming gift you can give.

$99 at Shipt

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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