Win the housewarming party with these move-in gift ideas for apartments
No matter how many times you move, each experience can feel like starting over. To help make the transition easier for those close to you, it’s always a good idea to arrive for that first visit with a thoughtful housewarming gift.
You won’t be the only one who thinks of this, so make sure your present stands out. Go for something useful and thoughtful, and don’t hesitate to make it personal.
For some gift-giving inspiration, here are some of the best move-in gift ideas for apartments that will bring a smile to the recipient’s face.
A memento of home
Whether you want to get someone excited about their new home, or feel nostalgic for where they grew up, a candle is a great memento. So many of our memories tie into scent, but to help create new ones, grab a New Home scented candle. Even better, pick a candle with a scent inspired by what your friend thinks of as home (like Grandma’s Kitchen.)
A gift that makes their apartment pop
Not everyone is able to immediately get cozy in a new home, so consider a gift that can help them along. Since an at-home movie night is arguably one of the best ways to get comfortable, no matter how many boxes are still left to unpack, grab this movie night popcorn set and bring your movie suggestions.
Pop your own kernels for fresh popcorn and then customize the flavor with one of five different seasonings. Everyone can enjoy their favorite.
Something to help keep things tidy
You may feel conflicted about getting a gift that has to do with cleaning. Will your friend think you’re saying they’re messy? No. A gift like this cordless compact vacuum is actually more thoughtful.
We all know how hard it is to keep things tidy during a move. There’s always dust and little bits of cardboard and paper from all that unpacking. A cute vacuum like this allows your friend to get out in front of the mess with ease. A cordless means it can clean anywhere, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
Easy-care plants
Green thumb or not, it’s possible to brighten up someone’s new place with a lovely succulent. Grab a set of small, ceramic planters that will really draw attention to the green of your favorite aloe, cactus or jade plant. Pot your own plants, for a really personal touch, and deliver to your friend’s new place. If you can include care instructions, all the better. These guys won’t need much, but you do have to be careful not to overwater.
A way to relieve stress
Giving the gift of relaxation, especially right after a move, is a very thoughtful gift. We all know that moving isn’t easy, and with all those details to manage, muscles can get tight. Hit the hot spots with a neck, back and shoulder massager that combines Shiatsu massage with therapeutic heat. This massager is easy to position and can go hands-free so it’s not more work to feel the effects.
Cozy clothing
Combine a little luxury hotel living with a considerate housewarming gift and give a weighted robe. It’s like a wearable weighted blanket that friends can wrap themselves in as they acclimate to their new apartment. Soft, cozy and comforting, something simple like this can make it easier to adjust to a new environment, and even help them get to sleep at night.
Soothing light
Staying along the lines of soothing move-in gift ideas that can help someone relax in a new apartment, check out this very unique levitating moon lamp. With a 3D-printed, LED moon floating over its base (thanks, magnets), it’s like having a piece of our solar system at home.
It’s also one of the best move-in gift ideas for apartments because it doesn’t take up a lot of room and is unique. Other guests will see it, ask about it and compliment the owner on having something so cool. You’ll win big gift-giving points with this one.
A tasty activity
Yes, there’s a lot to do when you move, but once someone settles in, what next? Giving them a gift that keeps them busy, and provides a useful result is a win-win. An example? A self-watering herb organizer.
Perfect for those who love spending time in the kitchen, this great gift lets you keep live herbs at home without having to remember to care for them every day. When a recipe calls for fresh oregano, it’s right there. When it’s time to make a pesto, the basil is guaranteed fresh. Yum.
The cool version of something practical
There are certain things that some homes simply need. Often gifts like these aren’t glamorous, but purely functional. If you want to switch it up a bit, go for an anti-gravity ultrasonic humidifier. It doesn’t sound as cool as it is, which is saying a lot.
Water droplets, you can see, rise up this humidifier as the moisture gets converted into mist. It’s like having a reverse fountain that also keeps the apartment from drying out. Futuristic, functional and small enough for an apartment.
A personalized gift
No, we’re not talking about a gift with someone’s name or monogram on it. Stay away from those for housewarming presents as a general rule. Instead, this inventive throw pillow gets customized with your friend’s new zip code, city and state.
The cool design gives it a very chic look, and the customization will remind them they belong in their new place. It may also help them remember their new address (or at least part of it) as they settle in.
Make entertaining easier
If your visit with your housewarming gift is just one of many for your friend, take that into consideration for your gift choice. When you are gifting to a consummate host or hostess, think ahead.
Wrap up a fancy charcuterie board with all the bells and whistles to make this trendy appetizer shine. Find a custom board with divots for fruit or crackers, small bowls for nuts and olives and its own set of cheese knives. It’s everything all in one, making it easy to create an Insta-worthy charcuterie board in no time.
A way to welcome
Even apartments can have a welcome mat, so why not gift one? It may not be something your friend is even thinking about as they unpack, yet with so many people coming over with gifts, it’s definitely a good idea.
You can use this as an opportunity to show a little humor too. There are plenty of cheeky welcome mats out there that will catch the attention of anyone about to cross the threshold.
Help consolidate space
If you’re looking for some of the best move-in gift ideas for apartments that are a little bit smaller in square footage, you need something that’s going to do more than one job. One ideal option is an all-in-one pan.
Instead of having to fill an entire cabinet with pots and pans, you can gift one pan to do it all. It will boil, sauté, poach and pan fry. It’s easy to clean too. This is definitely a gift that will go a long way.
Grab one of these move-in gifts for your loved ones
There’s nothing better than a thoughtful gift, especially for someone who’s just moved into a new place and really needs a lot. Taking the time to think about their needs and get them a useful, stylish or customized move-in gift will win you the award for best first houseguest for sure.
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Source: rent.com