Moving into your first apartment – whether it’s rented or bought – is such a huge step. It costs a lot, not only financially but also emotionally and physically.
But either way, that thrill of independence once you leave the nest is super-exciting! It’s more like a rite of passage.
Do you have a sibling, niece, nephew, friend, etc. who’s moving into their first apartment? What’s on your gift list?
Most probably, all that’s in a fresh graduate’s mind is a 50-inch TV, Bluetooth speakers, and a nice couch.
Check out these 19 practical housewarming gifts for the first apartment.
5 Practical Housewarming Gifts
For most practical gifts, the person you intend to gift might not be head over heels in love with them immediately, but they’ll thank you down the road.
A Toolkit with Basic Tools
Fresh out of the nest, I can bet that nobody thinks about having a toolkit. Right?
Gift them one with a utility knife, hammer, screwdriver, power drill, etc.
They’ll remember you when they need to tighten furniture screws, install floating shelves, or even look at doubtful plumbing!
Laundry Hamper that Blends with All Décor
Picture a small house without enough storage for dirty clothes. Like it? No!
That’s why you should consider a laundry hamper as a gift. But to make it even better, ensure it matches with most house décor.
Handmade laundry baskets with neutral colors are the best.
An Instant Pot for Quick, Convenient Cooking
An instant pot is the most multi-functional kitchen gadget you’ll ever find!
It’s a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, food warmer, etc. Did you know it also makes very good soup/broth and porridge?
Check out Instant Pot Eats for more uses of this amazing modern kitchen device, then introduce convenience and class in your loved one’s first kitchen!
Storage Shelves for Additional Space
Storage is a big deal in that very first apartment. So, they’ll definitely need shelves!
Shelves are great space savers especially if you’re gifting someone that is moving into a studio apartment or just a small 1-bedroom apartment.
They’re definitely going to love functional but elegant shelves to stack their clothes and bath towels!
Robot Vacuum to Ease House Chores
I’m yet to find someone who really loves to vacuum, especially after a long day at work. Especially Millennials and Generation Z. Have you?
How about a robotic vacuum for your loved one?
Once they switch it on, it’ll clean the entire house while they attend to other important tasks or just relax after a long day.
5 Personalized Housewarming Gifts
Custom Canvas Picture
Add that personal touch to your loved one’s first apartment by gifting them a custom canvas picture.
Let them hang those memorable moments of their lives in their living room.
If they’re pet lovers, a canvas print with their favorite pet’s paws would also be a great idea.
Customized Door Mat
You can get a custom “Welcome” one, or one with a message that matches the recipient’s personality.
I got one inscribed “I HOPE YOU BROUGHT WINE” for my long-time friend who’s a wine fanatic.
Personalized Cutting/Cheese Board
Make your loved one feel special everyday as they use a cutting board with their name engraved on it. Or a similar cheese board to share eating experiences with friends.
To make it even better, add that year they’re moving into their first house!
Personalized Throw Pillows
A set of personalized pillows is a perfect accessory to add comfort to the new house.
Have the recipient’s name engraved on each pillow and the year they left the nest.
When they see the pillow(s), they’ll think of you!
A Personalized Homeowner Mug
A mug with your loved one’s name inscribed on it is not only a unique gift, but one they’ll use on a daily basis while sipping on a cup of coffee.
It’s also a good décor item for that first apartment!
5 Simple Housewarming Gifts
Bluetooth Trackers to Trace Personal Items
I think mothers’ ability to locate lost items around the house should be the 8th Wonder of the World.
This was probably the first thing most of us realized immediately after leaving the nest.
Luckily, Bluetooth trackers are here to save us the stress! Get one for your friends/niece, nephew, etc.
Bluetooth trackers will be there to lead them directly to those personal items – car keys, wallet, glasses, etc. – without a long frantic search.
Or calling Momma after that night out, ha-ha!
A Houseplant That’s Easy to Maintain
Are you looking to gift a plant lover, or just a nature enthusiast?
Get them a houseplant!
If the person loves pets, it’d be better to get pet-friendly houseplants.
Spider plants, Venus fly trap, the Brazilian orchid and the money tree are good examples.
Multifunctional Wall Hooks Work Everywhere
Space is a big deal in that first apartment.
Get wall hooks that function in every room. In the living room, they can hang décor.
By the door, they hang keys. In the kitchen, they’re for the towels.
In the bedroom, they’ll hang coats, bags, etc.
A Cozy, Throw Blanket for Snuggling on the Sofa
A cozy blanket is a fantastic protective cover for those cold winter days (and nights) lying on the sofa watching Netflix. Or just relaxing on the sofa after a long day…
What’s more, the blanket will also be an exceptional interior design addition!
A Stainless Steel Dish Rack
A stainless dish rack is a signature kitchen essential nobody should miss.
According to Andy Northrop, M. A. from Michigan State University, stainless utensils are corrosion resistant and don’t leach chemicals when exposed to the sun.
With these qualities, you can be sure that a stainless dish rack will not only serve your loved one in their first apartment but also in years to come!
4 Best Housewarming Gifts
A Set of Matching Towels
A set of matching, fluffy bath towels elevates the bathroom experience, making it more comfortable and relaxing.
With under $40, you’ll find very good options of multicolored towels, or even single-colored ones.
A Coffee Maker for that Caffeine Fanatic
This is a priceless gift for that coffee lover friend/niece/nephew.
Depending on your budget, you can find a coffee maker under $50, or even better options with extra features around $500.
A Set of Wine Bottle Opener and Preserver
Did you host house parties with friends while living in your parents’ house? Your parents need an Oscar award.
For most of us, we had to wait till we got outta the nest. And house parties were the order of the day. But a wine bottle opener is often not on the list of household items.
Neither is a wine preserver to retain the flavor of the wine even if it lasts for a fortnight or more.
Add them to your loved one’s housewarming gift hamper!
A Cooking Utensil Set
Whether you’re gifting someone who’s a professional chef, or if they just love cooking or baking for fun, they’ll definitely love a cooking utensil set.
More so, a bamboo set because of the elegance, plus the quality of the pieces!
A stainless steel set is also a fantastic option.
Photo by Mika.