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As a shopping editor with a gift-giving love language, finding the best gifts to give is my passion. I not only keep a running list (okay, several lists) of gift ideas, but I am also my inner circle’s go-to person when it comes to figuring out what to buy friends and family members for special occasions, such as a housewarming. In my experience, finding the best new apartment gifts is one of the trickier categories to shop for due to space constraints, lack of storage, and other woes. Luckily, I have lived in apartments of all sizes for over a decade and keep a list of the most useful items to give that are also thoughtful and fun.
The Best New Apartment Gifts at a Glance
- Most Functional: Who Gives a Crap Poetry Edition Toilet Paper, $44
- Best for Plant Lovers: Knot a Game Minimalist Simple Macrame Plant Hanger, $15
- Best Small Gift Idea: The Loquat Tree Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers
, $15 - Best Utensils: Crate and Barrel Served by the Seas Ceramic 2-Piece Serving Set by Laura Kim, $20
- Best Kitchen Towel: PoshPoppi Lenox Spice Village Kitchen Towel, $22
- Best Throw Blanket: Truly Soft Cozy Knit 50×70 Throw, $49
- Best Accent Lighting: Govee RGBIC Pro 9.8′ LED Strip Lights, $27 (was $30)
- Best Candle: Boy Smells Cashmere Kush Candle, $36 (was $48)
- Best Wall Hook: Urban Outfitters Butterfly Wall Hook, $8
- Best Mug: Anthropologie Faye Tea For One Tea Set, $42
Best Kinds of Gifts to Give as a Housewarming Gift for a New Apartment, According to Experts
When considering what to get for a new apartment renter, you can’t go wrong with things that lean on the more functional side of the spectrum. “Pair a pretty plant such as a succulent or herb for the kitchen with a gift card to a home goods store,” says professional organizer Britnee Tanner. “This way, they can purchase exactly what they need for their space from somewhere like The Container Store or Crate and Barrel,” she adds, noting that it’s a cute and thoughtful way to allow the recipient to pick out something that they need most, even if it’s not super glamorous.
What’s the Best Kind of Gifts for Someone Moving Into Their First Apartment?
Moving into your first apartment is quite the investment — even without the first month’s rent and security deposit — so giving a thoughtful gift can go a long way. However, Tanner says space can be one of the biggest issues to consider so it’s important to think about how much room the recipient has and find items that are stylish and functional. “Consider giving them a cute storage basket that they can use to help orgniaze their space and fill it with tasty treats that you know they’ll love,” she explains.
You can also give a fun gift such as a candle with a more functional item like a rechargeable lighter
or candle warmer lamp
. Or, opt for a space-saving decor moment and give a potted plant with a macrame plant holder. You can also put a gift basket together and give them something useful like a coffee mug and French press with a bag of coffee and a coffee scoop
.
Need more new apartment gift ideas? Here are some of my favorite gifts to give, ahead.
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The Best New Apartment Gifts
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Who Gives a Crap Poetry Edition Toilet Paper
Who Gives a Crap Poetry Edition Toilet PaperThe Who Gives a Crap Poetry Edition Toilet Paper puts the “fun” in “functional” and is an excellent gift to give someone moving into their first apartment. This toilet paper features a decorative cover with three words displayed on each roll, so you can stack them up and create silly bathroom poems. Buy a box of 24 or 48, or gift your loved one a subscription so they never run out. -
Knot a Game Minimalist Simple Macrame Plant Hanger
Knot a Game Minimalist Simple Macrame Plant HangerA plant hanger is a small, budget-friendly housewarming gift idea that really makes an impact. The Knot a Game Minimalist Simple Macrame Plant Hanger is a handmade hanging planter that provides a space-saving decor moment and allows you to add greenery to an apartment without taking up room on a shelf or countertop. -
Crate and Barrel Ceramic Serving Set by Laura Kim
Crate and Barrel Served by the Seas Ceramic 2-Piece Serving Set by Laura KimServing spoons aren’t usually at the top of the list for apartment shopping, which makes them a fun and useful gift to give — and something your loved one will have for years and years. At $20, the Crate and Barrel Served by the Seas Ceramic 2-Piece Serving Set by Laura Kim is a more budget-friendly gift idea, too. Tie a bow around the two and give the set on its own, or wrap it in a festive dish towel for a little something extra. -
PoshPoppi Lenox Spice Village Kitchen Towel
PoshPoppi Lenox Spice Village Kitchen TowelKitchen towels are always a good gift idea that you can gift on their own or as part of a gift (you can even use it as gift wrap!). The PoshPoppi Lenox Spice Village Kitchen Towel is a super cute idea for anyone who is obsessed with the viral vintage Lenox Spice Village collection. -
Truly Soft Cozy Knit 50×70 Throw
Truly Soft Cozy Knit 50×70 ThrowGood throw blankets can run a high price tag but you don’t actually have to spend a ton of money on something cozy and soft. Case in point: The Truly Soft Cozy Knit 50×70 Throw is actually a Barefoot Dreams blanket dupe for under $50. This ultra-plush blanket is super soft, cozy, and comes in several colors, too. -
Govee RGBIC Pro 9.8′ LED Strip Lights
Govee RGBIC Pro 9.8′ LED Strip LightsOn Sale 10% offIf you want to think outside of the box and get your loved one something a little less traditional, the Govee RGBIC Pro 9.8‘ LED Strip Lights is an excellent choice. These are popular for apartments because they’re easy to put up and don’t cause any damage. You can add them to the back of the TV or under cabinets for a touch of ambiance. -
Boy Smells Cashmere Kush Candle
Boy Smells Cashmere Kush CandleOn Sale 25% offYou can’t go wrong with a candle gift — and Boy Smells are my favorite candles to give (and receive). The Boy Smells Cashmere Kush Candle boasts an invigorating aroma with notes of geranium leaf, pulp, cashmere wood, rhubarb, white amber, and powder musk. You can gift this on its own or give it with the Marycele Candle
Warmer
Lamp
. -
Urban Outfitters Butterfly Wall Hook
Urban Outfitters Butterfly Wall HookDecorative wall hooks were one of the first things I bought for my apartment when I moved out on my own, and they make amazing budget-friendly gift ideas. I love the Urban Outfitters Butterfly Wall Hook for a fun and trendy option. You can give it on its own in a cute little gift bag or even buy a couple. -
Anthropologie Faye Tea For One Tea Set
Anthropologie Faye Tea For One Tea SetAnthropologie mugs were also one of my favorite things to buy for my apartment when I first moved out, but let’s be honest: The mug collection can get out of hand really quickly. If you have a tea drinker in your life, I love the idea of gifting this Tea For One Tea Set, which is a space-saving stackable teapot and cup set up with a super cute design that would look great on a little bistro cart. -
The Loquat Tree Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers
The Loquat Tree Mushroom Salt and Pepper ShakersFor another small gift idea, consider the Loquat
Tree
Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers
. These trendy shakers are the perfect mix of decorative and functional and a great gift for any home cooks. Gift them on their own or add a box of salt and pepper so your loved one can replenish as needed. -
IKEA BLÅSVERK Table Lamp
IKEA BLÅSVERK Table LampA lamp might not be the first thing you think of when you considering housewarming gifts for apartments, but they’re stylish enough — and super useful — to make a great gift. I am obsessed with the retro-looking IKEA BLÅSVERK Table Lamp as an under $20 gift. It’s a great accent light, desk lamp, or even side table reading light. Tie a ribbon around the base and you’re good to go! -
World Market White Marble Shell Bookends
World Market White Marble Shell BookendsBookends are another useful decor item that is fun to give — especially if you have a bookworm in your life. Give the World Market White Marble Shell Bookends on their own, or pair them with your favorite novel or home decor books or something a little more on the nose. -
Quince Fleece Lined Gripper Slippers
Quince Fleece Lined Gripper Slippers (2-Pack)When giving housewarming gifts, home decor and essentials usually come to mind. But, a pair (or two) of house slippers can also come in handy. The Quince Fleece Lined Gripper Slippers come in a pack of two, so they’re a great option for gifting roommates. -
Urban Outfitters Big Bow Satin Throw Pillow
Urban Outfitters Big Bow Satin Throw PillowThrow pillows are also a fun gift to give. And, since it’s a gift, you have the perfect excuse to find something fun and trendy, like the Urban Outfitters Big Bow Satin Throw Pillow. This pillow would look adorable on a bed, accent chair, or couch and comes in four different colors, including trendy baby blue. -
Pura 4
Pura 4The Pura 4 is one of my favorite gifts to give. It’s a smart home fragrance diffuser and an excellent alternative to more traditional plug-ins. The company also partners with other brands to bring buzzy scents into your home, including the Dae Signature Citrus and Capri Blue Volcano. You can even shop a collection of popular Anthropologie scents. -
MDESIGN Scarlette Scallop Runner
MDESIGN Scarlette Scallop RunnerTablescape linens are always a good gift idea because they aren’t something people usually buy right away and are items they’ll have for a long time. I love the MDESIGN Scarlette Scallop Runner because it’s simple enough to use for lots of different seasons and holidays but has that trendy scallop edge for a modern look. -
Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp
Marycele Candle Warmer LampOn Sale 26% offCandle warmers are super on-trend right now and serve as a functional but gorgeous piece of home decor. Options such as the Marycele Candle
Warmer
Lamp
are great on their own but you can also use them as a gift add-on with a fun candle from HomeGoods or Marshalls. -
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glasses
Anthropologie Icon Juice GlassesWhen moving into your first apartment, a set of cheap IKEA glasses can go a long way. But, from a gifting perspective, finding something unique and trendy is an excellent way to contribute to someone’s drinkware collection. The Anthropologie Icon Juice Glasses are perhaps the most popular drinkware out there right now and a set of two, plus some fun drink mix supplies would make for a thoughtful gift. -
World Market Tunis White and Blue Ceramic Utensil Holder
World Market Tunis White and Blue Ceramic Utensil Holder -
Urban Outfitters Cowboy Boot Door Stopper
Urban Outfitters Cowboy Boot Door StopperA door stopper isn’t usually on the list of apartment essentials, but it is super useful and would make for a great gift. I love this Cowboy Boot Door Stopper from Urban Outfitters because it has a timeless Western feel that still aligns with the coastal cowgirl trend.
