40 Best Housewarming Gift Ideas for New Homeowners

Your friend just got the keys to their first home. Your coworker is moving into a new condo in Toronto. Your sister is finally out of her tiny apartment. Time to celebrate. But what do you actually bring?

Most housewarming gifts end up collecting dust. Another candle? A generic wine bottle? You want something they’ll actually use and appreciate, something thoughtful and practical that makes their new space feel like home.

This guide covers 40 housewarming gift ideas for every budget, from $15 kitchen essentials to premium group gifts funded through a Tiing money pool. Whether they just moved into their first apartment or upgraded to their dream house, you’ll find the perfect gift here.

How to choose the perfect housewarming gift

Know their space. Are they in a downtown condo with a tiny kitchen and limited storage, or a suburban house with room for bigger items? Size matters when gifting decor or kitchen essentials.

The budget guide: coworker ($25-$50), friend ($40-$75), close friend or family ($100-$200+). When in doubt, go practical. Useful gifts never collect dust.

The Group Gift Hack: instead of 10 people buying random items, use a Tiing money pool to collect funds for one premium gift. A Le Creuset Dutch Oven, an espresso machine, or a settling-in fund. The math: 10 friends x $40 = $400 for something truly useful.

Quick reference by category

The ultimate list: 40 housewarming gift ideas by category

Kitchen and entertaining essentials (8 ideas)

• Quality cutting board : Larch Wood (Canadian brand) or a personalized engraved board from Etsy. A kitchen workhorse they’ll use every single day.
• Cast iron skillet or Le Creuset Dutch Oven : the forever kitchen gift. Premium group gift via Tiing. A kitchen heirloom that lasts decades.
• Wine glasses or Moscow Mule copper mugs set : instant upgrade for entertaining guests in the new home.
• Nespresso or Breville coffee maker : essential for Canadian mornings. The perfect Tiing group gift that fuels every day.
• Cheese board with accessories : include a local cheese shop gift card for the full experience. Perfect for their first housewarming party.
• Herb garden kit : indoor herb growing kits for fresh basil, cilantro, and rosemary right on the kitchen counter.
• Kitchen towel set : linen or microfibre from Canadian shops like HomeSense or Indigo. Practical, affordable, and always needed.
• Ice cream maker or cocktail kit : fun additions for hosting. Shaker, recipe cards, and premium spirits make for an entertaining gift set.

Cozy home and decor (8 ideas)

• Throw blanket : Hudson’s Bay iconic striped blanket or an alpaca wool throw. The classic Canadian comfort gift that creates a cozy atmosphere instantly.
• Scented candle : Canadian-made options like The Flickery, Mala the Brand, or Chapters/Indigo house brands. Warm scents such as balsam fir, cedar, or vanilla. For more milestone gift inspiration, see our 40th birthday guide.
• Potted plants : Monstera, snake plant, or pothos for easy-care greenery. Consider a beautiful planter from a local ceramicist.
• Wall art or custom house portrait : commission a custom illustration of their new home on Etsy. Unique, sentimental, and a beautiful display piece.
• Picture frames : a quality set for their gallery wall. Consider personalized frames with the move-in date for an extra personal touch.
• Cozy bathrobe or towel set : upgrade from student-quality to adult-quality bath essentials. A thoughtful housewarming gift for the bathroom.
• Book nook essentials : a coffee table book about Canadian architecture, nature, or cooking paired with an Indigo gift card.
• Vase with fresh flowers : a stunning stoneware vase they’ll keep forever. Add a flower delivery subscription for ongoing delight.

Practical gifts new homeowners actually need (8 ideas)

• Lee Valley or Canadian Tire gift card : new homeowners always need tools, hardware, and supplies they didn’t think of. The ultimate practical gift.
• Smart home starter kit : Google Nest, smart bulbs, or a Ring doorbell. Tech-savvy and genuinely useful for the modern home.
• Quality tool kit : every new homeowner needs one. A premium set from Lee Valley is a thoughtful touch.
• Cleaning supply kit : Canadian brands like The Bare Home or Nellie’s for eco-friendly, refillable options.
• Bath and body gift set : luxe bath products for their new bathroom. A mini spa-at-home experience.
• First aid kit + emergency supplies : practical and thoughtful, especially for first-time homeowners stepping into real responsibility.
• Reusable storage and organization : quality containers, drawer organizers, or a label maker. Home essentials that bring order to the chaos of unpacking.
• Uber Eats or DoorDash gift card : because nobody wants to cook the first week after moving. The most appreciated last-minute gift.

Traditional housewarming gifts with a modern twist (6 ideas)

• Bottle of wine or Canadian ice wine : the classic, elevated. Choose a wine from Niagara-on-the-Lake or the Okanagan Valley for a local touch.
• Bread, salt, and honey : the ancient tradition symbolizing abundance. Package beautifully with artisan bread and local honey for a meaningful gesture.
• Welcome mat : personalized or quirky. Sets the tone for their new front door. Endless options on Etsy.
• Broom : traditional symbol of sweeping away evil spirits. Pair with a modern, stylish option for a gift that’s both fun and meaningful.
• Potted tree or outdoor plant : a gift that grows with their home. Symbolizes roots and new beginnings.
• Homemade cookies or baked goods : simple, warm, and always appreciated on moving day. The classic heartfelt gesture that costs almost nothing.

DIY and budget-friendly housewarming gift ideas (5 ideas)

• Housewarming gift basket : assemble a themed basket. Kitchen essentials (tea towels, wooden spoon, local honey, olive oil), spa night (candle, bath bombs, face mask), or movie night (popcorn, blanket, snacks).
• Homemade preserves or baked goods : mason jars of jam, pickles, or cookies. Personal and charming.
• “New Home Survival Kit” : box with essentials like toilet paper, soap, snacks, coffee, takeout menus, and Advil. For the moving-day hero.
• DIY herb planter : paint a pot, add herbs and a handwritten care card. Cost under $20 and full of personality.
• Neighbourhood guide : create a personalized guide to their new area with the best coffee shops, parks, restaurants, and grocery stores. Priceless and totally unique.

Gift cards and digital gifts that always work (5 ideas)

Sometimes the best gift is letting them choose. These options are especially helpful for last-minute housewarming gifts or when you’re unsure of their style. Also check our 50th birthday guide and retirement gift ideas for other occasion inspiration.

• IKEA gift card : the universal new-home currency. Everyone needs something from IKEA.
• HomeSense or Winners gift card : for home decor and kitchen finds at great prices.
• Skip or Uber Eats gift card : feed them during the chaos of unpacking.
• Local restaurant gift card : help them discover their new neighbourhood’s food scene.
• Streaming subscription : Netflix, Spotify, or Crave for cozy nights in their new place.

Why a Tiing money pool is the smartest housewarming gift

• New homes are expensive: after the down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses, cash is king. A Tiing money pool lets the whole group contribute to what they actually need.
• Zero clutter: no more random kitchen gadgets they’ll never use. They choose how to spend the funds.
• Perfect for group gifts: pool funds from the office, the friend group, or the extended family for one big gift. Furniture, an appliance, or a settling-in fund.
• Mobile and easy: share the link, collect $CAD. Everyone contributes at their own pace.

Help them make their new house a home.
Start a Housewarming Money Pool on Tiing today.

FAQ: housewarming gift etiquette in Canada