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Moving into a new home is stressful enough, so why not present your relocating loved ones with something they’ll actually need (or want) once the moving van pulls out of the driveway? Housewarming gifts are at their best when they walk the line of pretty and practical—they’re versatile but not generic, they add a hit of instant style, and they’re a welcome addition, not clutter.
You might be reaching for a candle, but let us stop you there. Instead, bring a smartly-packaged aperitif, inspiring design book, or an oil cruet. Try a fancy cleaning spray, set of linen napkins, or a cute catchall. Here are 28 no-fail places to start.
For the Bar
Unpacking. Is. Stressful. A bottle of stylish vermouth—or a two-pack of French classics—takes the edge off and looks stylish on a bar cart, too. If they don’t drink, the world of N/A cocktails is just as exciting these days.
For the Bathroom
No one in the history of the world has ever been able to locate their hand towels on moving day. Combine checkered terrycloth with a shiny new bottle of hand soap (equally essential right now), and you’re golden.
For the Bookshelf
An empty home is a blank canvas. Help your friend pull theirs together with a little bit of decorating inspo via these design books.
Amazon
Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design by Rodman Primack and Rudy Weissenberg
For the Coffee Table
A cute box of matches, French bud vase, and a lacquer tray for holding bits and bobs, like a chic keychain, are the type of items that add personality to just-out-of-the-box furniture.
For the Dining Room
Even if they’ll be eating takeout for the foreseeable future (at least until they organize the kitchen boxes), fresh table linens, taper holders, and a splattered butter dish can make even those nights feel extra-fancy.
For the Kitchen
Stock your friends’ cooking space with tools that feel special, like a bistro-style spreader, good olive oil, a tin of dried pasta, and new spices. They’ll be used on a daily basis.
For the Utility Closet
Win brownie points for life by bringing over cleaning supplies that they won’t dread using. The broom is finished with silicone bristles, the sponges will look great by the sink, and the room spritzer is editor-loved. Plus, who can resist tomato-scented all-purpose spray? Any of these would be an underrated—yet so appreciated—present.