If you have a friend or relative moving into a new starter home or small apartment, it’s customary to bring a special gift to celebrate their new move. A very nice well thought out housewarming gift can certainly help them turn a house into a home.

What are some of the best tips to picking that perfect housewarming gift?  Remember to keep in mind the type of space they are moving into and also what type of person they are in terms of what they like, their style and their hobbies.   If they are moving to a small apartment or small new home, or a retired individual moving into an independent living facility, they will likely be short on space. Someone moving to a small place needs small essentials that will be of use and not take up extra space.

Below are Ideas for Gift Ideas For Smaller Apartments, Starter Homes, Dorm Rooms, Independent Living Apartments or Retirement Homes.

Little gift ideas – literally – are the way to go for the new home owner in a smaller space.  Square footage is at a premium but that should not stop you from finding something special as a gift.  Remember, it might be small, but it’s still a new space and they are still celebrating their next phase in life.  Giving a gift they can use that is both compact, functional and needed is the key here.

If they are just starting out in life, their needs and likes might be different than someone moving into an independent living location who already generally has a big collection of things.  But, regardless, just keep in mind the person and what you think would be of best use for them.  Some smaller in size gift ideas along this line include:

• a new pretty doormat
• a wind chime
• a really nice wine bottle opener (with a nice bottle of wine with it!)
• a gift card for a nearby restaurant
• a personalized self-inking stamper with their new address
• a nice set of personalized address labels (since they’ve just moved they’ll need them!)
• printed luggage tags featuring their new contact information
• a nice box of stationery with their new address printed on the envelopes
• a pretty set of new notepads or post-its to keep in the kitchen or bedroom for quick notes or reminders or lists
• a pretty little vase with some flowers in it
• a small houseplant (if they are someone with a green thumb)
• a gorgeous little candy dish and some candy
• quality personalized guest towels for a powder room
• personalized playing cards, a nice splurge-type idea for older people who love bridge and other card games

Bigger ticket gift ideas (but still small in size) for someone you know very well, such as for your adult-child moving into a new home or your parent moving into a retirement location, are suggested below.  For some of these type of gifts, talk to the recipient(s) and be sure that they would like (or need) the gift item before you invest. If they do, sometimes it’s nice to go shopping with them and let them help you pick them out. Some of these gift ideas include:

• a new vacuum cleaner
• a dust buster
• a new set of everyday dishes
• bathroom accessories such as a new shower curtain, garbage can, tissue box, and soap dispenser
• a new set of pots and pans
• a slow cooker
• a toaster oven
• a new TV for their bedroom or kitchen
• a new comforter set
• a grill for their patio
• a crystal vase with fresh flowers
• a cleaning service to help them get the home ready for move-in day
• sending over a painting crew or helping them paint their new space
• an outdoor planter filled with flowers to put by their front door, in backyard, or on a balcony
• a great set of quality wooden hangers for guest’s coats to be used in their front hall closet

Gifting Rest & Relaxation 

It can be stressful moving into a new home and giving the gift of Rest & Relaxation can certainly be appreciated.  If you think the new homeowner can use a little break, consider a gift that will provide a bit of calmness and serenity.   These sort of gift ideas might include:

• beautiful candles
• aromatherapy items with essential oils
• a gift certificate for a massage at a nice spa
• a gift certificate for a mani and pedi at a spa they like
• a gift certificate to a movie
• gift cards for a dinner at a nearby restaurant
• yoga mat
• bath pillow, sea salts, nice bath gels or soaps and lotions

The gift of your time and help can also be something very helpful such as helping them unpack their boxes, lining their kitchen drawers for them and setting up their kitchen, and/or help watching their children (if they have them) during move in day.

Few things are more exciting than moving into a new home!  Starter homes and apartments are milestones and can be a very special step in an individual’s life.  Make sure you let them know you are there to help, love and support them throughout the process and celebrate this milestone with your time and special housewarming gifts.