10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the First-Time or New Homeowner On Your List

The holidays are here! Well, almost. If you're like most people, you still have a handful of people to cross off your shopping list—and if a first-time homeowner happens to be one of them, then you've come to the right place! Here are 10 thoughtful and not-too-expensive housewarming gifts that say “welcome home” this holiday season.

Candle

What does home smell like to you? Maybe it smells like the classic aroma of a cottage breeze or the unbeatable scent of Grandma's kitchen. It’s a simple question but the answer is unique for every homeowner. Relatively inexpensive and easy to find, a candle will add a warm aroma to any room. If you're looking for more eco-friendly scent options, here are some alternatives to create a space that smells wonderful.

Cookbook

The quickest way to a person's heart is through their stomach. A household staple, a cookbook is one gift the new homeowner/cooking enthusiast will cherish for generations to come. While online recipes are convenient, for some, turning a physical page sure beats scrolling across a glass screen while cooking. Try a New York Times Bestseller or fill a own book with a few of your own no-fail favourites, leaving room for the lucky recipient to add in their own recipes over time.

Toolbox

Many first-time homeowners may not have the necessary tools to stay on top of inevitable home maintenance. That's why everyone needs a box of essential tools (think a hammer and nails, measuring tape, screwdriver, level and flashlight). What may initially elicit a shoulder shrug will soon become a homeowner's most-used possession.

Smart speaker

The smart home market can be intimidating but devices such as Google Home and Amazon's Alexa and Echo can help ease the chaos of a new homeowner's hectic lifestyle. From answering questions and playing music, to helping run everything from a connected fridge to lights, your gift recipient will surely appreciate the convenience.

Wine

Buying a home is cause for celebration! While a bottle of their favourite vino may be the classic choice, why not take it a step further by including a set of wine glasses to toast with, a monogrammed bottle stopper to preserve the life of the bottle or a reusable bag your friends can take with them when they go to a party of their own.

Organizing wisdom

Although organizing a new home can seem like a daunting task, with tried-and-true tips from the proper book (think, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying-Up by Marie Kondo or Joanna Gaines' Homebody), the new buyers will have their home looking Pinterest-worthy in no time. These books are as striking on the outside as they are on the inside so when they are not being used to deliver design-conscious wisdom, they serve to enhance their coffee table's aesthetic.

Plants

Plants make for great housewarming gifts with the added promise of purifying the air and brightening up any space. Virtually anybody can grow indoor house plants if they choose the right one, but if your home buyer wasn't born with a green thumb, few plants are as easy to foster as succulents. Succulents are low maintenance and can occupy a single small pot, or they can be used to liven up their space, like with this DIY plant wall.

Tree ornament

The joy of owning a home–a place to gather with friends and family–can be extra special during the holidays. With an ornament, year after year they'll be reminded of the special feeling that comes with purchasing their very own home. Make it extra special by personalizing with their names, street address or move in date.

A warm throw blanket

Help them get cozy with a super soft throw blanket or help ease some of that first-time homeowner anxiety with a weighted blanket. Wool, fleece and cotton offer incredible softness at a reasonable price point. If you don't know the colour scheme of their home, pick out a blanket in an easy neutral that will fit in wherever they choose to put it. 

A welcome mat

A new home calls for a new welcome mat. Make guests smile with something classic and cute with a simple message like “Hello” or fun and cheeky like “But did you call?”. A doormat is a sure way to make everyone feel at home, including those who come to visit.

If there's someone on your list who just purchased a home, any of these 10 thoughtful gift ideas would be perfect to fit their space without emptying your wallet. From a trusty toolbox to a custom cookbook, these gifts combine practicality with the sentiment. 

article credit:  www.realtor.ca/blog