Best housewarming gifts 2024 | The Independent

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The best housewarming gifts cover multiple bases: they’re stylish, practical, respectfully personal, and don’t take up too much space. Sticking to these guidelines will ensure your present is cherished for years to come, rather than being relegated to the back of a cupboard, re-gifted or only put on display when you visit.

New homemakers will be contending with mountains of boxes for months, so, you don’t want to burden them with anything huge. Whether you choose a nifty gadget for the kitchen, a decorative object for the living room, or a fluffy towel bale for the bathroom, a small but thoughtfully chosen housewarming gift will be a very welcome addition.

With a wealth of gorgeous homewares and collectibles on offer, it’s easy to get carried away and choose something you’d like to see in your own home but picking out the perfect present sometimes involves putting your own taste to one side and considering the homeowners’ personalities, interior style and practical needs.

If you’ve visited their previous pad, you’ll know the type of thing they’re into. If not, it’s probably best to play it safe and opt for a gift that’s stylish, low-key and practical – you really can’t go wrong with luxury home fragrance, tea towels or a set of artisan-made coasters.

How we tested

Having recently moved into our own new abode, we thought about the kind of gifts we really needed on a practical level, but also the decorative ones that would bring us joy. We considered different budgets, making sure that those on the affordable end were sufficiently well made and durable. We also tested out our practical gifts, such as bakeware, tech, kitchen gadgets and towels over a period of time, to ensure they stood up to heavy use.

The best housewarming gifts for 2024 are: