Best house-warming gifts 2023: 17 gifts they’ll actually want
A house-warming present doesn’t have to be over the top, sometimes it really is the thought that counts as this surprising gift proves.
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If your friends, family or loved ones have moved homes recently, help make their new abode their own with these thoughtful gifts.
From classic homewares, luxurious extras and thoughtful presents to show you care, here’s 17 house-warming ideas for every price point, host and home including the $9.99 gift you probably haven’t thought of but that your friend will absolutely adore.
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OUR TOP PICKS
- Domestic Goddess Gift Hamper, $159.95 at Homebodii
- Baccarat Le Connoisseur Round French Oven 25cm 3.9L, $139.99 (down from $279.99) at House
- Luxury Cotton Waffle Blanket, from $79.99 (down from $149.99) at Canningvale
- Scrub Daddy Flex Texture Cleaning Sponge, $9.99 at Amazon Australia
- Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, $49 at THE ICONIC
BEST HOUSE-WARMING GIFTS
Domestic Goddess Gift Hamper, $159.95 at Homebodii
What You Need To Know
Heading over to your friend’s new house but not sure what to give? A hamper is always a good idea. And this option from Homebodii is the perfect pick. It includes a Homebodii Linen Apron in navy made of 100% OEKO-TEX® Certified French washed linen, Homebodii Glow Tea by Byron Bay Tea Co., Homebodii Canvas Tote Bag and Leif Buddha Wood two hands set – including a 500ml bottle hand wash and a 75ml bottle hand balm. Your friend (and their new home) will definitely be feeling the love with this gift.
Baccarat Le Connoisseur Round French Oven 25cm 3.9L, $139.99 (down from $279.99) at House
What You Need To Know
If you’re in need of a truly special house warming present, get them something they’ll keep forever. A cast iron casserole will be a constant fixture in their weekly cooking routine whether that’s making a big batch of soup for meal prep or whipping up a cosy weeknight one-pot wonder.
It’s also currently sitting at an average 4.8 stars with shoppers saying it’s “amazing quality”.
“It cooks evenly, retains heat and the self basting lid works brilliantly. It has large sized handles which makes taking the finished dish from stove top to table a breeze,” wrote one five-star review.
Another was super impressed writing, “My go to kitchen appliance that sits on the hotplate every day. Love cooking in these one pot wonders. Very flavoursome food. Wore my previous one out after 18 years of constant use … I call that value for money.”
Luxury Cotton Waffle Blanket, from $79.99 (down from $149.99) at Canningvale
What You Need To Know
For a cosy and subtle injection of colour, give the gift of comfort with a nice soft waffle throw. Perfect for a movie night in or quiet winter weekend, this blanket is loved by its users with an almost perfect 4.9 star rating from over 80 reviews.
“I got the blue and it’s just divine. It’s soft and the quality of the cotton, weave and waffle is excellent,” wrote one five-star review.
Another said, “Honestly these are the best blankets I’ve ever had and the quality is impeccable and they wash really well.”
Scrub Daddy Flex Texture Cleaning Sponge, $9.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
OK, we know a sponge sounds like a very unlikely house-warming present but hear us out. Your friend is definitely going to have to buy some sponges for their new house at some point and this saves them the hassle of doing it themselves. Plus, you really can’t get a better sponge that the Sponge Daddy. Beloved on TikTok, the #scrubdaddy has over 3.5 billion views with users raving about how this sponge has changed the game. Trust us, your friend will seriously love this gift.
Circa Amber & Sandalwood Scented Soy Candle 350g, $39.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Some say cliche, we say classic. Everyone enjoys burning a candle and it’s even better if it’s one you didn’t have to buy. For more candle inspiration for budgets big and small, see our full round up here.
Deputy Editor, Melody Teh, has this candle at home and is a big fan.
“My current fave is Circa’s Amber and Sandalwood one – it has a beautiful fragrance that fills up the room but isn’t too overpowering either. I love the warm and woody scent, which has a hint of zesty sweetness to it as well,” she said.
Transformazing Sheet Mask, $11 at Go-To
What You Need To Know
Moving house is stressful – we all know this to be true – so show them you care with a little TLC in the form of a face mask. This classic sheet mask smells like a spa, can be used on all skin types and will look damn pretty sitting on your giftee’s bathroom counter.
Plus, if you don’t have a ton to spend, it’s a great option.
Kind Bag Reusable Mesh Bags, $29.95 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
A great gift for your environmentally-minded friend, these cloth bags can be used in place of disposable plastic bags when they go food shopping. Plus they’ll keep veggies fresher for longer in the fridge and can be washed in the washing machine between uses.
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton, $30.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
What You Need To Know
For a read they won’t be able to put down Boy Swallows Universe by Aussie writer Trent Dalton is a fantastic page-turner while Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng is the book so good it’s since been made into a series starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
SHOP BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE HERE
SHOP LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE HERE
Bialetti Moka Express Coffee Pot Silver, $38.97 (down from $64.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
One for caffeine fiends, this stovetop peculator from Italian brand, Bialetti, has scored millions of fans worldwide thanks to its ease of use and iconic design. If you’re feeling generous, you can compliment your gift with some ground coffee, something with an espresso or medium-grind is best.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, $49 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
While a $49 handwash might not be something you’d buy yourself, it’s a luxe gift for the person who has it all. And look, should they want to use up all the expensive hand wash and replace it with their supermarket staple, that would be completely okay too.
Ottolenghi SIMPLE by Yotam Ottolenghi, $42.25 (down from $55) at Booktopia
What You Need To Know
Play your cards right and this gift might just score you a dinner invite later down the track. For people trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals into their diet, Neighbourhood by Hetty McKinnon is filled with easy meals delicious enough to convert any meat eater. Otherwise, Ottolenghi SIMPLE by the famous Israeli-English chef, Yotam Ottolenghi is filled with 130 flavour-packed yet doable recipes you can whip up with minimal fuss.
Circa Oceanique & Jasmine & Magnolia Liquidless Diffuser Set, $39.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
A chic upgrade from your normal diffuser, the ceramic vessel uses fragrant, nonflammable scented sticks to gently perfume your home. Each set comes with two scent packs including a heady Sea Salt and Vanilla concoction as well as the fan favourite Mango & Papaya mix.
Easyflowers bouquet delivery, prices vary
What You Need To Know
What better way to brighten up a new space than with a beautiful arrangement of blooms? It’s the perfect last minute gift too. Even if you show up to the house-warming empty-handed, just say you’ve organised for an upcoming delivery and that’s your present sorted.
Applewood Gin, $75 at Vintage Cellars
What You Need To Know
Don’t actually know a thing about fancy spirits but want to pretend like you do? Get them a bottle of boutique Australian gin. This $75 bottle from Applewood in South Australia is deliciously light and floral.
Baccarat Damashiro Emperor Chefs Knife 15cm, $179.99 at House
What You Need To Know
A good quality knife is paramount in the kitchen of any keen cook. This artisan-inspired blade from Baccarat is a do-it-all kitchen necessity that will julienne, dice and thinly slice a variety of foods. It’s got a lifetime guarantee too.
Nuribullet Pro Plus 1200W, $189 at Target
What You Need To Know
For a multi-tasking kitchen gadget they’ll get lots of use from, a Nutribullet may be exactly what you’re looking for. The space-saving machine will easily whiz up smoothies, cocktails, dips, sauces and more. And it comes with a to-go cup and lid for blending on the run.
Nolan Soft Gold 16-piece cutlery set, $199 at Country Road
What You Need To Know
Not only will this gold-hued cutlery set match most aesthetic styles and existing dinner sets, it comes with all the pieces you need to host a cracking dinner party.
More Best Gifts Coverage
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More Coverage
Best gift cards to buy online in Australia
If you love a discount, make sure you stop by news.com.au Coupons. You’ll find impressive deals across categories from homewares to tech, on brands including THE ICONIC and Myer.
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