Mariah Carey said it best: “It’s time!”
Yes indeed, the holiday season is officially here! And while hot cider, cozy slippers, and twinkling lights are sure to follow, so is the annual challenge of figuring out what to buy the most important people in your life—especially those who give you absolutely no guidance. Katie, what gives?
If someone you love became a homeowner this year, chances are they’re gearing up—joyfully and a little stressfully—to celebrate the holidays in their new space for the very first time. To help you pick a gift that’s meaningful, useful, and guaranteed to make their season brighter, we’ve curated a list of the best Christmas gifts for new homeowners. From practical essentials to thoughtful home upgrades, these ideas will bring joy to their holiday and, hopefully, a bit of peace of mind to your shopping.
Candles & Incense
Did we say practical? Because we meant delightful. Candles, incense, and diffusers may feel like an afterthought to new homeowners, but coziness should never be optional. There’s nothing better than entering a space that doesn’t just give off warmth—it embodies it.
Think pine needles, cloves, and cinnamon for that nostalgic holiday feel, or fruit-forward scents like pomegranate, apple, and pear for something a little brighter. Affordable, useful, and universally adored, fragrance-focused gifts make excellent holiday housewarming presents. They show your care, your thoughtfulness, and—let’s be punny here—your (nostril) flair. In essence, it’s a gift that does it all.
Holiday Cookbooks
Never have I ever received a cookbook I didn’t instantly love—and I’m fairly certain most people feel the same way. But a Christmas or holiday-themed cookbook? That’s a guaranteed winner. From Downton Abbey–inspired Christmas collections for the whimsical homeowner to indulgent holiday baking guides that will surely tip the scale, there are dozens—if not hundreds—of festive cookbooks ready to help christen a new kitchen.
Whether these new homeowners are proud bakers, savory-soup enthusiasts, or nostalgic kitchen novices with a soft spot for homemade holiday meals, a seasonal cookbook is a gift that inspires. Consider it a charming, practical addition to their newly installed shelves—and one that encourages them to make their house feel like home, one recipe at a time.
Dish Towels & Kitchenware
Speaking of cookbooks, let’s talk about the heart of any new home: the kitchen. While some of us are admittedly averse to cooking anything with more than five ingredients—it’s me, hi, I’m the problem—even the proud minimalists among us still need to eat. And eat we shall.
No matter how much time the new homeowners in your life plan to spend in the kitchen, they’ll always appreciate fresh dish towels, updated cookware, and the little essentials that make daily routines feel smoother. And just imagine how special it would be for them to pull out a set of festive holiday dish towels or seasonal kitchen accessories from you each year—something that reminds them of your enduring bond while keeping their kitchen cozy, warm, and inviting.
Now that’s a reason to linger by the stove.
Ornaments
We like to say we offer practical advice, but the truth is we’re a little more sentimental than we let on. Ornaments—though surprisingly not cheap (looking at you, Anthropologie)—carry a unique kind of meaning. They say, “I thought about you. Here’s something that reflects our bond, captures a memory, or celebrates who you are.”
It’s the ultimate way to keep an inside joke alive, commemorate a moment in time, or tell someone—in $50 or less—that they matter to you. And while ornaments may not be the most obviously “useful” gift for new homeowners, they’re certainly one of the most enduring. Year after year, as they unpack their holiday décor and hang it on the tree, they’ll think of you—and the thoughtfulness behind that small but special keepsake.
Some gifts get used up. Ornaments get remembered.
Wrapping It All Up
Whether you’re shopping for proud new homeowners, enthusiastic holiday hosts, or the “I-don’t-need-anything” loved ones we all know too well, the perfect gift is one that makes their new house a true reflection of them. From cozy scents to festive kitchen staples and heartfelt ornaments, even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impression during their first holiday season in a new space.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, we’ve curated a festive Pinterest board filled with thoughtful, stylish gift options for every kind of homeowner.
Explore the board, find your favorites, and let the holiday magic begin!
