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We’ve updated this guide with some new picks for 2022, including meaningful candles and cult-classic wool coasters.

Housewarming gifts have a well-earned reputation for ending up in the recycling bin or a donation pile. And that’s a shame, because a thoughtfully chosen housewarming gift can help a new house become a home. Our surefire formula for success: Choose a gift informed by what you knew about your recipient before they received the keys to their new home, while also imagining the stories that might unfold at their new address.

Alysia Mazzella Twin Flame Candle (about $30 at the time of publication)

The Alysia Mazzella Twin Flame Candle exudes a meaningful and ritualistic feeling, one that’s ideal for christening a new home. One of our favorite taper candles from testing, the Twin Flame Candle burns just shy of two hours, dripping into wonderful teetering sculptures as your recipient presumably drinks, dines, and enjoys the good life, however fleeting. (The candles are meant to burn just one time, until they self-extinguish.) Artisan maker Alysia Mazzella hand dips the beeswax creations, twisting two wicks to form one unit. She also offers a trade-in program: your recipient can send in an 8-ounce bundle of melted beeswax and receive a new taper in return.

Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Merino Wool Felt Round Coasters (about $30 at the time of publication)

There is perhaps no time one will feel more finicky about rings on their tables as when said tables are brand new. If a recently relocated pal has also invested in a few new pieces, these colorful, merino wool assortments from Graf Lantz will be much appreciated. Among our staffers’ favorite coasters, their absorbent felt sucks up condensation from the chilliest glasses and insulates from the heat damage of piping coffee mugs. Wirecutter editor Hannah Morrill reports that even after eight years of use, their vibrant tones haven’t faded and while they do eventually collect dust, a swift pass with a lint roller revives them without issue.

Léon & George Pilea Peperomioides ($90 at the time of publication)

Pilea peperomioides goes by a plethora of names—Chinese money plant, UFO plant, pancake plant, missionary plant, lefse plant. But this cheerful, round-leafed plant’s curious name and its history are secondary to the fact that it’s very easy to keep (it prefers bright but indirect light). It’s also simple to propagate, which means the gift you give today may return later in the form of a cutting, earning the Pilea peperomioides yet another nickname: the friendship plant. We like Léon & George because the company ships its plants in specially constructed protective boxes and covers every plant with a 45-day guarantee, to help protect against black-thumb mistakes.

Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp ($25 at the time of publication)

Even if someone’s home decor is more midcentury modern than hippy-dippy, a salt lamp will be a welcome addition. Alleged health benefits notwithstanding, this little lamp gives off a comforting, rosy glow. And its small size and 6-foot cord make it portable, so the recipient can move it from their desk to their nightstand to the living room for a casual, at-home yoga session. This one also has a dimmer switch, so it can make for a lovely night-light.

Seed & Mill Best Sellers Halva Trio ($60 at the time of publication)

For a unique alternative to chocolates, try this melt-in-your mouth halva set from New York–based confectioner Seed & Mill. Whether your recipient will be serving this halva trio to guests visiting their new home or just snacking on it while unpacking, the nutty, flaky bars are a rich, unexpected treat. The three flavors here—Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Toasted Sesame, and Pistachio—are so decadent that the person who receives this gift might be surprised to learn the bars are vegan, gluten-free, and kosher-certified. And if the recipient is a baker or loves experimenting in the kitchen, this gift is even better: Halva makes a wondrous addition to brownies, ice cream, and more.

GurglePot (about $60 at the time of publication)

For the hard-to-please friend—or the proverbial pal who has everything—this fish-shaped pitcher will make the perfect new-home companion. Made of durable stoneware and available in a kaleidoscope of different colors, this 42-ounce vessel makes a soft and pleasant gurgling sound—not unlike a babbling creek—as it pours, which will be considered either charming or cheeky, depending on the recipient. (Those of us on the Wirecutter gifts team vote for charming, obviously: Editor Hannah Morrill uses hers as a vase for flowers, too.)

Skagerak Fionia Tray ($190 at the time of publication)

Even the most well-equipped home often yearns for a stylish-yet-utilitarian tray. First designed in 1982 by a family-owned Danish brand, this 19-by-13-inch teakwood version retains aesthetic charm, thanks to its intricate, checkered inlay and minimalist lines. (Seafarers will also recall the moisture-, heat-, and light-resistant properties of teak, making this tray an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor toting.) Its sturdy handles and 2.5-inch-deep sides make it well suited for schlepping cocktails and appetizers to the patio or for delivering breakfast in bed. When not in service, it is lovely atop a coffee or console table, housed with a vase of flowers and a stack of books.

Bearaby Cotton Napper (from $200 at the time of publication)

A dose of stress relief is a no-brainer for the recently relocated—and, for some, a weighted blanket can simulate the coziness and comfort of a warm hug from a loved one, or at least encourage rest and sleep. (Some studies suggest weighted blankets can help reduce insomnia.) The Bearaby Cotton Napper—the most beautiful and least institutional-feeling option we tested for our guide to weighted blankets—is as natty and comfortable as a chic, oversized sweater. The Nappers’s chunky cotton yarn, which is knit loose and loopy, is warm but doesn’t overheat. And it comes in five colors, so you’re sure to find a hue to suit your recipient’s new home. Plus, it’s machine washable. The Napper comes in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound versions; for most resters, the 15- or 20-pound option is a good bet.

Hedley & Bennett The All Day Crossback Apron ($95 at the time of publication)

Your gift recipient is probably looking forward to cooking in their new kitchen. Make sure they do so in a stylish, photo-ready apron that will also protect their clothes. Of the 24 aprons we tested for our guide to the best kitchen aprons, none performed better than Hedley & Bennett’s Crossback Apron. Its soft-yet-hardy canvas is moisture resistant, which means a bubble of marinara can be easily wiped away and a sizzle of hot oil won’t burn. The apron is also gender-neutral and adjustable to fit a wide range of sizes. (And even if your pal doesn’t cook, they’ll still look great wearing it as they dig into their takeout pad Thai.)

Your Hometown Puzzle ($45 at the time of publication)

For friends or family who’ve recently moved to a new city but still pine for the sights and locales of their former home, consider a custom-printed, 400-piece puzzle designed from a map covering 4 miles north/south and 6 miles east/west of their previous address. Just be forewarned: Because there is no final image included to visually guide assembly, unless the recipient is a cartographer or a Google Maps junkie, this challenging puzzle may require months to complete.

Wick ($150 at the time of publication)

There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelit home, but there’s also nothing scarier than the idea of that home burning down. The Wick offers a high-tech solution: an LED light fashioned after the form and function of a traditional chamberstick. The touch-sensor lamp glows warmly like a real candle, but depending on which of its four brightness settings is activated, it can stay “lit” for 12 to 115 (!) hours between charges. There’s even a pulse mode—to mimic the flicker of genuine candlelight.

Nix Mini 2 Color Sensor ($65 at the time of publication)

Wirecutter’s Gregory Han muses that if he had a dollar for every time he spotted a color that made him think, “That would look great as a wall color,” he’d have enough to … hire someone to paint his walls. The Nix Mini 2 Color Sensor is a rechargeable handheld scanner that connects to an Android- or iOS-compatible app, captures any surface color, and matches it to a catalog of 150,000 paint swatches from Benjamin Moore, Behr, PPG, Valspar, Sherwin-Williams, and others. Beyond interior paints, the pocketable Nix Mini 2 is capable of extracting color values from upholstered furniture, wall prints, bedding, and other decorative items to improve the odds that your interior decor will appear planned, as opposed to a random mishmash of disparate favorites.

Coppertist Brass Beetle Bottle Opener ($50 at the time of publication)

This unusual gift definitely isn’t for everyone. Yet for the person who loves beer and bugs, this copper, stag-beetle bottle opener is the sort of thing they’ll greet with a wide-eyed grin and a hearty, “Whoa, cool!” In nature, stag beetles use their protruding jaws to wrestle and fend off competition for their female counterparts. But here, their 2.5-inch-long mandibles should remain undefeated over a lifetime spent battling bottle caps. Add a six-pack of craft beers to round out the gift.

Natori Shangri-La Robe (starting at about $65 at the time of publication)

Is there any piece of clothing more evocative of a relaxed state of mind than the robe, a garment associated with quiet mornings, long weekends, and maybe even a hint of hedonism? Which is to say, a robe—an item requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum chill—makes a perfect housewarming gift for those settling into a new spot. The lightweight Shangri-La’s kimono-style cut taps into all those vibes, without dragging down the wearer with the clumsy heft of bulkier robes (which is why it’s one of our top picks for the best robe). The jersey-knit robe’s generous and loose fit also makes it easy to shed when one might need to hop on Zoom for those scheduled moments of front-facing formality.

Hasami Porcelain Mug (about $30 at the time of publication) Hario ChaCha Kyusu “Maru” Tea Pot (starting at about $14 at the time of publication)

Hasami ceramics are a favorite among Wirecutter staffers, thanks to a timeless aesthetic that looks great in nearly any home. Each mug is made and glazed by hand, so slight variations in color and finish are all part of their charm. And these mugs are the sort of multifunctional object people become attached to with use and time. They’re also stackable and microwave safe, so they’re intended for everyday use. Pair a couple of mugs with one of our favorite teapots, such as the Hario ChaCha. Then once your recipient is settled in, invite yourself over with a favorite blend in hand to help warm the house in person. If you’d like a recommendation, try Alfred’s Golden Loose Leaf Herbal Tea, an aromatic medley of turmeric, ginger, Malabar peppercorn, and cinnamon that smells remarkably like cola-flavored gummies.

Lemnos Plywood clock ($100 at the time of publication)

Although our time is the greatest gift we can bestow upon those we most care for, a simply designed and warmly constructed wooden Lemnos Plywood clock will suffice as a symbolic gesture celebrating the arrival of a new hour in the recipient’s life. Give one to the person who has aspired to make their space a peaceful respite from the busy world, and tell them this timepiece’s gentle movement is intended to become the heartbeat of their home.

Symerton Come in Go Away 30 in. x 18 in. Outdoor Door Mat (about $40 at the time of publication)

If your recipient is an introvert who sometimes needs “alone time,” they may certainly empathize with the humorous, passive-aggressive messaging this reversible coir doormat serves up. One side welcomes all with a friendly, “Come in.” Flip it around, and the uninvited will probably feel more amused than offended by its curt, cursive demand to scram.

Tineco Pure One S11 ($350 at the time of publication)

Our pick for the best cordless stick vacuum makes a great, if expensive, housewarming gift for the person who values practicality over sentimentality (or has to clean up regularly after a pet and/or child). In our testing, the Tineco Pure One S11 vacuumed  dust and pet hair out of hard surfaces and rugs with ease—and felt lighter and easier to maneuver than even our Dyson pick, which requires you to squeeze a trigger to keep it going. And with a run time of 30 minutes per charge, the Tineco S11 should be more than sufficient for daily duties. The lightweight vac is also compact, making it an especially thoughtful gift for anyone living in a small space.

Merippa Reversible House Shoes ($60 at the time of publication)

Half slippers, half socks, these modern variations of uwabaki—Japanese house slippers—are softer and warmer than their traditional counterparts and available in a plethora of colors and patterns. These machine-washable Merippa house shoes, which boast a two-in-one reversible design, roll up into compact balls for Marie Kondo–approved packing. Wirecutter’s Gregory Han keeps a striped pair in his Southern California home office for colder mornings, softening his footsteps so as to not awaken his spouse or felines (or to allow him to sneak by unnoticed when he needs a snack).

Build With Hubs 2v Geodesic Dome Kit ($170 at the time of publication)

Here’s a gift for geeky gardeners (redundant?), a sort of Tinkertoy for grown-ups that can also be a rewarding project to take on with the kids.  This kit is inspired by polymath R. Buckminster Fuller’s original geodesic design, and it’s engineered to provide optimal structural strength with only a minimal amount of material. It includes a collection of snap-in-place hub connectors designed to join lengths of wood, plastic, or metal “sticks” for quick and simple assembly (video) of a wide assortment of structures—a greenhouse, a domed garden trellis, an animal habitat, or a children’s play space (it can go up to about 8 feet tall). Whatever the intent, the results will undoubtedly be hailed as an architectural masterpiece.

Mac Mighty MTH-80 ($150 at the time of publication)

Years ago, Wirecutter’s Gregory Han was fortunate enough to enjoy a meal prepared by culinary maestro Daniel Boulud. In between ornamenting a succulent piece of Wagyu with pirouettes of vegetables, Boulud offered this morsel of advice: “Invest in a good pan and a great knife.” Wirecutter’s top chef’s knife, the Mac Mighty MTH-80, fits half that bill. Reasonably priced and made from high-carbon steel, the MTH-80 slices and dices with the best of them and retains its sharpness longer than your run-of-the-mill blade. We can’t promise Boulud-like results in a beginner’s hands. But for anyone with aspirations of doing more cooking at home, this knife’s balanced grip will improve their confidence—and, in time, their speed—while chopping and cutting.

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser (about $125 at the time of publication)

Essential-oil diffusers not only create a fragrant ambiance with the touch of a button but also add a little bit of humidity back into the air during dry season. Our most gift-worthy pick is an ultrasonic diffuser with a satisfying heft and pleasing sculptural design that shames bulkier, plastic alternatives. It hides easily in any corner but also looks great out in the open, perfuming the air for up to three hours in continuous mode or up to seven hours when set to intermittent diffusing.

Studio Carta Letter Opener (about $35 at the time of publication)

The pleasures of receiving and opening a handwritten letter are multitudinous, beginning with the simple act of opening the letter itself. So your fondest pen pal can open those stamped sentiments, give them an Italian-made, hard-tempered steel blade—embellished with a luxe layer of 24-karat gold across the handle. Designed to liberate love letters (or monthly bills) with one swift swipe, this letter opener even comes engraved with either imperial or metric measurements across its length.

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit ($170 at the time of publication)

For lighting nerds—and technologists who love setting a mood—the Philips Hue A19 smart light bulbs make an excellent housewarming gift (they’re our upgrade pick for the best smart LED light bulb). Whenever a room switches from warm white to a psychedelic medley of blues and bright pinks, eyes tend to widen and mouths regularly drop. Using a Philips Hue app, your recipient can paint rooms individually or as a group with a wide palette of colors that would make Monet envious: Consider bright white for working on the computer, dim and warm for evenings accompanied by music, or something a bit out of the ordinary for hosting fun festivities with friends. It’s not just all fun and games, though. Your recipient can also program an Away setting, which does a passable job of simulating the comings and goings of occupants across several rooms, helping to deter unwanted guests.

Binu Binu Blue Marble Incense Holder (about $90 at the time of publication) P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast Incense Sticks ($11 at the time of publication)

The ritual and scent of burning stick incense at home is lovely, but cleaning up the powder it leaves behind? Not so much. Binu Binu’s polished-marble incense holder (whose shape is “inspired by the motion of a drop of water”) is designed to hold incense straight up, so the spent remains pile neatly underneath (no mess!). If you need incense to pair with the holder, we recommend Golden Coast Incense Sticks by P.F. Candle Co. This incense is a longtime favorite of Gregory Han’s, lighting up hazy-happy memories of chasing summer sunsets while hiking across the California coastline, accompanied by arid, aromatic sagebrush and the saline mist of the Pacific Ocean. Combined, they make a fitting gift for the person whose home away from home is the great outdoors.

Schoolhouse Mollie Hook (about $160 at the time of publication)

For the friend with a proclivity for the whimsical, the Schoolhouse Mollie Hook adds a classic visual element to any wall or door. The multifunctional hooks are strong enough to hold coats, hats, face masks, scarves, bags, or any other item that’s best kept off the ground.

Five Two Silicone Oven Mitt Set ($40 at the time of publication)

Silicone oven mitts are a great upgrade from traditional mitts, but to be frank, most look like garish cat-grooming gloves. That’s why these cotton-silicone hybrids are such a gem, offering “the best combination of good looks and good coverage” out of the oven mitts and pot holders we tested. They’re gift-worthy in purpose and presentation, heat-safe up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, and long enough to protect against splatters or hot handles (up to the tops of your forearms). The Five Two mitts are an ideal gift for the prolific baker or even the aspiring backyard-BBQ pit master who likes to play with fire but doesn’t want to get burned.

Riley Percale Sheet Set ($135 for a queen set at the time of publication) Cuddledown 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set (starting at about $230 for a queen set at the time of publication)

Everyone deserves a good night’s rest, but not everyone treats themselves to a great set of sheets. If your recipient is the type who loves crisp, boutique-hotel sheets, they’ll probably appreciate Riley’s lightweight, percale-cotton set. These sheets proved to be like fine wine in our testing, improving with every wash until they felt “magnificent against bare skin,” according to senior staff writer Jackie Reeve. If your recipient prefers their sheets to be silky-smooth, get them the Cuddledown sateen set. This is one of the softest sets we’ve ever tested—as good as the $1,000 luxury sheets we’ve tried.

Zingerman’s The Weekender Gift Box ($110 at the time of publication)

The maker of one of our favorite gift baskets, Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor, Michigan–based grocery whose delicious offerings have won it favor across the country. The Weekender Gift Box includes some of its most popular items, such as sour cream coffee cake, peanut brittle, salami, and artisan bread. All of the contents have a relatively long shelf life, which means your recipients can nosh for days while unpacking it.

Iris Hantverk Desktop Table Dustpan and Brush Set (about $35 at the time of publication)

Don’t be fooled by the 5-inch size of this oiled-beechwood-and-horsehair dustpan-and-brush set. Due to its compact dimensions, it can be left nearly anywhere around the house for cleaning up dust, crumbs, and other small debris, and its soft bristles won’t mar most surfaces. And because it nests neatly into a single half-circle, it stays out of the way between uses. Give one to your tidiest friend, particularly if they grind their own coffee beans—they’ll appreciate how easy this set makes sweeping up between brew sessions.

Longaberger Light Brown Picnic Basket (about $180 at the time of publication)

Sure, you can pack your picnic spread into any old gift-with-purchase tote. But nothing will be more whimsical and practical at once than transporting your spread in a woven picnic basket. It’s also a great way to encourage recent transplants to get out and enjoy their new digs. Artisans at the Ohio-based home-decor company Longaberger weave each showpiece by hand from thin strips of durable maplewood, creating a roomy vessel perfect for crunchy baguettes, nubs of salty cheese, or just classic PB&J sandwiches. The lid doubles as a cutting board, for easy serving and slicing. For a more complete gift, consider pairing it with one of our picnic-blanket recommendations.

Rough Linen Smooth Tablecloth (starting at $135 at the time of publication) Rough Linen Smooth Napkin (starting at $25 at the time of publication)

A classy tablecloth and napkins can elevate a simple meal into a special occasion—and provide a good reason to fill a new home with new friends. Among the best we found in our testing are these table linens from Rough Linen (which, contrary to the company’s name, are ridiculously soft). Made from 100% Belgian linen, Rough Linen’s napkins and tablecloth are machine washable and resistant to puckers and wrinkles (though they’re easy to steam or iron). While some dwellers may already enjoy neutral linens, these come in a range of subtle colors one might not buy oneself but would enjoy for a festive taco night or holiday party.

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($80 at the time of publication)

For the gourmand on your list, a Dutch oven will become the most-used cookware in their kitchen, whether it’s employed for braising meats, simmering soups, or baking breads. And there’s nothing quite like the smell (and effort) of a slow-cooked, long-bubbling meal to make a brand-new house feel like a home. Wirecutter’s favorite is this Lodge Cast Iron model: It performed just as well as pricier models we’ve tested. And the large handles make it easy to carry, even when it’s weighed down by, say, a hefty roast or a batch of Super Bowl chili. Thanks to an assortment of cheery color options, this Dutch oven also looks darling sitting on the stove.

Jonathan Adler Owl Mezuzah ($50 at the time of publication)

Many Jewish homes feature a mezuzah (a parchment inscribed with a prayer, ensconced in decorative casing) affixed to the door frame as a reminder of God’s presence. This owl-shaped mezuzah, from New York City–based designer Jonathan Adler, is made from solid brass and coated with lacquer to help keep it rust-free in even the worst weather. Note: It does not come with the klaf (prayer-inscribed parchment), but you can find one at most Judaica shops.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

This article was edited by Hannah Morill, Catherine Kast, and Jennifer Hunter.

Gregory Han is a design, travel, and lifestyle writer, and the co-author of Creative Spaces: People, Homes, and Studios to Inspire. His work can be found at Design Milk, Dwell, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and Airbnb.

Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Her writing has also been published in Science, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”

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Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).

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