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This post is a gift guide on the best first apartment gifts for someone moving into their very first place!

As someone who recently moved into her first apartment, I created this list based off things I received (and wish I received), as well as other top gift suggestions I think are perfect for first apartment renters.

This list shares a mix of practical items everyone needs in their apartment as well as some fun gifts like decor and gift boxes.

Each recommendation is something every new renter will love and likely won’t already own if this is their first apartment.

First Apartment Gifts: 13 Thoughtful Ideas

#1: Bowl Set

This first apartment housewarming gift recommendation is going to be a bowl set!

Smaller, decorative bowl sets like the ones I’ve chosen above make perfect housewarming gifts. They’re super pretty but also extremely practical.

If you know what decor style your giftee is going for in their new place, you can gift them a bowl set that will match.

But if not, decorative bowls that they can use on special occasions or as alternatives to their main bowl set always make great gifts.

I found some beautiful sets on Amazon with a neutral gradient for giftees who love tan, brown, and cream colors, as well as a marble set that works great in black and white apartments.

If neither of those work, you can’t go wrong with classic white!

#2: Planters

If your giftee is someone who loves keeping plants in their space or loves to garden, there’s no better housewarming gift than a beautiful planter!

If you plan on gifting a planter, I suggest getting them one in a style that will match the decor in their apartment or is suitable for the type of plants they garden.

I’ve picked out some beautiful options from Amazon that fit a wide variety of decor styles and plants to help get you started:

A gorgeous coiled rope planter, short wide planter, and a textured planter that would look beautiful in a natural, rustic style apartment.

#3: Welcome Mat

The next first apartment housewarming gift I have for you is a welcome mat. This is a classic housewarming gift!

Renting your first apartment is a huge deal, especially if you’re doing it alone or living away from your parents for the first time.

This is why I love the idea of gifting a welcome mat:

It’s a simple way to make entering and leaving an apartment just a little bit more fun and really make it feel like home, especially if it has a quote or message on it like this “hello” mat.

If you think your giftee would enjoy a more decorative rug, a beautiful round floral one like this one makes for a great housewarming gift.

#4: Mugs

You’ll won’t find a more cozy first apartment housewarming gift idea than a mug!

I absolutely love both gifting and receiving mugs because they’re just so pretty and honestly elevate the experience of enjoying my favorite beverage.

A cute idea when gifting mugs is to make a little bundle and pair it with a pack of your giftee’s favorite drink, whether it’s tea, coffee, or something else.

My favorite mug pick for this one has to be this large mug set with a beautiful wooden handle and lid, as well as a stirring spoon.

Super pretty and extra luxurious!

My other favorites include this colorful watercolor-style mug, and this speckled mug that really gives off a loving, handmade pottery feel thanks to its texture.

#5: Candles

Speaking of cozy first apartment gifts, my next recommendation is candles!

Candles are a surefire way to make any new apartment feel warm, cozy, and homey.

Gifts like these are especially great for brand new renters who may be living on their own for the first time.

I’m a huge candle lover, and I’ve been loving large bowl-style candles lately.

Especially ones with two or three wicks! Multiple wick candles always feel so luxurious and are super fun to light.

My first top pick for this gift idea is this wood bowl candle on Amazon.

I adore rustic decor and if your giftee does too, this candle is the perfect gift.

For a simpler, classic look, you can’t go wrong with this large, triple wick, white bowl candle.

#6: Mixing Bowls

My next first apartment housewarming gift idea is a set of mixing bowls. This gift is something everyone needs in their apartment.

New renters probably won’t have a set of their own if they’re moving out of their parents’ house or out of a college dorm.

Get your giftee a set that matches the rest of their kitchen tools if you can, but if not, black and white or even light neutrals are always a safe way to go.

So, my best finds for this both come from Amazon!

The first is this super pretty pastel set of mixing bowls in a bunch of different sizes.

It also comes with lids, measuring spoons, and mixing tools to make a complete set.

Your giftee will be fully covered when it comes to cooking and baking in their new apartment!

If you’re not sure what your giftee has already, this classic set of three mixing bowls in varying sizes makes a great addition to their kitchen tools and appliances.

#7: Hand Towels

Next, I’m talking about hand towels! Hand towels are another great first apartment housewarming gift idea because they’re an essential household item.

You can either gift a more practical set meant for everyday use, or a decorative set meant to mostly just look pretty.

Either way, here are my favorite finds when it comes to this housewarming gift idea.

Turkish style towels have been all the rage in home decor lately! This style of towels is known for tassels and stripes, and I’m definitely a fan.

If your giftee likes this aesthetic, they’ll love either this zig-zag cotton tasseled towel from Madamelique or this classic, simple striped towel set.

Both are super pretty options and you really can’t go wrong with either.

If you want to stick to a more basic gift, a great idea is to gift this set of classic white hand towels. Simple, durable, and practical!

#8: Cutting Board

Here’s another gift idea that falls into the essentials category.

Everyone needs a cutting board in their kitchen! It’s also a great housewarming gift for anyone you know who loves to cook.

I love aesthetic kitchen tools, but I definitely think quality is the most important thing when it comes to cutting boards.

So, I found some durable yet affordable cutting boards on Amazon (that still look pretty) for some great first apartment housewarming gifts.

First is this set of bamboo cutting boards! This is probably my top pick, but I’m a little biased since I have a ton of bamboo decor in my apartment.

I just love the airy, natural feel bamboo gives any space. For a classic option, your giftee will love this set of simple black and white cutting boards.

#9: Book Ends

For the new apartment renter that loves to read, a set of book ends makes for a thoughtful and unique gift that also doubles as a gorgeous decor piece.

For a more classic look, these marble bookends from Amazon are perfect! But I’m totally obsessed with these arched bookends on Etsy.

They’re just the cutest little thing and add such a nice pop of color to any living room or bedroom bookshelf!

If your giftee likes cute and colorful decor, these would probably be an amazing gift idea they’ll simply love.

#10: Salad Bowl & Mixer Set

Next in my list of first apartment housewarming gift ideas is a salad bowl and mixer set!

This is another really cute gift idea for anyone who loves to cook.

If you’re unsure what style to go with, I’d recommend a classic wood bowl like this one from Amazon.

It’s simple enough to go with any kitchen theme and is overall a beautifully designed piece with varying tones of warm browns and oranges complete with a speckled finish.

#11: Blanket

What better way to help a new apartment renter feel comfortable and cozy in their new home than by gifting them a blanket?

You really can’t go wrong when gifting blankets because they’re something everyone will use no matter their age, gender, or style.

Blankets are great because you can also easily pair them with other gifts to make a cute little housewarming gift set.

Some things you can pair with a blanket include candles, mugs, and even pillows.

#12: Food Containers

For the ultimate practical housewarming gift, you simply can’t go wring with a set of air-tight food containers.

Reusable containers like these are fantastic because they’re an eco-friendly way of storing food.

If there’s a way I can make my everyday home life a little bit more sustainable, I do my best to implement it and this is one of things I do.

These fit neatly in my fridge, keep my food fresh, and are overall super convenient to have around.

These containers are definitely an essential kitchen must-have for a new apartment renter!

#13: Housewarming Gift Box

If you’ve read all of that and you’re still not sure what to get someone as a housewarming gift for their first apartment, the best advice I can give you is to purchase a pre-made, ready to go gift box.

Gift boxes are the best way to make the gift giving process a whole lot easier while still gifting something thoughtful, well-packaged, and aesthetically pleasing.

You can find gift boxes for any occasion on Etsy, but I’ve pulled my top finds when it comes to housewarming gifts above.

Some housewarming gift boxes on Etsy focus more on homeowners or couples, which is great if that’s who you’re looking to get a gift for.

However, my selections are ones I believe are ideal for new apartment renters that most likely aren’t living with a partner.

They’re all made of cute stuff like candles, succulents, matches, sugar scrubs, soap, and other fun gifts to make moving into their first apartment a less stressful and more enjoyable process for your giftee!

Outro & Closing Thoughts

That wraps up my top recommendations for first apartment gifts.

These gifts ranged from essentials like mixing bowls and storage containers to decorative pieces like candles and book ends.

All of these finds are either household must-haves for new apartment renters or fun and thoughtful gifts to help make their new space feel more homey.

They all make beautiful housewarming gifts that your giftee will love to receive, and you’ll love giving.

I hope you found the perfect gift in this post and that you found it helpful and inspiring!

Thanks for reading my post “13 First Apartment Gifts Brand-New Renters Will LOVE!”

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13 First Apartment Gifts New Renters Will LOVE! (& Need)