Housewarming Gift Ideas: 12 Original and Affordable Gifts
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The best housewarming gift is useful or decorative, and helps the new owners or tenants feel at home. The most appreciated ideas: wall decor, something for the kitchen, an easy-care plant or a small food gift. For an original, budget-friendly gift, a printable wall art print (just a few euros, instant download) is a safe choice: it brings life to a bare wall from day one. Here are 12 ideas grouped by type, with an indicative budget for each.
By the Atelier Salad-Dressing Paris team, a Parisian shop of printable wall art. Updated September 2026.
At a glance: 12 housewarming gift ideas
- A wall art print to decorate a bare wall
- A "Welcome" sign for the entryway
- A print of their city
- A photo frame with a shared memory
- A kitchen print or recipe print
- A nice set of tea towels or an apron
- A spice or oil gift set
- An easy-care plant
- A scented candle
- A good bottle or a food hamper
- A basic toolkit
- A same-day printable (last minute)
Decor gifts: dressing up the new home
After a move, walls often stay bare for weeks. A decor gift helps people feel at home faster.
1. A wall art print to decorate a bare wall
This is the gift that turns a new apartment into a real home. Choose a neutral style (minimalist, botanical, landscape) that suits any interior. With a printable, the new residents can choose A3 or A4 depending on their wall. Discover our printable wall art.
Budget: a few euros for the file, plus printing and a frame (around €15 to €30 in total).
2. A "Welcome" sign for the entryway
A welcome sign hung in the entryway greets guests right at the door. It is both symbolic and decorative, perfect for a new home. See our welcome sign collection.
Budget: a few euros for the file.
3. A print of their city
Moving to Paris? A Paris poster celebrates their new address. For another city, choose artwork of their neighbourhood or region.
Budget: a few euros for the file.
4. A photo frame with a shared memory
Frame a photo of you together or of their previous home: a personal gift that will quickly find its place on a shelf.
Budget: around €10 to €25.
Gifts for the kitchen
The kitchen is often the first room to be equipped, and the last to be decorated.
5. A kitchen print or recipe print
A kitchen print adds a colourful, foodie touch to the kitchen wall. Recipe prints are both decorative and practical.
Budget: a few euros for the file.
6. A nice set of tea towels or an apron
A useful gift that people rarely buy for themselves. Choose linen or thick cotton in neutral colours.
Budget: around €15 to €30.
7. A spice or oil gift set
An assortment of spices, olive oils or vinegars to fill the cupboards of a still-empty kitchen.
Budget: around €20 to €40.
Feel-good gifts
8. An easy-care plant
A plant brings life to a still-empty home. Choose a hardy variety (pothos, ZZ plant, snake plant) that can handle a little neglect during the busy weeks of settling in.
Budget: around €15 to €40.
9. A scented candle
A classic that is always appreciated for creating a warm atmosphere in a new home. Choose a soft, neutral scent.
Budget: around €15 to €35.
10. A good bottle or a food hamper
A bottle to open on the night of the party, or a hamper of local products to share. A simple, convivial gift.
Budget: around €15 to €40.
The truly useful gift
11. A basic toolkit
Screwdriver, tape measure, spirit level, picture hooks: everything needed to hang frames and assemble furniture. Especially appreciated by first-time movers.
Budget: around €20 to €50.
The last-minute gift
12. A same-day printable
The housewarming is tonight and you have nothing? Buy a printable: it downloads instantly, prints in minutes at home or at a print shop, and slips into a frame picked up on the way. You can also email the file straight to the hosts. Browse our printable gift ideas.
Budget: a few euros, plus a frame if you frame it.
How much should you spend on a housewarming gift?
There is no rule, but here are some common guidelines:
| Who is giving? | Typical budget | Suitable ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Colleague, acquaintance | €10 to €20 | Printable wall art, candle, bottle |
| Close friend | €20 to €40 | Framed print, plant, spice set |
| Family | €40 and up | Toolkit, food hamper, decor gift |
| Group gift | depends on the group | Gallery wall of several framed prints, requested equipment |
Tip: pair a small food gift with a decor gift. For example, a bottle and a framed print, for around €30 in total.
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving something bulky: in a new home, space is precious and boxes are still everywhere.
- Imposing a strong decor style: stick to neutral styles, or choose a printable so they can pick the size and frame.
- Giving a difficult plant: the first weeks are busy, so choose a plant that forgives forgetfulness.
- Arriving empty-handed: even a small gift of a few euros is appreciated and marks the occasion.
- Forgetting about renters: if they cannot drill, think of no-drill solutions. See our no-drill wall decor guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should you bring to a housewarming party?
The most appreciated gifts are useful or decorative: a wall art print to dress up a bare wall, a plant, something for the kitchen, a candle or a good bottle. The idea is to help the new residents feel at home.
How much should you spend on a housewarming gift?
Between €10 and €20 for an acquaintance, €20 to €40 for a close friend, and €40 or more for family. An inexpensive but well-chosen gift is just as appreciated.
Do you have to bring a gift to a housewarming?
It is not mandatory, but it is a thoughtful gesture. A small gift (a bottle, a plant, a printable) is more than enough.
What is an original and affordable housewarming gift?
A printable wall art print, a poster of their city or a "Welcome" sign for the entryway are original ideas for just a few euros, and they decorate the new home from day one.
What is a good last-minute housewarming gift?
A printable: it downloads instantly after purchase and can be printed the same day. You can frame it before the party or email the file directly to the hosts.
Our advice
The best housewarming gift is one that helps people feel at home. If you are looking for an idea that is original, decorative and budget-friendly, a wall art print ticks every box: it dresses up a bare wall from the very first evening. Discover our printable wall art, and to choose the right one, read our guide on which wall art to choose for each room.