10 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for First-Time Home Buyers

By Life Story Maps

Published: November 5, 2023

Main Image

So your friend, daughter, son, cousin, or client got new accommodations and you want to give them something to make the house feel more like “home”, but what do you get the person who has everything?

This article doesn’t list all the possible gift ideas.

Instead here are some that are unique and might surprise!

Let’s jump into it.

1. A Welcome Mat: Greeting Them with Warmth

welcome mat

The entrance of a home isn't a physical boundary; it's a symbolic entry into a personal haven, a space where stories unfold and memories are cherished.

That first step inside can be even more special with a welcome mat that offers a warm greeting. The welcome mat serves as a dual-purpose gift—it's the first declaration of a home's character, and it's a warm welcome to guests.

To personalize this gift, consider a mat adorned with the family name, a welcoming message, or a quote. This simple yet meaningful item doesn't only scrape the dirt off your shoes—it sweeps them into their new life with a warm "Welcome".

2. A Toolkit: For New DIY Adventures

For the hands-on homeowner, a new home is a canvas of possibility. Walls might need shelving, furniture awaits assembly, and projects await. This is where a well-stocked toolkit becomes invaluable. Giving a first-time homebuyer a set of tools gives them not only the means to repair the house, but gives the confidence to turn their house into a home.

A basic tool kit—complete with hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a measuring tape—is a gift that will be useful time and again. Pair it with a simple home repair book, and you’re no longer giving them tools; you're providing the knowledge to feel secure.

3. Home Security System: For Their Peace of Mind

Buying a house isn't only investing in property, but in the future, a lifestyle, and a safe place.

A home security system is a fantastic gift for new homeowners, offering them peace of mind as they settle into their new neighbourhood.

Modern security systems go beyond the alarm, they have smart features, allowing one to check their place from anywhere.

From controlling lighting, answering the door remotely, they do it all. When picking a security system as a gift, opt for one that balances how advanced the system is with user-friendliness. You want to make sure that the homeowner can easily use the system and feel safe in their new environment.

4. Gift Cards: Let Them Make Their Own Choices

A first-time home purchase is often followed by the need to customize, repair, or furnish—a process both exhilarating and costly.

Gift cards from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes can offer a practical solution, allowing you to make specific choices that suit their taste and needs.

By gifting a card for a home improvement, you provide the homeowner the freedom to make purchases as the new home's needs evolve, ensuring that your gift is both used and appreciated.

5. Personalized Map Poster: Making It Theirs

Now since they are first time home buyers, they may or may not have some home decor items.

custom poster of first home location

Either way this gift stands out all on its own.

A customizable poster with the name of the couple, and a simple title like "Our Home" can leave a lasting impression on both the home owner and guests.

A daily reminder of how far they've come and what they were able to achieve - after all, buying a home is a big deal!

With this gift you are sure to leave a great impression for years to come, you can even change the colors of it to match the home owner's decor style.

At Life Story Maps we specialize in helping you capture exactly these moments, head over to our templates page to get started.

6. Subscription Services: A Gift That Keeps on Giving

The modern charm of subscription services is that they offer both the surprise of something new and the practicality of everyday use.

Ever since the Netflix password sharing crackdown, more and more people have been forced into paying for an ever increasing number of services.

You can get them something like a video streaming subscription, or help out in the kitchen with a meal prep subscription like Hello Fresh.

If you want to be a bit more unique you could go for a wine service subscription or a craft beer subscription for that hipster in your life.

These gifts are more than mere objects; they are ongoing experiences, reminders of your forward thinking that arrive month after month. They provide creature comforts while also serving a functional purpose in their new life and routine.

7. A Quality Cookware Set: For Home-Cooked Meals

There's something deeply personal and comforting about the aroma of a home-cooked meal, especially in a new house.

Gifting a quality cookware set to first-time homeowners gives them more than just the pots and pans. Cookware offers an invitation to create and share food, a huge part of making a house a home.
For those still finding their way around the kitchen, a durable and versatile cookware set can make the experience less daunting.

For seasoned cooks, high-quality pots, pans, and accessories can elevate their culinary adventures. Investing in a good cookware set is an investment in countless meals and memories to come.

This might be on the pricier side of gifts in this guide, but if you can afford it, your friend is sure to appreciate it a lot.

8. Snow Removal Service

person shovelling snow

For those in colder climates, the reality of snow can be both beautiful and burdensome.

A snow removal service can be a thoughtful and immensely practical gift, saving homeowners from the back-breaking labor of shoveling driveways and sidewalks.

It’s a service that offers relief and safety during the winter months, and its value is often realized during the first heavy snowfall.

This service isn't only a gift, but a shield against the elements, a token of warmth and care from you to them.

If you have ever lived in a snowy region, and had to wake up at 5:30AM to shovel yourself out to get to work on time, you know how painful this problem can be.

9. A Local Art Piece: Supporting Local Artists While Decorating

In the canvas of a new home, walls are opportunities. A piece of local art isn’t just a visual treat; it's a connection to the community and a story waiting to be told.

Gifting artwork from local creators not only supports the art scene but also gives the new homeowners a cool piece that carries meaning.

It helps them weave local culture into their private space, ensuring their home reflects the world outside their door. Art becomes a conversation piece, a landmark in their home that celebrates the local and the personal.

Just make sure the art isn't too far out there, after all if you tape a banana to a wall with duct tape, your friend may not want to keep it up for long.

10. A Housecleaning Service Gift Certificate: A Break from the Move-In Chaos

Moving into a new home is often synonymous with boxes, packing paper, and a to-do list that seems to grow longer by the hour.

A housecleaning service gift can be a welcome break in the midst of this chaos. This practical gift is a safe haven of calm for the new homeowner, offering a professional touch to help them reset and refresh their space.

It's not solely about cleaning; it's about granting them the luxury of time—time they can spend settling in, decorating, or enjoying their new home with their feet up.

Final Thoughts

In this post we've gone over some unique gift ideas for a home buyer. Let's remember the real purpose of these gestures: to celebrate and support the incredible step of buying one's first home.

Whether you're a friend, a relative, or a real estate agent, these gifts are more than simple items—they're a means of contributing to the joy and the making of a home.

While we've highlighted gifts that are often budget-friendly and deeply meaningful, for those who are able to give, anything will be appreciated. It's the thought that counts after all, and the magnitude of the gift is less important than the sincerity of the sentiment behind it.

Conclusion - What is the best gift for first time home buyers?

From the practicality of toolkits and cleaning services to the ongoing delight of subscription boxes, and from the warmth of personalized decor, we've curated a solid collection of gift ideas that cater to various needs and preferences.

The key is to find the gift that will cater to the unique tastes and lifestyles of the first-time homebuyers in your life, ensuring that your present is not just well-received but cherished.

To all new homeowners embarking on this exciting journey, congratulations! May your new place bring you endless joy, comfort, and wonderful new beginnings.

Last modified: November 6, 2023