Best housewarming gifts – personalised prints, plants, champagne and more

The best gifts make a new house feel like home, adding personality to the space or serving as a helpful addition for DIY projects.

To create a varied list of ideas for anyone settling into a new place, we asked Which? staff to share the products they’ve loved giving or receiving. Our final list includes food and drink, custom-made wall art and tools guaranteed to come in handy when decorating.

Keep scrolling for access to our first-hand recommendations, plus links to our expert product reviews that reveal the latest Which? Best Buys.

Expert tips for making smarter consumer choices. Sign up for our Weekly Scoop newsletter

For the kitchen

DeLonghi Piccolo XS EDG210.R

What is it? A compact pod coffee machine that takes Dolce Gusto pods.

We like: Quiet, simple to clean

Watch out for: Pods are pricier than other coffee types

This coffee machine can make both hot and cold drinks. It doesn't have a milk frother, but you can use milk pods to make milky drinks such as cappuccinos.

The machine has a 0.8-litre water tank (best suited to households that don't big rounds of coffee) and has an adjustable drip tray to prevent splashes when you're making drinks in a small cup.

Read our DeLonghi Piccolo XS EDG210.R review to see how this model fared in our lab. For alternatives to add to your shortlist, see the best coffee machines.

Why we chose it:

'We've tested a wide range of coffee machines in our lab to suit various budgets. This sub-£100 model is ideal if you're looking to gift a pod machine at the more affordable end of the scale.

'It’s always worth checking our expert coffee machine reviews before you spend your money. We have more than 20 Best Buy models on our site at the time of writing – all capable of making delicious espressos and cappuccinos – but the duds can be frustrating to set up and use.'

Adam Speight

Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC bread maker

What is it? A fully automatic bread maker with more than 30 pre-installed programs.

We like: Easy to use,  plenty of recipes to choose from

Watch out for: No viewing window

This Panasonic bread maker has 31 programs and 63 recipes, so there’s always something new to bake. It features a delay timer (up to 13 hours), a rapid bake mode and auto dispensers for nuts, raisins and yeast.

According to Panasonic, two built-in sensors optimise each program at every step. Meanwhile, the kneading blade works in conjunction with specially placed ribs in the bread pan to give your bread the 'ideal texture.' If you have any questions during setup or need baking inspiration, you can consult the included instruction booklet.

See how we score this breadmaker with our Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC review. Alternatively, explore our guide to the best bread makers.

Why we chose it:

'Nothing will make your new pad more homely than the smell of home-baked bread. I love mine, which I bought as a housewarming for myself after my old one broke. I know what ingredients are in there, plus the loaves it makes taste amazing.'

Lisa Barber

Quartz-effect chopping board

What is it? A glass chopping board designed to resist scratches.

We like: Attention-grabbing colours, practical gift

Watch out for: Your giftee might not be a fan of green, so consider alternative colours

This glass chopping board from Warren Reed has a soft green tone and is made from toughened 6mm glass. It’s built to withstand the wear and tear of daily cooking and could be a welcome gift for keen cooks or anyone who appreciates a tidy worktop.

Non-slip feet keep the board in place while you chop and it comes with a one-year guarantee.

Why we chose it:

'I received this chopping board as a present and was genuinely impressed. It’s one of those things you wouldn’t think to buy for yourself, but end up using all the time.

'It’s such a thoughtful gift – something I might not have considered before, but now absolutely would. I love how it looks on the kitchen worktop and it’s practical, too.'

Alison Potter

Stellar Sabatier knife set

What is it? A five-piece knife set

We like: Useful

Watch out for: Some knives in the set could be sharper out of the box

High-quality knives are essential in any kitchen and serve as a practical housewarming gift for those who love to cook or entertain.

This set from Stellar includes a 20cm carving knife, 20cm bread knife, 15cm chef’s knife, 10cm utility knife and a 9cm paring knife. All of the blades are dishwasher safe and feature angled handles.

See our round-up of the best knife sets – our highest-scoring options are sharp out of the box, comfortable to use and won't dull over time.

Why we chose it:

'My in-laws bought us a knife set when we moved into our first home, and it was a practical and welcome gift.

'The block means that the knives are easy to grab when cooking and it looks smart on the kitchen worktop.'

Faith Strickland

Beurer KS25 kitchen scale

What is it? A digital scale powered by a pair of AAA batteries.

We like: Backlit display

Watch out for: Display doesn't show units for liquid measurements

This scale pairs practicality with a sleek design and could be a welcome gift for anyone settling into their new kitchen. It comes with a 1.2-litre bowl and weighs around 310g.

The display is simple, but the backlit buttons stay on for about five seconds at a time, making the display easy to read. As part of our full review, we checked to see if it can measure weight with accuracy and consistency.

You can read the full Beurer KS25 review or see our guide to the best kitchen scales.

Why we chose it:

'When we moved to our current place, my brother gave us a set of digital scales. They're lightweight, easy to store and we've used them a lot. They've also helped temper my husband's tendency to just eyeball measurements when cooking.'

Fran Roberts-Thornton

For the garden

Patch Plants gift voucher

What is it? An egift card for a website that sells indoor and outdoor plants.

Available from: Patch Plants

We like: Plenty of houseplants to suit your home and personality

Watch out for: Not everybody wants to take the time to care for plants

If you're shopping for a keen gardener, consider gifting a voucher to Patch Plants. The brand stocks a wide range of plants and you can filter by plant type, room and height. It also lists 'unkillable' and shade-loving plants that require less care.

The brand also sells a collection of neutral-coloured pots and patterned pots. If you know your loved one's favourite colour, they might appreciate a pot that matches their home decor.

Find reliable companies that sell great-quality plants, seeds and bulbs with our guide: best places to buy seeds and plants online.

Why we chose it:

'I spent a small fortune on this website when I moved into my current place, so I'd be thrilled to receive a voucher from it. It offers such a great selection of houseplants and pots, along with a reliable delivery service and plenty of helpful advice.

'It sells small and big plants, bundles of plants and more – perfect for those with designs on creating their own little indoor jungle.'

Victoria Purcell

Mac Allister MLM1334 lawn mower

What is it? A budget-friendly electric mower for small to medium lawns.

We like: Lightweight

Watch out for: Awkward grass catcher

This is a corded electric lawn mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns, with a 34cm cutting width. The cutting height can be adjusted using a single lever, with six available settings ranging from 20mm to 70mm.

If you're shopping for somebody who's about to move into their first home with a garden, they will no doubt appreciate a lawn mower to tackle overgrown edges and uneven turf. This model comes with a 35-litre grass-collection bag that can be removed if you prefer to mow without it.

Check in with our Mac Allister MLM1334 review or see our guide to the best lawn mowers.

Why we chose it:

'This mower is worth considering for those with a first-time garden. It’s light and easy to manoeuvre, plus its cutting height can be adjusted using a single lever, with six available settings ranging from 20mm to 70mm.'

Ceri Thomas

Best gifts for gardeners – our curated gift guide will make your shopping a walk in the park

Personalised gifts

Custom family portrait

What is it? A poster featuring family members and pets.

Available from: Etsy

We like: Lots of customisation options

Watch out for: Frame not included

Opting for something personal and unique as a housewarming gift is a winning formula, and this customisable Etsy poster could be a great choice – especially if your recipient has a beloved pet.

You can adapt the design by selecting hairstyles, outfits and pet breeds, creating a likeness that captures your giftee and their pet perfectly. The result is a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind keepsake that’s bound to be appreciated.

Why we chose it:

'Pet lovers moving into a new home will appreciate a personalised print to hang on the wall.

'When we last moved house, we were gifted a personalised family picture that includes our husky. The print now lives in our hallway and we regularly get compliments on it.'

Tom Morgan

Best gifts for dogs – our experts have curated a selection of products designed to keep canine companions safe, entertained and in peak health

For DIY jobs

VonHaus tool kit

What is it? A comprehensive kit for first-time homeowners and seasoned DIY veterans.

We like: Briefcase design with carry handle, varied assortment of tools included

Watch out for: Your giftee might already have a tool box

A reliable tool kit is a must for any household, particularly if you've recently moved into a new space and want to make it feel like your own.

This 120-piece VonHaus kit has plenty of tools inside, including a claw hammer, adjustable wrench, screwdriver and pliers. You also get some smaller items in the box, including wall plugs, a tape measure and a torch. Plus, the mini spirit level will come in handy when hanging up pictures in newly decorated rooms.

On the subject of home improvements, see our round-up of the best cordless drills.

Why we chose it:

'Moving into a new home inevitably involves tackling a host of DIY tasks, whether that's securing curtain rails, hanging up family photos or assembling furniture.

'This all-in-one tool set from VonHaus is worth a look if you're aiming to keep costs fairly low.'

Tom Morgan

Food and drink

Fortnum & Mason housewarming hamper

What is it? A handwoven wicker basket filled with food and a bottle of Champagne.

Available from: Fortnum & Mason

We like: A well-curated mix of products

Watch out for: One of the most expensive items in our list

This housewarming hamper is packed with treats and includes a bottle of Fortnum’s Champagne for a celebratory toast.

Inside the basket, you also get afternoon and breakfast blend teas, Fortnum’s strawberry preserve and Burlington Breakfast Marmalade. Plus, there's a pack of caramel biscuits to enjoy with a cuppa.

If the full bundle is a little out of your price range, you can pick some of the items to buy individually instead.

Why we chose it:

'This housewarming hamper is crammed with indulgent goodies. The brand also notes that its wicker basket is 'designed to live on', so it doubles as stylish storage once the food has been scoffed.'

Tom Morgan

LSA red wine glasses

What is it? A set of four handmade glasses.

We like: The wide bowl design

Watch out for: Contemporary design might not suit all table settings

For people who appreciate the nuances of fine wine, the LSA International Borough Red Wine Glasses could be an excellent gift.

The 450ml capacity and wide bowl design are intended to allow red wines to breathe, unlocking deeper flavours and aromas. This set of four glasses is also dishwasher-safe, meaning you won’t have to argue about whose turn it is to wash up.

Why we chose it:

'When we run our wine taste tests, our experts have shared insights about the importance of a decent wine glass, and the difference it can make to the taste and your drinking experience. So it’s worth investing in a good set to get the best from your wine.'

Jessica Carson

Best gifts for foodies – from gourmet treats to cutting-edge kitchen gadgets, find the ultimate gifts for food lovers

For home comfort

Scented oil diffuser

What is it? An LED-lit aroma diffuser that releases mist on a timer.

We like: Affordable, easy to use

Watch out for: Comes in various styles, so make sure you choose one that suits your space

A scented oil diffuser makes a calming and thoughtful gift for a new home. To set it up, you fill the base with water, add some drops of oil and then use the buttons to decide how long it will run for until it turns itself off automatically.

You can cycle between different LED colours to set the mood and the device is reasonably quiet while running – in fact, we think it's quiet enough to put on a bedside table.

Why we chose it:

'A diffuser paired with a selection of scents makes a thoughtful and practical housewarming gift – it’s an easy way for someone to create a calming atmosphere and keep their new space smelling fresh.

'With affordable multipacks on offer (often around £10 for a pack of five mini bottles), it’s easy to swap fragrances to suit your mood or the season. In our house, we've been enjoying Mint and Fresh Linen.'

Tom Morgan

Thanks to the following Which? staff for their support in creating this guide: Alison Potter, Ceri Thomas, Faith Strickland, Fran Roberts-Thornton, Hannah Fox, Jessica Carson, Lisa Barber, Vicky Purcell.