Is it just me, or does anyone else find housewarming gifts particularly confusing to choose? It seems like there are infinite possibilities and very little guidelines. Some gifts could be considered too personal while others look generic and impersonal. I usually lean towards giving practical gifts that I know will be useful, but I realize that can seem less than celebratory and more obligatory. This season, I made a promise to myself that I would refresh my go-to housewarming gift list with options that are personal, festive, and thoughtful.
I’ve learned the key to choosing the perfect housewarming gift is in the balance between usefulness and lasting enjoyment. Luckily, you can find smart home accessories at any price range that will be practical in a new house and continue to add delight over time. Smart home technology is the ideal gift because it will always come in handy while adding a level of convenience and comfort. Some of these accessories may add an intimate or individualized touch to a new home and incites that warm and fuzzy feeling, while others might be a great fit for those who enjoy hosting and entertaining groups.
Whether you are attending the housewarming party for a family member, a friend, a coworker or even new neighbor, it can be simple to find a thoughtful and interesting gift for anyone on your list. To get you started, I’m sharing my list of go-to smart technology housewarming gifts for the tech-savvy home buyer.
The Practical Essentials
Smart Plugs
A multipack of these bad boys is often reasonably priced, always considered useful, and easily customizable. Smart plugs can be used in your home’s electrical sockets in connection with most normal appliances and electronic devices to automate your house from your smartphone. Just download the app and toggle the controls from anywhere to turn on lights, music, kitchen appliances or any other connected device. These simple contraptions will allow you to easily turn on the porch light or start the crockpot before arriving at home after a long day at work.
Video Doorbell
While smart plugs are excellent for controlling the inside of your home while you are away, you might consider the security features of a video doorbell to monitor your front door for packages or unwanted visitors. Models such as the Ring Video Doorbell allow homeowners to see live video footage of their front steps from any tablet or smartphone. They can even deliver two-way audio, night vision and motion detection to alert the owner to activity via smartphone notification.
Robot Vacuum
Buying a gift for pet owners? Consider a programmable robot vacuum cleaner to clean up any mess, anywhere, at any time. Robot vacuums can clean those hard-to-reach spots like underneath large furniture pieces. They can be controlled via your smartphone app and scheduled in advance while you are away, allowing you more time to enjoy your home without any noisy devices running in the background.
Smart Display
An all-in-one smart display is a perfect addition to any kitchen. These small but mighty devices can access your apps and even allow video and audio calls at your fingertips. Imagine the ability to access your recipes at the touch or a button – without touching paper cards with sticky or greasy fingers. While making your newest recipe, you might listen to your favorite podcast or check the doorbell camera for your dinner company to arrive.
Item Finder Saves the Day
A new home takes time to settle in. While familiarizing yourself with the placement of items and creating a new daily routine, you can easily lose track of your keys, wallet, or even lunchbox. In this instance, a Tile Mate may come in handy. These nifty devices can be easily attached to any item that you think you might misplace in your new house. When you’re running out the door for work and can’t find your keys, use your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to make your tile ring within a 200-mile radius. It works in reverse as well if you ever misplace your smartphone.
The Warm Fuzzies
If you’re looking for a genuinely personal touch to make a new house feel warm and fuzzy, consider a gift that is unique and special to the new homeowner.
Smart Picture Frame
The best way to make a house a home is to display photos of loved ones. If you want to give new homeowners an easy option to choose their own photos, swap them out easily over time, and manage the images from a smartphone, consider a smart picture frame. This will eliminate the need to print priceless photos while giving the ability to manage and store them electronically.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Sometimes new homes can feel stiff and cold at first until you are able to fill them with your favorite items for comfort and relaxation. If your friend is into meditation practice and calming aromatherapy, consider an automated essential oil aromatherapy diffuser to emit the homeowner’s favorite scent into the air and create a familiar ambiance. Connect these devices to your smartphone for easy scheduling and automation.
Smart Herb Garden
Shopping for your favorite home chef or entertainer? They might enjoy a smart herb garden that can be set up in their dream kitchen. This self-watering planter provides its own light source and built-in timer. Just add the seed pods and fill the reservoir on day 1 and watch your fresh herbs grow fully by day 30. You’ll have every reason to insist on another dinner party soon to enjoy the gift that keeps on growing!
Pet Video Camera
As a dog lover, I have to admit that this gift is my favorite for all pet parents. It can be tough to leave your fur child at home in your new house the first week when you go to work. To ease the anxiety, consider gifting the Furbo Dog Camera and give pet owners the ability to watch their pets from any tablet or smartphone. This device allows homeowners to keep an eye on their pet for any signs of separation anxiety or bad behaviors that could lead to property damage. Owners can talk to their pet through the microphone to ward off bad behavior or toss treats as a reward for good pups.
The Party Starters
When the housewarming gift is going to be opened at a party with close friends or family, you might consider an item that could be used for entertaining large groups.
Alexa-enabled Party Games
If your host already has Alexa Smart speakers, you might think about bringing an Alexa-enabled party game as your gift. Choose a game that fits the homeowner’s interests and style so that they can use it again for future parties and entertaining. If he or she enjoys trivia or travelling, you might check out “When In Rome,” as a not-so-typical board game that is hosted by Alexa to get everyone in on the fun!
Mini Projector
Want to turn the housewarming party into a home cinema? Any film lovers would enjoy a mini projector and screen for their home theater setup. These projectors can connect to any smartphone, tablet, computer, or another device to create an impressive image to enjoy your favorite scenes. Provide popcorn and ask the other party guests to bring their favorite toppings to create a memorable and fun experience.
Smart Karaoke Microphone
If you have at least a few brave souls in attendance at the housewarming party, you can always liven it up with this Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone with LED party lights. Nothing can christen a new home better than bringing all of your friends and family together to make memories while belting out your favorite lyrics and enjoying each other’s company.
This is also a hit for any homeowners with young children who can continue to enjoy the device for years to come! Create a party song and dance playlist ahead of time and connect your smartphone or other smart device to control audio and recording features.
Personalize Your Perfect Housewarming Gift
When choosing a housewarming gift, consider the new homeowner’s personality and their house’s needs. Smart home technology makes it easy to find a gift that is both practical and will bring joy for many years to come. It’s also helpful to know that there is really no incorrect way to give a housewarming party or gift, so long as you are there to celebrate and share in the memories.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
Best Tiny Home Builders in Portland