32 gifts anyone who just moved into a new apartment will appreciate not having to buy themselves
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The best part of moving in to your first apartment or home is getting to create a space that's all yours. Finding the perfect decor and picking out furniture is the exciting part, but after that comes all the expenses no recent grad or young professional wants to bare. A laundry hamper, pots and pans, bedding - these are just some of the distinctly un-fun, adult purchases they'll reluctantly need to make.
Though you might be tempted to buy them some new decor for the walls, we recommend getting them some combination of the necessities they wish they didn't have to spend their own money on, and the little luxuries that can make life infinitely better. Read on to see our picks for what they'll really want this holiday season.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.
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A gift card to buy the best set of sheets they’ve ever slept on
Brooklinen Gift Card, from $50
Our senior editor calls Brooklinen's sheets one of the best purchases she's ever made, and many of us at Insider Picks feel the same way. They'll be able to choose from quite a few weaves/materials as well as a huge selection of fun prints and colors. A basic full set costs around $130, for reference.
A personalized trinket tray for all their odds and ends
McLaughlin Glazeware Initial Tray, available at Nordstrom, $39
Catch-all trays are the kind of gift that may seem underwhelming until they realize how useful they are. That was certainly the case when I was gifted one after college. Now I have a few of them around my apartment — one for keys and sunglasses by the door, one for my rings and jewelry by the bed, and another in the living room for lip balm, candle matches, and other small items.
A robot vacuum that makes quick work of chores
Eufy RoboVac 11S, available on Amazon, $219.99
Vacuuming is one of the great time-sucks in life — literally. Give them back their Sunday afternoons with the gift of a robot vacuum that'll take the work out of cleaning the house. On a personal note, I can't recommend this one enough. You can read a more thorough review of it here.
Stemless wine glasses that won’t spill or break as easily
Riedel O Stemless Wine Glasses, available on Amazon, 4 for $35.96
When my partner and I moved in together years ago, her mom bought us a nice set of tall, thin-stemmed wine glasses — likely because I had once served her Cabernet in a mason jar. Though I like using those to entertain occasionally, I prefer these stemless glasses that are much more casual and much less breakable (...kind of like a mason jar).
A single-serve blender for smoothies and small batches
Nutribullet Blender, available on Amazon, $79.99
They're likely not going to need a full-sized blender for any reason other than making large batches of frozen margaritas. Gift them a personal-sized blender for making healthy smoothies at home — and if they want to make a few frosty cocktails, they'll just have to put in a little extra work.
A Dutch oven they’ll have for the rest of their life
Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven, available on Amazon, from $339
A Le Creuset Dutch oven is one of those coveted kitchen items that most people don't get until their weddings, if ever. It's a special gift I only recommend giving to someone who really loves to cook. If you want to get them something a little less expensive but equally as useful, go for an eight- or nine-inch cast-iron skillet.
A coffee maker for one
Keurig K-Mini Plus, available at Amazon, $99.99
A Keurig will have them out the door in a flash with a coffee in-hand — a priceless gift, if you ask me. Pair it with some cheap reusable pods if they're the eco-conscious type.
A cost-effective investment in their seltzer habit
SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker, available on Amazon, $124.99 (with refills), or SodaStream, $79.99 (without)
If La Croix sparkling water is their main source of hydration, they'll love having a SodaStream around to make seltzer on demand. They can flavor it with drops meant to taste just like the real thing or create their own infusions — either way, they'll save a lot of money over time.
Note: The more expensive of the two options comes with two soda bottles and two CO2 cylinders, while the less expensive one only comes with one bottle and one CO2 filter.
A wall hook that works in an entryway or bedroom
Mid-Century Modern Wall Hook, available at Urban Outfitters, $49
If they're living the big city life in a small city apartment, they'll appreciate any extra storage they can get. This wall hook could be hung up by the door to hold coats, keys, and bags, or it could go in the bedroom to store additional items there isn't room for in the closet.
A neutral bath mat to match any type of decor
Lila Bath Mat, available at Urban Outfitters, $39
Bath mats are one of those necessities that no one likes to spend their own money on. Gift them a basic neutral option that's got just enough intrigue to look sophisticated without clashing with their decor. If you know what their space looks like and want to get them something more adventurous, check out more bath mat designs here.
A smart device that can answer almost any question and play music
Echo Dot 3rd Generation, available at Amazon, $49.99
You can't go wrong when it comes to gifting the Echo Dot. It's a small speaker with major power, and Alexa can answer all their questions bout the weather, traffic, and more. They'll also be able to play music, games, and control other smart devices around the home.
A cleverly designed pillow to keep them cool at night
The Hybrid Pillow, available at Leesa, $135
Leesa's Hybrid Pillow is adjustable and reversible. One side features a cooling layer while the other has a quilted design that keeps the pillow fluffy and the fill even. Between the two sides is a thin slip pillow that they can add or take out for more or less support. You can read our full review here.
A friendly welcome mat
Calloway Mills Welcome Mat, available on Amazon, $20.36
Likewise, a welcome mat is another home basic they're going to need but aren't going to want to purchase. This simple one is fun enough without bordering on tacky.
Candles that really make it feel like home
Otherland Manor House Candles, $36 each or 3 for $89
Otherland's candles have the most beautiful packaging and intriguing scents (think: cardamom milk, or pink peppercorns and saffron). This is one gift you'll love giving as much as they'll love getting, and it'll add a sweet touch to their space.
A jumbo pack of removable hooks that won’t damage the wall
Command Hooks 9-Pack, available on Amazon, $8.99
You can never have enough Command Hooks — especially if you're a renter who can't nail anything into the wall. This multi-pack makes a great stocking stuffer.
A place to put their booze
Deco Handle Tray, available at West Elm, $59-$89
Whether they have a proper bar cart or not, one simple way to add sophistication to a space is to store liquor and/or barware on a pretty tray. This neutral option is great for anyone who entertains a lot — they can use it as a serving platter or to hold their at-home mini bar.
A utensil holder for easy access to cooking tools
Textured Utensil Holder, available at West Elm, $29
Unless they absolutely love to cook, a utensil crock probably won't be the first thing on their mind when they move into a new space, so this is a smart and useful kitchen gift they'll appreciate.
An exceptionally cool cocktail shaker for the person who loves to travel
Airplane Cocktail Shaker, available at Williams Sonoma, $79.95
Sure, you could find cheaper or simple bar tool kits or cocktail shakers out there, but this one is just too cool to pass up. If you know someone who loves travel, or just loves to play around with fun gadgets, you won't regret giving them this cocktail shaker. The propellers aren't quite functional, but they do spin when you shake the canister!
If this one isn't quite their style, check out some of the other ones we love here at a variety of price points.
A cozy throw to snuggle up with
Knotted Throw, available at Crane & Canopy, $89
This is the blanket we fight over getting to use in my house — it's cozy, warm, breathable, and supremely soft. You'll find it in a few different colors at Crane & Canopy.
A curated set of pots and pans that won’t fall apart
Help them get their kitchen fully stocked with the right tools. Made In makes cookware comparable to brands like All-Clad and Calphalon, but at direct-to-consumer prices that won't break the bank. Shop the full bundle with everything they need, or build your own set of the essentials. You can read a more in-depth review here.
A really nice speaker
Google Home Max, available at Walmart, $399
The experience of listening to music on the Google Home Max is absolutely unparalleled, which makes the high price tag easier to justify (assuming you can bare to part with it). If you've got a substantial budget, this is the way to go for anyone who loves listening to music at home.
An over-the-door hook that can function in the bathroom or closet for extra storage
Moon Phase Over-the-Door Hook, available at Urban Outfitters, $39
An over-the-door hook is the ultimate closet or bathroom storage hack. They can use this one to hang everything from towels and robes to purses and jewelry.
A new down duvet that works for every season
The Down Duvet, available at Casper, from $250
Casper makes two equally excellent comforters, but this one is the more basic option. Its stitched compartments keep the ethically sourced down from spreading through the blanket, and the organic cotton shell is gentle and cooling.
A set of hand towels for the bathroom
The Classic Hand Towels, available at Crane & Canopy, $16
Hand towels are a necessity made all the more fun when embroidered or monogrammed. Crane & Canopy offers a variety of colors and styles for a personalized touch.
A beautiful set of coasters they’ll actually want to use
Onyx Marble Coaster Set of 4, available at West Elm, $31
Hopefully it's a lesson they won't ever have to learn the hard way: always use a coaster. If you get them this beautiful set, they'll actually want to.
A laundry basket that blends with any decor
Round Weave Laundry Baskets, available at West Elm, $59-$79
A laundry basket is another much-appreciated gift they'll be thankful for not having to buy themselves. The lining of this one is removable, and if they already have a laundry basket, they can use it to store extra sets of sheets and towels.
A really good chef’s knife
Wüsthof Gourmet Hollow-Edge Santoku Knife, available at Williams Sonoma, from $49.95
It's not the only knife they'll ever need, but it's the best place to start. Get them one really good chef's knife to start their collection, and if you really want them take care of it, get them a sharpener as well. This one is good for beginners.
A streaming stick that turns their plain TV into a smart TV
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, available on Amazon, $39.99
If they're looking to cut the cost of cable out of their lives, a streaming stick is the way to go. It turns a regular TV into a smart TV by making all their favorite media apps like Netflix and Hulu available through a voice-controlled remote.
A beautiful set of dinnerware
Year & Day Dinnerware, from $6.50
Most people's first apartments (and the next few after that, if we're being honest) feature cabinets full of mismatched plates, glasses, and mugs they've collected over their time in college. Get them a new set of dishes, glasses, or flatware from Year & Day, one of our favorite new startups out there. If you're not ready to commit, you can read a full review of their dinnerware here.
A storage ottoman to save them space
Cole Classics Square Storage Ottoman, available at Target, $55.19
Every extra ounce of storage space matters in a small apartment, which is why this storage ottoman makes a perfect (and decor-neutral) gift. The lid lifts to reveal enough space for throw blankets and a pair of slippers.
A salt lamp to give their space a warm glow
Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp, available on Amazon, $19.99
I swear by my salt lamp for creating a relaxing vibe at home. This one was gifted to me two years ago and I still use it every day.
A signature scent for their new home
Diptyque Baies Room Spray, available at Nordstrom, $68
Room spray is a fun twist on the classic gift of scented candles — and you can't go wrong with anything from Diptyque. The company's classic Baies candle has a cult following for it's lovely and ever-pleasing blackcurrant and rose scent, which you'll find concentrated in this beautiful mist.
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