32 gifts anyone who just moved into a new apartment will appreciate not having to buy themselves

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.

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.

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).

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is the ultimate closet or bathroom storage hack. They can use this one to hang everything from towels and robes to purses and jewelry.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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