It’s all fun and games getting an invite to hang at your mate’s new crib, until you realise you have to get them a housewarming gift. After all, no one wants to spend money on a housewarming gift that’s only going to collect dust at the back of a storeroom.
If you’re not sure where to start, these 14 Singaporean homeowners let us in on the best housewarming gifts they’ve gotten or wish they did get when they opened their homes.
1. Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops
Image credit: @_pinagram_
“The first specific thing that comes to mind is Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops ($39). My sister recommended them after using them at her office toilet, and they’re actually really good – they were even out of stock recently.”
Sandra, 28
Note that Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops are currently not on sale, but are due to return later in the year. For a similar line of products, check out Poo~Pourri (from $19.10). Pick up a bottle of their Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, and you’ll never have to deal with the stench from your big Number Two again.
2. Crystal vase
Image is for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Wayfair
“My Robinsons Crystal Vase (from $26.40) is particularly special to me. I was actually the one who picked it out when I went shopping with my mum, who wanted to get me a housewarming gift. I use it every year to display fresh flowers during Chinese New Year and other special occasions – it’s not uncommon for visitors and relatives to ask me where my crystal vase is from!”
Vikki, 50
3. Pots, pans, and cutlery
Image is for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Crate and Barrel
“A WMF cutlery set (from $68) given by my mother in law was the best housewarming gift I’ve received. Our family has a tradition of celebrating Christmas together, but when we first moved in we didn’t have enough cutlery for everyone. My mother in law decided to gift us with a splendid WMF cutlery set, and it has been a wonderful addition to our Christmas gatherings.”
Mishaelle, 49
“The best housewarming gift I’ve received is from my mum. When I first moved out of my parents house and into my own, my mum decided to give us WMF stainless steel pots (from $49), which I still use today.”
Apple, 43
“I’m not one to splurge on cookware, and I get most of my cooking equipment from IKEA. But my mum gifted me with a set of very hardy AMC stainless steel cookware; two pots and a wok. They have no harmful coatings, are wonderful to use, and have lasted beautifully – no scratches after 20 years! My mum taught me that cost is not everything. Some items, especially things that are used to cook food for the family, are worth spending more money on.”
Ng Sinhui, 47
Note that AMC does not stock their products with retailers, but you can register to “Experience & Buy” their products via the AMC website.
4. Tissue or toilet paper
Image credit: @ash3nstar
“Singaporeans are all about practicality – you can never go wrong with basic home necessities. I’d appreciate reusable kitchen towels or oven mittens as a housewarming gift. Honestly, even tissue paper, toilet paper or paper towels from high quality manufacturers would be welcome. Items like these are great for everyday use.”
Les Tan, 47
Shop high quality tissue paper, toilet paper and other products at Cloversoft & Co. (from $7.45 for a 4 pack Bamboo Facial Tissue or 10 pack Bamboo Toilet Tissue). For a more extravagant gift, Cloversoft also offers Cloversoft Gifting Boxes (from $100, for Cloversoft Baby Gift Box).
5. Custom family photo
Image adapted from: Kevin
“I think for my husband and I it would be a framed picture of ourselves, taken by my dad when we were on holiday together with my parents in Langkawi. That photo hangs in our main corridor, and is something we see every day when we wake up. It really legitimised and honoured not just our marriage, but our separate and independent status as homeowners and as our own family, and that was a really powerful message from my parents to us.”
Kevin, 31
If you’re interested in customised canvas prints or framed photos, check out Print For Fun (from $45) or Photobook Singapore (from $30).
6. Riedel wine glasses
Image adapted from: Steph
“Riedel Wine Glasses (from $95 for a set of 2) make a lovely housewarming gift, and maybe bring along a bottle of wine too. It’s nice to celebrate with family and friends after you’ve finished putting in time, effort and money on a project. Celebration mode on!”
Steph, 39
7. Abstract sculpture
Image is for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: The Market
“After getting married and moving into my first house with my spouse, my friends gave us an abstract sculpture of a couple as a housewarming gift. It meant a lot to us because it signified the start of a new phase in our lives as newlyweds.”
Richard, 51
8. Sojao bedsheet set
Image credit: Sojao
“My favourite housewarming gift would be the Sojao Bedsheet Set (from $118), gifted by one of my friends. It ticks both boxes of aesthetic and comfort – just what I need for my home. Bedsheets are a necessity, and we love that the Sojao Bedsheet Set lets us have a really good night’s rest.”
Shalyn, 26
9. Ninja Foodi products
Image credit: Ninja Kitchen
“Nobody wants to receive a rice cooker or iron any more. Housewarming gifts have evolved – Ninja Foodi products have become the new popular household addition. I’d love to receive something from Ninja Foodi after moving into a new house.”
Amanda, 34
“The Ninja Airfryer Max ($169.99) would be a great housewarming gift. It’s a very practical addition to a new kitchen and works wonders in a household with kids – quick and easy, toss some nuggets or chicken wings into the airfryer for their midday snack and you’re good to go.”
Tim Chng, 39
10. Coffee machine
Image credit: @lauri.style
“I would love to receive a De’Longhi Espresso Machine (from $199) or a Breville Nespresso Machine (from $219). I love freshly brewed coffee, and a coffee machine is a gift I’ll really be able to enjoy using. After all, as a coffee lover, who wouldn’t want the aroma of freshly brewed wafting through their house?”
Lionel, 49*
*Personal details have been changed upon request
11. Sony 4K Ultra HD TV
Image credit: Sony
“When I first moved in, my brother gifted me a Sony 4K Ultra HD TV (from $1,499) for my living room. To me, a good TV is essential for providing household entertainment. I’ve been using my Sony TV for years, and I value its excellent audio and visual quality. Sony is a very reputable and reliable brand – the TV was a great gift, and definitely well worth the money.”
WH, age undisclosed
Best housewarming gifts to get in Singapore
From wallet-friendly gifts to extravagant home additions like atas kitchenware and wide-screen TVs, this list of most-loved housewarming gifts should come in handy the next time you’re asked to hang at your friend’s newly renovated home.
These 14 Singaporean owners have proved that finding a housewarming gift doesn’t need to be a stressful endeavour, as long as you keep Singaporeans’ most basic gift criteria in mind: practicality.
If all else fails, there’s always the option to just ask – remember that most people would rather tell you what they want, and receive it, than end up with a housewarming gift that they won’t use or look at that often. When in doubt, consult the recipient of the gift.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Discover more home products that could be potential housewarming gifts:
- We ask Singaporeans about their favourite piece of cookware
- Singaporeans tell us about the best smart home gadgets
- Aesthetic kitchenware under $200
Cover image adapted from: Ninja Kitchen, Sojao, The Market
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
