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 will only collect dust at the back of a storeroom.
If you’re not sure where to start, these are 12 housewarming gifts, some coming from Singaporean homeowners on gifts they’ve gotten or wish they did get when they opened their homes.
For plant lovers
1. A Soilboy potted plant
Image adapted from: Soilboy
Nothing makes a plant lover happier than receiving, well… a plant. Especially one as gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing as an olive tree. Known to symbolise new beginnings, Soilboy has a range of potted plants that come in sleek and minimal pots that won’t require any repotting.
Best Soilboy plants to give as housewarming gifts, as recommended by Uchify:
- Olive plant ($108)
- Asparagus fern ($65)
Each potted plant comes with a care guide for those who don’t have green thumbs.
Real homeowner review:
“It was my mom’s birthday, and I wanted to buy a plant to surprise her. I [visited] Soilboy and the place was super aesthetic! Their plant and pot might be pricey, and that’s because they are of higher quality and handcrafted, which is something very special in itself. I got a Ficus Benjamina plant and a cute white pot, and it also comes with a guide!” – @Leia on Lemon8
Shop Soilboy’s planters.
2. Tumbleweed’s everfresh tree
Image credit: @soilboy
Believe it or not, but an increasing number of Singaporean homeowners are planting trees in their HDB flats. Yes, we’ve even seen glass plant enclosures in the middle of living rooms, and ingenious stairwell planters in HDB maisonettes. The results? Visually breathtaking.
If your friend has gone all out with their wabi sabi or Japandi home reno, but has yet to get any flora for their space, Tumbleweed’s mini Everfresh tree (from $180) makes a thoughtful and long-lasting gift. Not only do they create a balanced and warm ambiance, but a plant at home has great mental health benefits too!
Despite the name, these trees won’t grow too large and are fairly compact, making them a great fit for almost any interior.
Shop Tumbleweed’s plants.
3. Click & Grow Smart Garden
Image credit: Click&grow
If your recipient is more of a practical green thumb who yearns for their own garden, then they’ll appreciate the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 ($169.95). It features an automated watering and light system, which is also ideal for beginners or those who live in flats that don’t get much sun.
This intuitive gardening system also takes the complexity out of gardening, as everything you need comes in their package, plus the soil comes pre-packed with nutrients.
Real homeowner review:
“I love growing vegetables and herbs on this as it’s organic and [pesticide-free]. It’s also [fuss-free] and effortless. I know nothing about gardening, but still get to grow my own garden! You can repot them into bigger pots to grow them the manual way too!” – @momorie on Lemon8
Shop the Click and Grow Smart Garden 3.
For the budding home chefs
4. Modori’s nesting Arong cookware set
Image credit: Modori
In space-scarce apartments and HDB flats, Modori’s minimal nesting pots and pans are a dream come true for even the homeowner who doesn’t cook very much. The Korean brand touts ceramic-coated non-stick pots and pans that are pretty enough to be used for table plating, and practical enough to tide you through everyday cooking.
The Arong cookware set ($188.80) is a top-level gift for first-time homeowners who want to keep their kitchens as aesthetic as possible. Real homeowner review:
“I’ve always liked the texture of ceramic pots and found them really easy to clean! The material is sturdy without being overly heavy, so whenever I pour out the soup, the pots remain stable. They are also stackable, and thanks to that, we have lots of space in our original designated pots drawer!” – Frog & Duck on Lemon8
Shop Modori’s nesting Arong cookware set.
5. Modori’s magnetic cooking utensils
Image credit: Modori
Another Modori product that makes an invaluable housewarming gift is their magnetic cooking utensil set. Ergonomic, lightweight, magnetic and fashioned out of 100% food-grade silicone, this set comes with a magnetic rack that you can easily adhere to your kitchen wall—no drilling needed.
Real homeowner review:
“Was super undecided on what to get my sister-in-law when they got their new condo because they are quite picky and don’t like clutter. Thankfully, they’ve been loving this magnetic utensil set, and I even purchased a set for myself. One of my best investments to this day!” – Laura on Modori’s magnetic utensil set
Shop Modori’s magnetic cooking utensils set.
Universally-loved housewarming gifts
6. Aesop handwash
Image credit: @lamademoiselle.studio
Handwash as a housewarming gift might sound tacky, but an Aeseop handwash is a highly coveted status symbol for many homeowners—this is exactly why it makes such a great housewarming gift.
Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash (from $43) is universally loved for its strong scent that’ll have your friends and their guests feeling like they’re in a luxury hotel.
“Love this handwash. Though it may be pricey compared to some other brands, it is foamy and has a nice, long-lasting scent. It doesn’t make your skin feel dry after washing either. This has been my all-time favourite Australian brand.” – Jas, on Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique hand wash
Shop Aesop’s handwashes.
7. Hysses reed diffuser
Image credit: @hyssesofficial
While you’ll find reed diffusers in many stores around Singapore, like Aesop, Hysses is a reed diffuser brand that holds some weight in its category. Its diffusers are well-loved and considered luxurious—perhaps because of their emphasis on all-natural ingredients and absolutely no nasties.
They’ve even got quirky diffusers such as their Daruma Kitty Clay Diffuser ($70.90) that looks like a Japanese fortune doll, without all the bold colours.
Shop Hysses reed diffusers.
8. SOJAO’s bath towel bundle
Another well-loved Singaporean brand, SOJAO, is better known for their silky bedsheet sets, but they also have towel bundles ($129.60) that make practical housewarming gifts. These are made from organic cotton and are said to be ultra-absorbent.
Shop SOJAO bath towels.
9. Cloversoft tissue or toilet paper
Image credit: @ash3nstar
Tissue or toilet paper might sound like a bizarre gift, but in our kiasu nation, anyone would be thrilled to receive them. Because they’re an everyday essential, it’s the kind of gift that is guaranteed to be used, with no risk of picking the wrong style or colour.
Fun fact, in Korea, gifting toilet paper for housewarming is common, as it symbolises well wishes for a smooth start for the recipient in their new home.
Shop high-quality tissue paper, toilet paper and other products at Cloversoft & Co. (from $30.33 for 10 rolls of 3-ply toilet paper). For a more extravagant gift, Cloversoft also offers Cloversoft Gifting Boxes (from $100, for Cloversoft Baby Gift Box).
10. Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops
Image credit: @_pinagram_
Yep, you saw it right, but this gift is actually more practical than you think it is. Aesop’s post-poo drops, as the name suggests, is a bathroom deodoriser. After taking a number two, anyone’s bathroom would stink—especially after digesting aromatic foods like durians, which is where this little gift comes in.
All they need to do is add a few drops into the toilet bowl after flushing. Infused with tangerine peel, ylang-ylang and mandarin peel, gives off a fresh, citrusy aroma. This not only neutralises the odours, but also leaves the space smelling nice for the next person.
“The first specific thing that comes to mind is Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops ($41). 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 on Aesop’s post-poo drops
Shop Aesop’s Post-Poo Drops.
11. SOJAO bedsheet set
Image credit: SOJAO
Moving can be chaotic and exhausting. Gifting a set of bedsheets can help ease the transition—especially if it’s made from organic cotton and buttery soft like the ones from SOJAO. Their bedsheet set includes a duvet cover, a fitted sheet and a pillow case pair, saving you the hassle of buying each item separately.
A fresh set of bedsheets can also symbolise a clean slate and a cosy new beginning. While most people might not splurge on high-quality bedsheets for themselves, it’s a gift they’d appreciate.
Real homeowner review:
“My favourite housewarming gift would be the SOJAO Bedsheet Set (from $227), 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, on SOJAO’s bedsheets
Shop SOJAO bedsheet set.
12. Coffee machine
Image credit: @lauri.style
From casual coffee drinkers to espresso connoisseurs, coffee machines are often well-received as a gift due to their practicality—after all, who doesn’t love starting their day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee? A coffee machine also helps the recipient skip the hassle of those morning coffee runs.
Modern coffee machines are also designed to match different kitchen decors whether it’s a stainless steel model or a retro-inspired design. They are also built to last, making them a long-term and memorable gift.
Best coffee machines to give as housewarming gifts, as recommended by Uchify:
- Nespresso C62-SG-GR-NE Pixie Coffee Machine ($299)
- Bialetti Moka Express ($72)
- Nespresso Vertuo ($211.65)
Real homeowner review:
“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*
*Personal details have been changed upon request
Bonus: Fire extinguishers or fire blankets
Image credit: FireguardSG
You might be thinking, “Seriously, a fire extinguisher?” But both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket make for surprisingly thoughtful and practical housewarming gifts.
While unconventional, they leave a lasting impression thanks to their real-world use. Unlike decorative gifts, fire extinguishers and blankets are essentials every home should have, but they’re often overshadowed by the excitement of moving in.
Gifting these items not only fills a practical gap but also shows you care about the recipient’s safety and well-being in their new home.
Shop fire extinguishers (from $34) and fire blankets (from $39) at Fireguard Singapore.
Best housewarming gifts to get in Singapore
From wallet-friendly gifts to extravagant home additions, this list of housewarming gifts should come in handy the next time you’re asked to hang at your friend’s newly renovated home.
These Singaporeans have proved that finding a housewarming gift doesn’t need to be a stressful endeavour, as long as you keep their 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:
- 7 home appliances & gadgets for busy homeowners
- 7 best tried & tested cookware to buy in Singapore by Singaporeans
- 9 must-visit kitchenware shops in JB for quality and affordable essentials and appliances
Cover image adapted from: Modori, @lamademoiselle.studio, Soilboy
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