Written by: Sarah Haley

Finding the perfect gift for a new homeowner can be challenging. The vast range of products, appliances, and knickknacks on the market makes it hard to know which ones are worth the money.

Figuring out a gift your recipient will actually use is enough of a struggle.

To help you out on your search, here is a list of eight thoughtful but unique housewarming gifts that your recipient will actually use.

1. High-Quality Candle

A high-quality, luxury candle is one of those gifts you can never go wrong with. Although sometimes it can be hard to know which candle you should buy. In the United States alone, it's estimated that there are more than 10,000 different candle scents.¹

If you’re looking to surprise a candle-loving new homeowner, get them a Mala The Brand candle (from $35). This Vancouver BC-based company creates paraben-free, 100% biodegradable, soy-based candles. Their 9 oz candles have an average burn time of 45-55 hours and come in both wood and cotton wick options.

As an added bonus, their candles come in a range of delicious scents like S’mores, Peaches & Cream, Mimosa, Milk and Sugar, Strawberry Shortcake, and Meringue. If that didn’t sell you, they’ve also partnered with Trees for the Future and plant a tree for each purchase made.

2. Wooden Tray

This gift is perfect for that friend that loves hosting with a cheese and charcuterie board. Not only will a high-quality tray last them a long time, but it’s multifunctional.

Plus, cheese boards are only going up in popularity. The 2021 charcuterie consumption yearly growth rate was an estimated 49.57%.²

Good thing GOODEE has you covered. GOODEE, which was founded by two Canadian identical twins, is a curated marketplace that seeks to create change through community and sustainable solutions.

GOODEE’s Slid Tray is beautifully designed and comprised of slender strips of FSC-certified teak wood. Along with being durable, the slid tray is made from natural, recycled materials and supports causes like carbon reduction in corporate reporting.

3. Automatic Soap Dispenser

This gift is perfect for any tech-loving friend who loves modern design. The new homeowner can eliminate unappealing plastic bottles on their counters and upgrade their shower with the Triden Troop mini (from $69.99) automatic dispensers.

The Troop’s multifunctionality allows it to hold shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand sanitizer, and hand cream. Its infrared technology and sleek titanium stainless steel finish make it the perfect kitchen addition for any cook.

Plus, the Troops refillable tank saves you money and helps the environment by eliminating plastic waste.

4. Cozy Wine Set

If you have a wine enthusiast in your life, this is the housewarming gift to get them.

The Cozy Wine Set ($128) by Graf Lantz is the perfect eco-friendly gift option. This sustainable set is made from 100% natural, biodegradable, and renewable Bavarian Merino wool felt. It holds two bottles, is stain resistant and provides excellent insulation.

If you want to add a special touch to the gift, choose a locally made British Columbia wine to add to the carrier.

5. A Tableware Bundle

If your new homeowner is in need of a dinner party set, then the 16-piece tableware bundle by Hudson and Oak is for you.

Hudson and Oak is a woman-owned, Vancouver-based business that creates 100% porcelain tableware free from heavy metals and lead. Each piece in their tableware bundle is hand-finished using locally sourced clay. Their tableware has a modern design, thick walls to prevent chipping, and is microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe up to 450˚F.

The set comes in three different colours, cloud, blush, and salted caramel, so you can pick the bundle that matches your new homeowner’s kitchen aesthetic.

6. Coffee table book

If you know someone who loves fashion and reading, this gift is perfect for their new home. A coffee table book (or cocktail table book) is a hard-covered, oversized book that’s normally displayed on coffee tables as a form of entertainment for guests.

The Canadian rug and home décor store, Thirty Six Knots, has a wide selection of coffee table books to choose from. Some of the book titles they carry include Balenciaga in Black, Dior Glamour, eat in my kitchen, The Foraged Home, and Tom Ford by Tom Ford.

All you need to do is pick a topic your new homeowner loves and choose which book to purchase. Plus, when you pick a topic they love, it shows them how great of a listener (and friend) you really are.

7. A Handcrafted Vase

If you know someone that’s proud of their garden, then give them something to display it off in. Brook Drabot is a Canadian glass-blowing artist who makes beautiful handblown vases.

As a gift, try getting your gardening new homeowner a set of three bud vases. You can choose one of their many colour options to match your loved one's new home.

Getting a handcrafted gift helps support local businesses and artists, and shows you went that extra step to find your homeowner something special. Plus, their lilies will never look better!

8. A Gift Basket

If you’re busy or live out of province, sometimes it can be hard to curate and send the perfect gift. No need to worry though. Vancouver Gift Baskets is the solution for you.

Each Vancouver Gift Basket or Box is uniquely designed and handcrafted. They hand-select international foods, high-quality wines, local Vancouver tasty treasures, and Canadian artisan treats.

You can choose to get your new homeowner a Virtual Happy Hour Spirited Wine Gift Box, Self-Care Gift Box with Wine & Candlelight, OMG, You’re Engaged! Gift Box, or a Springtime Glory Gift Box.

If your homeowner lives locally, they can deliver it right to their front door. If located outside of the Vancouver area, Vancouver Gift Baskets also offers nationwide shipping on all their gifts.