There’s something special about starting fresh in a new home, and nothing says welcome like a thoughtful housewarming gift basket. Whether you’re celebrating a new homeowner in your family, surprising new neighbors, or honoring a friend’s move, these housewarming gift basket ideas are filled with charm and practicality.
I first pulled these baskets together for my cousin, who just bought her first home. As I piled ideas across my dining room buffet, I realized why keep all this fun to myself? These DIY housewarming gift basket ideas are too good not to share.
Why Housewarming Gift Baskets Make the Perfect Gift
A housewarming gift basket is more than just a present; it’s a warm welcome. Instead of a single item, baskets allow you to combine little treasures that match the recipient’s personality and needs in their new space.
They’re practical, heartfelt, and flexible. Whether it’s a hostess gift, a sweet gesture for new neighbors, or a thoughtful surprise for a close friend, baskets are one of the best housewarming gifts because they convey both meaning and practicality.
What Kind of Basket Works Best?
When you’re creating a housewarming gift basket, the basket itself matters as much as what you put inside. After making several, I’ve learned that baskets with lower sides work best and sturdy sides. They allow all the pretty items inside to be seen without getting lost, and the sturdy sides give support for heavier items.
You can use round, square, or rectangular baskets, keeping the sides low so everything is on display.
Where can you find them? My go-to spots are thrift stores, but you can also find beautiful options at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and HomeGoods. Affordable, stylish, and perfect for building the base of your gift.
I have put together some of the best baskets here if you are ready to make your basket gift.
Creative Housewarming Gift Basket Ideas
Each of these baskets is simple to put together, easy to personalize, and sure to bring joy to any new homeowner.
Cleaning Basket
A cleaning-themed basket is fresh, practical, and makes a new place shine.
I thrifted a simple basket at Goodwill, then filled it with Meyer’s cleaning products, microfiber cloths, and a small rosemary plant.
For basket fillers, you can use raffia, shredded gift filler, tissue paper, or even moss. To add an extra touch, tuck in a candle for a fresh scent, a book on cleaning, my favorite is Emilie Barnes, or a bottle of olive oil for the kitchen.
Then include a fun card or tag with a ribbon to make it extra special.
Tea Lover Basket
For the tea enthusiast, a housewarming tea basket is always a hit. Try a tin of tea (I love the ones at Trader Joe’s), a jar of local honey, and a thrifted cream and sugar set.
For fillers, use shredded paper or tissue paper, then add a mason jar of cookies or some good chocolate for a sweet surprise.
Coffee Table Book Bundle
Books make a high-quality, timeless housewarming present. I tied a couple of Pottery Barn books together with ribbon, and they looked so pretty stacked as decor.
Thrift stores are also excellent places to find extra books if you’d like to gift a small bundle. Add a card or tag to the top, and you have a great housewarming gift that works perfectly in a new space.
Cutting Board & Kitchen Towels
This combination is simple and stylish. Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods are all great spots for affordable marble or wood cutting boards. I found this marble charcuterie board as an option, too. For kitchen towels, I recommend Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target.
Tie the board and towels together with a ribbon, tuck in sprigs of rosemary, and for a finishing touch, pair them with a bottle of wine, olive oil, or simple wine glasses.
Gardening Basket
A gardening basket makes a wonderful homemade housewarming gift, especially for someone who loves being outdoors.
I used a white-topped basket from Dollar Tree and added a Target watering can, an herb plant, flower seeds, and small garden tools.
For a special added touch, include some garden markers such as the Sage garden stake in the basket. I love these garden markers, but I spray paint them to prevent rust.
Raffia, straw, or moss make perfect natural fillers. Add a few garden markers for personalization, and your recipient will be ready to grow something beautiful in their new place.
Simmer Pot Housewarming Gift Basket
This is one of my favorites! A simmer pot basket, or in my case, a simmer pot kit, is thoughtful, unique and smells heavenly. Use a borosilicate glass pot and pair it with my printable simmer pot gift tags.
You can create seasonal variations, such as fall, Christmas, Valentine’s, or even my new editable printable housewarming simmer pot tag.
In my video, I used a blend of lemon, lavender, and rosemary, but cinnamon sticks, oranges, and cloves are also wonderful ingredients.
All of my editable printable tags come with recipes and are available in my Etsy shop. Here are your options if you want to go seasonal:
House Blessing Basket (Inspired by It’s a Wonderful Life)
If you’ve seen It’s a Wonderful Life, you’ll remember the touching scene where the Baileys bring bread, salt, and wine to welcome their neighbors. This tradition has been around for centuries and is as meaningful today.
In my version, I added a candle and coins to the basket. Chocolate-covered coins make it extra sweet. Include bakery bread if you don’t have time to bake, a pretty set of salt shakers, and a scrumptious candle. I used a mason jar candle.
If your recipient is sensitive to scents, opt for a battery-powered candle instead.
The sweetest finishing touch is the printable house blessing gift tag in my Etsy shop. Just tie a ribbon around your basket, print and cut the tag, and tuck it in. Watching their face light up as they read the blessings will warm your heart, too.
This housewarming gift basket tag is genuinely touching, and it comes in three different sizes: large, medium, and small. The small size is shown in the image. It’s a symbolic, heartwarming gift that will always be remembered.
Cookie Jar Gift
Who doesn’t love cookies? This housewarming gift idea is simple yet delightful.
I used a glass pumpkin cookie jar for fall, filled it with oatmeal cookies, and tied an orange-and-white gingham ribbon on top.
You can use any seasonal or classic cookie jar, from Pioneer Woman at Walmart to Hearth & Hand at Target, and fill it with either homemade or bakery cookies. It’s a sweet gift that never goes out of style.
How to Embellish Your Housewarming Gift Baskets
Once your baskets are filled, it’s time for finishing touches. Here are some easy options:
- Wrap with cellophane and tie with ribbon (optional). If you are delivering by hand, you don't have to do this step.
- Use raffia, moss, or straw for a natural look. Use shredded paper or tissue paper for a soft, delicate look.
- Add handwritten labels or printable tags for personality. Remember, I have many in my Etsy shop.
And remember, you don’t have to wrap at all if you’re hand-delivering. Sometimes, leaving the basket open makes it even more inviting.
Final Thoughts on Housewarming Gift Basket Ideas
Putting together housewarming gift baskets is one of my favorite ways to celebrate new beginnings. Each basket can be customized for the recipient, whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or family member.
Step out of the box and add things to any of these ideas that you think or know the recipient will love, especially if they are collectors. That is when it is fun to add one of their collectibles.
The best housewarming gifts aren’t about cost, they’re about thoughtfulness. From cookies and candles to simmer pots and wine, each little detail helps say welcome home.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these posts:
And don’t forget—my printable housewarming gift tags are available in my Etsy shop, ready to make your gift baskets even more personal.
Happy Gifting!
