Functional gifts that will warm the home and hearts of your friends.
Visiting a friend’s new home can be fun, but it can also be stressful – because there’s the dreaded housewarming gift to think about. Instead of fussing over decorative pieces that won’t be of much use, consider thoughtful gifts that will ease your friend into life in their new home.
Whether you’re buying it yourself or rallying a group of mutual friends to chip in, here are some practical gifts you can get:
Under $30
1. Reed diffuser for hotel-like scents | from $13.20
If your friends love the smell of hotels, then they’ll love these reed diffusers. With scents inspired by hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La, these diffusers are an affordable way to replicate the luxurious vibe that these hotels have.
2. Plant-themed diatomite coaster set | $18.91
You may think that these plant-themed coasters are just like ceramic, but it’s anything but. Unlike ceramic, these diatomite coasters can absorb around 2-4 times their body weight in water, so your friends won’t have to deal with puddles of condensation after making a cold drink on a hot day (i.e. most days in Singapore).
3. 3-in-1 wireless charger | from $19.99
This fuss-free 3-in-1 wireless charging dock for phones, smartwatches and earbuds is guaranteed to eliminate the mess of tangled wires that comes with owning multiple gadgets. Not to mention, its sleek design is also easy on the eyes.
Under $50
4. Rotatable food insulation board to keep dishes warm | from $37.80
We all know the disappointment we feel when we spend hours cooking up a feast, only for the food to get cold by the time we’re done. Enter this insulation board that comes in various sizes and configurations (including rotatable types to double as a Lazy Susan for easy access!) – definitely a thoughtful gift to ensure dishes stay as warm and delicious as they were fresh off the stove.
Under $100
5. Xiaomi smart lamp | $59
From adjustable colours and brightness levels, this smart lamp has numerous features packed into its tiny frame. As it’s Wi-Fi-enabled, it can be controlled directly from the smartphone, or by voice assistants like Alexa if your friend has them.
6. Xiaomi dust mite vacuum | from $61
Beyond the visible dust bunnies and hair on surfaces like beds and sofas, this vacuum works hard and fast to target dust mites with high-frequency beating (10,000 times per minute) and dehumidifying/sterilising functions. It’s high time to gift your friend a sound and allergen-free sleep!
7. Aesthetic pour-over coffee set | from $68.79
If your friend is a verified caffeine addict, look no further for a housewarming gift they will use. The pieces in this pour-over coffee set don’t just look Instagram-worthy – they are also made with heat-resistant glass and food-grade stainless steel for a smooth (and pleasing) coffee-brewing experience.
Under $200
8. Steamboat that prevents food from sinking | from $112
With this unique steamboat, gone are the days of your food disappearing into the abyss – ahem, the bottom of the pot. With a tray that separates the food from the broth, you can easily lift the food from the pot as soon as they’re done to up your party hosting game – no fruitless searches involved.
9. Projector for movie nights | $155.80
Sure, this home projector is on the smaller side, but it’s certainly not lacking. It’s able to project videos at a resolution of 1080p, and comes with features like keystone correction and zoom to get the image quality you want! Definitely a must-have for movie nights at home.
10. Compact air purifier | from $179
Source: Futur Living
Great for compact spaces, this air purifier (which also happens to be one of the best in the market) uses a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter… which basically means that it’s the gold standard for filtration efficiency. Combined with UV LED technology for added protection, it keeps the air fresh and clean, which is particularly handy for those with allergies or young children and pets.
11. OSIM Neck & Shoulder Massager | $179
Don’t let the name fool you: besides targeting the neck and shoulders, the OSIM uCozy 3D massager can work wonders on the back, thighs and calves with ergonomically-designed massage nodes and dual-directional kneading action. Your friend will appreciate this handy massager that they can take anywhere – even in the car!
12. BOSE waterproof speaker | $179
Making a comeback because it’s just that good, the BOSE waterproof speaker is built for use anywhere its owner fancies – so yes, that includes karaoke time in the shower (or kitchen) since it can withstand extreme temperatures, dust and liquids. And thanks to its lightweight design, the speaker’s suitable for outdoor use too.
Hey there — just so you know, all products listed in this article are independently curated by us. By clicking and purchasing from Shopee links, you will help to support our research and work by allowing us to earn a share of sales — here's a big thank you in advance! Do note that prices listed are accurate as of 25 January 2023.
This article was originally published on 7 October 2021 and last updated on 25 January 2023.
Get your housewarming gifts today!
Whether you have a big budget or not, these practical housewarming gifts will almost certainly be a hit among your friends. Plus, with their stylish designs, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
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