I recently bought my first home on my own, and I quickly realized how many things I needed as a new homeowner. From my days of renting, I had a hammer, some picture-hanging hardware, a small stepladder, one Phillips-head screwdriver and one flat-head screwdriver. That’s pretty much it.
So, if you’re looking for some gift ideas for a new homeowner – whether for a housewarming party, birthday or holiday gift – the possibilities are plenty. Buy one big-ticket item; or group small, related items into a themed DIY basket.
I know many of them don’t sound very exciting; but trust me, they are needed and appreciated. Speaking from experience, having the right tools is both essential and empowering to first-time homeowners.
Let’s start with the basics…
These are the tools that everyone needs to do jobs around the house. And, seriously, who doesn’t love a multi-tool?
- Ladder
- Stepladder
- Flashlight
- Tool box/bag
- Screwdriver set
- Electric drill/driver set
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Level
- Multi-tool
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Extension cord
For the Green (or Black) Thumb
Whether they are thrilled to have a yard to maintain now, or if they can already envision all the sad, dead plants in their yard’s grim future (like myself), new homeowners likely have very little in the way of lawn and garden equipment.
- Lawnmower
- Leaf blower
- Edger/trimmer
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden stool or kneeler/seat
- Shears and pruning tools
- Rake
- Shovel
- Hand tools
- Gardening gloves
- Watering can
For the Painting Enthusiast
If they’re like me, the homeowners-to-be already had their home’s entire color palette decided before move-in day. I was armed with paint swatches galore, but I didn’t have any actual painting supplies, so I had to buy everything from scratch.
- Set of quality paintbrushes in varying sizes
- Rollers and roller covers
- Paint pails and liners
- Paint trays and liners
- Paint can pour spout/lid
- Drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife
- Spackling paste
For the Cleaning Fanatic (and the Rest of Us)
Yes, renters have cleaning supplies, but they usually need to be replaced. I had to throw out a lot of these items when I moved, because they had seen better days or were just plain gross. And if anything at all could get me excited about vacuuming dog hair off my rugs for the third time this week, it’s a new vacuum cleaner.
- Full-size and handheld vacuum cleaner
- Full-size or handheld steam cleaner
- Wet-dry vac
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dust pan
- Laundry baskets
- Scrub brushes, sponges and cleaning cloths
- Toilet brushes
- Spray bottles
