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…

tools

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

raking leaves

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

painting

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)

cleaning supplies

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
Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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