10 Gift Ideas for The New Homeowner or Recent College Grad

When kids head off to college or graduate or when loved ones finally get the keys to their first home, it’s cause for celebration!

Once the bubbly’s been popped and the toasts have been given, you’ll want to gift them something to mark the occasion. And sure, a gift card is a great option (heck, we love spoiling ourselves), but there’s nothing quite like picking out that perfect gift and seeing their face when it’s opened.

From cookware and appliances to knives and kitchen linens, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 gift ideas for new homeowners, college freshmen or recent grads that’ll put a smile on every face.

Check ‘em out below.

Hungry for more? We’ve got tons of great gift ideas at prices that fit every budget and personality. Explore our gift guides for ideas and inspo for that special someone in your life.

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COOKWARE

A solid set of cookware is a game changer for any new homeowner or recent grad. Not only will it help them save money by enabling them to cook meals at home, but by gifting a few key pieces, you’ll give them a chance to add to their collection in the years to come.

Our tip? Rather than splurging on a whole set of stainless steel or nonstick, opt for a few choice pieces to get them started. Check out this handy cookware guide for tips on choosing the essentials.

BAKEWARE

Even if your giftee is not much of pastry pro, equipping them with a set of baking sheets or a few casserole dishes or bakers will help round out their kitchen. Plus, these are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from cookies and brownies to roasted veggies and sheet pan meals.

Bonus: If you’re feeling generous, opt for a pair of aesthetically pleasing stoneware bakers. Not only will they last for years, but the color and material will instantly elevate any dinner party or meal.

COFFEE MAKER OR ESPRESSO MACHINE

Help get their day started on the right foot by gifting them a coffee maker or espresso machine!

Whether they enjoy a classic pour-over, a bold drip or a silky latte, a quality coffee maker or espresso machine will go a long way toward making them feel at home. Or, if they’ve already got a machine they love, treat them to some must-have accessories, like a milk frother, a coffee grinder or an electric kettle!

KNIFE SET

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—a set of quality knives is essential to a well-stocked kitchen.

Even if they’re just starting to learn to cook for themselves (hello, freshman year!), a well-crafted, sharp and durable set of knives will last them well after their college years. Or, if they’re looking to outfit a new home, a set of knives complete with a knife block will be a gift they’ll use for years to come.

And if they’re already lucky enough to own a quality knife set, help keep their blades from getting dull by gifting them a knife sharpener! Not only will it extend the life of their knives, but sharp knives help prevent unwanted injuries in the kitchen.

TOASTER OVEN/AIR FRYER COMBO

If there’s one appliance we wish we had when we first started off in the world, it would be a toaster oven/air fryer combo.

Basically a small countertop convection oven, these do-it-all machines offer versatility and flexibility for a wide variety of meals and can make meal prep easier—and leftovers more enjoyable.

Plus, their large capacity and multi-functional capabilities are ideal for new homeowners looking to add a bit more oven space without breaking the bank.

MULTICOOKER

Okay, if we had to pick a second appliance that we wish we had when we were first starting off on our own, it would be a multicooker.

More widely known by the brand name “Instant Pot,” multicookers function as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer and more, making them ideal for small spaces or kitchens with limited storage. Perfect for busy individuals who may not have time to plan, prep or cook meals from scratch, multicookers simplify and streamline recipes to get dinner on the table in no time.

Dinnerware Set

Listen, we’re not suggesting you go out and buy a nice set of stoneware or china. But, outfitting them with a matching set of plates and bowls will go a long way toward making them feel at home.

Not sure of their aesthetic? You can never go wrong with a set of simple, crisp whiteware—not only is it elegant, but it’s versatile enough for everyday use and can be mixed and matched with more vibrant pieces down the road.

WINE GLASSES

This one is a must for any new homeowner or recent college graduate.

While drinking glasses and coffee mugs tend to be plentiful, elegant wine glasses are often an afterthought. And while they may not get as much use as other items on this list, they’ll definitely be appreciated at your giftee’s next housewarming, dinner party or even a casual Friday night in.

Kitchen Utensils

If you’ve ever visited a college student or a recent grad, you’ve likely found yourself searching for a spatula or pair of tongs, only to discover they have just one and—surprise, surprise—it’s dirty.

Keep them well stocked with a supply of handy, and dare we say essential, kitchen tools.

Oven Mitts and Kitchen Towels

Another small, but often overlooked essential: kitchen towels and oven mitts.

Sure, this may seem small compared to other big-ticket items on this list (looking at you, espresso machine), but a supply of well-made kitchen towels and oven mitts are a wonderful gift for any new homeowner, recent grad or college freshman.

Hungry for more? We’ve got tons of great gift ideas at prices that fit every budget and personality. Explore our gift guides for ideas and inspo for that special someone in your life.

Explore Our Gift Guides