Great gifts for new or first-time homebuyers

Over the last few years, millennials have entered the housing market in droves. A recent report from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that 38 percent of today’s buyers are millennials, or between the ages of 25-40.

Whether you’re looking for a housewarming gift for a millennial first-time buyer, or a present suited for someone downsizing after decades in the same home, here are some thoughtful gift ideas to help them ease the transition.

1.Moving day pizza or local restaurant gift cards

No one wants to cook after a long day of moving in, and some buyers may wait until it’s late to consider what they’re having for dinner. Tell them in advance that you’ll be sending a pizza delivery over, so they have something to look forward to. You can also drop off a set of paper plates, napkins and a chilled bottle of champagne so they create a memory they’ll never forget.

An alternative to this plan is to give a gift card to a new local restaurant they can try out in their first few days or weeks in their new area. Check out reviews in advance so you know you’re sending them somewhere great —Yelp has reviews for any area, and Heavy Table is a fantastic resource if the homebuyers are moving into the Twin Cities metro area.

2. Hardware store gift cards

Even the most perfect new house will have a few idiosyncrasies, and you can ease a homebuyer’s burden by giving them a credit to a local hardware store. Big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot are perfect for handy homeowners who have big projects they want to complete.

For those who may need a bit more guidance and who will be tackling smaller projects, a local hardware store gift card works well. If they need a photo-hanging kit, the section at their local Ace Hardware may be less intimidating than the full aisle of options at a larger hardware store.

3. Coupons and discounts

If you’re a coupon enthusiast, this is a great time to share your wisdom — and your hard earned clippings! Stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond and Kohl’s are notorious for offering long-term discounts for one item or an entire purchase. Save up coupons you think the homeowners may want to use, and organize them by type (food, gas, bedding/home goods, hardware and home improvement, etc.)

Be sure not to give coupons that expire within a week of their moving day. The goal is to minimize their stress and spending, not to make them worry about getting to the store before they’ve had a chance to unpack.

4. Address label changes

Buyers often overlook the need for new address labels or an address stamp so this is a great idea they won’t be expecting. Online sites like Zazzle and Shutterfly have dozens of affordable designs available.

5. Plants

Most homeowners have plenty of picture frames from their previous residence, but they may not have indoor plants to jazz up the décor. Consider the size of their new home and their style as you select planters and plants from a local nursery.

6. Extra furniture

Depending on how much bigger their new residence is, the homebuyers may need a lot of new furniture. If you have extra furniture you’re not using, you can offer it to them. Make sure you reinforce that there is no obligation for them to accept it, but that you’d be happy for your extra furniture to be put to good use.

Remember that we live in a culture of upcycling, so it’s possible the buyer may paint, strip or otherwise change the furniture once you give it to them. That’s within their right, so don’t ask questions after you part with your armoire or old twin bed frame.

7. Sheets, linens and towels

In many cases, the homeowner will be moving into a larger home than their past residence. Linens of all kinds — bed sheets, pillow cases, comforters or quilts — will be appreciated for their extra bedrooms. Extra towels, whether for the bathroom or kitchen, are also a great gift. Consider giving a gift receipt so they can exchange for the colors or types they prefer.

8. Homeowner essentials

When you’ve lived in an 800 square foot apartment, extension cords may seem like a laughable item. Homeowners, on the other hand, will know that items like extension cords, power strips, extra light bulbs, batteries, cleaning solutions, sponges and even duct tape are must-have homeowner essentials. Deliver a small package of these items within one week of their move.

9. How-to tips

The days of calling a landlord are long over, and some homebuyers may need help with basic tasks like turning off the water, changing a furnace or HVAC filter or tripping the fuse breaker. YouTube to the rescue! We’ve created this handy playlist you can share with young or first-time buyers who may need a little help in the home maintenance area. If you’re gifting this playlist to a true novice, you might also consider giving them a basic toolkit.

Need help buying a new home?

If you know homebuyers who are about to enter the market, we can help! Edina Realty has nearly 2,400 Realtors across every neighborhood in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Contact Edina Realty or your Realtor to get in touch with a local market specialist.