A gift card to buy the best set of sheets they’ve ever slept on
Brooklinen Gift Card, from $50
Our senior editor calls Brooklinen's sheets one of the best purchases she's ever made, and many of us at Insider Picks feel the same way. They'll be able to choose from quite a few weaves/materials as well as a huge selection of fun prints and colors. A basic full set costs around $130, for reference.
A personalized trinket tray for all their odds and ends
McLaughlin Glazeware Initial Tray, available at Nordstrom, $39
Catch-all trays are the kind of gift that may seem underwhelming until they realize how useful they are. That was certainly the case when I was gifted one after college. Now I have a few of them around my apartment — one for keys and sunglasses by the door, one for my rings and jewelry by the bed, and another in the living room for lip balm, candle matches, and other small items.
A robot vacuum that makes quick work of chores
Stemless wine glasses that won’t spill or break as easily
Riedel O Stemless Wine Glasses, available on Amazon, 4 for $35.96
When my partner and I moved in together years ago, her mom bought us a nice set of tall, thin-stemmed wine glasses — likely because I had once served her Cabernet in a mason jar. Though I like using those to entertain occasionally, I prefer these stemless glasses that are much more casual and much less breakable (...kind of like a mason jar).
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA single-serve blender for smoothies and small batches
Nutribullet Blender, available on Amazon, $79.99
They're likely not going to need a full-sized blender for any reason other than making large batches of frozen margaritas. Gift them a personal-sized blender for making healthy smoothies at home — and if they want to make a few frosty cocktails, they'll just have to put in a little extra work.
A Dutch oven they’ll have for the rest of their life
A cost-effective investment in their seltzer habit
SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker, available on Amazon, $124.99 (with refills), or SodaStream, $79.99 (without)
If La Croix sparkling water is their main source of hydration, they'll love having a SodaStream around to make seltzer on demand. They can flavor it with drops meant to taste just like the real thing or create their own infusions — either way, they'll save a lot of money over time.
Note: The more expensive of the two options comes with two soda bottles and two CO2 cylinders, while the less expensive one only comes with one bottle and one CO2 filter.
A wall hook that works in an entryway or bedroom
Mid-Century Modern Wall Hook, available at Urban Outfitters, $49
If they're living the big city life in a small city apartment, they'll appreciate any extra storage they can get. This wall hook could be hung up by the door to hold coats, keys, and bags, or it could go in the bedroom to store additional items there isn't room for in the closet.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA neutral bath mat to match any type of decor
Lila Bath Mat, available at Urban Outfitters, $39
Bath mats are one of those necessities that no one likes to spend their own money on. Gift them a basic neutral option that's got just enough intrigue to look sophisticated without clashing with their decor. If you know what their space looks like and want to get them something more adventurous, check out more bath mat designs here.
A smart device that can answer almost any question and play music
Echo Dot 3rd Generation, available at Amazon, $49.99
You can't go wrong when it comes to gifting the Echo Dot. It's a small speaker with major power, and Alexa can answer all their questions bout the weather, traffic, and more. They'll also be able to play music, games, and control other smart devices around the home.
A cleverly designed pillow to keep them cool at night
Candles that really make it feel like home
Otherland Manor House Candles, $36 each or 3 for $89
Otherland's candles have the most beautiful packaging and intriguing scents (think: cardamom milk, or pink peppercorns and saffron). This is one gift you'll love giving as much as they'll love getting, and it'll add a sweet touch to their space.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA jumbo pack of removable hooks that won’t damage the wall
A place to put their booze
Deco Handle Tray, available at West Elm, $59-$89
Whether they have a proper bar cart or not, one simple way to add sophistication to a space is to store liquor and/or barware on a pretty tray. This neutral option is great for anyone who entertains a lot — they can use it as a serving platter or to hold their at-home mini bar.
A utensil holder for easy access to cooking tools
An exceptionally cool cocktail shaker for the person who loves to travel
A cozy throw to snuggle up with
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA curated set of pots and pans that won’t fall apart
Made In Cookware Bundle, $260
Help them get their kitchen fully stocked with the right tools. Made In makes cookware comparable to brands like All-Clad and Calphalon, but at direct-to-consumer prices that won't break the bank. Shop the full bundle with everything they need, or build your own set of the essentials. You can read a more in-depth review here.
A really nice speaker
Google Home Max, available at Walmart, $399
The experience of listening to music on the Google Home Max is absolutely unparalleled, which makes the high price tag easier to justify (assuming you can bare to part with it). If you've got a substantial budget, this is the way to go for anyone who loves listening to music at home.
An over-the-door hook that can function in the bathroom or closet for extra storage
A new down duvet that works for every season
The Down Duvet, available at Casper, from $250
Casper makes two equally excellent comforters, but this one is the more basic option. Its stitched compartments keep the ethically sourced down from spreading through the blanket, and the organic cotton shell is gentle and cooling.
A set of hand towels for the bathroom
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA beautiful set of coasters they’ll actually want to use
A laundry basket that blends with any decor
Round Weave Laundry Baskets, available at West Elm, $59-$79
A laundry basket is another much-appreciated gift they'll be thankful for not having to buy themselves. The lining of this one is removable, and if they already have a laundry basket, they can use it to store extra sets of sheets and towels.
A really good chef’s knife
A streaming stick that turns their plain TV into a smart TV
A beautiful set of dinnerware
Year & Day Dinnerware, from $6.50
Most people's first apartments (and the next few after that, if we're being honest) feature cabinets full of mismatched plates, glasses, and mugs they've collected over their time in college. Get them a new set of dishes, glasses, or flatware from Year & Day, one of our favorite new startups out there. If you're not ready to commit, you can read a full review of their dinnerware here.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA storage ottoman to save them space
A salt lamp to give their space a warm glow
A signature scent for their new home