Eliminate the guesswork in decorating your new home with these top-rated products.
Let's give a round of applause to everyone who has taken the leap from their parents' home to their very first apartment! Whether you're settling into a cozy studio or sharing a space with roommates in a flexible unit, this milestone deserves to be celebrated with the perfect gift.
Earlier this year, I experienced the excitement and challenges of moving into my own solo apartment. As the editor of your go-to gifting website, I dedicated several months to researching and personally testing a wide range of home essentials to find the ideal gifts for new apartment dwellers. After six months of thorough testing, I'm excited to share the top recommendations that represent the best of the best in first apartment gifts.
1. XGIMI MoGo 2 Portable Projector
Why recommend both a Samsung Frame TV and this projector? The Frame TV is fantastic in every respect, but it's placed across from my bed, so I can't use it comfortably from my couch.
For movie nights on the "big screen" while dining (since I dislike eating in bed!) or creating a cozy winter atmosphere with indoor snow or a charming fireplace, I rely on this projector. It's lightweight and portable, allowing your loved one to easily move it between rooms.
In terms of features, this projector delivers 4K video with Dolby audio. It also includes Intelligent Screen Alignment and Obstacle Avoidance, which adjust the video size based on the wall space available, preventing projections onto my dresser or desk.
2. Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set (12 Piece)
Caraway's cookware is non-toxic and free of PTFE and PFOA. It works with gas, electric, and induction stovetops and is oven-safe. I've personally used their stainless steel steamers with handles, and their bakeware is so attractive and durable that it inspired me to start baking. Plus, everything is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
I own the non-stick cookware in Sage (as shown), but it also comes in several other colors like Cream, Black, and Navy. For those who love a splash of color, Marigold and Perracotta are fantastic options.
While Amazon is a go-to for many, limited-edition colors, such as the Tan France monochrome sets, can only be purchased directly from Caraway.
3. Simplehuman Butterfly Lid Kitchen Trash Can
My parents have the voice-activated simplehuman trash can, and we all love it. However, if your gift recipient has a smaller kitchen like mine, there's a fantastic alternative to consider.
This classic step trash can holds up to 18 liters of waste. Since I prefer to empty my trash every couple of days to avoid attracting bugs in my NYC apartment, this size is perfect for me. It doesn’t fit under my sink, but it easily tucks into a corner without requiring awkward maneuvering.
Each purchase includes a set of trash bags, but if you want to go the extra mile, you could also include a backup pack of bags and some small sticky odor absorbers to help control smells.
4. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Who knew a kettle could be this stylish? Weighing just 2.75 pounds and with a capacity of 0.9 liters, Fellow's stainless steel kettle stands out with its sleek design and exceptional functionality. This kitchen essential features a precision pour spout, perfect for crafting foam latte art.
Although I’ve transitioned away from coffee, I still enjoy a good cup of tea. The Stagg kettle heats up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit quickly, making it a lifesaver during busy mornings.
Its LCD screen adds to the convenience, allowing you to adjust the temperature settings in Fahrenheit or Celsius and utilize the hold-temp function, ensuring your hot beverages stay at the ideal temperature.
5. Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven
Forgo ordering multiple clunky small kitchen appliances and gift this compact tool that serves eight cooking functions: toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, and reheat.
Breville's Element iQ System offers precise cooking temperatures for perfectly cooked dishes, like veggies, chicken strips, and everything bagels. The stainless steel device can fit a 12-inch pizza, chicken, or several slices of bread. As a bonus, it comes with a 10 x 10 enamel baking pan and broiling rack.
6. SLIP Slip Queen Silk Pillow Case
Slip creates the softest, smoothest silk pillowcases you'll find! Crafted from 100% pure 22 mommee mulberry silk, these pillowcases offer a luxurious look and feel, thanks to their high-grade, silky texture. Dermatologists and hairstylists alike recommend silk pillowcases for their benefits to skin and hair health.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus, M.D., shared with me that "Slip's pillowcases are not only super smooth but also come in beautiful colors. They absorb significantly less face cream and create 43% less friction compared to cotton pillowcases," making them a standout choice for enhancing your beauty sleep.
7. StorageWorks Large Underbed Storage Box (2-Pack)
Given my limited square footage, I dedicated a lot of time to finding the best closet and under-bed storage solutions to maximize my home's organization. My top pick for affordable under-bed storage is the StorageWorks box. I have a pair under my bed and was so impressed that I ordered a second set to store guest bedding and towels.
These storage boxes are lightweight and fold flat when not in use, making them easy to store discreetly. They come in four color options, but I particularly love the Ivory White (pictured) for its seamless match with my decor.
Functionally, they’re available in various sizes, including medium, large, and XL. For instance, two large boxes fit perfectly under a Thuma full-size bed, leaving ample space for additional items like an exercise mat and small hand weights.
8. Plush Performance Towel Set
One of my favorite hotel luxuries is the experience of using clean, high-quality plush towels. If you’re ready to elevate your towel game, let me introduce you to bath sheets—a step up from the usual towels. I first heard about them when Oprah gifted them on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and since then, I've been hooked.
So, what exactly are bath sheets? They’re essentially oversized towels, and the Luxome bath sheets are incredibly plush. After testing various brands, I found that many plush towels and sheets take forever to dry, both on your body and in the dryer. Luxome’s bath sheets are different; they feature a microfiber inner loop and a cotton exterior, offering excellent absorbency and quick drying times. The ribbed design not only looks great but also enhances the feel of these luxurious towels.
Available in seven colors, including Sail (white), Clay, and Harbor (dark blue), there’s a shade to complement any bathroom decor. These bath sheets make a perfect gift for anyone who loves a touch of luxury in their daily routine.
9. Yamazaki Tall Home Shoe Rack
For those with extensive shoe collections, a six-tier horizontal shoe rack with a wooden top that doubles as an entryway table is a great choice. However, with my smaller sneaker collection, I prefer the Tall Home Shoe Racks.
I use two of these racks: one accommodates up to five pairs of my favorite Hoka and Allbird sneakers, while the other is perfect for organizing my dressier ballet flats and ankle boots.
Available in two colors, I opted for the White version as it seamlessly fits with the clean, minimal aesthetic I aim for in my home decor.
10. Yamazaki Folding Hanging Coat Rack
I don't have space for a full coat rack, and if your loved one also lives in a major city, then there's a high probability they also need this over-the-door hook. The compact steel alloy hook creates ample storage space out of nowhere!
The space-saving fold-out design was easy to slip onto the top of my bathroom door without a step stool. (I'm about 5'8" and just stood on my tip-toes.) More importantly, it can hold up to 6 coats, including my beloved Aritzia Super Puff .
I enjoy mine so much that I'm already planning on getting a second for the opposite side of my bathroom door to hang my bath sheets.
11. Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home (6,000 BTU)
When I moved into my own place, investing in a smart AC unit was a top priority, and the Windmill AC unit has exceeded my expectations. Its standout feature is its powerful yet quiet operation, making it a perfect addition to any home.
I love the convenience of the intuitive remote control, but the ability to control the unit from my phone has been a game-changer. For instance, when I’m out of town, I can easily check the Windmill app to ensure the AC is turned off. And during those brutal heat waves—especially if you live in New York City—I can turn it on remotely so that I come home to a perfectly cool environment.
Installation is a breeze, taking just 30-45 minutes from unboxing to setup and packaging disposal. To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider pairing it with a bottle of your recipient's favorite non-alcoholic beverage or a delicious wine from The Prisoner as a thoughtful touch.
12. Riki Loves Riki Riki Tall Vanity Mirror
This luxury beauty gift isn't just any basic mirror. It's a 2-foot-tall lighted LED vanity mirror that doesn't overheat, boasts multiple HD light settings, and is adored by myself and J.Lo #casual.
Unlike cheaper options, the Riki Tall Vanity Mirror is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and comes with a magnetic smartphone attachment to record TikToks. There's also a magnetic mini 5X mirror that's the perfect addition for grooming your brows and extracting pores.
13. Simplehuman Adjustable Shower Caddy
As a beauty editor, it would be an understatement to say that I test a ton of new products , like body scrubs, body washes, and shampoos, so bathroom organization is essential. This rust-free shower caddy features adjustable shelves that slide up, down, and sideways to accommodate larger bottles.
Each shower caddy features suction cups and a secure top closure to ensure they won't swing. It's also available in four sizes, but if your loved one has a handheld showerhead, then they'll need the XL version.
14. eufy by Anker HomeVac H11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
I wanted to highlight a handheld cleaning device that's budget-friendly and comes in this cute mint green color. There's also Black and White for anyone who prefers neutrals.
This ultra-light vacuum weighs only 1.2 lbs, so it's easy to maneuver with one hand. Since my place is tiny, I like using this cordless hand vac to clean up any crumbs on my work desk or after meal prepping in the kitchen. I also tested it by suctioning up post-drilling dust along my baseboard. Overall, it's a quick and handy tool for eliminating smaller messes.
15. Courant MAG:2 Classics Dual-Device Charging Stand
This smart magnetic charging stand combines luxury design with advanced technology. Crafted with premium Italian leather, a durable zinc alloy frame, and a braided nylon cable, it elevates tech aesthetics while maintaining high functionality. The stand features strong magnetic charging capabilities for MagSafe iPhones, supporting up to 7.5W fast charging on the top, and 5W charging for additional Qi-certified devices on the base. Its sleek design blends seamlessly with home decor, making it a stylish addition to end tables or desktops. Compatible with all iPhone 12 models and later, as well as AirPods with a wireless charging case, it offers both convenience and elegance.
