Useful gifts for a new home, from first toolkits to safety basics and things that make it feel lived in.
Best fits first, then by Picked Rating, from all our lists
A home first aid kit
9.6/10
£25.99 RRP
Plasters and antiseptic for DIY mishaps. Something people only realise they need at the worst moment.
Why we picked it: Properly stocked with 210 pieces, including a cold pack, in a compact bag that fits a kitchen drawer.
What owners say: Comprehensive, compact and great value. Handy for the house or car.
A fire blanket
9.4/10
£ Under £15
A kitchen essential that most new homes lack. Small, cheap and could save the house.
Why we picked it: BSI Kitemarked, from a UK fire safety maker. Hang it by the cooker and hope it’s never needed.
What owners say: Good quality and well made. Owners say it put a pan fire out instantly.
A long tape measure
9.4/10
£15.21 RRP
For measuring rooms before buying furniture, which is what every new homeowner does constantly.
Why we picked it: From STANLEY, the brand tradespeople trust. A wide, clear blade that stays rigid, and accurate to half a millimetre per metre.
What owners say: Classic Stanley quality: tough, accurate and easy to read.
A carbon monoxide alarm
9.4/10
£18.95 RRP
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. An alarm is essential in any home with a gas boiler, gas hob or wood burner.
Why we picked it: A ten-year sensor from one of the biggest names in home safety. Every home with a boiler or gas hob needs one.
What owners say: Easy to install, loud with flashing lights, and reassuring to have.
A wine saver pump
9.4/10
£14.99 RRP
Pumps the air out of an opened bottle so it keeps for a few extra days. Ideal for anyone who likes a glass rather than a bottle.
Why we picked it: The original wine saver: it pumps the air out so an open bottle stays fresh for days. For those rare occasions a bottle isn’t finished.
What owners say: Easy to use and keeps wine fresh for several days.
Flavoured sea salt set
9.3/10
££ £15–£40
Chilli, smoked or herb salts make everyday cooking more interesting. A small foodie treat that gets used up.
Why we picked it: Hand-harvested in Iceland using geothermal heat: flaky salt plus a smoky black lava salt that makes eggs look spectacular.
What owners say: Amazing flavour, especially the smoky lava salt. Great for finishing dishes.
A good olive oil gift set
9.3/10
£27.90 RRP
A treat they’ll taste the difference in, for dressings and finishing dishes rather than frying.
Why we picked it: An organic early-harvest oil, lab-tested for polyphenols, with a peppery, grassy kick. For drizzling, not frying.
What owners say: Some of the best olive oil they’ve tasted, with a lovely peppery kick. Many buy it again.
A scented candle
9.2/10
£15.99 RRP
A reliable crowd-pleaser, especially in winter. A good one fills the room with scent.
Why we picked it: Four soy candles in lavender, fig, spring and lemon, each burning for over a day, in a gift box with a card.
What owners say: Beautiful scents and pretty tins. Owners say the people they gave them to were delighted.
Smart plugs
9.2/10
£23.99 RRP
Turn lamps on remotely, set timers and see how much electricity appliances use.
Why we picked it: Shows exactly what each appliance costs to run, and switches lamps on and off to a schedule while they’re away.
What owners say: Easy to set up and really handy for seeing what costs money to run.
A household tool kit
9.2/10
£37.99 RRP
Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measure and more, all in one case. The single most useful gift for someone starting from scratch.
Why we picked it: Everything for flat-pack, picture hanging and small repairs in one sturdy case, so there’s no borrowing a screwdriver from next door.
What owners say: Good quality and value, with everything needed for most jobs around the house.
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