10 Unsexy But Practical Gifts for First Time Homeowners

Skip the cookware and give new homeowners the items they’ll really need.

Stop trying to find the perfect set of glassware and don’t even attempt to take a chance on expensive pottery you “think” the homeowner(s) will love. Go for practical options, chances are they definitely don’t own these items and most likely haven’t even thought about them. These products will come in handy when they need it most and they’ll have you to thank for it.

Ladders

extension ladder
Help your friends and family stay safe and avoid grabbing an unstable dining room chair to reach for the gravy boat that makes an annual appearance. Whether it’s a small step-ladder to access that way too high cabinet in the kitchen or a full 12ft extension ladder needed to get the gutters clean, a good-quality ladder is one of the most useful household items to give. Amazon

Push Broom

Push broom with rubber bristles
Cleaning pet hair off the floor probably tops the “unsexy” list of chores for most homeowners. Thankfully this broom does the hard work for you. The natural rubber bristles attract pet hair like a magnet, easily removing it from hardwood floors and carpet. Once you’ve tackled that task, use the broom’s built-in squeegee edge to clean windows, showers and more. The handle extends from 36 to 60 inches to reach the most remote areas. Amazon

Cordless Drill

cordless drill
At some point, any new homeowner is going to need to hang some art, a mirror, a shelf, anything. Since the 1920s, the DeWalt brand has been a trusted professional and household name in power tools. Don’t let them ask to borrow yours, give the gift that keeps on drilling and feel confident knowing this cordless drill will be there for them for years to come. Amazon

Plunger

plunger
We’ve all been there and nothing, I repeat nothing, induces more panic than watching the toilet slowly back up with no plunger in sight. Don’t let that happen to someone you love, give them the best of the best in bathroom safety. This plunger from simplehuman is built with a drip-free design for cleanliness and has its own caddy for discreet storage. Amazon

Shredder

paper shredder
A new home means a lot of new bills. Keep identity thieves at bay by shredding any trace of information with names, addresses and other personal information. The Royal 18-sheet shredder is simple and safe to use as it cross-cuts through paper, DVDs and credit cards—but its best feature is the advance jam-defense technology to automatically reverse if a jam occurs. Amazon

Garden Hose

garden hose
The GrowGreen hose is the best hose you could possibly own. Available in various lengths from 25ft to 100ft, this expandable frustration-free hose will never, ever tangle on you. It’s unbelievably lightweight and doesn’t require much space for storage. Amazon

Extension Cord

extension cord
A flexible, heavy duty indoor/outdoor extension cord is a requirement in any home. We love this one for its triple outlet capability and special indicator light that illuminates when connected to a power source. The thick cord will not kink and is constructed well-enough to withstand rugged outdoor use. Amazon

Hand Truck

multi position hand truck
Hand trucks and dollies are invaluable for saving your back from heavy lifting. Homeowners often find themselves needing to transport stones, batches of mulch, or cases of water from the trunks of their cars to their front doors. This multi-position hand truck can go from a 2-wheel upright stance to a flat, 4-wheel cart in seconds. Easy foldable, it’s simple to store in the home or tote around in the car for when you need it the most. Amazon

Hammer

Estwing hammer
If you’re looking for a hammer to last a lifetime, the Estwing hammer is the only one you’ll ever need. Forged in one solid piece of American steel from head to handle, a shock reduction grip is added on to ensure hands are protected from harsh vibration. Amazon

Lightbulbs

Edison lightbulbs
It’s shocking how often homeowners burn through lightbulbs in the house. This set of 6 dimmable LED Edison-style bulbs are ideal to have on hand for replacing. At 6 watts, they’re energy efficient and made to last up to 20,000 hours. We especially love the vintage look and dimmable aspect that guarantees a warm, ambient glow for any room in the house. Amazon

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