Three popular gift cards from Amazon, IKEA, and Target for a housewarming surprise.

Moving into a new home is exciting, overwhelming, and expensive all at once. Between boxes everywhere and that growing list of "we definitely need to buy that," new homeowners face months of decisions about what to purchase first. A thoughtful gift card takes the guesswork out of housewarming gifts while giving them the freedom to choose exactly what their space needs most.

The best housewarming gift cards strike that sweet spot between practical and personal. Some couples will rush straight to the furniture section, while others need to tackle basic household supplies first. Rather than guessing whether they'd prefer throw pillows or cleaning supplies, let them decide with a gift card that matches their style and priorities.

Gift cards from Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, and Amazon for the perfect

1. Home Depot

When there's a leaky faucet at 9 PM or a weekend project calling, Home Depot becomes every homeowner's best friend. This gift card covers everything from emergency repairs to major renovations.

Pros:

• Massive selection of tools, appliances, and home improvement supplies
• Perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and emergency fixes
• Available in stores nationwide and online
• Covers professional installation services too

Cons:

• Might feel too practical for some recipients
• Can be overwhelming for non-DIY homeowners

Best for: New homeowners who love tackling projects themselves or need to handle basic repairs and improvements.

2. Lowe's

Lowe's offers a slightly different vibe than Home Depot, often feeling more approachable for casual home improvers. Their garden centers are particularly impressive, making this ideal for recipients with outdoor space to develop.

Pros:

• Strong selection of appliances and home décor
• Excellent garden center and outdoor living sections
• Helpful for both small fixes and major renovations
• Good balance of practical and aesthetic options

Cons:

• Similar limitations to other home improvement stores
• May not appeal to renters with limited renovation options

Best for: Homeowners interested in both indoor improvements and outdoor landscaping projects.

3. Target

Target gift cards are like a Swiss Army knife for new homeowners. One trip can cover cleaning supplies, basic furniture, kitchen gadgets, and those little decorative touches that make a house feel like home.

Pros:

• Incredible variety from essentials to home décor
• Affordable options that stretch gift card value
• Strong selection of trendy, Instagram-worthy items
• Convenient locations and online shopping

Cons:

• Quality can be hit-or-miss on furniture items
• Limited selection of major appliances

Best for: Recipients who want to tackle multiple home needs in one shopping trip, especially those drawn to modern, accessible design.

4. Amazon

Let's face it—Amazon probably has whatever weird, specific thing their new home needs. From replacement parts for vintage appliances to highly-rated cleaning products, this gift card handles the random stuff that comes up.

Pros:

• Unmatched selection of home goods and specialty items
• Convenient delivery to their new address
• Easy to compare reviews and prices
• Covers everything from basics to unique finds

Cons:

• Can feel impersonal as a gift
• Overwhelming number of choices
• Quality varies significantly between sellers

Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners who prefer online shopping and want access to specialty or hard-to-find items.

Gift cards from IKEA, Wayfair, Williams Sonoma, and Pottery Barn for housewarming.

5. IKEA

IKEA gift cards are perfect for homeowners starting fresh or working with a tight budget. The Swedish furniture giant excels at helping people create functional, stylish spaces without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable furniture and storage solutions
• Modern, cohesive design aesthetic
• Great for small spaces and apartments
• Includes home organization and kitchen essentials

Cons:

• Assembly required for most items
• Furniture quality is adequate but not heirloom-level
• Limited store locations in some areas

Best for: New homeowners furnishing their first place or anyone who appreciates clean, modern Scandinavian design.

6. Wayfair

For homeowners who want to browse furniture and décor from their couch, Wayfair delivers an enormous selection right to their door. The online retailer specializes in making home decorating accessible and affordable.

Pros:

• Massive selection of furniture and home décor
• Regular sales and competitive pricing
• Detailed photos and customer reviews
• Covers every room and style preference

Cons:

• Can't see or touch items before purchasing
• Shipping times vary, especially for large furniture
• Return process can be complicated for big items

Best for: Recipients who enjoy online shopping and want access to furniture styles that might not be available locally.

7. Williams Sonoma

Some homeowners dream of a magazine-worthy kitchen filled with professional-quality tools and beautiful serveware. Williams Sonoma makes those dreams accessible with high-end kitchen and home goods.

Pros:

• Premium quality kitchen tools and appliances
• Beautiful presentation and gift-worthy packaging
• Excellent customer service and return policy
• Items that last for years with proper care

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than mass market alternatives
• Selection focuses heavily on kitchen and dining
• May feel too fancy for everyday use

Best for: Serious home cooks or homeowners who prioritize quality over quantity in their kitchen investments.

8. Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn represents that classic American home aesthetic—comfortable, well-made, and timelessly stylish. Their gift cards open doors to furniture and décor that feels both sophisticated and livable.

Pros:

• Timeless, high-quality furniture and décor
• Cohesive collections that work well together
• Strong reputation for customer service
• Items hold their value over time

Cons:

• Premium pricing on most items
• Style may feel too traditional for some tastes
• Limited budget-friendly options

Best for: Recipients who appreciate classic American design and are willing to invest in pieces they'll keep for years.

Gift cards from Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, TJ Maxx, and West Elm for housewarming.

9. West Elm

West Elm bridges the gap between IKEA's affordability and Pottery Barn's premium positioning. Their modern, eclectic style appeals to homeowners who want something current without being too trendy.

Pros:

• Contemporary designs with broad appeal
• More affordable than other premium home retailers
• Regular new arrivals and seasonal collections
• Good selection of smaller décor items

Cons:

• Quality can be inconsistent across product lines
• Some items feel overpriced for the construction quality
• Delivery and customer service issues reported by some customers

Best for: Style-conscious homeowners who want modern furniture and décor without the premium price tag.

10. Bed Bath & Beyond

Despite recent store closures, Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards still provide access to an impressive range of home essentials. Their selection covers everything needed to set up a functional household.

Pros:

• Comprehensive selection of household basics
• Frequent sales and coupon offers
• Strong selection of kitchen appliances and bedding
• Good for both practical needs and upgrades

Cons:

• Company has faced financial difficulties and store closures
• May not have the design appeal of trendier retailers
• Gift card value could be at risk if company continues struggling

Best for: Recipients who need to stock up on household essentials and prefer shopping for home goods in person.

11. Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel occupies that sweet spot between accessible and aspirational. Their clean, modern aesthetic works in everything from studio apartments to suburban homes.

Pros:

• Sophisticated, modern design aesthetic
• Good balance of furniture and smaller home accessories
• Quality construction on most items
• Regular sales make items more accessible

Cons:

• Pricing is higher than mass market alternatives
• Style may feel too minimalist for some preferences
• Limited selection compared to larger retailers

Best for: Recipients with modern tastes who appreciate clean lines and quality construction in their home furnishings.

12. HomeGoods/TJ Maxx

For homeowners who love the thrill of the hunt, HomeGoods offers designer and name-brand home décor at significantly reduced prices. You never know what treasures might be waiting.

Pros:

• Designer and brand-name items at discount prices
• Constantly changing inventory keeps shopping interesting
• Great for finding unique pieces and unexpected deals
• Covers everything from furniture to small décor items

Cons:

• Inventory is unpredictable and inconsistent
• No online shopping option for most locations
• Can't count on finding specific items or styles
• Quality varies since items come from different sources

Best for: Recipients who enjoy treasure hunting and don't mind the unpredictability of discount shopping.

13. Costco

Costco membership comes with access to high-quality appliances, furniture, and home goods at wholesale prices. For families setting up a new household, buying in bulk often makes financial sense.

Pros:

• Excellent value on major appliances and bulk household items
• High-quality store brand (Kirkland) products
• Generous return policy on most items
• Great for stocking up on household essentials

Cons:

• Requires membership to shop
• Bulk purchasing isn't practical for everyone
• Limited selection compared to specialty home retailers
• Warehouse shopping experience isn't for everyone

Best for: Practical-minded homeowners who want to stock up on quality household essentials and don't mind buying in larger quantities.

14. Local Hardware Store

Supporting local businesses while helping new homeowners tackle their project list feels good all around. Local hardware stores often provide personalized service and expertise that big chains can't match.

Pros:

• Supports local business in their new community
• Personalized service and local expertise
• Often carries specialty items for regional needs
• Builds relationships within the neighborhood

Cons:

• Limited selection compared to big box stores
• May be more expensive than chain alternatives
• Hours and availability can be more restrictive
• Gift card policies vary by individual business

Best for: Recipients who value community connection and personalized service, especially in smaller towns or distinctive neighborhoods.

How to Choose the Right Housewarming Gift Card

The perfect housewarming gift card depends on what you know about the recipients and their new space. Recent college graduates furnishing their first apartment have different needs than established families upgrading to a larger home.

Consider their style preferences if you know them. Do they gravitate toward modern minimalism or cozy traditional looks? Are they hands-on DIY types or more likely to hire professionals? Think about whether they've mentioned specific projects or needs for their new space.

When in doubt, versatile options like Target or Amazon provide flexibility, while specialty retailers like Williams Sonoma or Home Depot work better when you know their specific interests. The most important thing is showing that you're excited about their new chapter and want to help make their house feel like home.

​14 Best Gift Cards for the Perfect Housewarming Surprise

14 Best Gift Cards for the Perfect Housewarming Surprise