Housewarming Gift Ideas: Bread, Salt and Things That Stick Without Drilling

Looking for housewarming gift ideas that won't end up in a cupboard after a fortnight? Good news: people who have just moved need a surprising amount of stuff. Half the boxes are still taped shut, the lamps aren't up yet, and there is always that one thing nobody can find. Below you'll find ideas for the housewarming party, from the old tradition to small everyday helpers that don't need a drill.

The tradition: bread and salt

In Germany and much of Eastern Europe, the classic gift for a new home is bread and salt. The bread means there will always be enough to eat in the new place, the salt adds flavour to life and, depending on who you ask, stands for things that last. It costs very little and comes with a story. A loaf from the local bakery and a pretty jar of coarse salt is all it takes.

To be fair, bread and salt don't last long. That's why many people pair the tradition with something that stays. Our slightly cheeky suggestion: bread, salt and a Soapi.

A housewarming gift that needs no drilling

Nobody likes drilling into the tiles of a rented flat. Every hole becomes a discussion when the deposit is due back, and in the first few weeks nobody wants to dig out the toolbox anyway. That's where gifts that simply stick on and hold come in.

Soapi is a magnetic soap holder. You press a bottle cap halfway into a bar of soap, the bar hangs from the magnet on the wall and dries all the way round instead of going soggy in a dish. The basin stays clean. It goes on with a waterproof adhesive pad on smooth surfaces such as tiles, glass, mirrors or stainless steel. Press it on, hang the soap straight away, done. One rule: don't stick it to painted or wallpapered walls. It comes off tiles and glass without leaving residue. Since 2023 Soapi has found its way into more than 250 shops, with 4.88 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 reviews.

The easiest one to give is the Starter Kit for €14.95: one Soapi in the colour of your choice, a lavender soap from Marseille, 100 g, handmade in Marseille, and a cleaned bottle cap. Unwrap, hang up, wash hands.

A key holder by the door, no drill required

"Where are my keys?" moves into every new home. The magnetic key holder for €11.95 sticks next to the door on a smooth surface such as tiles, glass, metal, varnished wood or a smooth door. A strong magnet holds the steel key ring, even a heavy bunch with a car key. Our key holder without drilling page explains which surfaces work.

More gifts for a new home

• A houseplant: a hardy pothos or spider plant forgives the odd missed watering during moving chaos.
• A small toolkit: screwdriver set, tape measure, spirit level. Usually needed on the very first evening.
• Extension lead and multi-plug: unglamorous, but every new flat has too few sockets.
• A voucher for a local restaurant: a lifesaver while the kitchen is still in boxes.
• A neighbourhood guide or city map: lovely for anyone moving to a new town.
• A nice bowl or good tea towels: the things people rarely buy for themselves.
• Your own two hands: a homemade voucher for "one afternoon of shelf building" can be the best present of all.

Build your housewarming gift with Mix & Match

Want to cover bathroom, kitchen and hallway in one go? With Mix & Match you pick 5 products and pay €50, with free shipping within Germany. You can combine Soapis in all 10 colours, the key holder and soaps such as the soap from Marseille, soaps by Blaull or Grete Manufaktur, shower soap by KLAR or solid shampoo by Skargard. A well-rounded set for a new home: two Soapis for bathroom and kitchen, one key holder and two soaps. Add bread and salt, pop everything into a bread basket or tote bag and tie a ribbon round it. You do the wrapping yourself, which is exactly what makes it personal.

Housewarming gift FAQ

What is the traditional housewarming gift?

Bread and salt. These days many people add something practical that the new home will actually use.

Does Soapi work in a rented flat without drilling?

Yes, on smooth surfaces such as tiles, glass, mirrors or stainless steel. It comes off tiles and glass without residue. Please don't stick it to painted or wallpapered walls.

What if they move again?

The adhesive pad is single-use. With the replacement sticker for €1 you can stick Soapi up again in the next place.

In short

A good housewarming gift makes everyday life in the new place a little easier and reminds them of you every morning. If a couple is moving in together for the first time, have a look at our gifts for a first home together, and for the new people next door there are small gifts for neighbours. Get the bread and salt from the bakery and put the rest together here: build your Mix & Match set now.