Gifts for a First Home Together: Ideas for Couples, First Flats and Flatshares

Two toothbrushes in one mug, one more name on the doorbell: if you're looking for a gift for a first home together, you want something that fits the fresh start and actually gets used. The same goes for a son or daughter moving into their first flat, or friends setting up a flatshare. Here are ideas that won't disappear into a cupboard after the move, plus a list of things almost everyone is missing in the first few days.

What's almost always missing after a move

Before we get to the nice presents, an honest look at the first night. Nearly everyone lacks these things, and they make a great moving-in hamper:

• Toilet roll, bin bags and washing-up liquid
• Light bulbs and a torch, in case the ceiling light isn't up yet
• Screwdriver, box cutter, tape measure
• A first-aid kit with plasters (moving means sore fingertips)
• Tealights, matches and food that doesn't need a kitchen
• Hand soap, ideally not sitting in a puddle on the edge of the basin

Gifts for a couple's first home together

When two people move in together, two households collide and suddenly there are two of everything. What's usually missing are the small things that make living together easier.

A Soapi Trio for bathroom, kitchen and guest loo. Soapi is a magnetic soap holder: a bottle cap goes 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. The Soapi Trio for €24.99 contains three Soapis, one for each sink. They go on with a waterproof adhesive pad on smooth surfaces such as tiles, glass, mirrors or stainless steel, with no drilling, which landlords tend to appreciate. Just don't stick them to painted or wallpapered walls. Since 2023 Soapi has been stocked in more than 250 shops, with 4.88 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 reviews.

A key holder by the door. From now on, two people hunt for the keys instead of one. The magnetic key holder for €11.95 sticks next to the door on a smooth surface and holds a steel key ring, car key included. Our tip: two side by side, one for each bunch.

More ideas for couples: a cookbook with blank pages for your own recipes, a frame for the first photo in the new place, a voucher for that first joint trip to the DIY shop, good bedding.

A gift for a first flat: when your child moves out

A first flat of your own is a big step, and money is usually tight. This is where the things nobody thinks of count most: a toolbox with the basics, a clothes airer, a pot big enough to cook pasta for guests, a beginner's cookbook. And a small stash of soap, because that's always the first thing to run out.

A single Soapi with soap fits nicely into a care package like that. The Starter Kit for €14.95 includes one Soapi in the colour of your choice, a lavender soap from Marseille, 100 g, handmade in Marseille, and a cleaned bottle cap. Ready to go, even before there's a single bottle in the fridge.

A gift for a flatshare

In a shared flat the bathroom is common ground, and someone will definitely ask whose soap that is. The fix: give every flatmate a Soapi in their own colour. There are 10 colours, from black to mint to peach, so every bar stays with its owner. Pair it with a wipe-clean cleaning rota, a classic board game or a big frying pan for Sunday brunch.

Several gifts in one go with Mix & Match

For a flatshare, or if you want to cover several rooms, Mix & Match is worth a look: pick 5 products, pay €50, free shipping within Germany. You can mix 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. For example: three Soapis in three colours, one key holder and a solid shampoo for the shower.

Good to know for the next move

A first shared home is rarely the last. Soapi's adhesive pad is single-use, and it comes off tiles and glass without residue. With the replacement sticker for €1 it simply goes back up in the next place.

FAQ

What do you give for a first home together?

Something both will use every day, such as soap holders for bathroom and kitchen, a key holder by the door or a shared cookbook.

Do you need tools to put them up?

No. Soapi and the key holder stick on smooth surfaces with an adhesive pad. Press, then hang the soap or keys straight away.

What's a good moving gift on a budget?

A hamper with toilet roll, light bulbs, plasters and soap. Add a Soapi and something stays once the consumables are gone.

To wrap up

Couple, first-time renter or flatshare: the best moving gift is the one that becomes part of everyday life. For more inspiration, see our housewarming gift ideas and our small, useful gifts. And if you'd like to cover every room at once: head to Mix & Match.