When selecting housewarming gifts for kids, it’s essential to consider not only their interests but also the transition they’re going through. Moving to a new home can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially for children. It’s important to offer gifts that not only entertain but also provide comfort and a sense of belonging in their new environment. From items that personalize their space to interactive toys that help them settle in, each gift can make a lasting impact. Here are 23 thoughtful and practical housewarming gift ideas that will truly make a child’s day extra special.
- Personalized Room Decor
Source @blossomgoodvibes
Personalizing a child’s room is one of the most powerful ways to help them feel at home. A customized name plaque or unique wall art featuring their favorite colors, characters, or themes can instantly make their new room feel like their very own. I remember gifting a personalized wooden name sign to my niece when her family moved, and she immediately hung it proudly above her bed. She couldn’t stop showing it off to visitors, and it became the focal point of her space. Personalized decor offers a sense of ownership and helps children adapt to the changes around them, giving them something to feel connected to.
- Interactive Nightlights
Source @tothelastdetaillb
The transition into a new home can make bedtime feel more daunting for some kids. A nightlight that offers more than just light—like one that projects stars, animals, or even fun shapes on the walls—can make bedtime feel like an adventure. I gifted a nightlight that projected a calming scene of the night sky to a friend’s child who had just moved. It quickly became a soothing ritual before bed. Not only does it provide comfort during the night, but it also adds an element of fun, helping kids feel secure in their new room.
- Customized Storybooks
Source @tickle.the.sun
Customized storybooks that feature the child’s name and likeness within the storyline are a perfect way to make the experience of reading even more special. These books turn reading into an interactive experience, allowing children to imagine themselves as the hero of their own adventure. I gave a personalized storybook to my niece that featured her moving to a new house and making new friends. She couldn’t wait to read it every night. Not only does it make the child the center of the narrative, but it also helps them process big life changes, like moving to a new home, in a way that feels familiar and comforting.
- Building Blocks or Construction Sets
Source @giftstory1301
When settling into a new home, many kids find comfort in creating their own spaces. A building set that encourages imaginative play can help them channel their creativity while adjusting to their new surroundings. I gifted my cousin’s son a set of construction blocks that allowed him to build houses and buildings. Watching him recreate our home in miniature form was not only a fun experience, but it also gave him a sense of control and familiarity in his new space. Construction toys offer children an opportunity to engage with their new environment, both physically and mentally, while promoting important skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness.
- Art Supplies for Creative Expression
Source @oakart.studios
The process of unpacking and settling into a new home can sometimes feel chaotic, especially for younger children. Providing a set of high-quality art supplies—crayons, markers, colored pencils, and sketchbooks—can offer them a peaceful activity to help them unwind and express their emotions. I once gave a large art kit to a child who had just moved, and she immediately set up an art station in her new room. Over the next few days, she decorated the walls with her drawings, turning her new space into a creative haven. This simple gift not only fosters creativity but also provides children with a constructive way to process their feelings during a period of transition.
- Comfortable Throw Blankets for Cozy Comfort
Source @battilo_home
A soft, comfortable throw blanket can be a child’s ultimate companion during the adjustment period of a move. It’s one of those items that blends practicality with emotional warmth. My daughter, for instance, received a cozy, fleece blanket when we moved, and she took it everywhere—whether it was curling up on the couch or bringing it to her new bed. The blanket became a source of comfort during the nights when she felt unsettled. A cozy blanket can be a subtle but powerful way to help kids feel safe and secure in their new surroundings, creating an environment where they can relax and unwind.
- DIY Craft Kits for Hands-On Play
Source @hellowonderful_co
Craft kits are an excellent way to keep kids occupied and entertained, especially during the hectic days of moving. These kits encourage creativity, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. When my nephew moved, I gave him a DIY birdhouse-building kit. He spent hours constructing it and painting it with bright colors. It kept him engaged and gave him something tangible that he could proudly display in his new backyard. DIY craft kits don’t just entertain—they also help children feel productive and confident in their new home, adding a personal touch to their environment.
- Plush Stuffed Animals for Comfort
Source @minisoindia
A cuddly stuffed animal is a timeless gift that provides both comfort and companionship. For many children, moving to a new home can feel overwhelming, and having a familiar, comforting toy to cuddle with can help ease the transition. I gave my niece a large, soft elephant plush when she moved, and it quickly became her favorite bedtime companion. No matter where she went, that plush elephant went with her, providing a sense of familiarity and reassurance. This simple, yet meaningful, gift helps children feel safe in their new space, offering them a piece of comfort during a time of change.
- Interactive Wall Decals for Fun Customization
Source @sensuitedecor
Wall decals are an easy, fun way for children to personalize their rooms without the commitment or mess of traditional paint. These removable stickers allow them to create their own designs, from animals and outer space to their favorite characters. I’ve gifted these to kids who recently moved, and the look on their faces when they see their room transformed into a jungle or a galaxy is priceless. Wall decals offer a creative outlet for kids to express themselves and help them feel more connected to their new home. It’s an inexpensive, customizable option that adds a fun, personal touch to any room.
- Memory Boxes for Storing Special Keepsakes
Source @littletimber
A memory box is a sentimental gift that encourages children to hold onto the memories of their old home while embracing their new one. I gave my friend’s daughter a beautifully crafted memory box, and she used it to store small mementos—photos, letters, and other keepsakes—from her old house. Over time, it became a special treasure chest that she filled with stories from both her old and new experiences. A memory box helps children process the transition in a healthy way by giving them a tangible way to remember and cherish their past while making space for new memories.
- Personalized Bedding Sets for a Cozy Touch
Source @sweet_bundles_
A child’s bed is often the first place they go to relax after a long day, so why not make it extra special with personalized bedding? A bedding set with their name or favorite colors can instantly make their new room feel more like home. I gave my daughter a set of personalized sheets and a comforter featuring her favorite animal when we moved. She was so excited to sleep in her “own” bed, and it made her feel more at ease in her new surroundings. Personalized bedding can turn a simple bed into a cozy retreat, adding a sense of belonging to their new space.
- Plant Your Own Garden Kit for Hands-On Fun
Source @theplantingkit
Moving to a new home often comes with the excitement of a new backyard or garden. A plant-your-own garden kit is an ideal gift for kids, allowing them to engage with nature and create something of their own. When my daughter received a flower-growing kit for her new garden, she couldn’t wait to get started. The process of planting, watering, and watching her flowers bloom gave her a sense of accomplishment and helped her feel more connected to her new home. These kits also promote environmental awareness and responsibility while providing children with a productive, enjoyable activity.
- Personalized Doormat for a Welcoming Entrance
Source @itchy__feet__
A personalized doormat with a child’s name or a playful greeting can help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at the entrance of their new home. I once gave my friend’s son a doormat that read, “Welcome to [Child’s Name]’s House,” and it quickly became a fun focal point for visitors. Every time someone walked through the door, it was a reminder that this was his space—a place where he could be himself. It’s a simple gift, but it adds a personal touch that can make a big difference in helping children feel comfortable in their new environment.
- Custom Puzzle for Cognitive Fun and Keepsake Value
Source @jigsawjessa
Puzzles are a wonderful gift for children because they combine fun with the development of important cognitive skills. A custom puzzle featuring a photo of the child’s new home or a family portrait can offer a meaningful and interactive way for them to connect with their new surroundings. I gave my niece a personalized puzzle made from a picture of their house when they moved. She spent hours piecing it together, and each time she completed it, it reminded her of the special memories being created in her new space. Custom puzzles not only help children engage their minds, but they also provide a tangible keepsake that captures a moment in time, reinforcing the feeling of belonging.
- A Set of Bedtime Books to Foster Routine and Comfort
Source @beyondtheirdreams
One of the most comforting ways to end a busy day of unpacking and adjusting to a new home is with a bedtime story. A carefully selected set of calming and positive bedtime books can help create a new routine that brings comfort and a sense of normalcy to children. I gifted a collection of soothing, gentle bedtime stories to my own child after our move, and it became a cherished part of our nightly routine. These books not only helped her settle into her new room, but they also became a source of comfort during those moments when everything felt unfamiliar. Bedtime books foster a sense of security and provide an opportunity for parents and children to bond over shared stories, making them a perfect gift for a new home.
- A Stylish and Fun Backpack for School Adventures
Source @hamleysegypt
For children who are starting at a new school after a move, a fun and personalized backpack can be an ideal gift. It’s a functional item that helps them feel excited and prepared for their new school year, all while offering a sense of continuity in their routine. My cousin’s daughter received a bright, colorful backpack with her favorite cartoon characters, and it immediately became her go-to accessory as she transitioned into her new school. A personalized backpack not only serves as a practical tool for school but also boosts a child’s confidence by giving them something familiar and special to take with them on their new adventure.
- Kids’ Chair or Bean Bag for Relaxation and Play
Source @bearteddy_homedecor
Kids need their own space, and a child-sized chair or bean bag can give them a cozy spot to unwind after a busy day of exploring their new home. A soft, comfortable chair provides a personal space where they can read, play, or just relax in a comfortable setting. I gave my niece a soft bean bag when they moved, and it quickly became her favorite spot to curl up with a book or watch her favorite shows. The beauty of this gift is its versatility—it can be used in any room of the house, making it easy for kids to claim their own space no matter where they are. This gift creates an inviting, restful area that children can return to whenever they need a break from the hustle of settling in.
- Interactive Globe to Inspire Curiosity and Learning
Source @movaglobes
An interactive globe is not just a great educational tool; it’s also a fun way to inspire curiosity about the world. If a child is feeling unsettled in their new environment, a globe can serve as a way for them to expand their imagination, learning about different countries, cultures, and places around the world. I gave my nephew an interactive globe that lit up and provided fascinating facts about various countries. He was immediately drawn to it, and we spent hours together learning about different parts of the world. An interactive globe encourages exploration and helps children develop a broader understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings—perfect for curious minds.
- Personalized Journals for Reflection and Creativity
Source @coco.plans
A journal can be an invaluable tool for children to reflect on their feelings, express their creativity, and document their experiences. When my daughter received a personalized journal with her name on the cover, she immediately began writing about her new home, the things she liked, and the changes she was experiencing. Writing gave her a way to process her emotions and helped her adjust to her new life in a healthy, expressive way. Personalized journals can also be a creative outlet where kids can draw, write stories, or keep track of their day-to-day adventures, giving them a lasting keepsake that they’ll cherish as they grow.
- Building or Construction Toys for Imaginative Play
Source @bingotoyspk
Building sets that allow kids to construct their dream houses, cities, or worlds are a great way to help them feel empowered during the transition to a new home. When my son received a set of LEGO bricks that allowed him to build his own house, he spent hours creating and reimagining different designs. These construction toys give children the freedom to express themselves while fostering important skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and fine motor development. Plus, the sense of accomplishment they feel from building something from the ground up translates into confidence in their new space.
- Sensory Play Kits for Calming and Comfort
Source @keepingthecraziesbusy
Moving to a new home can be a sensory overload for children. To help them relax and regain some control, sensory play kits can be an excellent choice. These kits include items like stress-relieving squishy toys, textured fabrics, and calming colors that help children focus and feel grounded. When my niece received a sensory kit with various tactile items, it quickly became her go-to tool for calming down after a long day of unpacking. Sensory kits are particularly helpful for younger children or those who may have trouble processing the excitement and stress of moving. They provide comfort and help children manage their emotions during a stressful time.
- Unique Wall Clocks to Add Fun and Function
Source @customized_gifts_shop
A wall clock can be both a functional and fun addition to a child’s room, especially when it’s designed to reflect their personality. Whether it’s a clock shaped like a favorite animal, character, or something whimsical, it helps teach them time management while also adding personality to their space. When I gave my nephew a race car-shaped clock, it became a conversation starter. Every time I visited, I noticed how much he loved looking at it and telling me what time it was. A playful, personalized clock makes a child’s room feel more like their own, helping them embrace their new space with a sense of ownership.
- Personalized Growth Charts to Celebrate Milestones
Source @artropics.mv
A personalized growth chart is not only a sentimental gift but also a practical one. These charts can track a child’s height over the years, turning a simple measurement into a meaningful memory. I gave my daughter a growth chart with her name and favorite characters, and every time she grew taller, she loved marking her progress. It became a cherished family keepsake, capturing her growth during a time of significant change. Personalized growth charts are a wonderful way to celebrate milestones and offer a tangible reminder of the child’s journey in their new home.
