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The best gift for someone with a small home is one that earns its space. It is useful, fits on a shelf or in a drawer, and does not add clutter. Below are twelve ideas that do, grouped by who you are buying for.
Before you buy, check three things: how much room they have, what style they like, and whether they already own one.
Rules for small-space gifts
- Small footprint. A gift that folds, stacks or hangs is easier to place.
- Does a job. Storage, light and comfort items are used every day.
- No big sets. One good item beats a set of five that will sit in a box.
- Keep the receipt. Sizes and colors are easy to get wrong.
For the balcony or patio
1. A solar lantern or string of lights
A warm light changes the evening on a balcony and needs no outlet. It is also the cheapest gift on the list that people actually use.
2. A herb planter
A railing planter with basil, mint and thyme is a gift that grows. Pair it with seeds if they are starting from scratch; our herb garden guide helps.
3. A folding bistro table
A small table gives a drink or a book a place to land. Folding ones hang on the wall when not in use.
For the living room
4. A soft throw
A throw blanket is the safest cozy gift. Choose a neutral color and a washable fabric.
5. A framed print
A small framed print or poster brightens a wall without taking floor space. See wall art ideas for a small living room.
Posters and prints at Cozy Spirit Studio
6. A rechargeable table lamp
A cordless lamp goes on a shelf or a windowsill and gives mood light without wires.
For the entryway and storage
7. A wall hook rack
A rack with four hooks and a shelf is a practical gift for any hallway. See the entryway storage guide.
8. A nesting storage basket set
Baskets that nest inside each other store flat and hold blankets, toys or shoes.
For the kitchen and bath
9. An over-the-door organizer
A hanging organizer on the back of a door adds a whole shelf with no tools. It suits bathrooms, closets and pantries.
10. A set of quality towels
A good bath towel set is always useful, and the neutral colors fit any home.
For the plant lover
11. A self-watering pot
A self-watering pot is the gift for people who forget the watering can. Choose a size that suits a windowsill.
12. A small grow light
A clip-on grow light keeps herbs and houseplants alive in dark winter rooms.
A simple gift plan by budget
- Small: a candle, a print or a pack of seeds.
- Medium: a throw, a lamp or a herb planter.
- Bigger: a bistro table, a coat rack or a set of towels.
Before you pay
- Ask whether they have room or already own it.
- Check the size against the space it is for.
- Add a gift receipt.
- Wrap flat items in fabric instead of paper to cut waste.
