Jewish Housewarming Gift Ideas: What to Bring to a New Home
Gifts for a new Jewish home.
A new home means new doorposts, a new Shabbos table and rooms that need light on Friday night. The ideas below are practical things a Jewish family will use from the first week, each with a photo, the current price and a short reason to pick it.
A mezuzah case
A case is the classic chanukas habayis gift. Cases do not include the scroll, so let the family arrange the klaf with their rav or a sofer, and check the scroll size the case fits.
More: Mezuzah cases and our mezuzah buying guide.
A Shabbos lamp
New rooms often lack a light that can stay on over Shabbos. A Shabbos lamp solves that for a bedroom or hallway: it stays plugged in and you cover or uncover the light by hand.
More: Shabbos lamps and our Shabbos lamp guide.
A first Shabbos table
A challah board, a kiddush cup and candlesticks cover the basics for the first Friday night in the new house.
More: Shabbos table picks.
A tzedakah box
A pushka on the counter makes giving part of the family's week from day one.
More: Tzedakah boxes.
Benchers
A new home means hosting. A bencher set keeps Birkas Hamazon at hand for every guest.
More: Benchers and zemiros.
Jewish housewarming gift questions
What is a chanukas habayis?
A chanukas habayis is a gathering to mark moving into a new home, often around putting up the mezuzos. Guests usually bring something for the house.
Is a mezuzah case a good housewarming gift?
Yes, as long as you know the scroll size and the door. The case and the klaf are bought separately, and the family should arrange the klaf through their rav or a sofer.
What is a good Jewish housewarming gift under $50?
From this guide: the Hammered Gold mezuzah case, the Vista Green stained glass case, the 6 oz silver plated kiddush cup and tray and the brown and gold tzedakah box. Check current prices on each page.
Does a Shabbos lamp need a timer?
No. A Shabbos lamp stays on for all of Shabbos, and you turn the shade by hand to cover or uncover the light. Ask your rav if you have questions about using one.
All housewarming gifts · Wedding gift guide · Shabbos gift ideas