Our friends just bought their first home, so we’ve been trying to find the perfect holiday/housewarming gift for them. There are so many options, and we’ve done some research. Along the way, we’ve collected 10 gift ideas we think any first-time homeowner will appreciate.

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1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety comes first, so smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential in every home. Even if these devices are already installed in your friend’s new home, they may need to be replaced or supplemented with new units. Today, you can buy one alarm for both smoke and carbon monoxide, including this one from First Alert which costs less than $30. First Alert Battery Operated Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm at The Home Depot

2. Fire Extinguishers

Along the same lines, every home needs at least one fire extinguisher. They are inexpensive and easy to store. And they can keep a small spark from becoming a major disaster. Kidde makes one designed for kitchen storage, and it costs less than $20. Want to go the extra mile? Get an additional extinguisher to keep in the garage. Kidde KK2 Kitchen 2BC Fire Extinguisher at The Home Depot

3. Programmable Thermostats

Many first-time home buyers are looking for ways to save money. Programmable thermostats can help. Setting thermostats to automatically change at certain points during the day not only saves money, it ensures your home is comfortable when you are in it. No more shivering as you get out of bed to turn up the heat on a cold morning. You can spend from $20 to hundreds of dollars. A good middle-of-the-road option from Honeywell costs less than $50. Honeywell RTH6450D1009 5-1-1-Day Programmable Thermostat on Amazon.com

4. Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon’s Echo Dot is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that plays music, controls smart home devices, reads the news, sets alarms, and even tells you jokes. You can also use it to shop from Amazon by talking to “Alexa” – the Dot’s persona. It’s useful and fun – perfect for a new homeowner! Echo Dot on Amazon.com

5. An Awesome Tool Chest

First-time homeowners may have a small tool chest they kept in their apartment closet. But now they have a garage! The gift of a large, rolling tool chest will please men and women alike. Want to go a step further? Fill it with new tools. For $100, a Sears Craftsman 6-Drawer Tool Center makes an excellent choice. Craftsman Home Series 6-Drawer Tool Center at Sears

6. A Hardware Store Gift Card

Not sure what your first-time homeowners need? A gift card to a local hardware store is always a good choice. You can buy one online, at the hardware store itself, and at many grocery stores. Plus they’re easy to wrap and inexpensive to ship. Here in Dallas, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Sears are all good options. Elliott’s Hardware is another great local choice – they’ve been around since 1947 in the Dallas area. Elliott’s Hardware

7. A Personalized Doormat

A new door requires a new doormat. Even better if it’s personalized. There are many places to order one for anywhere from $20 to $100. For about $50, the Personalized Doormats Company will set you up with a great gift. Personalized Doormats Company

8. A Basic Tool Kit

Even if your friend has tools, they may be packed inside a box somewhere in the garage when they need them. A small tool kit with basic tools and supplies will be handy to carry from room-to-room to tackle small tasks as they move in. And after the move is over, it’s still a good thing to have around. Apollo makes a variety of sets you can buy online at Target. Or head to your local hardware store to see what they have in stock. Apollo Tools 138-Pc. Household Tool Kit at Target

9. Hardware Supply Kits

Tools are great, but your first-time homeowner will also need supplies. You can buy small kits stocked with picture-hanging supplies, screws and nails of different sizes, self-adhesive felt pads for the bottoms of furniture legs, and an assortment of drywall anchors. Ranging from about $5 to $10, buy a collection to help them stock up. 200-Pieces Picture Hanging Kit at The Home Depot

10. A Home Repair Book

Even if your homeowner plans to hire people to make repairs in their new home, they will likely face a time when they are forced to fix something. Even if they hire out the work, it’s helpful to understand how things like electrical and plumbing systems work. They need one good home repair manual. DIY-ers will love this gift. Here are a few options from Amazon:

Happy holidays to you and your family!

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10 Gifts Any First-Time Homeowner Wants to Receive