Home Ownership
Although the housing market has been unstable, recent signs of improving home sales align with findings from the Occasions Survey, which indicate growing interest in celebrating housewarmings and new-home milestones.
In the survey for 2026, 12% of respondents said they were very likely and 18% somewhat likely to celebrate a dwelling-related occasion of their own in the year ahead, up from 9% and 15% in the prior year’s study. Among friends and family, 12% said they were very likely and 23% somewhat likely to participate in a housewarming, compared with 11% and 19% a year earlier.
Home and housewares gifting is especially popular for these occasions. This year, 31% of consumers were very likely and 27% somewhat likely to consider giving a home-focused gift — more than doubling last year’s 13% and 18% readings. Kitchen items remain the top choice at 56%, matching last year’s response. Organization and home décor followed at 44%, with cleaning or home environment products at 32%. In last year’s poll, organization or home décor led at 46%, with bedroom and cleaning/home environment items tied at 37%.
Gift cards remain a secondary but steady choice. A third of consumers said they would give a gift card for a housewarming or new-home event, while 55% preferred selecting a specific item. In last year’s survey, 28% opted for gift cards and 48% for specific gifts, in a year when more respondents expressed uncertainty.
More respondents said they would attend a friends-and-family housewarming or new-home celebration than in last year’s survey. Gen Z and Millennials were nearly tied for the highest level of anticipation, with Gen Z ahead by a single percentage point in the very likely category. In the prior year’s survey, Gen Z held a slightly clearer lead at 19% very and 22% somewhat likely, compared with Millennials at 14% and 25%.
Likelihood of a Housewarming/New Home Event Among Friends or Family in the Next 12 Months
Likelihood of a Housewarming/New Home Event for Oneself in the Next 12 Months
For their own housewarming or new-home celebrations, Gen Z and Millennials tied for expectations in 2026. In last year’s survey, Millennials held a narrow lead at 14% very and 20% somewhat likely, versus Gen Z at 12% and 18%.
Post-graduate respondents showed the most substantial jump in anticipation of attending a friends-and-family housewarming or new-home celebration, rising to 18% very and 27% somewhat likely, well above last year’s 11% and 22%. Other education groups shifted only slightly, with “less than college” up and bachelor’s-degree holders down.
Home + Housewares Categories Likely To Be Purchased for a Housewarming/New Home Event
Preferred Types of Housewarming/New Home Gifts
All income groups showed increased likelihood of celebrating a housewarming or new-home occasion, except the highest earners. In the survey for the upcoming year, respondents under $50,000 came in at 10% very and 15% somewhat likely; the $50,000-$100,000 group at 13% very and 20% somewhat likely; and those earning $100,000+ at 15% very and 34% somewhat likely.
Likelihood of Attending a Housewarming/New Home Event by Community Type
Likelihood of Purchasing a Home + Housewares Gift for a Housewarming/New Home Event
Final Thoughts
Although the housing market has been sluggish in recent years due to elevated mortgage rates, conditions might be stabilizing. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales rose 1.5% in October compared to September and were up 4.1% year over year — an encouraging sign for housewarming-related retail opportunities.
Popular housewarming gift suggestions on Amazon’s current top 20 list reflect a trend toward thoughtful, modestly priced, feel-good items: charcuterie boards, decorative key holders, candle warmer lamps, candles, coasters and cutting boards with personalized or fun messages. In a time when consumers remain cautious about finances, gifts that are meaningful and charming, rather than large or extravagant, appear to resonate the most.