Beyond the obvious idea of cash/gift card to buy what she needs, you could do a move in kit. All those basics that you need right away. I would include things like paper towels, dish soap and hand soap , magic erasers, toilet paper, etc Maybe add a nice candle or cute dish towel. While not a fancy gift, it's fills an immediate need since she probably also buying larger items like furniture.
Yes to batteries. And throw in a pack of lightbulbs too.
When I moved into a temporary apartment after a fire destroyed my apartment, I would end up needing things like batteries and lightbulbs but not realize it until I really needed them. (And I never thought to buy them because I had owned them before - but forgot I didn't anymore. Haha.)
I received a lot of gifts from people in my community and it was so helpful. The things I received that stick in my mind included: kitchen towels and dish cloths, small bathroom trashcan, bottle brush and a package of sponges, with a huge bottle of dish soap, scissors, toilet brush and a bottle of toilet cleaner, bath mat, a huge jug of laundry detergent, a big bottle of an all purpose hand and body lotion (like jergens or aveeno - can't remember which), bandaids & a tube of Neosporin, Tylenol & Advil, a huge box of tampons, Chapstick. I'm sure there was more, but that's what comes to mind.
It's been a few years since my house fire and my SO and I still often have times where we think we have something only to have the other say, "we used to before the fire."
We had a house fire last year and are so close to being back into our home. They gutted it completely and rebuilt, but good lord, what a pain in the ass!! You are right, so many things you just don't think about because you had them but then all of a sudden you don't. Hahaha!it was always "damnit! We lost those in the fire. Better replace that now."
Spices are a great idea! Because they're not cheap and when you're living on basics it can help turn the same staples into lots of different meals. Maybe a small spice rack stocked?
This is what I give as a gift at every wedding shower I go to. A fire extinguisher for common areas, a kitchen fire extinguisher, a smoke/carbon monoxide detector and batteries, and a flashlight.
I used to work in insurance, and there's a discount on homeowners insurance for having these items.
I used to put baskets like this together when I managed low income housing. Most of my residents came in with little to nothing. I would go to Dollar tree and was able to get a lot of stuff and put it in one of those little under the sink caddies with a bow on it
Period products are important too, if necessary!! They're usually on the more expensive side, so they're good to include. (Depends on your level of friendship though, too)
This would honestly depend. I've had some managers where I would be weirded out if they got me pads and some I would be absolutely grateful for (men managers included). Just depends on how y'all are with each other.
So true!
I had an employee that I accommodated with WFH on those days. She had a horrible condition that I understood from family and friends, as well as work. She was fairly young and I explained what was going on, and what would help. I also found her a female ob/gyn that accepted her insurance and was nearby, because her male family doctor just wasn't very helpful. Her new doctor was AWESOME 😎😎😎
I think if you just did a container, like an undersink organizer or a small trash can filled with regular bathroom products like body wash, toothpaste, etc, and just threw in pads and tampons as just no big thing, that it would be fine. Maybe add some splurge-type things, like bath bombs or other nice things. I guess I'm trying to say that as long as you just treated it like other items in a group, it doesn't seem weird to me. Of course, maybe I'm the weird one!!
I think the other issue is you'd have to know her preference and that's wayyy too personal. What if she is a menstrual cup user? Or hasn't had her period in years? It's the kind of gift that is better left out as it creates more awkward than joy. If you're concerned about it give her a $20 gift card on top so she can buy any necessities that were forgotten.
I love this so much. Additional things to add- some paper plates and plastic cutlery until she gets things/unpacks things. And some epsom salts- moving in is painful, and a good soak after is amazing!
Think of all the stuff she can’t get at a food pantry. She’s going to be furnishing & supplying an entire apartment and money might be tighter than she expected at first; a food pantry can help fill in the gaps with FOOD, but all of the stuff mentioned here is not available from food panties (or WIC/SNAP/food stamps/Bridge/whatever your state calls it).
Perks of all this stuff too, is that you can't really have too much, if she is also getting help and stuff elsewhere, so you aren't getting her things that will go to waste. You can never have too much cleaning supplies or paper towels. But definitely second adding a frw fun items, like a candle, cute dish towels, maybe a fun picture frame. Flowers and an actual vase is also great!!
My grandfather used to give people a 'moving gift'.
Roll of TP, light bulbs, and a can opener(this was 1940s-1960s).
All the things you need but can't remember where they're packed.
Yes! All of this. Honestly, you can spend 40-50$ at a dollar store on starter quantities of things - ziplock baggies, trash bags, laundry detergent, foil, plastic wrap, sponges, couple of plates, bowls, etc. it can go pretty far.
When I first moved into my house we were broke from moving, had always been gypsies and so we didn’t have many decorations. Our loan officer got us a “Home Sweet Home” sign that brought me to tears. It’s the little things!
I did this for a single mother in a shelter years ago. Her son was my student and while I didn't know her well, I was excited to hear about her moving up! I got a laundry basket and filled it with things like paper towels and napkins and cleaning products for her first week in the house. I also included plasticware and bowls/plates and anything I could think of that people tend to forget when moving and have to make a quick trip to the store. I also put in a few microwavable/oven meals and a few spices to get her started (we all know how expensive it is to get our spice cabinets filled) and toilet paper. Think about the last time you moved and the things you needed right away that you made extra trips to the store for and put it in the basket. She will love it and it will save her time from having to make extra trips when she's trying to clean everything and get her stuff in her own place.
I love this! I keep a box with these necessities as “box 1” when moving and it’s so helpful to get settled. I’d add scissors, nightlights, Kleenex, trash bags & ziploc baggies.
I love that your thoughtfulness to give her something for her new place. My mom ran a food pantry for years. One gentleman mentioned he didn't even have a pan. She gave him a $5 pan. Later he told her that he started taking cooking lessons at larger food panty and that lead him to teaching the lessons. He would invite her to the students showcase to show off his students. Just goes to show that no matter how small a gift you give, it can make a huge difference in someone's life.
That’s awesome, and what an amazing idea to have cooking lessons at the food pantry. A huge problem in my area is that kids are living off of convenience food because their parents don’t know how to prepare healthy meals even if given the ingredients. I’m going to volunteer this weekend and will see what it would take to start some basic cooking classes! (Not taught by me, I hope, I’m the slowest cook ever)
Often people would ask her what they were supposed to make with beans or rice or canned tuna. She would tell them what they could make with everything. I think giving out recipes would be very helpful.
I leave in Cincinnati and the Free Store is our largest food pantry. They run a cooking school to help teach marketable skills.
My parents would go on bus trips and everyone on the bus would take the toiletries coffee and tea bags and give them to my mom. She would make up bags of the stuff and hand those out. I always thing this would be a great idea for churches to ask the congregations to do this as well.
I live in a tiny town in rural Ohio, about an hour from Akron. A few years ago, the local friends of the homeless group took all of the volunteers to tour Lebron and Savannah James’ I Promise program to get some ideas of ways to help our increasing unhoused population. It’s an amazing place and the way they work with families in every aspect of life- childhood education, adult job training, help finding employment and counseling to help keep it, financial education, health education- it was truly inspiring and changed the way I thought about how to help our clients. No matter what he does on the court, I will always be a fan of lebron and family for the way they don’t just throw money at a charity and call themselves philanthropists, they truly are making a difference in the lives of those families
All the stuff people have mentioned but when our church was doing these for a while one of the odd ones we got thanked for was a toilet plunger. Everyone will eventually need one but you don't think to buy one until you need it...
I’m a social worker and when I worked at a housing nonprofit one of my most hysterical “emergencies” was when a client didn’t have a toilet plunger. I managed to get one and steeled myself to go help him with it, but thankfully he didn’t want any support. Lesson learned to have a spare on hand.
Uh oh, as someone in my first apartment after living in young shelters/group homes on and off since 16... This is something I should probably buy when I have money again 😂
I often use my own jars and supplies to create a box of spices and pantry staples like flour, sugar, cooking oil, baking soda, etc. It costs me (girl math) nothing because they're things I buy in bulk and I always have extra jars.
I was helped in this way once and it made a huge difference to my quality of life.
Another similar suggestion is a starter kit of cleaning supplies: kitchen/bathroom spray, dish soap, laundry soap, a mop and bucket, broom, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. They're expensive to buy all at once and you often need them right away, if the previous tenants were gross.
A gift card for the dollar store (and a ride there and back) would take care of this with minimal shopping, she might like to pick out her own stuff.
I was running from a hurricane once and while I wasn't homeless, I was obviously not wealthy, to put it lightly. I stayed at a campground for about a week and one morning there was a plastic bin on my picnic table filled with cleaning supplies, canned goods, and snacks. It was damn near like Christmas LOL I hope whoever left it knows how much it was appreciated -
We always hear about the bad people, but there really are good folks everywhere stepping up to help and not asking for recognition. “Do good and disappear” is a powerful action.
There’s 3 or 4 things that immediately come to mind because I have had them for decades and I can tell you who gave them to me: my food processor from 1999 (still working perfectly) from Tina, my kitchen knife set as a wedding gift from Chris 20+years, stainless steel pots and pans 20yrs from my aunt and uncle, wooden cutting board from Mark 15yrs and a dish set (dad, 15 years).
Perhaps you can get some element of the above choices, maybe a good pot with a lid and a Pyrex measuring cup, vs a set of pots. A 4 person table setting- cups and plates etc. It’s so nice to have a pretty set
These are the kind of things that you use every day and if they are nicer and quality than they will be used for a long time. And that person will always think of you!
My best friend’s parents gave me a crock pot when I graduated college in 1999.
She lost her mom a few years ago. When the pastor asked for people to share memories, I talked about that crock pot. Just the simplest, most thoughtful and practical, kindest gift.
Still have it. Still use it. And always think of my bestie’s parents.
My mom still has her 40+ year old crock pot. I made some food in that badboy just a few months ago. She doesn't k ow this, but I will 100% be keeping that guy one day. It is well kept and brings fond memories.
>A 4 person table setting- cups and plates etc. It’s so nice to have a pretty set
You may be able to find this at your local Salvation Army/thrift store/antique store, as well. No need to buy brand new, and sometimes you can find some unexpected "gems".
Thank you! She is so damn sweet to me and I'm just so proud of her! I've almost been there. I'm lucky I had family and friends. She has nothing. But she will say herself that's what made her who she is and she has Jesus lol I adore her!
I would check the "Buy Nothing" groups on FB, if you're on there. Or make a post saying you're looking for donations for a friend getting her first apartment. SOOOO many people will step up and donate small appliances, furniture, beds, etc. (Some) people hate putting together a garage sale, but will happily give stuff away, if it means they don't have to do the work!
Adding to this if you live near a college/university, she can get a ton of free stuff from move out day. I've seen perfectly good microwaves, pots pans, etc being thrown out.
I am definitely one of those people. I’ll gladly give things away to somebody who needs them or will use them, but if I’ve got to go through the hassle of selling, either online or a yard sale? Nope. It’s sitting in the basement or going to Goodwill.
When I moved one friend got me a new trash can filled with household essentials for cleaning, towels and swiffer and another friend got me a basket full of the kitchen essentials; salt, pepper, flour, sugar, ketchup, mustard, mayo, soy sauce, garlic powder, etc.
These were amazing gifts. It saved me so much time and money from stocking up on the basics. I used all of it.
I really like the move in kit thing too. And if you can include a small gift card, it will make her feel good to make her own choices. Social media Buy Nothing groups sometimes have super nice things free.
My Buy Nothing often has asks for people moving in with nothing; it's pretty common for people to offer furniture, lamps, bedding, dishware, mattresses, older TVs/microwaves.
If she joins Buy Nothing she can keep an eye out for other things she needs, and/or upgrade from say, an air mattress to a real one once something comes available.
Another idea: bathroom furnishings. Shower curtain, bath mat, matching towels, coordinating soap dish and toothbrush holder. The rest of her apartment may be a mishmash of old stuff, but her bathroom could look nice and new. (Plus, used bath stuff is kinda grody.)
I love that you said “grody”!
Also, themed bathroom sets are no more than $10-20 depending on where you’re looking. Great buys in that area. A person’s bathroom says a lot.
This! Chapstick, pads/Tampons, tp, basic spices, baby wipes, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, bar keepers friend, etc.
A plunger. Didn't even think about one until I moved into my first apartment and needed it.
Big ol' thanks to my brother for stopping by in middle of moving day just to take an unbelievably fat shit.
This comment section is making me wish I could help this homeless woman set up her ENTIRE home from scratch. Just fill the place with things ! All the things!
Just a note of caution- a homeless person moving into a housed situation for the first time in a long time is a very emotional transition for them. I’ve worked closely with several women who have made this transition. There is no one size fits all approach. One of the women was so overwhelmed by having her own place, she only wanted 1 of anything (1 fork, 1 plate, 1 cup, etc.); another flat refused to have a bed- she’d slept on the ground for so long. I applaud your kind and well intentioned thought, but I encourage you to simply ask her what she is looking forward to most about her new place and ask if there are things she is worried about. The answers might surprise you.
YOU ARE A GENIUS! OP you need to do this.
When I transitioned into a place my biggest excitement was getting to sleep in a bed. But I had no idea about getting one and took forever to buy one much longer than it needed to because I only saw a few commercials. I also knew I had no way to get it home and have severe social anxiety so couldn’t have strangers come in and imaginarily judge me for how I was living.
My best friend mentioned once her biggest thing was picking out the color/style for each room. That it was her choice and hers alone. I am the opposite, don’t care.
I'd buy sheets and towels from Target or Walmart or wherever is most convenient, and give them with a receipt so she can exchange for something else if needed
It depends on the shelter and the situation where they are. If you know who has been helping her, call and ask what’s most useful to folks they move into housing, as the staff there probably know what people most like to get. In general a bed, bedding, towels, dishes, and basic cooking items are nice and needed when one is getting back into a home. Many people get a mattress or inflatable mattress to start. It may be all the furniture they start with. Then bathroom things like towels, shower curtain, toilet paper. Then kitchen things.
A bathroom kit: soap, loofa, shampoo/conditioner, pack of razors, tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, hand soap. Large towel/hand towel
Bedroom kit: sheets, comforter, pillows, cheap blow up mattress if she has nothing to sleep on
Living room: throw blanket
Kitchen: plate set, coffee mug or a couple of cups, silverware
Honestly, the dollar tree has a lot of cheap things. I’ve bought all my plates and bowls from the dollar tree. They have a large cooking utensil section with all the basics. If you buy glass cups just be smart and buy the thick ones not thin glass as they break easily. They’ll have condiments and spices to get her going while not spending a fortune. Noodles and canned sauces. Heck, their freezer section isn’t half bad at this point.
If you have a car, I'd give her homemade coupons for rides! Carrying bulky items on public transport is impossible. Friends take friends to the Laundromat and CostCo.
My mom told me the best gift she ever got was a clothing hamper filled with cleaning supplies, mop, broom , plunger, laundry soap, rags, etc. it was after she divorced and had to rebuild her life. She said food stamps and food banks helped with feeding, family gave her and built her furniture but my father never paid a penny he was ordered to and she had little resources to buy stuff to keep the house clean.
A fire extinguisher! Not exciting but can be very very important and is often overlooked.
Also, I suggest hitting up your local thrift store to find cheap kitchen supplies.
Borrow a truck if you don't have one. Take her to several thrift stores for furniture. In one afternoon she could have all her major pieces plus some pots and pans, dishes, etc all for minimal amount of money. Bless you for helping her. The world needs more people like you. ♥
THIS!!!! The offer of friendship, combined with transportation, is truly priceless. Second best would be a significant list of local stores/services that offer the least expensive places to get stuff needed to furnish a new home.
I absolutely LOVE thrift store finds and have helped my children, and other young adults, locate inexpensive items to furnish & outfit their 1st apartment, etc.
I worked with a woman who was previously homeless. She had a very utilitarian home; she loved pretty things and stuff that was just basic home decor to personalized her space. I'd suggest going with a "welcome home" theme and get her a bunch of cute homey items - a candle, pretty dish towels, maybe a door mat or something that says Welcome Home, and also a little gift card to Walmart or a local store where she can buy necessities.
Another idea - do a money collection at work, and have some coworkers go to lunch - then a shopping spree! Help her pick out some goodies with her money! She may not know what she needs to get started.
Shower curtain and liner, a 4 piece dishes set (with silverware if you can) a microwave, sheets, dish soap and hand soap, sponges, dish towels. Basic kitchen utensils like a spatula, mixing spoon, a knife.
Depending on your budget you can get a dishes set cheap at Walmart and a lot of other stuff from the dollar store.
You can get a microwave for about $50-$75.
I bet she would appreciate a really nice bed set up! You can find quality fashionable bedroom decor at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or Ross or online at very reasonable prices. Pillows, blankets and a sheet set are the kind of every-day things that a lot of folks tend to forget about. Poor people make do with the cheaper stuff because that's all they can afford.
She needs bedding anyway so why not make it really nice for her? Maybe go whole hog and get a nice bedside lamp and rug. As a used-to-be-poor person myself, really nice bedding and bedclothes are a much-appreciated little daily luxury.
Laundry basket with some laundry soap, dryer balls, general household cleaner, cleaning rags, Swifter duster (and mop, if applicable), small trash can with bags, candles and lighter (a subtle scent like vanilla. May not like berry or flowers), and some hangers. These are generic items but are usually overlooked! Also, like the idea of a kitchen trash can. If you know about the space, you can add shower curtain li er, curtain rods, night lights, etc.
Also, make a sign that says "Coworker name's first home." That is a huge deal. Congrats to her, and thanks for helping out.
What about a “don’t want to need it and not have it” basket? Tylenol/Advil/Tums, bandaids, a toilet plunger, extra toilet paper, flashlight/batteries, simple screwdrivers, pads/tampons… all those things you don’t want to need at 3am and realize you don’t have.
I love this. She might get the basics from various places, and while a giftcard is very nice I wonder if she would love and appreciate someone to come and clean her place once she's settled. Walking into a clean home after a long day is everything. I'm sure you can find a local person or company and then pay them upfront, while letting the new tenant deal with logistics of letting the crew inside and all of that.
My favorite present I ever received was a small, bare bones tool kit. It was just the basics like a hammer, hanging supplies, pliers, screwdriver, etc, but it has moved and grown with me over the last 25 years.
The original has long since fallen apart, been stripped, and used up, but it was such a constant in my life that the slowly upgraded version is forever my “graduation tool kit”
Honestly, a gift card to Target or Walmart (whichever is closest/her preference) with a nice card would be perfect. That way she can buy what she needs. You could also package it with a nice key chain so she has something special to put her new apartment key on!
Listen I don't want to sound cheap but if this were me I would go to dollar tree yes dollar tree and fill up about 3 clothing baskets and they have them there also dollar tree has everything you would need when getting a apartment all cleaning supplies dishes hand towels shampoo toothpaste bathroom necessities EVERYTHING I WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED 😁 BUT THATS ME YOUR A KIND PERSON THANK YOU
Towels! Cleaning stuff, toiletries.
I was in her position once. Went from being homeless on the street into an apartment with nothing but what I had on my back. Took a long time to get stuff that most people take for granted.
Gift cards are a great idea because she can decide what she wants, or you could just ask her.
When I moved into my first place after being homeless, I forgot to buy silverware and washcloths. If I were buying for someone in that position, I think I’d buy a knickknack kit. Just a bunch of the weird little shit people forget to buy, or things that would be really inconvenient to notice you don’t have at the last minute. Salt and pepper shakers, toilet paper holders, a potato peeler, a can opener, just weird stuff like that. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what I’d do.
Either that or a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets are totally dope.
The best gift I ever got as a new apartment dweller was a basket of assorted kitchen things. It was a real solid laundry basket (score!) filled with spices, utensils, kitchen towels & potholders, dish drainer, coffee mugs, teabags and some assorted dishes. Basically anything I needed for my first grown up kitchen! The gift giver said she had a tremendously fun time filling it too. 🤗
Electric Kettle. Hot water in minutes to make tea/coffee/ramen/etc without using extra dishes and it turns off automatically for folks who tend to be forgetful
Honestly,, resources help as well! I know it's not the question at hand but please let her know they are out there! I left my husband of 15 years with 3 kiddos and was way too stubborn beyond my means bc I was hurt and unhappy (in hindsight now lol) but there are a ton of really valuable resources available if you know where to look. I struggled so much unnecessarily. Help is there for a reason, and should be given toward the real ones that need and deserve it to start fresh! Please pm me if you/ they want any links. I know it varies state by state or even country, I'm in US so that's where I can try to help, but I finally got the help I need to be on standing ground and would gladly help another good soul that deserves the same. Even if all I can do is give them resources I never knew existed and see what helps!
For anyone getting a first-time place to live. Example graduates. I like to buy a laundry basket or kitchen sized trashcan, then fill it with things like dish rags, towels, small cooking items, spices, sink and toilet plungers etc. All the little things we don't usually think about that we need.
Depending on your budget, you could do a kitchen one and a bathroom one. I also like to do this for people getting married who don't already live on their own.
As someone who recently went through this, I wanted to add that I found something very profound at our local dollar store when I was getting a broom and dustpan, and it was a little sign that said "home sweet home." As soon as we got approved for our apartment, I bought a welcome mat too. It was huge for me, putting these things up after not having a place of our own for so long, and I still smile when I walk in and see them.
I wasn’t quite “homeless” before moving, but I was starting from 0. The best gifts I got were household essentials. A friend gave me a huge hamper full of cleaning proudcts, paper plates, cheap silverware that I could reuse, and a blanket. I also got an air mattress from another friend and that was a true blessing.
First aid kit, a laundry basket filled with basics (cleaning supplies, laundry detergent towels sheets etc) spices (pantries don't have these and most staples are bland) personal care (soaps lotions etc)
you’d be stunned, however, many people who are unhoused don’t have anything to move their property in. So duffel bags, bins, etc..
Sheets, towels, blankets. Etc
My go-to gift for people moving out for the first time is a 'second drawer' in a box. All the random bits like egg flips, whisks, peelers, ice cream scoop, measuring cups etc that usually live under the utensil drawer in the kitchen.
A safety kit with a well stocked first aid, all the basic over the counter meds and a fire extinguisher can be handy too.
I was amazed by how expensive cleaning supplies were so these can be great.
Just putting it out there too that a small 'luxury' gift alongside highly practical is a lovely gesture for someone that has been homeless. A nice scented candle or a fuzzy couch blanket can make it feel really homely
if i were them i would especially appreciate a large box of strong/ name brand ( glad forceflex is awesome!) trash bags, paper towels, SPONGES!, scrub brush for my dishes, multipurpose cleaner, windex, etc. all these things would help me feel so secure.
Trash cans/waste bins. Nobody thinks about it until they go to throw out that first thing. Go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls and get the nice stainless ones for $30-40.
OP, I came in to give advice and that is incredibly well covered in other responses so I will just thank you for being a great person and looking out for someone who is moving forward but still vulnerable. THANK YOU!!!
You have truly warmed my heart with this today!
Having been the girl you work with; the household items is a good one (laundry detergent, trash bags, sponges, foil), cooking essentials like a cookie tray or large pot and utensils, a microwave. Shelters don’t help with much it depends on what they’ve had donated and have been able to get donated but usually hygiene items and bedding are what they tend to be able to assist with upon departure.
I was able to help a new friend at church by letting her go through all the stuff we were saving for our next yard sale. (My husband buys from auctions and it was a lot). She got to pick some decorative stuff, I saw her apartment after she got it setup. It was so cute.
The movie in kit its good. I'd also throw in a toaster, peanut butter (assuming no allergies) and honey. Coffee pot (and filters), or a hot water kettle.
My church is currently doing a similar drive for a number of people who have gotten their first homes. I've noticed a lot of people are donating furniture or appliances...to people who don't have cars, much less trucks to transport a mattress or a dining table.
Do you know if she even has a driver's license? Maybe you could offer to rent and/or drive a truck (home improvement stores offer then, for example) in order to transport these larger pieces people might gift her?
DoorDash and other takeout gift cards - after a long day of work and settling in the last thing we wanna do is cook. The cliche, help me move and I’ll buy pizza type thing because no one wants to cook. Did I mention no one wants to cook haha
So nice of you to do 💕
If you can afford to, getting her a visa gift card and letting her freely shop for herself would probably do wonders for her sense of pride.
On another note, If you could maybe have others from work donate to her to, I’d suggest a boxed meal kit for delivery. It’s going to be a while before she gets some real food security and knowing a box of food is coming could give a real piece of mind. If people gift money, this is a great way to spread it out and hopefully give her a new hobby!
A trash can (kitchen and bathroom)
Shower towels, a hand towel, wash cloths
Blankets
Toothbrush holder
All purpose cleaning spray
A bath mat! So she doesn’t slip when coming out of the shower!
Stuff you need for lots of reasons but wouldn’t think to buy for someone else.
Lamps! Maybe she needs more lighting!
Go to dollar tree and fill a bucket with cleaning supplies(i like LA awesome). Grab a broom and mop too. Grab some basic office supplies,a pad of paper some pens and pencils. Maybe some snacks. Soaps,toothbrush,etc. landry detergent (though i dont recommend dollar tree brand,its crap)
I've been homeless before and when I finally moved into my apartment a friend bought me a welcome mat for my front porch. It made me cry...happy tears. Something so simple had so much meaning. I also think an easy to care for house plant or orchid would be a great idea if there's enough sunlight in her new place. I am very holistic so I smudged my apartment before I moved in. They sell beautiful smuding kits on etsy or amazon that are very reasonably priced. You could always do a laundry basket filled with laundry soap and cleaning supplies and some yummy smelling handsoaps for the kitchen and bathroom. A wax warmer that plugs in with a cord (the smaller ones that plug directly into an outlet spill easily, i know from experience lol) with some wax melts to make her new place smell amazing. A nice soft throw blanket to bring her comfort.
I was also given a Hallmark card that said "Home is where you can be silly, be comfy, be barefoot, be dreamy, be safe, be YOU and just be." I framed it and have it hanging in my living room...it's a daily reminder of how far I've come.
You're a beautiful soul for taking the time to do something kind for her...the world needs more people like you! ♡♡♡
For larger items check Facebook Marketplace for any freebies and ask any friends with trucks to donate time. I’ve given away a bed frame and mattress for free. I’ve given away other items for free and they were in good shape (otherwise I would have just had the garbage man take them). But there are people out there who sell stuff for cheap or give things away for free. There are other sites out there too that people post free items on.
A laundry basket filled with cleaning products and supplies. Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, paper towels,microfiber cloths etc. maybe some nice hand soaps, and a candle or two.
An inexpensive coffee maker. Then some glass canisters with flour, sugar, coffee, tea and maybe coffee mate. I can’t function without coffee in the morning. Don’t forget a couple of coffee mugs! The little things we all need cleaning supplies. Paper towels. Toilet paper, Lysol, etc
Towels would probably be good.
Bedding set if you know what bed she has.
A nice soft throw blanket (I have an Ugh one I absolutely love).
I just think some soft "luxury" items would be good because she might not buy them for herself.
I scrolled the majority posts and didn’t see it, so I’ll suggest it. Does she drink coffee? The plain old Mr Coffee type coffee makers are inexpensive. Gift that with a can of grounds, small bag of sugar and some creamer. Include a to-go coffee cup to put the icing on the cake.
If she’s a coffee drinker she’ll appreciate being able to brew a cup at home. Coffee to go is expensive. It’s nice to have a cup when you wake up to kick start the day.
All the useful items are great gifts, but so is something that will make it feel like home. Sometimes people transitioning out of homelessness have a hard time feeling at home, so a super cozy blanket, pretty picture frame or artwork, or a special trinket can go a long way in helping them feel rooted.
I received a gift from a high-school friend's mom, when I graduated a million years ago, that really stuck with me. It was a simple canvas laundry bag to tote to the laundromat and a roll or 2 of quarters. If her apt doesn't have a washer/dryer in unit, this may be an idea. Whatever you choose, it sounds like she will benefit and be grateful of your kindness and compassion!
Edit for auto correct
That's so heartwarming! You're doing an awesome thing helping her out. Homeless shelters can sometimes provide basics like toiletries, bedding, and kitchenware. You might wanna check with local shelters to see what's available. As for gifts, think practical stuff like pots and pans, dishes, towels, and maybe some cleaning supplies.
And don't forget a cozy blanket or two! She'll appreciate anything to make her new place feel like home. Keep us posted on how she's doing, she sounds like a real gem!
Here's a dollar store list of the things I got when I moved into my apartment I hope it can help:
-seasonings
-condiments
-bread
-hot dogs
-paper towels
-toilet paper
-nose tissues
-spatulas
-silverware
-cups/plates bowls
-clothes hangers
-laundry basket
-laundry soap
-dryer sheets
-light bulbs
-batteries
-flashlights
-window alarms
-nightlights
-phone charger cord
-dry storage snacks
-drinks
Everyone has good ideas so I would just add a TV as they have become relatively “cheap” (if your budget allows) as there are a lot of big TVs for less than $200 that they can simply *enjoy*
Toilet paper, paper towels, scrub brushes, broom, toilet scrubber, inexpensive vacuum, grocery store gift card, or even just condiments! I moved out so early I was barely 18, then moved apartments about 13 times before I bought my first home. The transition between houses was tough and “reloading” a fridge was rough financially, especially if condiments had to be thrown out between moves but having those ingredients always make you feel like you’re ready to cook. The other things I listed are items that make you feel ready to make your house a home, might be the more expensive things you skimp out on or buy *as needed* and wish you could spend $20/30 on
There’s some great practical suggestions here, but may I offer a something sentimental from my culture? It feels kinda appropriate here - the first thing we move in to a new house is always money, rice, and a cross, so that there will always be money, food, and faith in the home.
We’ve never gifted it so it’s just a small thing of rice and some change we stash away (our current house it’s an empty small bubbles tube with a dollar bill like an inside label and then filled with rice), but maybe you could find a more creative gifty way to present it? Of course adjust as needed for the faith part.
I scrolled for a bit and didn't see this: Bath towels.
I worked with a girl who had been homeless. It was early summer, and she said she was going to ask for towels for Christmas. She was 6 months pregnant and had been homeless until the previous week, when she and her boyfriend (husband?) were set to get their apartment. She pretty much only had clothes, her phone, and some bedding
I couldn't get it out of my head. She was going to go for 6 months without towels?? I decided that wasn't gonna happen. I told my husband about it. He also said F that. He and I (for the first time in our lives) were in a (good) financial position to be able to help someone else.
We went to Walmart after work and bought a variety of towels and wash cloths, a silverware/silverware tray set, dish drain, coffee mugs, knife set, a whole cookware set, and a bunch of other random stuff. Another coworker put together a bunch of pantry staples. We called her and set up a time for her to come pick up "something". Neither of us were there when she picked everything up, but from what I heard, she was blown away. I'm just glad I was able to help. She gave me the biggest hug when I saw her next.
My daughter got this incredibly weird assortment of household stuff from dollar tree. But it was one of everything random. About $100 dollars worth of start up apt
Take her to somewhere like Ross and let her pick out a few decorations. When I got off the streets I had a hard time feeling like my room was actually mine until I was able to decorate it to suit my tastes.
Beyond the obvious idea of cash/gift card to buy what she needs, you could do a move in kit. All those basics that you need right away. I would include things like paper towels, dish soap and hand soap , magic erasers, toilet paper, etc Maybe add a nice candle or cute dish towel. While not a fancy gift, it's fills an immediate need since she probably also buying larger items like furniture.
Microwaveable dishware Glass Tupperware can also be used to eat out of until different dishware is acquired
Yes, the glass bowls with plastic tops because you can cook, reheat, eat and store leftovers in them.
huh ive never cooked out of a glass bowl before
Some you can bake in. I've made cakes in mine! Including a football and princess.
Basic cooking supplies like spices and oil too. Batteries. A flashlight.
Yes to batteries. And throw in a pack of lightbulbs too. When I moved into a temporary apartment after a fire destroyed my apartment, I would end up needing things like batteries and lightbulbs but not realize it until I really needed them. (And I never thought to buy them because I had owned them before - but forgot I didn't anymore. Haha.) I received a lot of gifts from people in my community and it was so helpful. The things I received that stick in my mind included: kitchen towels and dish cloths, small bathroom trashcan, bottle brush and a package of sponges, with a huge bottle of dish soap, scissors, toilet brush and a bottle of toilet cleaner, bath mat, a huge jug of laundry detergent, a big bottle of an all purpose hand and body lotion (like jergens or aveeno - can't remember which), bandaids & a tube of Neosporin, Tylenol & Advil, a huge box of tampons, Chapstick. I'm sure there was more, but that's what comes to mind.
It's been a few years since my house fire and my SO and I still often have times where we think we have something only to have the other say, "we used to before the fire."
We had a house fire last year and are so close to being back into our home. They gutted it completely and rebuilt, but good lord, what a pain in the ass!! You are right, so many things you just don't think about because you had them but then all of a sudden you don't. Hahaha!it was always "damnit! We lost those in the fire. Better replace that now."
Spices are a great idea! Because they're not cheap and when you're living on basics it can help turn the same staples into lots of different meals. Maybe a small spice rack stocked?
Plus a nice looking spice rack really elevates a kitchen especially if you don’t have many other decorations. Love that idea!
Yep there's a lot now that's only 20/30$ pre stocked too
Not sure where you are located but Aldi has the best prices for spices. You could absolutely STOCK her cabinet full and not break $40.
Lidl and Aldi have spices for like 88 cents! Even the organic spices are only like $1.50. It’s crazy!
Fire extinguisher too
This is what I give as a gift at every wedding shower I go to. A fire extinguisher for common areas, a kitchen fire extinguisher, a smoke/carbon monoxide detector and batteries, and a flashlight. I used to work in insurance, and there's a discount on homeowners insurance for having these items.
I've move and "restarted" a pantry a few times. Spices are soooo expensive if you have none!
I used to put baskets like this together when I managed low income housing. Most of my residents came in with little to nothing. I would go to Dollar tree and was able to get a lot of stuff and put it in one of those little under the sink caddies with a bow on it
You rock! What an awesome idea.
Period products are important too, if necessary!! They're usually on the more expensive side, so they're good to include. (Depends on your level of friendship though, too)
I agree with you, but that would be weird coming from a manager.
This would honestly depend. I've had some managers where I would be weirded out if they got me pads and some I would be absolutely grateful for (men managers included). Just depends on how y'all are with each other.
So true! I had an employee that I accommodated with WFH on those days. She had a horrible condition that I understood from family and friends, as well as work. She was fairly young and I explained what was going on, and what would help. I also found her a female ob/gyn that accepted her insurance and was nearby, because her male family doctor just wasn't very helpful. Her new doctor was AWESOME 😎😎😎
I think if you just did a container, like an undersink organizer or a small trash can filled with regular bathroom products like body wash, toothpaste, etc, and just threw in pads and tampons as just no big thing, that it would be fine. Maybe add some splurge-type things, like bath bombs or other nice things. I guess I'm trying to say that as long as you just treated it like other items in a group, it doesn't seem weird to me. Of course, maybe I'm the weird one!!
I think the other issue is you'd have to know her preference and that's wayyy too personal. What if she is a menstrual cup user? Or hasn't had her period in years? It's the kind of gift that is better left out as it creates more awkward than joy. If you're concerned about it give her a $20 gift card on top so she can buy any necessities that were forgotten.
I love this so much. Additional things to add- some paper plates and plastic cutlery until she gets things/unpacks things. And some epsom salts- moving in is painful, and a good soak after is amazing!
Think of all the stuff she can’t get at a food pantry. She’s going to be furnishing & supplying an entire apartment and money might be tighter than she expected at first; a food pantry can help fill in the gaps with FOOD, but all of the stuff mentioned here is not available from food panties (or WIC/SNAP/food stamps/Bridge/whatever your state calls it).
Thank you for “food panties” I laughed in my pillow until my eyes leaked.
I like this! Both the practical “here’s a gift card because you know what you need best” and also a special touch with a personalized kit
And it could all be put into something useful like a laundry hamper, wash basket, or trash can.
Shower curtain with rings
Perks of all this stuff too, is that you can't really have too much, if she is also getting help and stuff elsewhere, so you aren't getting her things that will go to waste. You can never have too much cleaning supplies or paper towels. But definitely second adding a frw fun items, like a candle, cute dish towels, maybe a fun picture frame. Flowers and an actual vase is also great!!
Plunger and toilet brush too, always handy!
Light bulbs. And another pack of toilet paper -- always a useful item!
My grandfather used to give people a 'moving gift'. Roll of TP, light bulbs, and a can opener(this was 1940s-1960s). All the things you need but can't remember where they're packed.
A cheap shower curtain and rings
Add scissors, can opener, and maybe a basic tool set
Add trash bags and a trash can
Yes! All of this. Honestly, you can spend 40-50$ at a dollar store on starter quantities of things - ziplock baggies, trash bags, laundry detergent, foil, plastic wrap, sponges, couple of plates, bowls, etc. it can go pretty far. When I first moved into my house we were broke from moving, had always been gypsies and so we didn’t have many decorations. Our loan officer got us a “Home Sweet Home” sign that brought me to tears. It’s the little things!
Linens are nice but cookware is good - serving ware and silverware make good gifts, too.
Wonderful idea!
I did this for a single mother in a shelter years ago. Her son was my student and while I didn't know her well, I was excited to hear about her moving up! I got a laundry basket and filled it with things like paper towels and napkins and cleaning products for her first week in the house. I also included plasticware and bowls/plates and anything I could think of that people tend to forget when moving and have to make a quick trip to the store. I also put in a few microwavable/oven meals and a few spices to get her started (we all know how expensive it is to get our spice cabinets filled) and toilet paper. Think about the last time you moved and the things you needed right away that you made extra trips to the store for and put it in the basket. She will love it and it will save her time from having to make extra trips when she's trying to clean everything and get her stuff in her own place.
I love this! I keep a box with these necessities as “box 1” when moving and it’s so helpful to get settled. I’d add scissors, nightlights, Kleenex, trash bags & ziploc baggies.
I love that your thoughtfulness to give her something for her new place. My mom ran a food pantry for years. One gentleman mentioned he didn't even have a pan. She gave him a $5 pan. Later he told her that he started taking cooking lessons at larger food panty and that lead him to teaching the lessons. He would invite her to the students showcase to show off his students. Just goes to show that no matter how small a gift you give, it can make a huge difference in someone's life.
That's so sweet!!!!
My heart! This is so sweet!!!!
I love how a $5 pan became basically a whole new life. That's a beautiful story and inspiring.
That’s awesome, and what an amazing idea to have cooking lessons at the food pantry. A huge problem in my area is that kids are living off of convenience food because their parents don’t know how to prepare healthy meals even if given the ingredients. I’m going to volunteer this weekend and will see what it would take to start some basic cooking classes! (Not taught by me, I hope, I’m the slowest cook ever)
Often people would ask her what they were supposed to make with beans or rice or canned tuna. She would tell them what they could make with everything. I think giving out recipes would be very helpful. I leave in Cincinnati and the Free Store is our largest food pantry. They run a cooking school to help teach marketable skills. My parents would go on bus trips and everyone on the bus would take the toiletries coffee and tea bags and give them to my mom. She would make up bags of the stuff and hand those out. I always thing this would be a great idea for churches to ask the congregations to do this as well.
I live in a tiny town in rural Ohio, about an hour from Akron. A few years ago, the local friends of the homeless group took all of the volunteers to tour Lebron and Savannah James’ I Promise program to get some ideas of ways to help our increasing unhoused population. It’s an amazing place and the way they work with families in every aspect of life- childhood education, adult job training, help finding employment and counseling to help keep it, financial education, health education- it was truly inspiring and changed the way I thought about how to help our clients. No matter what he does on the court, I will always be a fan of lebron and family for the way they don’t just throw money at a charity and call themselves philanthropists, they truly are making a difference in the lives of those families
I’m crying 🥹 That last sentence is so true. Sometimes even a smile can mean the world to someone having a rough day (or life).
Toiletries, cleaning supplies, kitchen things like pots and pans, plates, bowls and silverware, can usually find a great / like new set at goodwill.
All the stuff people have mentioned but when our church was doing these for a while one of the odd ones we got thanked for was a toilet plunger. Everyone will eventually need one but you don't think to buy one until you need it...
I’m a social worker and when I worked at a housing nonprofit one of my most hysterical “emergencies” was when a client didn’t have a toilet plunger. I managed to get one and steeled myself to go help him with it, but thankfully he didn’t want any support. Lesson learned to have a spare on hand.
Uh oh, as someone in my first apartment after living in young shelters/group homes on and off since 16... This is something I should probably buy when I have money again 😂
When you're ready, the ones from the dollar store work just fine ☺️
And a fire extinguisher! Something you maybe don't think of until you really need it
I often use my own jars and supplies to create a box of spices and pantry staples like flour, sugar, cooking oil, baking soda, etc. It costs me (girl math) nothing because they're things I buy in bulk and I always have extra jars. I was helped in this way once and it made a huge difference to my quality of life. Another similar suggestion is a starter kit of cleaning supplies: kitchen/bathroom spray, dish soap, laundry soap, a mop and bucket, broom, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. They're expensive to buy all at once and you often need them right away, if the previous tenants were gross. A gift card for the dollar store (and a ride there and back) would take care of this with minimal shopping, she might like to pick out her own stuff.
Cleaning supplies in a plastic laundry basket is my go to gift for new movers!
A friend gave someone laundry soap, a laundry basket, and a roll of quarters. I thought that was a great gift idea.
I was running from a hurricane once and while I wasn't homeless, I was obviously not wealthy, to put it lightly. I stayed at a campground for about a week and one morning there was a plastic bin on my picnic table filled with cleaning supplies, canned goods, and snacks. It was damn near like Christmas LOL I hope whoever left it knows how much it was appreciated -
We always hear about the bad people, but there really are good folks everywhere stepping up to help and not asking for recognition. “Do good and disappear” is a powerful action.
That is such a great idea. I absolutely adore it, and will have to keep it in mind!
I fully agree with that girl math! It also would help direct any other cash op is going to put towards her to things like a toilet plunger
There’s 3 or 4 things that immediately come to mind because I have had them for decades and I can tell you who gave them to me: my food processor from 1999 (still working perfectly) from Tina, my kitchen knife set as a wedding gift from Chris 20+years, stainless steel pots and pans 20yrs from my aunt and uncle, wooden cutting board from Mark 15yrs and a dish set (dad, 15 years). Perhaps you can get some element of the above choices, maybe a good pot with a lid and a Pyrex measuring cup, vs a set of pots. A 4 person table setting- cups and plates etc. It’s so nice to have a pretty set These are the kind of things that you use every day and if they are nicer and quality than they will be used for a long time. And that person will always think of you!
Your friends and relatives must be thrilled you’re still using their gifts!
My best friend’s parents gave me a crock pot when I graduated college in 1999. She lost her mom a few years ago. When the pastor asked for people to share memories, I talked about that crock pot. Just the simplest, most thoughtful and practical, kindest gift. Still have it. Still use it. And always think of my bestie’s parents.
25th anniversary Crock Pot! I’m glad I’m not alone in having ancient kitchen treasures.
My mom still has her 40+ year old crock pot. I made some food in that badboy just a few months ago. She doesn't k ow this, but I will 100% be keeping that guy one day. It is well kept and brings fond memories.
>A 4 person table setting- cups and plates etc. It’s so nice to have a pretty set You may be able to find this at your local Salvation Army/thrift store/antique store, as well. No need to buy brand new, and sometimes you can find some unexpected "gems".
I adore a mismatched set from a thrift shop
There's already such good ideas here. I just came to say how very sweet you are. That's so very kind of you ❤️
Thank you! She is so damn sweet to me and I'm just so proud of her! I've almost been there. I'm lucky I had family and friends. She has nothing. But she will say herself that's what made her who she is and she has Jesus lol I adore her!
I would check the "Buy Nothing" groups on FB, if you're on there. Or make a post saying you're looking for donations for a friend getting her first apartment. SOOOO many people will step up and donate small appliances, furniture, beds, etc. (Some) people hate putting together a garage sale, but will happily give stuff away, if it means they don't have to do the work!
Freebie Alert app. Some items will be 30 miles away but some might be in her area. And some of the free/cheap food apps.
Adding to this if you live near a college/university, she can get a ton of free stuff from move out day. I've seen perfectly good microwaves, pots pans, etc being thrown out.
I am definitely one of those people. I’ll gladly give things away to somebody who needs them or will use them, but if I’ve got to go through the hassle of selling, either online or a yard sale? Nope. It’s sitting in the basement or going to Goodwill.
THIS is absolutely brilliant! You're absolutely right, I see people doing exactly that on our local Buy Nothing group every now and then.
I'm German we always worry about food first. A pot, pan, spatula, and cutting knife. Cute pot holder with small selection of spices
A good can opener!
And a cutting board!
Yes! and the cutting knife u/dagmara56 mentioned -- one with a sharpening case. Makes all the difference! (I bought mine at Ross)
When I moved one friend got me a new trash can filled with household essentials for cleaning, towels and swiffer and another friend got me a basket full of the kitchen essentials; salt, pepper, flour, sugar, ketchup, mustard, mayo, soy sauce, garlic powder, etc. These were amazing gifts. It saved me so much time and money from stocking up on the basics. I used all of it.
Was looking for someone to recommend a trash can. They can be so expensive, but having one makes such a difference.
What is your budget?
I really like the move in kit thing too. And if you can include a small gift card, it will make her feel good to make her own choices. Social media Buy Nothing groups sometimes have super nice things free.
My Buy Nothing often has asks for people moving in with nothing; it's pretty common for people to offer furniture, lamps, bedding, dishware, mattresses, older TVs/microwaves. If she joins Buy Nothing she can keep an eye out for other things she needs, and/or upgrade from say, an air mattress to a real one once something comes available. Another idea: bathroom furnishings. Shower curtain, bath mat, matching towels, coordinating soap dish and toothbrush holder. The rest of her apartment may be a mishmash of old stuff, but her bathroom could look nice and new. (Plus, used bath stuff is kinda grody.)
I love that you said “grody”! Also, themed bathroom sets are no more than $10-20 depending on where you’re looking. Great buys in that area. A person’s bathroom says a lot.
A basket of necessities - bandaids, antibiotic cream, Tylenol or Motrin, cotton swabs, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, Dove soap, a pack of wash cloths, Clorox wipes, dish soap, seasonings, olive oil....
This! Chapstick, pads/Tampons, tp, basic spices, baby wipes, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, bar keepers friend, etc.
A plunger. Didn't even think about one until I moved into my first apartment and needed it. Big ol' thanks to my brother for stopping by in middle of moving day just to take an unbelievably fat shit.
This comment section is making me wish I could help this homeless woman set up her ENTIRE home from scratch. Just fill the place with things ! All the things!
Just a note of caution- a homeless person moving into a housed situation for the first time in a long time is a very emotional transition for them. I’ve worked closely with several women who have made this transition. There is no one size fits all approach. One of the women was so overwhelmed by having her own place, she only wanted 1 of anything (1 fork, 1 plate, 1 cup, etc.); another flat refused to have a bed- she’d slept on the ground for so long. I applaud your kind and well intentioned thought, but I encourage you to simply ask her what she is looking forward to most about her new place and ask if there are things she is worried about. The answers might surprise you.
YOU ARE A GENIUS! OP you need to do this. When I transitioned into a place my biggest excitement was getting to sleep in a bed. But I had no idea about getting one and took forever to buy one much longer than it needed to because I only saw a few commercials. I also knew I had no way to get it home and have severe social anxiety so couldn’t have strangers come in and imaginarily judge me for how I was living. My best friend mentioned once her biggest thing was picking out the color/style for each room. That it was her choice and hers alone. I am the opposite, don’t care.
I'd buy sheets and towels from Target or Walmart or wherever is most convenient, and give them with a receipt so she can exchange for something else if needed
Only if you know what size bed she has! And this person might not have transportation to get to the place they were purchased
A good comforter or pillows
Towels are a good option. No one wants to buy towels, but we all need them!
It depends on the shelter and the situation where they are. If you know who has been helping her, call and ask what’s most useful to folks they move into housing, as the staff there probably know what people most like to get. In general a bed, bedding, towels, dishes, and basic cooking items are nice and needed when one is getting back into a home. Many people get a mattress or inflatable mattress to start. It may be all the furniture they start with. Then bathroom things like towels, shower curtain, toilet paper. Then kitchen things.
A gift card and something like a toaster or slow cooker.
A bathroom kit: soap, loofa, shampoo/conditioner, pack of razors, tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, hand soap. Large towel/hand towel Bedroom kit: sheets, comforter, pillows, cheap blow up mattress if she has nothing to sleep on Living room: throw blanket Kitchen: plate set, coffee mug or a couple of cups, silverware Honestly, the dollar tree has a lot of cheap things. I’ve bought all my plates and bowls from the dollar tree. They have a large cooking utensil section with all the basics. If you buy glass cups just be smart and buy the thick ones not thin glass as they break easily. They’ll have condiments and spices to get her going while not spending a fortune. Noodles and canned sauces. Heck, their freezer section isn’t half bad at this point.
If you have a car, I'd give her homemade coupons for rides! Carrying bulky items on public transport is impossible. Friends take friends to the Laundromat and CostCo.
My mom told me the best gift she ever got was a clothing hamper filled with cleaning supplies, mop, broom , plunger, laundry soap, rags, etc. it was after she divorced and had to rebuild her life. She said food stamps and food banks helped with feeding, family gave her and built her furniture but my father never paid a penny he was ordered to and she had little resources to buy stuff to keep the house clean.
A fire extinguisher! Not exciting but can be very very important and is often overlooked. Also, I suggest hitting up your local thrift store to find cheap kitchen supplies.
Borrow a truck if you don't have one. Take her to several thrift stores for furniture. In one afternoon she could have all her major pieces plus some pots and pans, dishes, etc all for minimal amount of money. Bless you for helping her. The world needs more people like you. ♥
THIS!!!! The offer of friendship, combined with transportation, is truly priceless. Second best would be a significant list of local stores/services that offer the least expensive places to get stuff needed to furnish a new home. I absolutely LOVE thrift store finds and have helped my children, and other young adults, locate inexpensive items to furnish & outfit their 1st apartment, etc.
I worked with a woman who was previously homeless. She had a very utilitarian home; she loved pretty things and stuff that was just basic home decor to personalized her space. I'd suggest going with a "welcome home" theme and get her a bunch of cute homey items - a candle, pretty dish towels, maybe a door mat or something that says Welcome Home, and also a little gift card to Walmart or a local store where she can buy necessities.
Another idea - do a money collection at work, and have some coworkers go to lunch - then a shopping spree! Help her pick out some goodies with her money! She may not know what she needs to get started.
Does she have a mattress? That's priority zero, before anything else.
Whatever you get her, put it in a laundry basket.
Something to sleep on
An air mattress or mattress pad if she won't have anything to sleep on when she gets there
Vaccuum if carpet, broom and swiffer if no carpet. I would wait a week and add to the gift based on what she needs because everyone is different
Small refrig to put lunch meat and soda and milk
A nice tea kettle.
An electric one.
Shower curtain and liner, a 4 piece dishes set (with silverware if you can) a microwave, sheets, dish soap and hand soap, sponges, dish towels. Basic kitchen utensils like a spatula, mixing spoon, a knife. Depending on your budget you can get a dishes set cheap at Walmart and a lot of other stuff from the dollar store. You can get a microwave for about $50-$75.
I bet she would appreciate a really nice bed set up! You can find quality fashionable bedroom decor at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or Ross or online at very reasonable prices. Pillows, blankets and a sheet set are the kind of every-day things that a lot of folks tend to forget about. Poor people make do with the cheaper stuff because that's all they can afford. She needs bedding anyway so why not make it really nice for her? Maybe go whole hog and get a nice bedside lamp and rug. As a used-to-be-poor person myself, really nice bedding and bedclothes are a much-appreciated little daily luxury.
What’s your budget? Knowing that would help.
Oven mat. Keeps the drippings from crusting on the bottom of the oven. Huge when you move out!
Laundry basket with some laundry soap, dryer balls, general household cleaner, cleaning rags, Swifter duster (and mop, if applicable), small trash can with bags, candles and lighter (a subtle scent like vanilla. May not like berry or flowers), and some hangers. These are generic items but are usually overlooked! Also, like the idea of a kitchen trash can. If you know about the space, you can add shower curtain li er, curtain rods, night lights, etc. Also, make a sign that says "Coworker name's first home." That is a huge deal. Congrats to her, and thanks for helping out.
What about a “don’t want to need it and not have it” basket? Tylenol/Advil/Tums, bandaids, a toilet plunger, extra toilet paper, flashlight/batteries, simple screwdrivers, pads/tampons… all those things you don’t want to need at 3am and realize you don’t have.
Ask her what she needs!
Get her a cast iron 12 inch skillet and some cooking oil. They can do breakfast or steak.
Tools are super useful! A small wrench set, screwdrivers, allen keys. They were super useful for me when I got my first place.
I love this. She might get the basics from various places, and while a giftcard is very nice I wonder if she would love and appreciate someone to come and clean her place once she's settled. Walking into a clean home after a long day is everything. I'm sure you can find a local person or company and then pay them upfront, while letting the new tenant deal with logistics of letting the crew inside and all of that.
My favorite present I ever received was a small, bare bones tool kit. It was just the basics like a hammer, hanging supplies, pliers, screwdriver, etc, but it has moved and grown with me over the last 25 years. The original has long since fallen apart, been stripped, and used up, but it was such a constant in my life that the slowly upgraded version is forever my “graduation tool kit”
quality blankets or linen. espresso maker, instacart gift card
Honestly, a gift card to Target or Walmart (whichever is closest/her preference) with a nice card would be perfect. That way she can buy what she needs. You could also package it with a nice key chain so she has something special to put her new apartment key on!
Listen I don't want to sound cheap but if this were me I would go to dollar tree yes dollar tree and fill up about 3 clothing baskets and they have them there also dollar tree has everything you would need when getting a apartment all cleaning supplies dishes hand towels shampoo toothpaste bathroom necessities EVERYTHING I WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED 😁 BUT THATS ME YOUR A KIND PERSON THANK YOU
Get her a gift card to a local store so she can pick out her own items!
Laundry basket filled with household supplies, wrapped in dish cloths or a big towel. Include a cute candle and a gift card.
Towels! Cleaning stuff, toiletries. I was in her position once. Went from being homeless on the street into an apartment with nothing but what I had on my back. Took a long time to get stuff that most people take for granted. Gift cards are a great idea because she can decide what she wants, or you could just ask her.
When I moved into my first place after being homeless, I forgot to buy silverware and washcloths. If I were buying for someone in that position, I think I’d buy a knickknack kit. Just a bunch of the weird little shit people forget to buy, or things that would be really inconvenient to notice you don’t have at the last minute. Salt and pepper shakers, toilet paper holders, a potato peeler, a can opener, just weird stuff like that. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what I’d do. Either that or a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets are totally dope.
Ikea has a tub preloaded with new house essentials.
The best gift I ever got as a new apartment dweller was a basket of assorted kitchen things. It was a real solid laundry basket (score!) filled with spices, utensils, kitchen towels & potholders, dish drainer, coffee mugs, teabags and some assorted dishes. Basically anything I needed for my first grown up kitchen! The gift giver said she had a tremendously fun time filling it too. 🤗
Electric Kettle. Hot water in minutes to make tea/coffee/ramen/etc without using extra dishes and it turns off automatically for folks who tend to be forgetful
Fire extinguisher and toilet plunger
She needs all the basics including a bed, clothes hangers and so on. Good for her and for you for wanting to help her
Furniture
You should get her a key rack and help her hang it up. Get her a cute keychain so she can hang her first set of keys on it.
The things you don't realize you need until it's too late: * Toilet paper * Shower curtain * Plunger * Soap * Dish soap * Towels
A nice bed.
Spices and some kind of chair/furniture
A set of good towels or sheets.
Honestly,, resources help as well! I know it's not the question at hand but please let her know they are out there! I left my husband of 15 years with 3 kiddos and was way too stubborn beyond my means bc I was hurt and unhappy (in hindsight now lol) but there are a ton of really valuable resources available if you know where to look. I struggled so much unnecessarily. Help is there for a reason, and should be given toward the real ones that need and deserve it to start fresh! Please pm me if you/ they want any links. I know it varies state by state or even country, I'm in US so that's where I can try to help, but I finally got the help I need to be on standing ground and would gladly help another good soul that deserves the same. Even if all I can do is give them resources I never knew existed and see what helps!
Gift card to a local thrift shop? I know, kind of borderline offensive to some. I have been her and it helped so so much.
I’d just go with a Target or Walmart gift card because then she can make the call on what is a priority for her.
For anyone getting a first-time place to live. Example graduates. I like to buy a laundry basket or kitchen sized trashcan, then fill it with things like dish rags, towels, small cooking items, spices, sink and toilet plungers etc. All the little things we don't usually think about that we need. Depending on your budget, you could do a kitchen one and a bathroom one. I also like to do this for people getting married who don't already live on their own.
As someone who recently went through this, I wanted to add that I found something very profound at our local dollar store when I was getting a broom and dustpan, and it was a little sign that said "home sweet home." As soon as we got approved for our apartment, I bought a welcome mat too. It was huge for me, putting these things up after not having a place of our own for so long, and I still smile when I walk in and see them.
I wasn’t quite “homeless” before moving, but I was starting from 0. The best gifts I got were household essentials. A friend gave me a huge hamper full of cleaning proudcts, paper plates, cheap silverware that I could reuse, and a blanket. I also got an air mattress from another friend and that was a true blessing.
First aid kit, a laundry basket filled with basics (cleaning supplies, laundry detergent towels sheets etc) spices (pantries don't have these and most staples are bland) personal care (soaps lotions etc)
you’d be stunned, however, many people who are unhoused don’t have anything to move their property in. So duffel bags, bins, etc.. Sheets, towels, blankets. Etc
Pillows, kitchen utensils, silverware, blankets, pantry basics: spices, oils, etc.
Bathroom supplies! Shower curtains mat etc.
Stuff to cook with.
My go-to gift for people moving out for the first time is a 'second drawer' in a box. All the random bits like egg flips, whisks, peelers, ice cream scoop, measuring cups etc that usually live under the utensil drawer in the kitchen. A safety kit with a well stocked first aid, all the basic over the counter meds and a fire extinguisher can be handy too. I was amazed by how expensive cleaning supplies were so these can be great. Just putting it out there too that a small 'luxury' gift alongside highly practical is a lovely gesture for someone that has been homeless. A nice scented candle or a fuzzy couch blanket can make it feel really homely
if i were them i would especially appreciate a large box of strong/ name brand ( glad forceflex is awesome!) trash bags, paper towels, SPONGES!, scrub brush for my dishes, multipurpose cleaner, windex, etc. all these things would help me feel so secure.
Trash cans/waste bins. Nobody thinks about it until they go to throw out that first thing. Go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls and get the nice stainless ones for $30-40.
A home sweet home sign
OP, I came in to give advice and that is incredibly well covered in other responses so I will just thank you for being a great person and looking out for someone who is moving forward but still vulnerable. THANK YOU!!! You have truly warmed my heart with this today!
Having been the girl you work with; the household items is a good one (laundry detergent, trash bags, sponges, foil), cooking essentials like a cookie tray or large pot and utensils, a microwave. Shelters don’t help with much it depends on what they’ve had donated and have been able to get donated but usually hygiene items and bedding are what they tend to be able to assist with upon departure.
I was able to help a new friend at church by letting her go through all the stuff we were saving for our next yard sale. (My husband buys from auctions and it was a lot). She got to pick some decorative stuff, I saw her apartment after she got it setup. It was so cute.
The movie in kit its good. I'd also throw in a toaster, peanut butter (assuming no allergies) and honey. Coffee pot (and filters), or a hot water kettle.
Something different that will get lots of use. Toilet brush, sponge, mini fridge, set of towels, utensils, drinking cups,
My church is currently doing a similar drive for a number of people who have gotten their first homes. I've noticed a lot of people are donating furniture or appliances...to people who don't have cars, much less trucks to transport a mattress or a dining table. Do you know if she even has a driver's license? Maybe you could offer to rent and/or drive a truck (home improvement stores offer then, for example) in order to transport these larger pieces people might gift her?
DoorDash and other takeout gift cards - after a long day of work and settling in the last thing we wanna do is cook. The cliche, help me move and I’ll buy pizza type thing because no one wants to cook. Did I mention no one wants to cook haha So nice of you to do 💕
Towels, dish towels and wash cloths
Trash cans! I didn’t realize how many I would need and how expensive they are!
If you can afford to, getting her a visa gift card and letting her freely shop for herself would probably do wonders for her sense of pride. On another note, If you could maybe have others from work donate to her to, I’d suggest a boxed meal kit for delivery. It’s going to be a while before she gets some real food security and knowing a box of food is coming could give a real piece of mind. If people gift money, this is a great way to spread it out and hopefully give her a new hobby!
A trash can (kitchen and bathroom) Shower towels, a hand towel, wash cloths Blankets Toothbrush holder All purpose cleaning spray A bath mat! So she doesn’t slip when coming out of the shower! Stuff you need for lots of reasons but wouldn’t think to buy for someone else. Lamps! Maybe she needs more lighting!
I bought someone a laundry basket, filled it with household goods, soaps, paper products, and food canned goods, including spices.
A nice towel set. Or amazing sheets. Something she wouldn’t splurge for herself on.
Go to dollar tree and fill a bucket with cleaning supplies(i like LA awesome). Grab a broom and mop too. Grab some basic office supplies,a pad of paper some pens and pencils. Maybe some snacks. Soaps,toothbrush,etc. landry detergent (though i dont recommend dollar tree brand,its crap)
Go to your local thrift store—you will be amazed at what you can acquire for very little money.
I've been homeless before and when I finally moved into my apartment a friend bought me a welcome mat for my front porch. It made me cry...happy tears. Something so simple had so much meaning. I also think an easy to care for house plant or orchid would be a great idea if there's enough sunlight in her new place. I am very holistic so I smudged my apartment before I moved in. They sell beautiful smuding kits on etsy or amazon that are very reasonably priced. You could always do a laundry basket filled with laundry soap and cleaning supplies and some yummy smelling handsoaps for the kitchen and bathroom. A wax warmer that plugs in with a cord (the smaller ones that plug directly into an outlet spill easily, i know from experience lol) with some wax melts to make her new place smell amazing. A nice soft throw blanket to bring her comfort. I was also given a Hallmark card that said "Home is where you can be silly, be comfy, be barefoot, be dreamy, be safe, be YOU and just be." I framed it and have it hanging in my living room...it's a daily reminder of how far I've come. You're a beautiful soul for taking the time to do something kind for her...the world needs more people like you! ♡♡♡
A good kitchen knife and cutting board. A cast iron pan and spatula. Two bath sheets. A gallon of shampoo.
For larger items check Facebook Marketplace for any freebies and ask any friends with trucks to donate time. I’ve given away a bed frame and mattress for free. I’ve given away other items for free and they were in good shape (otherwise I would have just had the garbage man take them). But there are people out there who sell stuff for cheap or give things away for free. There are other sites out there too that people post free items on.
A laundry basket filled with cleaning products and supplies. Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, paper towels,microfiber cloths etc. maybe some nice hand soaps, and a candle or two.
An inexpensive coffee maker. Then some glass canisters with flour, sugar, coffee, tea and maybe coffee mate. I can’t function without coffee in the morning. Don’t forget a couple of coffee mugs! The little things we all need cleaning supplies. Paper towels. Toilet paper, Lysol, etc
Towels would probably be good. Bedding set if you know what bed she has. A nice soft throw blanket (I have an Ugh one I absolutely love). I just think some soft "luxury" items would be good because she might not buy them for herself.
An air fryer!
I scrolled the majority posts and didn’t see it, so I’ll suggest it. Does she drink coffee? The plain old Mr Coffee type coffee makers are inexpensive. Gift that with a can of grounds, small bag of sugar and some creamer. Include a to-go coffee cup to put the icing on the cake. If she’s a coffee drinker she’ll appreciate being able to brew a cup at home. Coffee to go is expensive. It’s nice to have a cup when you wake up to kick start the day.
Basic tool kit and a roll of duct tape.
All the useful items are great gifts, but so is something that will make it feel like home. Sometimes people transitioning out of homelessness have a hard time feeling at home, so a super cozy blanket, pretty picture frame or artwork, or a special trinket can go a long way in helping them feel rooted.
I received a gift from a high-school friend's mom, when I graduated a million years ago, that really stuck with me. It was a simple canvas laundry bag to tote to the laundromat and a roll or 2 of quarters. If her apt doesn't have a washer/dryer in unit, this may be an idea. Whatever you choose, it sounds like she will benefit and be grateful of your kindness and compassion! Edit for auto correct
That's so heartwarming! You're doing an awesome thing helping her out. Homeless shelters can sometimes provide basics like toiletries, bedding, and kitchenware. You might wanna check with local shelters to see what's available. As for gifts, think practical stuff like pots and pans, dishes, towels, and maybe some cleaning supplies. And don't forget a cozy blanket or two! She'll appreciate anything to make her new place feel like home. Keep us posted on how she's doing, she sounds like a real gem!
Here's a dollar store list of the things I got when I moved into my apartment I hope it can help: -seasonings -condiments -bread -hot dogs -paper towels -toilet paper -nose tissues -spatulas -silverware -cups/plates bowls -clothes hangers -laundry basket -laundry soap -dryer sheets -light bulbs -batteries -flashlights -window alarms -nightlights -phone charger cord -dry storage snacks -drinks
Everyone has good ideas so I would just add a TV as they have become relatively “cheap” (if your budget allows) as there are a lot of big TVs for less than $200 that they can simply *enjoy*
A set of decent pots, a plunger, a couple nice towels... just nice housewares
Money! If that’s too weird, a solid Target gift card
A college kid kitchen set would be good too! They sell plastic dish sets at Walmart specifically for dorm life! Linens would also be nice!
Toilet paper, paper towels, scrub brushes, broom, toilet scrubber, inexpensive vacuum, grocery store gift card, or even just condiments! I moved out so early I was barely 18, then moved apartments about 13 times before I bought my first home. The transition between houses was tough and “reloading” a fridge was rough financially, especially if condiments had to be thrown out between moves but having those ingredients always make you feel like you’re ready to cook. The other things I listed are items that make you feel ready to make your house a home, might be the more expensive things you skimp out on or buy *as needed* and wish you could spend $20/30 on
A decent bed.
There’s some great practical suggestions here, but may I offer a something sentimental from my culture? It feels kinda appropriate here - the first thing we move in to a new house is always money, rice, and a cross, so that there will always be money, food, and faith in the home. We’ve never gifted it so it’s just a small thing of rice and some change we stash away (our current house it’s an empty small bubbles tube with a dollar bill like an inside label and then filled with rice), but maybe you could find a more creative gifty way to present it? Of course adjust as needed for the faith part.
Costco or Sam’s club membership! If you have one nearby, that can help them save soooo much money!! I personally love Costco way more.
I scrolled for a bit and didn't see this: Bath towels. I worked with a girl who had been homeless. It was early summer, and she said she was going to ask for towels for Christmas. She was 6 months pregnant and had been homeless until the previous week, when she and her boyfriend (husband?) were set to get their apartment. She pretty much only had clothes, her phone, and some bedding I couldn't get it out of my head. She was going to go for 6 months without towels?? I decided that wasn't gonna happen. I told my husband about it. He also said F that. He and I (for the first time in our lives) were in a (good) financial position to be able to help someone else. We went to Walmart after work and bought a variety of towels and wash cloths, a silverware/silverware tray set, dish drain, coffee mugs, knife set, a whole cookware set, and a bunch of other random stuff. Another coworker put together a bunch of pantry staples. We called her and set up a time for her to come pick up "something". Neither of us were there when she picked everything up, but from what I heard, she was blown away. I'm just glad I was able to help. She gave me the biggest hug when I saw her next.
My daughter got this incredibly weird assortment of household stuff from dollar tree. But it was one of everything random. About $100 dollars worth of start up apt
Take her to somewhere like Ross and let her pick out a few decorations. When I got off the streets I had a hard time feeling like my room was actually mine until I was able to decorate it to suit my tastes.