13 Gift Ideas That Will Add Value To The Home

Home improvement presents are gifts that keep on giving. When you decide to buy items for the people you live with that everyone can enjoy, it’s always money well spent. Sometimes, you can even give thoughtful home improvement gifts to your loved ones that will increase your home’s value.

The top gifts you can give this holiday season to boost your home’s value include new kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer upgrade, a hot tub, or an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor gift ideas for the home include a pergola, trellis, or a fruit tree. Building a finished basement is a gift the entire family can enjoy, or modernizing your home with a smart thermostat or increasing home security.

The holidays can cost you and your family a small fortune in the end. Instead of walking away from this holiday season feeling like you’ve lost money, consider giving gifts that will pay off over time. There are many great gifts that will make living in your home more enjoyable, and some can even make your house worth more money when you decide to sell.

13 Home Improvement Gifts That Will Boost A Home’s Value

1. Modern Kitchen Appliances

Upgrading your kitchen is always a good idea. It can make cooking and cleaning easier, and also increase the value of your home. This holiday season, consider gifting the family a new major appliance.

A new refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher can make your home more appealing. A sleek design can do wonders for your kitchen, especially if it’s replacing an out-dated machine. When you shop for new appliances, opt for energy-efficient models, as they are often attractive to home buyers.

2. Deck Or Porch

Adding an outdoor entertaining space increases the usable square footage of your property. A deck or porch is something your family can enjoy while living in the home, and it’s a feature that often pays for itself when you decide to sell the house.

If you already have a deck or porch, consider making improvements to enhance its enjoyment for your family and its value to prospective buyers. You can build a screen for your porch to keep bugs out, or even winterize your outdoor area by adding heating elements.

3. Hot Tub

If you’re looking to give a gift to your family that everyone is sure to love, look no further than a hot tub. There’s nothing more relaxing and luxurious than soaking outside in one of these hot water jet-filled baths after a long day. Hot tubs are also easier and less expensive to install and maintain than pools, and they require far less space. 

A hot tub can cost a lot, but it almost always increases a home's value, especially if it is properly maintained and you create a lovely ambience around it.

4. Improved Lighting

Adjusting the lighting in your home is a DIY project that can yield significant results. New lights can make your home feel warmer, larger, and even cleaner. By changing your lighting, you can make each room look more aesthetically pleasing, which can translate to a higher market value. 

If you replace old lights with energy-saving bulbs, you can start saving money immediately and pass those savings on to a future owner.

5. Finished Basement 

Renovating your basement is a fantastic way to give the gift of extra space this holiday season. Building finished rooms in a previously under-utilized basement is an incredible way to increase the usable space within your home.

You can turn it into a game room, a home theater, or even a guest bedroom. The options are endless, and it’s something you can get the entire family excited about. Finished basements are also attractive to prospective buyers, which means you can list your house for more money.

6. Pergola Or Trellis

If your significant other loves spending time outdoors, then consider giving a gift that enhances the outside of the home. A pergola or trellis is a great way to liven up your outdoor space and also make it more functional. Pergolas in particular are fantastic, as they provide shaded space for you to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

You can build a pergola or trellis affordably by finding cheap and free building materials and doing all the work yourself. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-fabricated structure to save time, but it will cost more. 

7. A Washer And Dryer Upgrade

If your current washer and dryer are old and temperamental, consider using the holiday season (and Black Friday sales) to upgrade these appliances. Not only will a new washer and dryer make your laundry days much easier, but it can potentially save you money on your electric bill.

Many new washing machines and dryers are far more energy efficient than older models. Therefore, you can give your family the gift of energy savings while also potentially increasing the value of your home.

8. A Home Security Upgrade

Home security is more accessible than ever, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give the gift of protection this holiday season. You can opt for systems like a Ring doorbell and camera system, or other closed-circuit and motion-censored systems.

A home security system is something you can purchase easily and install yourself. These systems can help alleviate your loved one’s personal security concerns and can make your home look more attractive to prospective buyers.

9. Outdoor Fireplace Or Fire Pit

Building an outdoor fire feature is one of the best ways to make your backyard more enticing. Whether you are roasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the glow and warmth of a fire on a cool evening, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace is something your entire family can enjoy.

You can build an elaborate outdoor fireplace or a simple fire pit, depending on your budget and skill level. A fire feature is a great way to keep your outdoor spaces functional throughout the winter, which can also make your home look more desirable.

10. A Front Door Upgrade

One small change you can make to your home this holiday season that can translate to increased property value is a front door makeover. By simply painting your door a bold new color like red and swapping out the door handle, you can increase your home’s value. Giving your front door a refresh is also a great way to add curb appeal to your home without spending much money.

11. Fruit Trees Or Exotic Landscaping

Planting a tree is an investment, but not a financial one. It’s an investment in time, as it can take years or even decades for a tree to reach full maturity. Planting a tree with your family over the holidays, however, can be a lovely tradition. Some trees can even add value to your home.

If you live in a warmer climate, consider planting a delicious fruit tree, like an exotic citrus, or even a mango or avocado tree. Prospective buyers often pay attention to fruit trees, especially well-established and fruit-bearing trees.

12. Upgraded Bathroom Fixtures

The bathroom is another area you can focus on when considering home improvement holiday gift ideas. There are all sorts of bathroom upgrades to create a more luxurious lifestyle.

You can swap out a harsh showerhead for a large waterfall-style version, install a bidet, or add a bathtub. All these improvements will make bath time more enjoyable and can pique the interest of prospective buyers.

13. A Smart Thermostat

Any way you can turn your home into a smart home will likely increase its property value. A smart thermostat is a fantastic way to start, as it makes your life easier.

Smart thermostats let you adjust the temperature and other controls in your home from your smartphone, from anywhere in the world. While the initial cost is higher than that of a traditional thermostat, the long-term energy savings will offset this cost. The convenience a smart thermostat provides is a wonderful gift to give this holiday season.

Final Notes On Gifts That Can Increase A Home’s Value

Shopping for the holidays can be costly. Instead of saying goodbye to your money this holiday season, consider funneling some of that into worthwhile home improvement gifts that will improve your family's quality of life and increase your home’s value.  

Give the gift of a new appliance, like a stove, refrigerator, or washer and dryer. You can upgrade your bathroom with a new showerhead, tub, or even a bidet. Improve your outdoor spaces by building or improving a deck or porch, adding a fire feature, or installing a pergola or trellis. New lighting, a front door refresh, and a smart thermostat are all DIY gifts that will add beauty and value to your home.

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