5 Small-but-Sweet Gifts Your New Roommate Will Totally Love (Perfect for Move-In Day!)

I remember the moment I first locked eyes with my freshman year roommate. My parents and I had already been moving my things up to my new dorm room, so I was sweaty and nervous. Then, I saw a curly-haired girl waiting for the elevator who seemed familiar — we had only spoken online, but I knew her face from social media. We both immediately jumped for joy and hugged: It was a beautiful greeting and great start to my first year at the University of Vermont.

Looking back, that first hug was the perfect icebreaker. But what if you wanted to bring your roommate a little something to break the ice? With back-to-school season in full swing, roommate move-in gifts have been making the rounds on social media. 

The idea is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a small gift to welcome your new roomie, break the ice, and kick off your time living together! It does not have to be anything elaborate or expensive. Think of it as a small housewarming gift.

Since you likely don’t know your roommate well before you move in, it also doesn’t need to be anything incredibly tailored to their personality and hobbies. It’s more a gesture of excitement about living together, and it can even help ease some of the initial awkwardness that comes with moving into a tiny room with a new person. Of course, you don’t have to get your roomie a gift — they likely won’t be expecting it — but if you decide it’s something you want to do, I’ve got you covered with some fun ideas. (And if you aren’t able to buy a gift before move-in day but want to get your roomie something, you could also give it to them during the first few weeks of living together.)

Ready to pick out something sweet for your new roomie? Here are a few small yet thoughtful ideas that are bound to make your move-in day a little sweeter! And if you need even more inspiration, check out this roommate gift guide for even more ideas.

This is an easy one, but always appreciated. You and your roomie could even plan a coffee date together!

A mini tote is perfect for when your roomie just needs to take their essentials with them when they’re heading to the laundry room or the dining hall.  If you know what dorm room snacks your roommate might want — and are aware of any possible food allergies — you could also throw a few treats in the bag. Bonus points if they’re local goodies. 

No need to splurge on a sweatshirt — surprise them with a pennant flag, fuzzy socks, keychain, or sticker for their water bottle.

A deck of cards is perfect because you can play together with new friends in your building!

If you find a cool poster you think your roomie may like, grab it! A small flower vase or cute garland to hang above your door would be cute, too.