So your friend has a new place and you have to come up with something fast that they would actually enjoy.   

Consider some board games. Everyone had board games in their home and you would be amazed how handy the come in when it's a rainy day or company shows up out of no where. And don't be afraid of the classics. If these are going to be the only games in the house, (an few new home owners have board game cash laying around), then lets let them be games we all know and enjoy.  

Classic Wood Box Uno $23.95, Clue Board Game $16.95, Ouija Board $17.95

Here's one I just got for a friend for his new place. Find out what their favorite magazines are and get them a subscription. This works out for a few reasons. 1) Who doesn't love mail that isn't a bill, 2) It's a gift that keeps giving all year round and 3) with the magazine market as cheap as it is you could very well get a few for someone. Buy a recent copy of the mag and roll it up with a bow for presentation.

Vanity Fair $12.99/yr, Sports Illustrated $20/yr, InStyle $23/yr
Add to the gift with a nice magazine rack!

This was my old standby. Wind chimes. Wind chimes aren't just noisy clanging metal bars (although those are still around) but they come in glass, sea shell, wood and bamboo as well. And bamboo chimes have a wonderful baritone sound that even men love.  

Interchangeable Wind Chime $14.99
Woodstock Percussion Harp Windchime $15.20
Woodstock Mission Bamboo Chime $27.99

In the hodge podge section of gifts are bird houses and out door citronella candles. Bird house assure your new home owner they'll always be surrounded by life and the candles will make sure they're never surrounded by mosquitoes. Or a great photo album. Especially for home or apt owners in their 20's. The first year is inevitably going to be filled with parties and that means photos ripe for display! 

Bermuda Birdhouse - Blue $39.99
3-Wick Citronella Candle in Bowl $19.99
Faux Suede 200-Photo Album - $14.99