Put yourself in your guest’s shoes for a moment.

They have just traveled hours to arrive at your property, and they’re most likely a bundle of sweaty, anxious, and exhausted emotions. They open your rental’s door, drop their luggage, wipe the sweat from their forehead, and then—bam!—their eyes land on your creative welcome gift sitting pretty on the counter.

Suddenly, the stress melts away, and they slip into vacation mode.

That’s the power of a well-thought-out welcome basket. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact, setting the tone for their entire stay. And guess what? That positive first impression can translate into glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and even a bump in your nightly rate.

Let’s dive into how to craft the perfect welcome basket for your Airbnb guests.

The cost of a short-rerm rental gift basket

How much should you spend on a welcome basket? Well, it depends.

Your budget should be proportional to your rental’s nightly rate and overall guest experience. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

• Budget rentals ($10–$25 per night): Keep it simple–bottled water, coffee, tea, and a handwritten note can go a long way.
• Mid-range rentals ($25–$50 per night): Everything in the budget basket, plus add some local treats.
• Luxury rentals ($75+ per night): Go all out! A personalized robe, artisanal snacks, or a curated selection of local products will wow your guests.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to break the bank, it’s to show thoughtfulness and hospitality in a way that aligns with your brand and your rental’s price point.

Great welcome gift ideas

A well-stocked welcome basket can be the difference between a “meh” stay and a 5-star experience. Here are some creative and practical ideas to delight your guests:

Cover the basics

The basics of a welcome basket could include a mix of cleaning supplies, amenities, and perishables. Think of it as a starter kit for their stay.

• Bottled water
• Coffee & tea (bonus points for locally roasted beans!)
• Shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
• Laundry detergent (especially for longer stays)
• Essential oils (lavender for relaxation, citrus for energy)

Small, thoughtful items like these make your guests feel cared for and set them up for a smooth stay.

Give them some background

Include a guest book with helpful details like WiFi passwords, house rules, and local recommendations. You can also provide a local guidebook with handpicked restaurants, hidden gems, and must-visit attractions. Guests love personal recommendations, so add a list of your favorite coffee shops, brunch spots, or hiking trails. No one knows the area better than you, so help them out!

Add local touches

Add some local flavor! Whether that be local coffee, baked goods, or even flowers, your guests are staying in your unit to experience the local surroundings in some aspect so why not bring this to them from the start? These thoughtful touches make your rental feel unique and create a memorable experience that guests will rave about in their reviews.

Think seasonal

A great welcome basket adapts to the time of year! Here are some fun, seasonal ideas:

• Winter: Hot cocoa mix, a s’mores kit, or fuzzy socks for chilly nights
• Spring: A small potted plant, seasonal jam, or floral-scented bath salts‍
• Summer: Mini sunscreen bottles, aloe vera gel, or a refreshing lemonade mix‍
• Fall: A pumpkin spice candle, a bag of gourmet popcorn, or a cozy throw blanket

For eco-friendly and high-quality seasonal gifts, check out Public Goods. They provide everything from coffee and tea options to dish soap and laundry pods that are perfect for guests’ stays. They also have basic kitchen cooking supplies such as olive oil and spices.

Personal touches

Want to turn a great stay into an unforgettable one? Personalization is the key.

If your guest is celebrating something special like a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary, acknowledge it with a handwritten card and a small surprise. A birthday guest might love a cupcake with a candle, while honeymooners will appreciate a bottle of bubbly. These little moments create big emotional connections and can lead to stellar reviews and repeat bookings.

For the VIPs

For high-paying guests or repeat visitors, consider going the extra mile with a VIP welcome basket.

• A personalized robe with your rental’s logo (Brooklinen has the fluffiest robes, and HostGPO members save on them).
• Spa sandals or slippers
• A bottle of high-quality wine (Public Goods has great options!)
• Artisanal chocolates or a gourmet snack box

By elevating the welcome experience for your VIPs, you increase the chances of them returning—and telling their friends about your amazing Airbnb.

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A well-thought-out welcome basket isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a powerful tool to create lasting impressions, earn 5-star reviews, and keep guests coming back.

Whether you go simple with bottled water and a note or all-out with a VIP package, the key is to make your guests feel special. And when they feel special, they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews and recommend your rental to others.

So, what’s in your Airbnb welcome basket? Let us know in the comments!�