When you are a host on Airbnb, one of the best ways to impress your guests is with a thoughtful welcome gift. Sure, you could just give them the keys and send them on their merry way, but why not go the extra mile and make them feel welcome?
It’s all part of a well balanced marketing strategy.
In fact, in our experience, when we provided a welcome gift to our guests, they often told us that it was one of the best Airbnb experiences they’ve ever had! And the best part is that your welcome gift doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated – it can be something as simple as a handwritten note or a basket of local snacks.
To help give you some ideas, we’ve put together a list of the best Airbnb welcome gifts that we’ve come across. Trust us, your guests will be impressed!
Table of Contents
Why Giving A Welcome Gift Is Important
There used to be a time when Airbnb was a novelty and all you needed in order to be successful was to figure out how to make a listing for your property.
Times have changed.
Now, there are over six million properties listed on Airbnb and the competition is stiff. Not only are you directly competing with hotels in your area, but you’re also competing with other Airbnb hosts who are offering a similar experience.
So how do you stand out from the competition and ensure that your guests have a fantastic experience?
One way is to give them a welcome gift.
Providing a welcome gift for your guests is by no means required, but it is a nice gesture that can really make them feel at home. After all, when you’re staying in someone’s home, it’s always nice to feel like you’re being welcomed with open arms, instead of being an interloper.
Think about it from your guests’ perspective – would you rather stay in an impersonal rental where you don’t feel like you belong, or in a homey rental where the hosts have taken the time to make you feel welcome? We’re guessing you would go for the latter option!
In addition to making your guests feel more at home, welcome gifts can also be a great way to start off your relationship with them on the right foot. After all, first impressions are important, and you want your guests to have a good one!
This is because it helps set the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. If your guests feel like they are being treated well from the start, they will be more likely to have a positive experience overall.
And depending on how you craft your welcome gift, what you decide to provide really says a lot about you and can help your guests get to know you better. For example, if you’re a foodie, you may want to include some local snacks or goodies in your welcome basket.
Plus, if you’re hoping to get great reviews and repeat guests, then going the extra mile with a welcome gift is definitely the way to go.
Here are the 10 best Airbnb welcome gifts that are always a smash hit with guests!
10 Best Welcome Gifts To Give Your Guests
Depending on the type of property you have, the gifts you choose may vary. This is especially true if your property is priced very low and you have very little room for margin. However, there are some gifts that are universally loved by all and sure to make a great impression!
Here are our top picks:
Bottle of Wine
A classic welcome gift that is always appreciated, a bottle of wine is perfect for guests who enjoy unwinding with a glass (or two) at the end of a long day. If you’re not sure what type of wine to get, opt for a local variety or something middle-of-the-road like a Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot.
Obviously you want to make sure you aren’t providing alcohol to minors, so if you’re unsure about your guests’ ages, it’s best to skip this one. However, if you’re guests are over the age of 25, then you should be in the clear.
One tip we have is to personalize the wine, instead of just grabbing any old bottle from the grocery store. This can be done by “white labeling” a local bottle of wine or even just adding a cute label with your guests’ names on it. This small touch will really make them feel special and appreciated.
Cheese and Crackers
This is a great gift for guests who love to entertain or enjoy a little snack before bed. Plus, it’s easy to find high-quality cheese and crackers at your local grocery store, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on this one.
If you want to get really creative, you can put together a charcuterie board with some of your favorite local meats, cheeses, and fruits. This is a great way to show off your region’s best offerings and give your guests a little taste of what they can expect during their stay.
Homemade Baked Goods
Who doesn’t love fresh baked goods? Whether it’s cookies, muffins, or bread, this is a welcome gift that is sure to please. If you’re not much of a baker, no worries! You can easily pick up some pre-made goodies at your local bakery.
Just be sure to avoid anything with nuts, as many people have allergies. And if you’re worried about your guests’ waistlines, opt for something on the healthier side like granola bars or fruit.
A guest favorite in our experience are Snickerdoodles. Not only are they delicious, but they are extremely easy to make. Just be sure to double check the recipe, as some versions can be a bit finicky.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
If your property is on the romantic side, then chocolate covered strawberries are a great way to welcome your guests. This is a classic treat that is sure to impress, and it’s something that can be easily found at your local grocery store, made at home, or purchased online.
Local Souvenir or Trinket
If you want your guests to remember their stay long after they’ve left, then consider giving them a local souvenir or trinket. This could be anything that your area is known for, such as locally made pottery, a t-shirt from a local band, or even just a keychain with your city’s name on it.
If you’re not sure what to get, try asking a friend or family member who lives in the area. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and help you find something that your guests will love.
Local Gift Card or Coupon
We have never had a guest complain about getting a gift card or coupon, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love free stuff? Some local businesses that we recommend checking out are restaurants, cafes, museums, and activity centers. Just be sure to get a card or coupon that is for a place that your guests are actually interested in.
If you search your area and speak to the local business owners, you’ll be able to find some that are willing strike a deal that’s beneficial for both parties. For example, you could get a buy one get one free coupon for your guests, or even just a small discount. Either way, this is a win-win for everyone involved.
Local Coffee or Tea
This is a great gift for guests who need their morning cup of coffee or tea. You can either purchase some locally roasted beans or leaves, or go the extra mile and make your own little care package.
To do this, simply buy some reusable filters and fill them with your favorite coffee or tea. Then, include a note with brewing instructions and maybe even a little treat like a chocolate or biscuit.
This is a thoughtful and practical gift that your guests are sure to appreciate. Plus, it’s something that they can take home with them and enjoy long after their stay is over.
Tickets To An Event or Attraction
If you want to give your guests a truly unique experience, then get them tickets to an event or attraction in your area. This could be anything from a concert or play, to a guided tour of a local landmark. Some places don’t have much in the way of entertainment, so this is a great way to help direct your guests to things going on in the area.
This is another area where you might be able to find businesses willing to cut you a deal for the exposure to their event or attraction. So it’s definitely worth asking around and seeing what you can find.
Toiletries Basket
While it’s good to provide toiletries for your guests, you can make it stand out by providing a gift basket of toiletries instead of just the basics. This way, your guests will feel like they’re being pampered and cared for, and it’s a great way to show them that you pay attention to detail.
You can find toiletries baskets at most home goods stores, or you can make your own. In fact, we recommend buying in bulk so that you can put together an entire package for very cheap.
Travel Mug
This is a great gift for guests who are always on the go. A travel mug is something that they can take with them wherever they go and it’s a practical way to show them that you’re thinking of them.
There are tons of different styles and designs to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits your guests’ personality. You can also have them engraved with a special message or your own logo so that they are reminded of your property every time they use it.
How To Choose The Right Gift For Your Guests
Now it’s your turn to put together a welcome gift that your guests will love. Because every property and location is different, it’s important to tailor your gifts to the specific needs of your guests. Some factors that you should consider when choosing a welcome gift are:
Welcome Book
No matter what kind of property you have, providing a welcome book is a great way to give your guests all the information they need in one place. This book should include things like your contact information, local attractions, and any other important details about your property.
Done correctly, a well designed welcome book shows that you are a professional host and makes a great reminder that your property is worth a 5-star review. You can either build it from scratch our use one of our templates to create one.
We recommend printing out a physical copy with a service like Vista Print, as well as emailing a digital copy to your guests before their stay. This way, they can access it from their phone or tablet while they’re on the go.
If you need a little help, check out our free welcome book template here!
Type of Property
The type of welcome gifts you provide should be different depending on the type of property you have. For example, if you have a luxury vacation rental, you might want to provide higher-end gifts like wine or a gift certificate to a local spa. On the other hand, if you have a more budget-friendly property, you can still provide thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank.
In our experience, the more margin you have to work with, the more you can get creative with your welcome gifts. But at the end of the day, it’s more important to focus on providing something that your guests will appreciate and remember, rather than going over-the-top.
Type of Guests
Does your Airbnb cater to business travelers, families, or solo adventurers? The type of guests you have will also dictate the type of gifts you provide. For example, business travelers might appreciate a travel mug or welcome book with local restaurants and attractions. Families might appreciate a basket of snacks and games for the kids. And solo adventurers might appreciate a map of the area and tips for things to do.
What Your Area Is Known For
We used to live in an area that was well renown for its local wineries. So naturally, we would include a bottle of local wine in our welcome gifts. Now we live in an area that is known for summer-time crabbing, so we include a guide on how to crab and some crabbing gear in our welcome gifts.
You can use this same logic when choosing gifts for your guests. If your area is known for its coffee, consider including a bag of local beans or a gift certificate to a local cafe. If it’s known for its hiking trails, consider including a hiking guide or map of the area.
Reasons Guests Book With You
Sometimes you might have a rental in a location that attracts guests for many different reasons. One day they can be in town for a wedding, and the next they can be attending a local conference. When this is the case, you can’t necessarily tailor your gifts to one specific type of guest. Instead, you should focus on providing gifts that are general and useful for all types of guests.
However, if you frequently get guests that book your rental for the same reason (e.g. attending a local conference), you can tailor your gifts to their specific needs. For example, if you know that many of your guests will be attending a conference, you could include a list of nearby restaurants and coffee shops, as well as information on public transportation.
How Long Your Guests Are Staying
The length of your guests’ stay will also dictate the type of gifts you provide. For example, if they’re staying for a week or longer, you might want to include a toiletries basket that has all the essentials they might need. If they’re only staying for a few days, you can still provide them with useful items, but you don’t need to go overboard.
The length of their stay will also provide you with the budget to work with when it comes to your welcome gifts. If they’re staying for a week, you might be able to splurge on a higher-end gift. But if they’re only staying for a few days, you’ll want to stick to something more budget-friendly.
Examples of Successful Welcome Gift Packages
Now that we’ve gone over some of the factors you should consider when choosing welcome gifts for your guests, let’s take a look at a few examples of successful welcome gift packages that should give you some ideas for your own (or you can copy ours).
The Three Budgeteers
If you want to start providing welcome gifts but are on a tight budget, this is the package for you. In most cases, you can find these items on sale or at a discount store. Cost effective items that are sure to impress:
- A mug filled with local snacks and goodies
- A guide of things to do in the area
- A handwritten note welcoming them to your home
The Adventurer’s Package
This package is best suited for guests that are staying for a week or longer and are looking to explore the area. It includes:
- A hiking guide
- A map of the area
- Water flask filled with mixed nuts and trail mix
- A book about the local flora and fauna
Lampooner’s Family Vacation
Vacationing with a family can be a challenge at times, especially if you’re trying to please everyone. This package is designed with families in mind and includes:
- A board game
- A list of family-friendly activities in the area
- A $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant
The Mad Health-Hatter
There are nuts, and then there are health nuts. If you know someone that eats their veggies raw, does 20 miles per day on their bike, shames you about drinking wine and can talk your ear off about their latest cleanse, then you know who I’m talking about. It includes:
- A basket filled with healthy snacks
- A gift card for a local health food store
- A list of local hiking trails
The Couples Corner
If you’ve got a property that attracts a lot of couples coming for their anniversary or just a romantic weekend getaway, this is the package for you. It includes:
- A bottle of wine
- A box of chocolates
- A list of nearby romantic restaurants
- Scented candles
- Tickets to a local event or movie
The Business Traveler’s Best Friend
This package is best for those business travelers that are always on the go and don’t have time to enjoy the amenities your city has to offer. Usually these people are in town for a conference or meeting and are only staying for a few days. The package includes:
- A bottle of wine
- A list of nearby restaurants
- A travel mug filled with snacks
- A $25 gift certificate to a local coffee shop
Tips For Reducing Costs of Your Welcome Gift
Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your welcome gifts. There are plenty of ways you can reduce the costs and still provide your guests with a memorable experience. In fact, if you make the right relationships with local businesses you’ll be able to put together really nice welcome gifts for as little as $10-20/each, including gift cards and branded merchandise.
Here are a few tips:
Buy Wholesale
Depending on the store, you can find many wholesale opportunities that will sell you items in bulk at a fraction of the retail price. This is a great way to get things like wine, chocolates, coffee and more. In most cases, you will need to show your business license and open up an account with them to get the wholesale pricing.
Buy In Bulk
Whenever possible, you will usually get the best deals the more you buy. This is especially true with things like wine, coffee and snacks. Many stores will offer significant discounts if you purchase a large quantity of items from them, even if they don’t offer any wholesale pricing.
One of the benefits of buying in bulk is that you’ll be able to quickly put together many welcome gift packages without having to make frequent trips to the store.
Reuse and Repurpose
If you have any items around the house that you no longer use or need, consider putting them to good use by including them in your welcome gifts. This could be anything from an unused coffee mug to a scented candle. You can also look for ways to repurpose items to make them more suitable for a welcome gift. For example, you could take an empty wine bottle and fill it with locally made honey.
Find Partners
Believe it or not, if you run an Airbnb business long enough you’ll start to develop relationships with local businesses. If you frequently send your guests to a certain restaurant, they might be willing to give you a discount or even provide you with a gift card at no cost to you. The same goes for other businesses like spas, golf courses, etc.
Businesses are always looking for ways to promote their business, and your short term rental is a perfect opportunity for them to do so. By partnering with local businesses, you can provide your guests with a truly unique experience while also reducing the costs of your welcome gifts.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a ton of different options when it comes to choosing the best Airbnb welcome gifts for your guests. It really all depends on your budget, what your area is known for, and the type of guests you typically have. If you take the time to personalize your gifts and make them unique to your city, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a lasting impression.
Happy gifting!
Do you have any other tips for choosing the best Airbnb welcome gifts? Let us know in the comments below!
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