What is an Airbnb welcome basket?
An Airbnb welcome basket is a collection of items provided by hosts to make guests feel instantly welcome and appreciated upon arrival. Typically placed prominently, such as on the kitchen counter, these welcome baskets aim to enhance the guest experience. They can include anything from snacks and beverages to essential toiletries and local guides. The goal is a warm, personalised touch that ensures guests feel comfortable and valued, creating a positive first impression and encouraging repeat bookings.
In this article, we'll explore these welcome basket topics:
- Why do welcome baskets matter?
- What should an Airbnb welcome basket contain?
- How to create an Airbnb welcome basket?
- Make your welcome basket personalised to your guests
- Gaining value from your welcome basket
- Make your guests feel welcome with Touch Stay
Why do welcome baskets matter?
As a modern Airbnb host, your role is to provide an exceptional experience. In today's competitive short-term rental market, just having good appliances and comfortable furnishings isn't enough to stand out. A carefully prepared welcome basket for guests is your chance to go above and beyond, making that crucial first impression truly memorable. It shows your commitment to the guest experience and demonstrates thoughtfulness even before their arrival.
An effective guest welcome basket should include:
- The necessities: Essential items for a comfortable stay.
- A personal touch: Extras that show you've paid attention to their preferences.
For a more luxurious welcome, add ‘wow-factor’ treats that elevate your rental from great to outstanding. Let's explore what to include in your welcome gift basket for an unforgettable guest experience.
What should an Airbnb welcome basket contain?
A well-rounded Airbnb welcome basket balances practical needs with delightful touches. Thoughtfully selected items can significantly enhance your guests' stay and leave a lasting positive impression.
A personal note to accompany your welcome basket
Including a personal note is impactful and often what guests appreciate most. It shows they are special. While handwritten notes are lovely, you can use a template (learn how here!) as bookings increase, but inject personality:
- Include a handwritten signature: Adds a personal touch.
- Share a fun fact: Make the note engaging.
- Combine with a digital guidebook: Include a link or QR code to your Touch Stay digital guidebook. This provides essential information seamlessly.
- Tailor the note: Adjust for honeymooners, families, or groups.
Pro tip: Learn how to create an Airbnb welcome book (with examples)
Pick the essentials
Guests expect basic items like toilet paper, towels, and soap. To stand out, expand your ‘essentials’ list. Consider including:
- Paper towels
- Dish and laundry soaps
- Rubbish bags
- New sponges
- Water filters (if applicable)
- Individual coffee pods or tea bags
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
These extras create a more ‘luxury’ essential welcome basket for guests. (Who hasn't forgotten toothpaste?)
Use your digital guidebook to communicate what guests need to bring
Use a digital guidebook to clearly list provided essentials. This prevents guests from overpacking and helps them bring what isn't included. You can also give instructions on where to find extra supplies within the property.
Touch Stay streamlines guest communication. Share the digital guidebook before arrival so guests can familiarise themselves with your Airbnb property and see what's included. This shows your thoughtfulness and sets a positive tone.
Create your digital guidebook in minutes and transform your guest experience!
Include items that meet your guests' unexpected needs
Beyond basics, thoughtful additions can make guests feel at ease. Imagine a guest, perhaps with tired children, realising they forgot a crucial item. You can be the hero host who anticipated their needs!
What can you include to earn hero status?
Toiletry packs
Basic kits of travel-sized necessities are a smart, simple addition.
Include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Makeup remover wipes
- Hand lotion
- Tissues
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Sanitary pads
These small, essential items are often forgotten and can be lifesavers.
Medication and first-aid essentials
Illness can strike on holiday. For guests in a foreign country, saving them a trip to the pharmacy earns serious points.
Consider including:
- Over-the-counter headache and stomach ache relief
- Antihistamines
- Plasters
- Disinfecting wipes
- Cold and flu remedies
Supplement this with directions to local doctors and pharmacies in your Touch Stay digital guidebook.
Snack bundles
Guests on tight schedules will appreciate grab-and-go items, especially with children. Individually-packaged non-perishables are ideal.
Think about:
- Crackers
- Biscuits
- Mints
- Granola bars
Be mindful of alcoholic beverages and common allergens; label ingredients clearly.
Include extra 'wow-factor' goodies in your welcome gift basket
Once essentials are covered, it's time to spoil your guests. These ‘wow-factor’ additions depend on the season, location, and guest type. They don't need to be expensive, just simple, delightful extras.
Pro tip: Check out our ultimate guide to wowing your guests
Classic welcome basket gifts
A bottle of wine is always a good choice, especially from a local vineyard if applicable. Or, if there's a local brewery, include craft beer. You could even add a branded beer can holder.
What to include if your guests don't drink
Replace wine with local (alcohol-free) apple cider, or a box of macarons/biscuits/cupcakes from a local bakery.
Souvenirs as welcome basket gifts
Include items to remember their stay, like a fridge magnet, postcards, or a bookmark. For property managers, branded goodies like phone credit card holders, pens, or tote bags can serve as marketing.
Seasonal treats for welcome baskets
For Christmas guests, include stockings or crackers. Whatever you choose, ensure it's easy for your cleaning crew to restock consistently.
Include activities and 'things to do' in your guest welcome basket
Even on holiday, downtime is key. Suggest indoor activities for rainy days or quiet evenings.
Reading material
Keep current magazines, local brochures, and travel guides for light reading and useful information.
Film and television
Offer streaming service gift vouchers or log-in details. Throw in some film recommendations.
Games
Board games, puzzles, cards, or chess are great for entertaining guests.
How to create an Airbnb welcome basket?
Creating an Airbnb welcome basket that impresses guests requires thought and creativity. Here's how to craft the perfect welcome basket for guests:
- Define your budget: Know how much you'll spend per basket to guide choices.
- Consider your target audience: Tailor contents to families, couples, business travellers, etc.
- Research local specialities: Incorporate local snacks, drinks, or crafts for an authentic experience.
- Balance essentials with treats: Combine necessities with delightful indulgences.
- Think about presentation: Arrange items attractively in nice baskets or reusable bags. Add a personal note.
- Include a guide to local attractions: A small printed map or top recommendations complements your Touch Stay digital guidebook.
- Consider seasonal variations: Adjust contents for winter (hot cocoa), summer (refreshing drinks), or autumn (cider).
- Source efficiently: Buy non-perishables in bulk; set up a restocking system.
- Keep it consistent: Maintain quality and theme across all bookings.
- Gather feedback: Use guest reviews to refine your welcome baskets.
Want to give your Airbnb guests the best welcome possible? Try Touch Stay for free!
20 best Airbnb welcome basket ideas
Here are 20 top welcome basket ideas to ensure your guests feel special and appreciated.
1. Classic comfort essentials
The foundation: bottled water, teas/coffees, travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste). Add a laminated card with Wi-Fi details (plus, add Wi-Fi easy access to your digital guidebook).
2. Local flavour sampler
Introduce local jams, honey, artisanal biscuits, or regional crisps. Include local wine or craft beer.
3. Sweet treats for a warm welcome
Delight with high-quality chocolates, gourmet sweets, or fresh baked goods from a local bakery.
- Image alt text: A gift box filled with colourful macarons, chocolate truffles, and a small bag of gourmet coffee beans.
4. Hydration station
Offer sparkling water, local fruit juices, or regional soft drinks. Consider a small ice bucket in warm weather.
5. Breakfast booster pack
Help guests start right with individual cereal portions, milk (or alternative), fresh fruit, or local bread, butter, and jam.
6. Personal care luxury kit
Elevate toiletries with higher-quality gels, lotions, face masks, bath bombs, or a scented candle.
7. Entertainment for a cosy night in
For quiet evenings, include a deck of cards, a popular board game, a puzzle, or local magazines.
8. The forgotten essentials kit
Be a hero with items often left behind: travel-sized toothpaste, disposable toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, pain relievers, or a small sewing kit.
- Image alt text: A compact kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small sewing kit, and a blister pack of pain relief tablets.
9. Pet-friendly welcome
For furry guests, include treats, a collapsible water bowl, and a toy. Detail local dog parks in your Touch Stay digital guidebook.
10. Kids' activity pack
A huge hit for families: colouring books/crayons, a storybook, bubbles, a simple puzzle, and age-appropriate snacks.
11. Eco-conscious choices
Appeal to green travellers with reusable shopping bags, metal/bamboo straws, and ethically sourced organic snacks.
12. Local attraction discounts/tickets
Partner with local businesses for vouchers to restaurants, cafes, or attractions. Complimentary museum tickets are a fantastic surprise.
13. Outdoor adventure kit
For nature-lovers, provide sun cream, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, and a local trail map.
14. Coffee connoisseur's delight
Beyond instant: gourmet coffee beans, a French press, and flavoured syrups or quality creamers.
15. Tea lover's selection
Offer premium teas (black, green, herbal, fruit) with local honey and nice biscuits.
16. Seasonal welcome
Tailor baskets seasonally: hot cocoa in winter, iced tea in summer, apple cider in autumn.
17. The healthy start basket
Cater to health-conscious guests with fresh fruit, granola bars, nuts, seeds, and bottled water.
18. Cooking essentials for home chefs
If your kitchen is well-equipped, include olive oil, salt, pepper, and local spice blends or fresh herbs.
19. A taste of your culture
For international guests, include items representing local culture: a craft, traditional snack, or history book.
20. Relaxation retreat kit
Encourage unwinding with a soothing eye mask, calming herbal teas, an essential oil diffuser with lavender, or a sleep mask.
The key to an effective Airbnb welcome basket is the thoughtfulness behind the items. These welcome basket ideas combined with your property and guest insights will create a truly standout welcome.
Make your welcome basket personalised to your guests
The "personal touch" is vital for welcome baskets. Personalisation shows you've listened and care about their experience.
Use what you know about your guests to build their welcome basket
Use pre-arrival communications to tailor your welcome.
- For children: New bath toys, puzzle books, a stuffed animal, a nightlight, or pool toys.
- For honeymooners: A bath set, fresh flowers, and luxurious bathrobes.
- For pet-friendly rentals: Treats and toys for their dog. Happy pup, happy people!
Use your welcome basket to upsell to your guests
Welcome baskets are great for upselling. Include discount cards for local restaurants or attractions. Any special access you broker with local businesses can set you apart. By including these extras, you create a luxury experience, encouraging repeat bookings and rave reviews.
Use Touch Stay to help you to upsell in your welcome basket
Direct guests to your Touch Stay digital guidebook via your welcome note. There, detail extra services and local discounts. Your welcome basket and digital guidebook work together to nudge guests towards extras, enhancing their guest welcome basket experience.
Pro tip: Boost your revenue with our easy-to-use Upsell widget!
Gaining value from your welcome basket
The primary value from your Airbnb welcome basket is an exceptional guest experience. A positive first impression increases repeat bookings and recommendations.
You can also use your welcome package as marketing. Offer locally-sourced food, simple souvenirs, or branded items that benefit guests during their stay, such as:
- A beach tote
- Reusable water bottles
- Towels
- Postcards
- USB drives
These leave guests with a tangible reminder to share with friends, promoting your property.
Make your guests feel welcome with Touch Stay
Every guest deserves to feel welcomed. These welcome basket ideas will improve your guest experience.
At Touch Stay, we focus on guest experience. Our digital guidebook helps you make guests happy, leading to rave reviews and more bookings. It meets all guest needs, from local recommendations to appliance info. Plus, it's customisable for your branding.
Touch Stay stores all content in one online location. Just share a link for immediate access – no sign-ins or downloads.
The guest welcome process is crucial, but it's just the start of guest communication. Our Guest Communication Planner helps organise and optimise interactions from arrival to departure, ensuring consistent, professional communication at every stage.
Ready to elevate your guest experience and streamline your communications? Discover how Touch Stay can transform your Airbnb hosting!
