Key takeaways
- A thoughtful Airbnb welcome basket may boost five-star reviews and make your property more memorable.
- Consider the ROI on a welcome basket before deciding to offer one.
- Vacation rental welcome baskets don’t need to be expensive. A small, well-curated mix of useful and local items goes a long way.
Guests might book your listing for the photos, but what they remember is how you made them feel.
One way you can make that guest experience as memorable as possible is by leaving behind a thoughtful Airbnb welcome basket.
A welcome gift basket is a small gesture with a potentially big payoff: guests enjoy the unexpected gesture and might be more likely to leave a five-star review, the most coveted reward for Airbnb managers and STR hosts.
This guide covers:
- Whether you should provide welcome baskets
- How welcome baskets can increase positive reviews
- Practical tips for stocking and restocking gift baskets efficiently
- Budget-friendly ways to add thoughtful touches your guests actually appreciate
- Creative basket ideas for every type of property
- Where to find high-quality gift basket items at the best prices
Do hosts need to provide an Airbnb welcome basket?
Short answer: no. But the right welcome basket can pay off.
Guests don’t expect a basket of goodies waiting for them. But when they find one, it’s usually the first thing they mention in reviews.
According to AirDNA’s analysis of more than 32,000 Airbnb reviews mentioning “welcome basket” or “gift basket” in 2023, 94% were five-star ratings. Plus, the percentage of four-star or lower reviews dropped by 60% when guests specifically mentioned a welcome basket.
That’s the psychology of hospitality: Guests interpret these small touches as evidence of care and professionalism.
So, the TL;DR:
While not required, a welcome basket can elevate your guests’ stay and boost your property’s reputation over time.
Pros and cons of welcome baskets for hosts
Providing a welcome basket can elevate your guests’ experience, but it’s not without its trade-offs.
The main advantage is how quickly it can build goodwill. Guests who find a basket waiting for them feel instantly cared for, which often translates into better reviews and repeat stays.
That boost in satisfaction can pay for itself. Even if your basket costs $10 or $15 to restock per stay, a small increase in occupancy or nightly rate can quickly outweigh the expense.
Welcome baskets also help differentiate your property from competitors, adding a personal touch that feels less transactional.
The drawbacks of leaving behind a welcome basket are mostly logistical.
Each basket adds another step to your turnover routine, especially if you manage your Airbnb remotely. Costs can add up, too, especially if you’re not buying in bulk or tracking usage. Plus, not every guest will make use of the items – snacks can go stale, and guests’ preferences vary. That’s why it’s smart to start small, test what works, and optimize from there.
3 things to consider before deciding to offer Airbnb welcome baskets
Is it feasible logistically?
If you live near your rental, restocking gift baskets is relatively simple. But if you manage your property remotely or rely on a property manager or co-host, you’ll need a repeatable process.
Ask yourself:
- Can your cleaner or property manager reset the basket during turnovers?
- Do you have backup supplies stored in the unit?
- Is there a system in place to track when items run low?
Some hosts create a dedicated “basket bin” in a closet with pre-packed gift basket items. Others use property management software or notes in cleaning checklists to keep everyone aligned.
Will your guests actually use the items in the welcome basket?
Your welcome basket for Airbnb guests needs to be purposeful, not an afterthought. A bag of chips that guests can get at any grocery store might go untouched, while a small batch chocolate bar from a local shop with a handwritten note is more likely to be remembered.
Focus on items that feel thoughtful and useful.
Choose regionally relevant touches that fit your property’s vibe, like:
- Sunscreen and aloe packets for beach destinations
- Hot cocoa mix for mountain cabins
- Reusable grocery totes for city apartments
Consumables usually work best since guests don’t need to pack them when they leave. If you do include physical items, like a souvenir or travel accessory, keep them small, lightweight, and easy to pack into luggage.
Your Airbnb welcome basket should also reflect who your guests actually are. If families with kids only stay occasionally, skip the coloring books and focus on universally appreciated items instead.
What’s the ROI on your Airbnb gift basket?
It’s easy to overspend in the name of hospitality, so make sure the math makes sense before you start curating a welcome basket.
Let’s say your Airbnb gift basket costs $10 per turnover. If it consistently earns more five-star reviews, that can boost your search ranking and your occupancy rate. Even a small 2-3% increase in bookings can more than offset that expense.
What to put in a welcome basket for Airbnb guests
If you’ve decided you do want to provide a welcome basket, it’s time to decide what goes in it.
A great welcome basket balances practicality with personality.
Start by thinking about what your guests actually need in their first few hours – something to sip, snack on, or help them unwind. Then consider layering in small, regional touches.
Food and drink
- Bottled water or sparkling water
- Locally roasted coffee or tea packets
- Snack bars, cookies, or regional treats
- Popcorn or pretzels
- Hot cocoa mix
- Bottle of wine or a 4-pack of craft beer
- Small jar of honey or jam
Entertainment
- Local guidebook
- Playing cards or a small puzzle
- QR code linking to a curated Spotify playlist for the home
- Coupons for nearby attractions or cafes
Local flair
- Handwritten note introducing the neighborhood
- A map highlighting hidden gems
- Small souvenir, like a coaster or magnet from a local shop
- A postcard featuring a local icon or landmark
Comfort and convenience
- Reusable tote bag
- Compact umbrella or poncho
- Eye mask or pair of earplugs
- Mini hand sanitizer bottle
- Hand lotion
- Sunscreen
7 Airbnb welcome basket ideas
Looking for inspiration? These Airbnb welcome basket ideas show how a few small, well-chosen items can have a big impact, no matter your property type or budget.
1. “Local Flavor” basket
Highlight the best of your region with locally made snacks and small-batch beverages. Think maple candies in Vermont, gourmet olive oil in California, or a jar of peach jam in Georgia. Whatever your town is known for, help your guests get to know it, too! Bonus points: add a short note introducing each brand or maker.
2. “Relax and Recharge” basket
Perfect for guests arriving after long travel days. Include herbal tea, a lavender sachet, a mini bottle of bubble bath, and a pair of slippers. It’s a simple way to transform your rental into a calm retreat.
3. “Family Fun” basket
Great for family-friendly rentals — but only leave this one out if you know kids will be staying. Include kid-approved snacks, coloring books, crayons, and a compact card game. Parents appreciate the thoughtful touch!
4. “Morning Kickstart” basket
For coffee lovers and early risers. Pack locally roasted coffee beans, creamer packets, filters, and a few grab-and-go breakfast snacks like granola bars or pastries from a nearby bakery.
5. “Pet-Friendly” basket
If your property welcomes pets, this one’s a winner. Include a collapsible water bowl, a pack of biodegradable poop bags, and a few treats from a local pet bakery. Guests traveling with pets will notice (and often mention) the extra thought you put in.
6. “Eco-Friendly” basket
Ideal for hosts who want to emphasize sustainability. Include reusable tote bags, stainless-steel straws, refillable toiletry bottles, or compostable snack packaging. A quick note about your eco-friendly practices will mean a lot to environmentally conscious guests.
7. “Luxury Stay” basket
For high-end listings, go for quality over quantity. Include a mini bottle of champagne, luxury chocolate, and an artisan soap or room spray. Print your Airbnb welcome packet on high-quality paper and tuck it neatly into the basket for a polished presentation.
Where to buy items for your Airbnb welcome basket
Some of the best welcome basket goodies don’t come from big-box stores. Local items are more charming and help support nearby businesses. Check farmers’ markets, small-batch makers, or independent coffee roasters in your area.
For essentials and high-quality touches, Minoan makes it easy to stock your welcome basket. You can shop hundreds of hospitality-ready brands in one place, all at insider pricing up to 60% off retail.
A few of our favorite brands for basket items include:
- Public Goods for refillable toiletries and travel-sized amenities that feel boutique.
- Parachute for cozy eye masks, robes, and small comfort items that elevate the guest experience.
- Society6 for locally inspired artwork or postcards to slip into your Airbnb welcome packet.
You can manage your entire order from Minoan’s centralized platform, track shipments, and effortlessly reorder replenishable items.
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