The Airbnb welcome basket is a nice touch that can make the difference between a four-star review and a five-star review. It’s a level of personalization that not every host provides—but if you do, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Super Host.
I’ve used Airbnb since 2014 and have stayed in 60+ Airbnbs, so I’m kind of an expert. Below are the best Airbnb welcome basket ideas based on my experience.
Airbnb Welcome Basket Ideas: What to Put Inside
First, you need the basket!
Get a nice wicker basket like this to fill with goodies. Be sure the guests know not to take the basket itself though (you can leave a little note explaining that the gifts inside are for them but to please leave the basket in place).
Handwritten greeting card
A handwritten note on a welcome card adds a human touch that Airbnb was always meant to have. If you can, write a personalized note on a greeting card, piece of paper, or a whiteboard in your Airbnb.
Airbnb Welcome Basket Snack Ideas
Opt for an assortment of individually wrapped snacks that you can throw into a basket. Make sure they are individually wrapped so that if one guest does’t use them, you can safely reuse them for the next guest.
Here are some of my faves for Airbnbs:
Lay’s potato chip variety pack
Nabisco variety pack (60 pack)
Gluten-free snack ideas
A lot of people don’t eat gluten, so it’s wise to pick snacks that are naturally gluten-free.
Soft-Baked Gluten-Free Cookies
Healthy Snack Ideas
Sweet Treats
Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles
Dark Chocolate Caramels with Sea Salt
Jelly Belly Gourmet Jelly Beans
Beverages
Did you know Pamplemousse (AKA Graprefruit) is the most popular La Croix flavor? Can’t go wrong here!
If you treat your guests to Fiji bottled water, I guarantee they’ll be leaving you a raving review, but any generic bottled water works too! Travelers are thirsty after a long journey and will appreciate the gesture.
Local souvenirs
What makes your city special? Try to find a way to tie that into your welcome basket. I had a host in Albuquerque, known for its green and red chiles, leave me chili-infused locally made chocolate and a New Mexico postcard! Not only was I able to enjoy the sweet treat, but I was also able to send a postcard to a friend.
Tips for Creating an Airbnb Welcome Basket With Ease
Skip the homemade baked goods
Twice Airbnb hosts have left me a huge plate of homemade cookies: Once in Croatia and once in Florida. But…I don’t eat gluten. 🙁 So the hosts wasted their time baking these delightful gifts, and they couldn’t even reuse them later because I stayed so long.
So skip the homemade stuff and opt for things that are packaged, sealed, and reusable if the guest decides not to eat them.
Leave instructions and ingredients with your cleaner
If you have a cleaner who turns over the Airbnb for you, and you barely step foot in it, you can still create a welcome basket. Just leave instructions with your cleaner, and leave all the ingredients in the cleaning closet so the cleaner has only to refill the basket.
Remember, it’s a tax deduction!
Check with your tax professional, but if your Airbnb is a business, it’s customary that expenses you make on it (such as furnishings and snacks) are likely tax deductible.
