How to Create an Airbnb Welcome Basket That Skyrockets Guest Satisfaction

Marifil Limpahan
Dec 16, 2025
4 min read

Airbnb Welcome Basket Ideas: Simple Extras That Turn Guests Into Superfans

If you want your Airbnb to shine, and stay booked, your guest experience has to stand out from the moment they walk through the door. And while Airbnb automation tools like Guesty help streamline your operations, there’s one simple upgrade that consistently surprises and delights guests:

A thoughtfully curated Airbnb welcome basket.

At BNB Guardians, we’ve helped new and seasoned hosts use small touches like this to boost their reviews, earn Superhost status faster, and elevate their overall Airbnb strategy. The good news? A welcome basket doesn’t have to be expensive to make a huge impact.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to include, how to keep it cost-effective, and how to personalize it so guests rave about their stay long after checkout.

Why an Airbnb Welcome Basket Works (and Why Every Host Should Offer One)

Guests choose short-term rentals because they want a warmer, more personalized stay than a hotel. A welcome basket tells them:

✔️ You care

✔️ You pay attention to details

✔️ You’re committed to a great experience

Even a $5–$10 welcome basket can influence a guest’s perception, and their review.

Inside our Airbnb coaching program, we emphasize this often: small hospitality upgrades = powerful Airbnb optimization.

Tips for Creating a Memorable (But Affordable) Welcome Basket

1. Start with What You Already Provide

If you already stock snacks, toiletries, or coffee, simply arranging them neatly in a basket or tray instantly feels intentional and “premium.”

You don’t need luxury items, just thoughtful presentation.

2. Buy in Bulk to Keep Costs Low

If your nightly rate is $100–150, a simple welcome basket is perfect.

If your rate is $250+, elevate the items to match your brand and pricing.

Bulk discounts = higher perceived value at lower cost.

3. Partner With Local Businesses

This is a favorite Airbnb marketing strategy we teach our hosts.

Local businesses often love partnering with STR owners. Ask for:

• Discounted local coffee

• Mini pastries

• Small-batch snacks

• Restaurant coupons

Guests love “local flavor,” and you get free or low-cost items for your basket.

4. Match Your Welcome Basket to Your Brand

Instead of a random basket, choose a container that fits your property’s vibe:

• A rustic wooden tray

• A tropical woven basket

• A sleek modern box

• A branded paper bag

Aesthetics matter, and they photograph well for your Airbnb listing.

What to Include in Your Airbnb Welcome Basket

Here are guest-approved essentials that consistently score 5-star reviews.

1. Personal Touches & Local Recommendations

Guests LOVE feeling like they’re getting insider access.

Include:

• A handwritten welcome note

• A quick “house manual” or QR code guide

• Your top restaurant picks

• Brochures or local activity cards

This is especially important if you’re managing your Airbnb remotely.

This kind of Airbnb guest communication builds trust and comfort immediately.

2. Travel Essentials

Be the host who saves the day.

Include small items like:

• Toothbrushes

• Mini toothpaste

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Bottled water

Guests forget things, it happens. Solving the problem instantly is memorable.

3. Snacks & Light Breakfast Items

Food = instant happiness.

Easy options:

• Oatmeal packets

• Granola bars

• Chips

• Fruit

• Local treats (your secret weapon for better reviews)

Hosting in San Francisco? Add Ghirardelli.

Hosting in Austin? Drop in a bottle of Topo Chico.

Vermont? Mini maple syrup bottles.

These personal touches boost your Airbnb SEO too, guests mention them in reviews.

4. Extra Comfort Items

If your property is more upscale, consider:

• Disposable slippers

• Body lotion

• Cozy socks

• Small candles

• Artisan soaps

If families stay often, add:

• Coloring sheets

• A small toy

The gesture alone elevates your Airbnb management experience.

5. Seasonal or Celebration-Themed Add-Ons

Match your basket to the guest’s stay:

• Holiday cookies

• A birthday balloon

• Anniversary chocolates

• Hot cocoa packets in winter

• Sunscreen in summer

These moments turn a stay into a memory.

6. Branding (This Is the Secret Growth Strategy!)

Your welcome basket can double as Airbnb marketing.

Add:

• Branded postcards

• A custom notepad

• A QR code linking to direct booking website

• A “follow us on Instagram” card

This is exactly the kind of Airbnb optimization we teach inside our Airbnb Super Host Academy.

Final Takeaway: Small Touches Build Big Loyalty

A well-curated Airbnb welcome basket:

✔️ Sets the tone for a 5-star stay

✔️ Boosts your occupancy long term

✔️ Helps you stand out from competing listings

✔️ Supports your path to becoming a Superhost

✔️ Enhances your Airbnb management system overall

Whether you're a brand-new host or scaling your STR business with multiple units, a welcome basket is one of the fastest, cheapest ways to level up your hosting.