How to DIY the Perfect Guest Room Welcome Basket

If you know me, you know there’s nothing I love more than opening up my home to friends and family.  As a certified homebody, creating a cozy and welcoming space to gather in is my bread and butter. But when it comes to welcoming overnight guests, it can be stressful making sure they have everything they need at any given time. That’s why I like to plan ahead by prepping a guest room welcome basket full of all the essentials they might need so that we can both relax and enjoy our time together.

Creating a DIY guest room welcome basket is really simple and doesn’t require any prior DIY experience or skills. It will only take a little bit of thought and preparation to create a basket that will make your guest feel like they’re getting a 5-star experience right from the start.

Today, I’m breaking down exactly what to put in your own guest room welcome basket to make your guest feel at home – and also what not to put in your welcome basket (these might surprise you!).

 

Choosing the Right Gift Basket

The truth is, your gift “basket” doesn’t have to be a basket at all. You could use a pretty tray, gift bag, or tote bag. You really just need to be sure that your vessel is large enough to hold your items, but not so big it’s overwhelming.  Bonus points if the style of the basket also matches the rest of your guest room decor.

Here are some of my personal favorite baskets and trays:

 

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What to Put in Your Guest Room Welcome Basket

Your key to creating the perfect welcome basket is understanding your guests’ needs and preferences. You might not want to give your lifelong best friend the same exact guest basket you give your Great Aunt Sally. Basic welcome baskets should contain things that you can anticipate your guest might need or want. That could include toiletries, extra face towels, snacks, and water bottles.

Here are some ideas on what to include:

• Snacks and Refreshments:
  • Bottled water or sparkling water
  • A variety of individually wrapped snacks (such as granola bars, nuts, or chips)
  • Sweet treats
  • Locally sourced goodies from your area

 

• Toiletries and Essentials:
  • Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand lotion)
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Facial tissues
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Makeup remover wipes
  • Extra hand towels
  • Tissues
  • Shower cap

 

• Local Information:
  • A map or brochure of local attractions, restaurants, and nearby places of interest
  • Recommendations for nearby coffee shops or breakfast spots
  • Souvenir, keepsake, or postcard unique to the area

 

• Comfort Items:
  • A soft throw blanket
  • A scented sachet or linen spray for a pleasant aroma
  • Cozy slippers or socks
  • Sleeping eye mask
  • Ear plugs

 

• Reading Material:
  • A magazine or book related to the area or your guests’ interests
  • A notepad and pen for jotting down notes or travel plans
  • Local newspaper

 

• Small Entertainment:
  • Puzzle books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc.)
  • A deck of playing cards

 

Special Touches

The best way to make your guests feel special and take your guest room basket to the next level is to add a few special touches specific to their preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Local Goods: Add a touch of local flavor with items like baked goods, a local magazine, or keepsakes specific to your town.
• Handwritten Note: Personalize the experience with a heartfelt note welcoming your guests.
• Wrapped Gift: Surprise your guests with a small wrapped gift as a token of appreciation.
• Local Guidebook: Help your guests explore the area with a guidebook highlighting local attractions and hidden gems.
• Items Catered to Their Interests: Consider including items related to your guests’ hobbies or interests for a thoughtful touch.
• A bottle of wine: Add their fave wine as a special welcome gift.

 

What NOT to Put in Your Welcome Basket

As mentioned earlier, knowing your guest is key.  Think about if your guests has any allergies, sensitivities, or just plain ol’ dislikes, and of course, exclude any items that could pose a problem.  While it’s okay to bend these “rules” from time to time, here are a few items you might want to reconsider including in your basket:

• Strongly Scented Items: While some guests would love to receive scented candles, soaps, and lotions, other guests  may have allergies or sensitivities to strong perfumes. Opt for subtle scents or skip them altogether.
• Medications: Take this with a grain of salt. Some mild antacids and Advil is safe for most adult guests, but single-dose packets medicines may not be childproof and could end up in the wrong hands if your guests are traveling with children. I would recommend just stashing medicines away in your own cabinets and providing them only when requested.
• It’s best not to include any medications or prescription items in the welcome basket.
• Messy or Sticky Snacks: Skip snacks that can create crumbs or sticky residue.
• Large or Bulky Items: Avoid overly large gift baskets or oversized containers. They take up space and can overwhelm the room. Stick to smaller, practical containers or trays. Guests traveling by plane also may not have the space to repack all of the items you’ve provided.
• Too Many Items: Remember that less is often more. A cluttered welcome basket can feel overwhelming. Focus on a few thoughtful essentials rather than overloading it with items.

 

Tips for Presentation and Delivery

How you present your guest room welcome basket is just as important as its contents. Here are some tips for making a memorable impression:

• Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the presentation, arranging items neatly and thoughtfully within the basket. Add decorative elements like a bow on top for an extra special touch.
• Timing is Key: Place the welcome basket in the guest room before your guests arrive, so they feel welcomed the moment they walk in the door.
• Personalized Touches: Tailor the contents of the welcome basket to suit your guests’ preferences and needs, adding personal touches that show you’ve gone the extra mile to make their stay special.
• Basket Etiquette: If you want your guest to keep the basket, make sure it is compact enough to travel with or opt for a tote bag instead. If you want your guest to leave the basket itself behind for your next guests, let them know ahead of time.
• Themed Baskets: Make your guests’ overnight stay falls around the holiday season, a holiday-inspired basket will feel like an extra special treat for your guests.
• Make it Kid Friendly: If there will be children present, consider adding some coloring pages, Crayons, Legos, or other small toys to keep them busy.

 

Creating a guest room welcome basket is a lot of fun and a great way to show your guests that you’ve put in extra effort to make their stay comfortable. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but the little things can make a big difference in your guests’ experience. So next time you have overnight guests, consider putting together a DIY guest room welcome basket. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in creating a memorable stay for your guests.

For more on entertaining essentials that make hosting easy breezy, check out this post.

As always, I can’t wait to see what you create!

xo, tjp