What should I put in an Airbnb welcome basket?

The basics

A welcome basket is a courtesy, not a gift hamper. Its job is to help guests settle in on the first evening and the first morning, before they find a store. A few useful items, set out the same way every stay, do that better than a large basket.

Treat it like any other restock: it is a cost you pay on every stay, so price it before you commit to it.

Practical items that work

• A short welcome note. Two or three lines with the guest's name and how to reach you.
• Coffee and tea for the first morning. Match the coffee to your coffee maker.
• Bottled water. Useful after a long drive or flight.
• One or two sealed snacks. Store-bought and individually wrapped.
• A printed Wi-Fi card. Guests look for it first.
• A short list of nearby basics. The closest grocery store, pharmacy and a place to eat.

Non-food extras such as a local map or a spare phone charging cable also help, and they raise no food questions.

What it can cost per stay

These are example ranges, not market prices. Check what the items cost where you shop.

A worked example

Hypothetical basket for a 4-guest condo:

At 5 stays in a month, that is $8.00 × 5 = $40.00 for the month. If the snacks go and the rest stays, the basket drops to $4.00 per stay, or $20.00 for the same month.

Food safety and labeling

• Keep the original packaging. Guests with food allergies need to read the ingredient and allergen labels. Do not repackage food into jars or bags.
• Choose sealed, shelf-stable items. They keep between stays and do not need the fridge.
• Do not label food yourself as allergen-free. Let the manufacturer's label speak.
• Check local rules before serving food. Rules on offering homemade, prepared or perishable food to guests vary by state and city, so check with your local health department first.
• Think twice about alcohol. Local rules vary, and not every guest drinks or is of drinking age. Skip it if you are unsure.

Keep it consistent

1. Write the basket into your cleaner's turnover list, item by item.
2. Store basket supplies in one labeled bin, so restocking takes a minute.
3. Check dates on snacks and coffee at each turnover.
4. If you mention the basket in your listing, provide it on every stay.

The stay profit calculator shows what one stay leaves you after cleaning, laundry and consumables, including the basket. To greet guests in writing as well, use the first night check-in message.