Updated March 2023
One way to make your guests feel special is by leaving a welcome gift for them. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, but it will certainly make your guests feel welcome and create a great first impression. A small investment can lead to return visits, excellent reviews, and friends telling friends about your hospitality!
A handwritten note welcoming your guests into your home is a nice personal touch. We have partnered with local artist Gail O’Leary, who has custom-created for us some beautiful note cards reproduced from her original works of art: Greeting Cards by Gail.
Some ideas for welcome gifts
Sweet Treats - Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? With a multitude of bakeries and candy shops on the Cape and Islands, you are bound to find various sweet items that will certainly please your guests. Sure bets are:
Snacks - Vacationers will appreciate snack foods they can eat at home or take to the beach. Fill a basket, tote, or pail with chips, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, bottled water, or juice.
Farmers Markets - If you are local, choose a few items from a local farmers market. Fresh fruit, flowers, local honey, jams, or jellies make delightful gifts.
Breakfast Items - Coffee, pastries, hot chocolate, and assorted teas are popular welcome gifts. Check out:
Wine and Cheese - A nice bottle of wine paired with cheese and crackers makes an elegant gift. Local options include:
Non-Food Items - Sunscreen, coupons or gift cards to local shops or restaurants, a local guidebook, or a copy of the most recent local magazine or newspaper are always thoughtful additions.
Don’t forget Fido and kids
Should your vacation rental home accept pets, be sure to include some dog biscuits or a dog toy from your local pet store. For young guests, be sure to include some bubbles, puzzles, crayons and paper, or perhaps a few sand toys.
Gift Presentation
The presentation of your welcome gift can range from simple to elaborate. You could put all the items in a basket, tote, or beach pail. Or, simply arrange the gifts neatly on the kitchen counter, dining table, or in the entryway, wherever your guests will be most likely to see them upon their arrival. And don’t forget the
handwritten welcome note!
Storing Gifts
If you don’t live near your rental home and are unable to be present during turnovers, you will have to rely on your cleaners or property manager to leave the gift and note for the incoming guests.
I store my gifts in a locked cabinet in the basement. The gifts are lined up in order, along with a note card with the name of the guests and their arrival date on the envelope (so there will be no mix-ups). This process has worked well for us for 26 summers! Of course, if you are leaving gifts for the entire season, you’ll have to select something non-perishable.
Whatever you choose to welcome your guests with, it will most certainly be appreciated and make a positive and lasting impression.
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