What to include (and not!) in your holiday home welcome hamper
A great welcome can set the tone for your guests’ entire stay. The first impression they get as they step into your holiday let can make all the difference. One of the simplest ways to make your guests feel truly appreciated and welcome is with a thoughtfully curated welcome hamper.
A well-chosen hamper doesn’t need to be large or expensive—it’s the care and attention to detail that will leave a lasting impact. When done right, it helps create a warm welcome that guests will remember long after their stay, and it may even help prompt that five-star review or encourage them to return.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what to include—and what to avoid—in your holiday let’s welcome hamper. We’ll explore the benefits of choosing local, sustainable products and how small, independent businesses can help you elevate the experience for your guests.
What to include
Local, artisan products
One of the best things about a holiday let in a particular region is the opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. A bespoke welcome hamper offers you the perfect chance to showcase the finest local gourmet and artisan products.
By selecting local products, you’re not only supporting small businesses, but you’re also giving your guests a true taste of the region. Think small-batch jams and preserves, hand-crafted chocolates, luxury condiments and local delicacies and treats.
Practical but luxurious items
Products that your guests will enjoy and appreciate are those that are practical and will make their home-away-from-home that bit more comfortable, while also adding a touch of luxury. Think condiments, preserves, teas and coffees - the essentials, but with a local and luxurious spin!
Products tailored to the home
Help your guests enjoy your holiday let and make the most out of its offerings with carefully selected products. If you have a lovely bath, encourage your guests to unwind with some local, natural bath salts. If your property has the facilities for making coffee, why not include a bag of locally roasted coffee beans or ground coffee from a nearby artisan roaster? For guests who enjoy a morning brew, it’s a great luxury touch that makes their stay feel even more special.
Sustainable products
If sustainability and caring for the natural environment is important to you and the way that you manage your holiday let/s, reflect these values in the products you select for your welcome hamper. There are many artisanal producers offering items in plastic-free packaging - selecting these for your hampers helps support eco friendly and ethical local businesses while communicating a clear message about your values to your guests.
Information about the local area
A thoughtful welcome pack that includes useful local information is both practical whil being an opportunity to help your guests make the most of their time in the area. Including some helpful information will show them you care about their experience.
Provide a small guide with recommendations for local attractions, hidden gems, and the best places to eat and drink. Guests will appreciate insider tips on the area’s best-kept secrets—whether it’s a charming café, a scenic walking trail, or a beautiful viewpoint they may not have found on their own.
Also, don’t forget the practicalities—details like directions to the nearest pharmacy, supermarket, or transport options can be incredibly helpful. It’s all about ensuring your guests feel supported and have everything they need to make the most of their stay.
What not to include
Generic supermarket products
While there’s nothing wrong with picking up a few mainstream items, they don’t quite have the same impact as locally sourced, artisan alternatives. Avoid filling your welcome hamper with generic products from large department stores or supermarkets—they just won’t leave the lasting impression that local, hand-picked products will.
Guests will appreciate the personal touch that comes with supporting small, independent businesses, and your hamper will feel much more special when it showcases the unique tastes and traditions of the region.
Alcohol
While offering a bottle of wine or a local craft beer might seem like a great idea, it’s important to remember that alcohol can be a tricky subject for holiday let hosts. Did you know that if you are leaving something alcoholic to welcome your guests, you and your property need to be licenced? Many hosts do not have the appropriate alcohol license, which can make leaving alcohol in the hamper legally problematic.
Additionally, guests may have different preferences when it comes to alcohol. Some might not drink at all, while others may prefer not to consume it for health or personal reasons. It's best to avoid leaving alcohol in your welcome hamper and focus on other items that will be universally appreciated.
Perishable goods
It is not uncommon to be left scones or a loaf of bread at a holiday let - and if you can manage this it can be a lovely treat for your guests. However, perishable goods are also harder to manage, meaning that you can't stock hamper refills and products will be wasted in the case of cancelled bookings. Many people have food intolerances that may also mean these products will be wasted.
Our preference is for sustainable items, and many perishable goods come plastic-wrapped and will create food waste if not consumed within the first day or so by guests. For this reason, our preference is to avoid perishable items and opt for those with a little more longevity.
Final thoughts
Creating a bespoke welcome hamper for your holiday let is an opportunity to make a lasting first impression. It doesn’t have to be large or expensive, but it should be thoughtful, local, and luxurious in its own way. By selecting locally sourced products, supporting small businesses, and offering items that are both practical and indulgent, you can create a hamper that will be truly memorable for your guests.
If you would like to explore options to create bespoke, local welcome hampers for your holiday let we would be glad to have a chat. We create tailored welcome hampers from less than £15 and upwards. We focus on non-perishable items so that leaving your warm welcome is easy - no challenges stockpiling a few hamper refills or worrying if bookings are cancelled as all carefully chosen local products will last.