What to Put in a Guest Room Basket for a Warm Welcome

Looking for ideas on what to put in a guest room basket? Whether you’re hosting friends or family members, a thoughtfully put-together basket can really make your guests feel at home and welcome!

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating the perfect guest room basket.

From picking the right type and size of basket to deciding what to include and what to avoid.

I’ll also share some handy tips to make sure your guests are genuinely impressed. Let’s dive right in!

Why have a Guest Room Basket?

Have you ever stayed at someone’s home and found a cute welcome basket waiting for you? It probably felt super nice and special, like they really put thought into making you feel at home.

That’s exactly why you might want to consider creating one for your guests.

It’s a thoughtful way to show you care and can really make their overnight stay more enjoyable.

Plus, it’s really handy because, let’s face it, we all forget things sometimes – like a toothbrush or a phone charger.

Having a basket with essentials and some thoughtful extras can make life so much easier for both you and your guests.

Benefits for Guests and Hosts

For Guests:

Comfort and Convenience: They won’t have to worry about little things they might have forgotten, like toothpaste or a phone charger. Everything they need is right there, so they can settle in quickly.
Feeling Welcomed: A personal touch, like a welcome note or local treats, makes them feel appreciated and special.
No Need to Ask: Guests often feel kinda uncomfortable asking for things like the WiFi password, extra water, or snacks. (Even if you’ve told them to make themselves at home.) Including these in the basket means they don’t have to ask, which makes their stay so much more comfortable.

For Hosts:

Less Stress: You won’t have to rush around finding items your guests might need last minute. It’s all prepared in advance.
Thoughtful Gesture: It shows your guests that you’ve gone the extra mile to make them feel at home, which they will surely appreciate.

In short, a guest room welcome basket is a wonderful way to make your guests feel super special.

Choosing the Right Type of Guest Basket

When it comes to picking the perfect basket for your guests, you’ve got more options than just the classic woven basket. Here are a few ideas that might fit your style and space:

Trays: Decorative trays are sleek and modern. They’re perfect for smaller spaces and look elegant on a nightstand or dresser. Plus, they’re easy to clean and add a nice touch.
Boxes: Wooden or decorative boxes offer a unique look. They can be a bit more polished and tidy, and they’re great because guests can reuse them after their stay. They also give a clean, stylish appearance.
Tote Bags: A tote bag can be a fantastic choice! It’s practical, stylish, and super versatile. Plus, it’s easy to carry and reusable. Tote bags come in different styles and sizes, and they can be folded away or tucked into a corner when not in use. This means no extra clutter in the room.

Picking the Right Size

You might think you need a giant basket to make an impression, but that’s not necessarily true.

A basket that’s too big can actually be overwhelming for your guests. They might wonder if they should take it home or struggle to find a place for it.

Instead, aim for something that’s just the right size. A basket, tray, or box that’s about 8-10 inches in width is usually perfect.

It’s small enough not to crowd the room and fits perfectly on a side table, yet it’s big enough to hold all the essential items comfortably.

This size ensures your guests will find it easy to use and won’t feel confused about what to do with it.

What to Put in a Guest Room Basket

Before you start filling up the houseguest welcome basket, take a moment to think about your guests and what they might need or enjoy. This thoughtful touch will make a big difference.

For instance, you probably wouldn’t put the same items in a basket for your best friend as you would for your aunt.

However, some basic essentials are always a good idea like water bottles and toiletries.

Here’s a handy list of things to include in the guest basket:

Essentials

Travel-Size Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofahs, body and hand lotion
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Feminine hygiene products
Deodorant
Hand sanitizer
Facial Tissues and face masks
Small Hairbrush
Hand Towels

Snacks and Beverages

Some guests might feel shy about asking for water or snacks, so these are must-haves. It’s also a good idea to check for any allergies beforehand to cater to their needs.

Small Snacks
- Granola bars and crackers
- Sweet treats like a mini bag of oreos or other candies
- Trail mix
- Fresh fruit (e.g., apples, oranges)
Beverages
- Bottles of water (both still and sparkling)
- Cranberry juice or apple juice for that special touch
- Their favorite bottle of wine

Entertainment

Giving your guests something to do during their stay is a thoughtful touch. Include:

Wi-Fi password
Charging cable
List local coffee shops, and grocery stores
Public transportation details
Some magazines and books catered to their interests
Notepad and a pan
Puzzle books

Comfort Items

If you want to put in extra effort, consider adding these items. They don’t all have to fit in the basket; some can be placed nearby.

Extra blanket
Comfy slippers and a robe
Earplugs and eye mask
Travel-sized pillow spray (e.g., lavender for relaxation)
Alarm clock if they need a reminder of their schedule

Make it Special

Adding a few personal touches is a great way to make the basket even more thoughtful.

Personalized welcome note: A handwritten note personalized with inside jokes or shared memories that shows your excitement for the visit.
Local Products: Specialty items from local businesses, like regional jams or baked goods.
Personalized Amenities: Items such as monogrammed towels, a custom mug, or a name tag can add a unique touch.
Pajamas: Giving them some cozy pj’s is the ultimate way to really make them feel right at home. Just make sure they’re appropriate for the season—lightweight for summer and warmer for winter.
Scented Candle: Who doesn’t love a good scented candle? It’s a cute welcome gift to include in the basket. You could pick one that even matches the season for an extra cozy and thoughtful touch.
Interest-Based Items: Things related to their hobbies or preferences, like protein bars, a reading light, a wellness journal, or even a massage coupon.

What Not to Put in a Guest Room Basket

While filling a guest room basket with thoughtful items can make your guests feel special, there are some things that are best left out.

Medication: It’s best to avoid including medication in your welcome basket. Keep any necessary medications in your cabinets and let your guests know they can ask if they need anything. This is especially important if your guests are traveling with children. Because having medication easily accessible could be unsafe.
Way too many items: Even though this list of items is long, you don’t need to include everything. A few thoughtful picks along with the essentials will do the trick. Overloading the basket can make it feel cluttered and overwhelming.
Overly expensive items: Including pricey items might make your guests feel uncomfortable or obligated, even though your intentions are good. Stick to simple, thoughtful items that show you care without making them feel awkward.
Clutter Items: The basket should add to your house guests’ comfort, not add more clutter. Avoid bulky items or too many knick-knacks. Keep it simple and focused on what will genuinely enhance their stay.

Some Tips on How to Create a Guest Bedroom Basket

To sum it all up, here are some easy tips for creating the perfect guest welcome basket:

Choose the Right Container: Again, it’s key to pick a container that’s the right size – not too big or too small. You can go with a basket, tray, tote bag, or whatever you like. If it matches your decor, that’s a nice bonus, but it’s not a must. Just make sure it’s something that fits well with your space and looks inviting.
Arrange Items Nicely: Place taller items at the back and shorter ones at the front so everything’s visible and accessible. Group similar items together to keep things organized and easy to find.
Add Special Touches: Make your guests feel extra special with a few thoughtful touches. Fresh flowers, seasonal decorations, or a nice bow can really make the basket stand out.
Include Personal Touches: Add a handwritten note to welcome them warmly. If you know their favorite snacks or small items they love, include those to show you’ve put extra thought into their basket.
Timing and Placement: Prepare the basket a day or two in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Place it somewhere easy to spot, like on the bed or nightstand, so it’s a lovely surprise when they arrive.
Make it Clear: If you don’t want them to take the basket home, let them know before they leave. If you do want them to take it, make sure it’s not too bulky for easy transport.

Now that we’ve covered everything from choosing the right size and type of container to what should and shouldn’t go in your basket, it’s time for you to get creative! Have fun picking out all the items, arranging them, and adding those special personal touches for welcoming guests in the best way.

Your effort will make your overnight guests feel right at home and truly welcomed. Enjoy the process and make it as thoughtful and unique as you can!

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