Guest Room Welcome Basket
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My husband and I love house guests. Hosting friends and family overnight makes us feel happy & content. Now that we have our own place again, I plan to make up a supply basket for our guest room. This idea probably isn’t really original, hotels have been doing it for years. However, I think they are very beneficial to you and your guests. They are a good way to be prepared for house guests.
I know that when I am staying over at someone else’s place, I feel awkward asking for personal hygiene items that I may have left at home: toothpaste, Q-tips, soap, etc. I also feel awkward rummaging through their bathroom drawers looking for such items.
When house guests would ask for those items, it is never awkward for me, but I feel embarrassed that they are not readily available to meet my guests’ needs. I know they must be feeling embarrassed as to leave them at home as well.
Why not be more prepared. Make it more comfortable for everyone involved and make a welcome basket for your guests? Be sure to included:
- toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and possibly some mouth wash
- brush or comb, bobby pins, hair ties, hair dryer
- shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Tylenol, Motrin, cough drops, band-aids
- pads, tampons
- Q-tips, tissues,
- lotion, chap-stick
- batteries
Also in the guestroom, you should leave out:
- towels, washcloths,
- extra blankets & sheets
- magazines & books, crosswords or Sudoku
- an alarm clock & calendar
- pens, paper, note cards, post cards
- snacks or candy
- candle
- TV & radio
Also, write a personal note or letter to the guests to make them feel welcome. You can include a note (possibly laminated) with information about your house/apartment. Information to include:
- where they can park
- info about local coffee shops, malls, tourist spots
- how to run the TV or DVD player
- WiFi password
- work/school schedules of you & your family
- emergency phone numbers
Your house guests will really appreciate the effort you make to see to their comfort.
Once your guests leave, do a quick survey of the room and the basket, go to the aisle with the toiletry samples, and restock. Pretty simple.
I also add allergy meds, sunblock and aloe vera gel.
I also like to leave some bottles of water. I hate to wake up thirsty during the night at someone else’s house.
I love this list! I second Lana’s suggestion of water, too. I pinned this to have on hand next time I am preparing for houseguests. Thank you!
I too leave out a basket of goodies for my guests but hadn’t thought of batteries! Bottled water is a must bedside too. We have a guest room with attached full bath so I keep it ready for last minute drop ins :). The sample area at the store is the perfect place to restock!
I really like how you added feminine hygiene products…I know some are sensitive about this but it’s a biological fact & sometimes our guests forget to pack such items…I would add an extra blanket in the room & a small coffee maker, couple of mugs & coffee of course…I have to have my coffee in the morning before I’m human…Great post 🙂
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