Airbnb welcome gift ideas that don’t break the bank

If you own or manage a short-term rental property, it’s safe to say your number one priority is to create a memorable guest experience. It’s easy to assume that adding a fancy Airbnb welcome gift will make all the difference. While an Airbnb welcome basket filled with a bottle of wine, indulgent chocolates, or a high-end scented candle makes for a great first impression, the real impact on guest satisfaction often lies elsewhere.

Let’s unpack how you can earn great guest reviews on a budget — and where you can stop overspending.

The good intentions trap

Many hosts put pressure on themselves to go all out. They imagine impressive extras — premium toiletries, handmade gifts, carefully arranged hampers — are what guests will remember most.

However, according to Hostaway, over 100 million nights have been booked through Airbnb’s Guest Favourites for properties which “have earned high praise from previous guests with attributes like cleanliness, location, and exceptional host responsiveness.”

Yes, the finer touches matter — but they don’t have to be expensive, elaborate, or hard to manage. And they don’t need to be luxury-branded. Why fill your Airbnb welcome pack with a $50 handwash or $100 wine bottle that will constantly need replacing when you can purchase high-quality, trusted brands at a far more affordable price? What sticks with guests is much simpler — comfort, cleanliness, and ease. 

Cleanliness, communication, comfort, and consistency — the four Cs for satisfied guests

Let’s cut to the chase — most 5-star reviews come down to doing the basics well. Guests appreciate:

1. ‍Cleanliness: There’s nothing worse than guests noticing smudged glasses in the kitchen cabinet or signs of mould in the shower. A spotless bathroom, dust and hair-free floors and upholstery; fresh linen, sparkling clean cutlery and dishes are a must. While a pristine property might seem like a basic necessity, you would be surprised at how easily some of these minor details can be overlooked. It’s a top priority to work with good Airbnb cleaners so guests can make themselves at home without having to second-guess the property's cleanliness. 
2. ‍Communication: Whether a guest is having trouble accessing the property or can’t figure out how to start the barbecue, they will appreciate nothing more than a quick response for a seamless experience. Be sure to provide clear check-in and check-out instructions on the listing and maintain a friendly, welcoming tone to encourage guests to reach out whenever they need. Make use of Airbnb's automated messages feature so you don't forget to provide key information. Guests want to feel reassured, not left guessing.
3. ‍Comfort: Nothing is more important than a good night’s sleep, so your guests can feel rested and rejuvenated to make the most of their trip. Plush, inviting beds, cosy lounges draped with a throw, block-out curtains — these are only some of the essential furniture for your Airbnb that guests will look forward to most when they return to their property after a busy day exploring. Be sure to cater to the right number of guests, whether it’s providing extra linen for a sofa bed or ensuring adequate outdoor and indoor seating arrangements.
4. ‍Consistency: Like anyone, a guest wants to rest assured that their booking is exactly what they signed up for. That means including professional real-estate photos and optimised property descriptions to match the property. No surprises, no missing amenities — just honesty.

These four pillars are the foundation of guest satisfaction. Fancy products and freebies, while appreciated, don’t make up for weak basics, but strong basics often forgive the lack of bells and whistles. When guests feel relaxed and things go smoothly, they’re far more likely to leave a great review.

Know more about how you can improve Airbnb guest management and communication by scheduling an obligation-free chat with Hometime:

Airbnb guest experience tips for a memorable stay

Here are the extras that truly get noticed — not because they’re flashy, but because they’re useful.

• Board games and card decks: What better way for a family, group of friends, or couple to spend a cosy night in or make the most of the wet weather than some games? A deck of cards or a classic board game like Cluedo, Monopoly, or Scrabble often makes for the most cherished memories guests will appreciate. 
• ‍Local guides and restaurant recommendations: An Airbnb welcome book filled with local recommendations or a rental listing, including nearby eats, coffee, and activities, shows care and saves guests time scrolling their phones. 
• ‍Beach towels and gear (where relevant): If you’re renting out your beachfront getaway, save guests packing space and help them avoid the unwanted costs of hiring beach towels. 
• ‍Good quality kitchenware: What often separates a short-term rental property from a hotel stay is the kitchen amenities in an Airbnb. It means travellers can look forward to the occasional home-cooked meal, whether it’s a peaceful breakfast on the deck, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or a delicious dinner. A sharp knife, decent pan, chopping board, and dinnerware are just some of the utensils to help your guests feel at home away from home. 
• Reliable coffee and tea setup: Whether a guest has arrived at the property after a long flight or wakes up with no groceries, they can count on a comforting cup of coffee or tea. It doesn’t need to be artisanal — just clean, working, and well-stocked. Investing in a reliable coffee machine and a smooth coffee blend is a simple way to add some luxury to their routine. Leaving clear instructions next to a coffee machine will also go a long way with guests.
• ‍Smart TV or streaming access: People love winding down with their shows — a smart TV or streaming access via Chromecast will make it easy for them to settle in and feel right at home.
• ‍Family-friendly inclusions (if applicable): Often, the first thing a guest will do on arrival is open the fridge to see what’s inside — why not include some juice for the kids or a variety pack of soft drink cans so there’s something for everyone? If families ask for a cot for their little one, include freshly folded sheets and a kids’ book or plush toy by the cot for an extra special touch.       

A great guest experience is built on consistency, not surprise

The real magic of hosting doesn’t rely solely on grand gestures or luxury items. It’s in making sure every guest has a stress-free, comfortable stay every single time.

If your property is clean, accurate, and thoughtfully set up, guests will notice. They’ll feel cared for. And they’ll be much more likely to leave a positive review and come back. More positive reviews = more bookings. 

Keep it simple. Keep it reliable. Keep it comfortable.

Why you should leave it to the experts for a better guest experience

While it might be tempting to do it all yourself, there are significant perks to outsourcing to a professional property manager like Hometime: 

• Standardised setups: Each property has a clear checklist. A property manager knows what needs to be stocked, where it goes, and how it’s maintained. 

• Supplier partnerships: Property managers often partner with reliable suppliers for great products at better prices. 

• Experts you can trust: A professional will manage your property as if it were their own. That means everything’s checked, prepped, and guest-ready — every time. No scrambling. No missed bins. No leftover half-bottles of wine.

As an Australian-owned and operated short-term rental manager since 2016, we've hosted more than one million delighted guests. Our full range of Airbnb management services in Australia includes:‍

• ‍Property onboarding: We’ll help you navigate local Airbnb rules for homeowners so you can list your home on Airbnb and other sites like Airbnb as quickly as we can so you can start getting bookings ASAP.
• Listing optimisation: Our team constantly works on improving your listing using Airbnb SEO and Airbnb styling and professional real-estate photography. We also create detailed guides for your guests for a local touch that help you get great Airbnb reviews.
• Airbnb cleaning services: We’ll find the best cleaners for regular cleans and restocking between stays, paid for using the built-in cleaning fee from the booking. No need to pay out of pocket between guest stays.
• Revenue and booking management: We calculate your Airbnb prices using Airbnb dynamic pricing strategies, allowing us to optimise your revenue while increasing short-term rental occupancy at the same time.
• Guest communication and management: We go the extra mile to ensure your guests enjoy every part of their stay, from making the booking, checking in, checking out, and everything in between. his includes guest vetting to reduce odds of property damage and Airbnb claims, taking care of maintenance issues quickly, providing alternatives for late-night arrivals, and even meeting them in person when needed!‍
• Property maintenance: Hometime’s local Airbnb experts will sort out all your maintenance needs to make both you and your guests happy. We’ll also do our best to get you the best rates for services in the area due to our close relationships with local businesses.
• Access to Hometime's all-in-one property management software to manage your Airbnb remotely.

Want to simplify your setup and grow your earnings? Download our host setup guide or talk to our helpful team at Hometime today. You can also read our blog post about the 10 signs you need an Airbnb manager to learn more about how you could benefit from partnering with Hometime. 

Frequently asked questions

‍What should I put in my Airbnb welcome pack?

A great Airbnb welcome pack doesn’t need to be expensive — it just needs to be thoughtful and useful.

Skip the luxury items. An affordable bottle of wine or a few snacks with a handwritten note adds a thoughtful touch, but guests are more likely to remember how easy their stay is.

Provide guests with the comfort and convenience of:

• Clear house instructions (Wi-Fi access, check-in and check-out information, bin info)
• Local recommendations (cafes, restaurants, things to do)
• Tea, coffee, and basic pantry items
• Spare bin liners, paper towels, and cleaning wipes
• Toiletries like soap and shampoo — simple but stocked

Bonus items that guests love, if you have them on hand:

• A deck of cards or board games
• Umbrellas or beach towels (for coastal stays)
• Reusable shopping bags

The goal is to help guests settle in quickly and feel looked after, without creating extra work or cost for every stay.

Remember, consistency beats luxury. A smooth experience always leaves a better impression than a one-off treat.

How do I make a welcome book for Airbnb?

Creating an Airbnb welcome book is one of the easiest ways to improve your guest experience — and reduce repetitive questions. It gives guests everything they need to enjoy their stay and use your home with confidence. To create a welcome book, simply:

1. ‍Start with the essentials: Include practical info like Wi-Fi details, check-in/out times, house rules, and appliance instructions.
2. ‍Add local recommendations: Share your favourite nearby cafes, restaurants, and things to do. Guests love local tips that go beyond Google.
3. ‍Keep the layout clear: Use headings, bullet points, and simple language that’s easy to follow. 
4. ‍Choose your format: You can go physical, digital, or both. A printed and laminated Airbnb welcome book left on the dining table or bedside table feels personal and is always accessible, even if the Wi-Fi drops out. A digital guide, whether it’s a PDF document or an online guest app, remains easy to update and share ahead of time. That way, guests can access your local recommendations even when they’re on the go. A digital guide can be a one-stop destination to link to online bookings for your guests’ convenience. Whichever format you choose, keep it simple, easy to navigate, and up to date. A well-made Airbnb welcome book makes guests feel cared for, without needing luxury touches.