New STR host in the Outer Banks, specifically on the 4x4 in Corolla, would love some insight on what to leave as a little something for each turnover. I was thinking a bag of coffee from a local coffee shop or something along those lines? Wild horses roam the beach so maybe something to do with that? Would love any help!
Welcome Gifts?
I leave a bottle of wine out with 2 wine glasses. I get my wine from Aldi for 3.95 a bottle. It’s very good wine.
+3
If yes - I think a super small bag of the same coffee & a coupon from the local shop could be a great collab. Let the coffee shop know what you already do (buy their coffee for your guests) and ask them if you could buy custom small size bags for a gift that you’d like to provide with a special coupon/discount for the guest to visit their shop. They might even give you the small bags for free as their own marketing!
We've tried a few things and landed on home made magnets. They have a picture of our property with it's name and a QR code to our direct site. We personally collect magnets when we travel, so thought this was the perfect mix between a souvenir and advertising.
We did made batches and batches of home made bars of soup with cute labeled packaging...and even though guests took it, no one ever said anything! I'm still surprised by this.
Carrie, owner/founder
Inndirectly
+3
I made them! 💕
I’d really encourage you to lean into local products, as it tends to create a much more memorable and authentic experience for guests.
For example, we offer a bottle of wine, but we’re in the Bordeaux region — and it’s always from a nearby château that we actually recommend in our guest guide. That way, it’s not just a gift, it’s part of a broader local experience, and we’re confident about the quality.
That said, wine can be a bit of a double-edged sword. If it’s not good (or not local), it can actually have the opposite effect — especially with guests who know wine. And more broadly, a growing number of people simply don’t drink alcohol, so it’s not always the safest option outside of wine regions.
Working with local artisans is often a great alternative:
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chocolates from a local chocolatier
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pastries or biscuits from a nearby bakery
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or even something more durable and useful like a handmade blanket, a wooden box, or a small craft item
The key is really coherence: the gift should feel connected to your location and your story, not generic. That’s what makes it stand out and actually be remembered.
+1I'll say to spend about 1% of the reservation on a small gift. Be careful with overdoing it, since it can eat away at your profits.
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