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Basket Ideas For Houseguests

For many people, winter holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas mean an influx of friends and family members coming to stay. Of course, that means you’ll need to tidy your guest bedroom and spare bathroom.

Want to add a nice finishing touch? Take a look at some welcome basket ideas for houseguests so you will gain a reputation for being the host with the most.

Spare Toiletries

Everyone who has ever traveled knows all too well how common it is to forget a toothbrush or nail file, so add these items to your list of welcome basket ideas. Fill your basket with things that you think guests might need. You can include dental floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, tissues and a hair dryer. If you have unopened sample-sized soaps or bottles of face wash, lotions and shampoos, you can toss those in your basket, too.

Some Entertainment Options

As much as guests appreciate your hospitality, they may need to retreat to their rooms every now and then to have a little quiet time and recharge. This is especially true of friends and family who might be staying for longer periods of time. Provide them with a few options other than their smartphone screens. Some welcome basket ideas for entertainment include card games, magazines and books of crossword puzzles.

Regional Information

Houseguests that are staying for an extended amount of time may need to travel about on their own while you’re at work or even just to have a moment or two to themselves. Help them out by leaving them some tips about the area. Write down the addresses of local grocery stores and shopping centers, as well as regional attractions like museums, art galleries and scenic views. You can also leave guests a list of recommendations for your favorite coffee shop, yoga class or restaurants, so that they can enjoy the area whether or not you’re around to play tour guide.

Local Products

When you’re trying to come up with creative gift ideas for houseguests, keep it local. Grab a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard or jars of honey, pickles and jam at the farmers’ market. Is your city known for a specific seasoning blend, candy or type of cookie? Add those to the pack, too! Hosts with children can take the local hospitality to the next level by having the kids design a welcome card for guests.

Snacks

One of the best welcome basket ideas you’ll come across is snacks. Guests may wake up hungry early in the morning or late in the evening and would likely feel uncomfortable or even rude asking for a late snack or rummaging through your fridge at odd hours of the day our night. Leave them a few packaged snacks, such as pretzels, trail mix or nuts. And if you haven’t put out drinking glasses for your guests, add a few bottles of water to your welcome basket, too.

Worried that you’ll be too busy cleaning common areas and basting the turkey to get your guestrooms in order? Contact your local Merry Maids. We’ll be glad to lend a hand with the cleanup — before or after the holidays — so that you can put those welcome basket ideas to use.