As the saying goes, “First impressions are lasting impressions!“

Let’s face it, everyone loves surprises. If you want to stand out from all the other rentals in your neighborhood, then take the extra few steps. Each gift should be personalized. Welcome Gifts can be inexpensive and fun to create.

How do you know what your guests will like? Asking specific questions when you are screening your potential renters will give you the answers you need, such as: How many adults and how many children will be joining you during your stay? And what are the ages of the children? Are you celebrating a special event? Maybe it’s their anniversary, someone’s birthday, graduation, etc.? Whatever the occasion, it is your job to find out what it is during the screening process. Once you find out, now you can start planning your surprise welcome gift.

It can range from an inexpensive bottle of wine to a basket full of goodies or just about anything else.  Talk with your local store owners and see if you could get discounted tickets or coupons in exchange for referrals for your guests.   Also, check local events and leave appropriate lists for individual party.  For instance, if there is a crafts fair in town, your “girls’ weekend” guests would most likely enjoy going to it.  For the men, they may enjoy snowmobile racing.

Here are some basket ideas:

Anniversary: scented candles, grapes, chocolates, bottle of champagne, dinner for two at local restaurant.

Birthday: cupcakes, birthday candles, paper dishes, horns, and streamers.

Graduation: popcorn, potato chips, fresh brownies, paper goods saying congratulations.  Flowers, bottle of champagne or surprise basket.

Holiday: fresh fruit, fresh muffins, fresh cookies, holiday paper goods.

Girl’s weekend: bath oils, lotions, chocolates, white wine, assorted tea bags, women’s magazines.

Guy’s weekend:  mixed salted nuts, chocolate, assorted chips, pretzels, sports magazine for men, tickets to local event.

Young children: dominos, coloring books and crayons, playing cards, dice (left, right, center).

Teens: playing cards, dice (left, right, center), bags of chips, flavored popcorn, comic strip magazines, movie tickets to local theater.

If you would like additional ideas or have any questions or comments, please email Marie Ferguson at info@HowtoRentVacationHomes.com or visit our site: www.HowToRentVacationHomes.com