Special requests are not a hassle – they’re an opportunity. When a guest reaches out before their arrival asking for something “extra” (yoga mat, blender, wine glasses, etc.), it’s a sign they’re invested in their stay. And for you as a host, it’s the perfect chance to deliver a memorable experience – one that gets reviews like “The host thought of everything!”. With a bit of planning, you can turn common requests into ready-to-go mini gift sets that wow your guests and streamline your prep.
1. Recognize patterns and prepare in advance
Over time, you’ll notice recurring requests like:
- “Do you have a yoga mat?”
- “Is there a coffee grinder or French press?”
- “Could we have a couple of board games?”
Instead of scrambling every time, take note of these patterns and build small themed kits you can grab and place before each check-in.
2. Themed gift set ideas that go a long way
Here are some common guest “wish list” themes and how you can prepare for each:
Fitness/Yoga set:
- Yoga mat
- Resistance band
- Small hand towel
- Printed sheet with a couple of local jogging routes or YouTube workout links
Family fun/game night set:
- Uno or small card game
- 1-2 board games
- Popcorn or snack-sized chips
- Cozy throw blanket
Romantic getaway set:
- Wine glasses
- Corkscrew
- Local wine or small bottle
- Candle or fairy lights
- Small handwritten welcome note
Coffee lover’s set:
- French press or pour-over cone
- Bag of local ground coffee
- 2 ceramic mugs
- Small packet of cookies or biscotti
Work-from-anywhere pack:
- Extra phone charger
- Laptop stand or lap desk
- Strong Wi-Fi password card
- Notepad & pen
Each kit doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. The secret is personalization and presentation. Use a small box, basket, or drawstring bag, and add a welcome note with the guest’s name and a friendly message.
3. Don’t over-promise – set boundaries kindly
While it’s great to be accommodating, your inventory isn’t endless. Feel free to say “We don’t have a full gym setup, but I’ll be happy to leave a yoga mat and resistance band for your stay!” or “We can’t guarantee early check-in, but if the space is ready early, we’ll let you know.”. The key is to respond with warmth and effort, even if you can’t say yes to everything.
4. Automate the “special touch”
In your pre-arrival messages, include a line like: “If you have any specific needs (fitness gear, kids’ games, extra pillows), let us know – we’d love to make your stay extra comfortable.”. This invites guests to share preferences without needing a full concierge. Then, just pull the matching kit from your “host closet” and you’re good to go.
5. What it earns you: loyalty, reviews, repeat guests
When a guest feels seen – when they walk in and find the yoga mat they asked about, with a bottle of water and a towel – they remember it. They talk about it. They review it. And most importantly, they come back.
Bonus Tip: Keep it all in a box and track it like inventory. Designate a shelf or container for each themed set. Label them clearly, and after each use, restock what’s missing or used up. You can even use a spreadsheet to track usage and reviews – over time, you’ll see which ones have the biggest impact.
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