10 green gifts for your short-term rental guests

As vacation rental owners and managers, you understand the practical challenge of personally greeting every guest – to ensure they have a delightful experience. Nevertheless, the impact of small, thoughtful gestures should never be overlooked. From the warm touch of a welcome basket to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ gift, these tiny efforts can leave a lasting, positive impression on your guests. More often than not, positive experiences often translate into better reviews, opening doors to future guests.

Why choose green gifts, you may ask?

Choosing green gifts comes with several compelling reasons beyond just the environmental impact. Here are some key points to consider:

• Thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts inspire positive change without contributing to overconsumption
• A unique opportunity to share your commitment to meaningful values with your guests. Also, to support the local community and its culture
• Choosing green gifts aligns your business with the interests of today’s conscious travellers and adds a touch of responsibility to your brand
• The best part? ‘Green’ doesn’t mean ‘a boring gift!’

That’s why we’ve hand-picked 10 eco-friendly gift ideas to help you choose a thoughtful present for your guest.

Seasonal treats

Consider sourcing treats from local farmers’ markets or artisanal shops, which supports shorter supply chains and contributes to the economy of your destination. Look for items like organic chocolates, homemade jams, or unique snacks that showcase the season’s flavours. Packaging can also be eco-friendly, using recycled materials or reusable containers to avoid plastic waste.

This approach is especially meaningful for seasonal occasions. For example, for Easter, think of innovative ideas like an Easter Egg hunt with locally sourced organic eggs or handmade chocolate eggs. For Halloween, engage in pumpkin-cutting activities followed by preparing a recipe for pumpkin soup using pumpkins from a local farm.

Beeswax Food Wrap

An excellent eco-friendly gift is beeswax food wrap, a sustainable alternative to plastic clingfilm. Beeswax wraps are made from organic cotton coated in beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, creating a breathable, reusable wrap for food storage. They are perfect for wrapping sandwiches, covering bowls, or preserving leftovers. These wraps reduce plastic waste during your guests’ stay and allow them to use them at home, too.

Local crafts

Choose crafts that represent the cultural or natural aspects of the region. This could include locally crafted pottery, handmade soaps, or artwork inspired by local landmarks. They serve as meaningful keepsakes that reflect the authentic experiences and memories created during the guests’ visit. Ensure that the crafts are produced sustainably and support local artists and artisans.

Discount coupons

Provide coupons for experiences that align with your guest’s interests. This could include a voucher for a local coffee shop, tickets to a community event, or entry to a museum or gallery. Confirm that these businesses or events prioritise sustainability practices.

Outdoor tote bag

Select an outdoor tote bag made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled plastics. Customising these tote bags with your logo can turn them into a promotional tool. Choose designs that reflect the local culture or feature patterns inspired by the region. Additional pockets for sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and other outdoor essentials would be handy. This also helps guests avoid collecting plastic shopping bags from supermarkets.

Eco-friendly stationery

Choose stationery made from recycled paper or sustainable materials like bamboo or cork. Consider notebooks with covers made from recycled cardboard and pens that are refillable. Some brands also offer plantable stationery that contains seeds, allowing the paper to be planted and grow into flowers or herbs.

A digital cookbook

Provide a digital cookbook featuring local recipes and ingredients. Such digital guides introduce your guests to the local culinary scene and encourage them to explore and support local markets for fresh produce. They can also help to reduce waste if there are recipes for leftovers included, transforming them into new and exciting meals. Presenting culinary guides as an educational resource for guests.

Natural bug repellent

Consider natural bug repellent made from essential oils for your guests. This is a thoughtful touch for outdoor destinations and aligns with a commitment to chemical-free solutions.

Additionally, offering eco-friendly toiletries, like an eco-friendly shower bar from sources such as Anything But Plastic, further emphasizes your dedication to environmentally responsible choices. These small details can significantly sweeten your guests’ experience while supporting responsible practices.

Reusable bottles/mugs

Opt for high-quality, durable, reusable bottles or mugs made from stainless steel, glass or bamboo. Ensure they are free from harmful chemicals and easy to clean. Add a small note encouraging your guests to carry these with them. Consider adding a personal touch by engraving your STR’s name, logo or a meaningful quote. Consider Dopper for sourcing – a company renowned for its eco-friendly, stylish bottles that support the reduction of single-use plastic waste.

Ocean-friendly sunscreen

Providing ocean-friendly sunscreen to guests in coastal areas is a responsible choice. These sunscreens, often called reef-friendly, are free from harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, protecting marine life while offering sun protection. This thoughtful gesture encourages environmental awareness and ocean conservation.

Beyond green gifts

The carefully suggested list of green gifts provides diverse options that reflect your dedication to guest satisfaction and sustainability. Embrace the opportunity to support local businesses, minimise waste, and inspire your guests to make more eco-friendly choices during their stay.

In selecting the suppliers for these gifts, consider partnering with companies and artisans who themselves contribute positively to environmental conservation or community development. This could include businesses that practise fair trade, engage in charitable activities, or implement sustainable production methods. By choosing such partners, you amplify the impact of your purchases.

Taking the next step involves more than just offering these gifts; it’s about openly sharing your sustainability efforts with your guests. Don’t hesitate to communicate your eco-friendly initiatives, whether sourcing local products, using recycled materials, or supporting sustainable practices. Engaging your guests in your commitment to a greener experience enhances their stay and contributes to a broader cultural shift towards sustainable tourism.

If you like these ideas but are still unsure where to start, head to the EnviroRental Sustainability Roadmap. It’s chock full of tips and action plans to help you find a manageable starting point for the next stage of your sustainability journey.