Top 5 Welcome Gifts for Traveling Moms
THIS MOTHER’S DAY: TREAT YOUR GUEST OF HONOR
Have You Wondered
“I want to WOW traveling moms with a special gift…but what kind?”
mother’s day, AS DO MANY HOLIDAYS, always sneak up on HOSTS. TODAY WE WANT TO HONOR THE TRAVELINGS MAMAS OUT THERE—AND recommend an extra touch OF HOSPITALITY that WILL FEEL like a warm hug.
You may have seen the Movi Cocoon, our recommended premium baby changing pad, in Products We Love. Well, I recently did some sharing over at Movi Family to recommend 10 Mother’s Day mini experiences that will offer mamas simple, nourishing pleasures on this special day of the year. It got me thinking about traveling moms, naturally. So, as a tip to all my vacation rental hosts out there, I’ve adapted a list of Mothers Day gifts that will tell those traveling mamas how much you care. This Mother’s Day, make a generous gesture in welcoming your Guest of Honor with a special gift integrated into your getaway experience.
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BUT ALSO, YOU MIGHT BE ASKING FOR FRAMEWORK (LIKE A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OWNER DOES)…WHAT KIND OF GIFT? HOW MUCH DO I SPEND? WHAT’S THE PAY OFF ON AN EXTRA TOUCH?
These are good questions to be asking. Let’s work backwards—the PAY OFF:
Do you know how much power your amenities hold? It’s a short term and long game pay off. From trust building & neutralizing property challenges to building your brand & generating organic buzz, we’ve seen impactful results for hosts who have leveled up the guest experience one amenity at a time. Amenities can be found in your foundational design, like a hot tub or putting green; however, there are small but mighty guest extras and interactive details in the home that have just as much power as your $8K design install.
“Airbnb’s statistics support that hosts who put more effort in to their guest’s experiences will see higher ADR and higher occupancies.”
Such a positive report may get you thinking, “Well, should I extend Mother’s Day welcome gifts into the entire month of May?” I wouldn’t deter you in the slightest. In fact, we recently hosted an IG Live with Marilynn on the power of amenities, and the nuance that goes into selecting the right amenities for your target traveler. Our conversation will help you answer the spending question too. Catch the REPLAY below.
Watch our REPLAY
“The Power of Amenities”
IG LIVE with Marilynn Taylor
READY TO SHOP?
Think like a traveling mama.
1) I WANT TO SET THE MOOD - thematic CANDLE & FRESH FLORALS
Lighting a candle invites you to drop into the present, and a floral arrangement instantly transforms a table scape or surface top. Spotlight on the candle first: There are many makers out there who have cleverly branded their candles with story and theme. Paddywax brings mood to the moment with their mood collection of 8 oz. candles. If it aligns with your brand, we recommend PEPPER + PLUM “NOSTALGIA” with luscious layers of pink pepper, plum nectar, amber wood and cream. Motherhood is layered with moments of nostalgia. Give a gift that reminds mama of fond memories from the past, BEing in the present and the future her family is building.
Then, think of a perfect pairing, like FLOWERS. If you’ve always wanted real plant life in your vacation rental but can’t handle the upkeep, this is your moment to make it work one turnover at a time. Hire a local florist to create a fresh bouquet, and seize the opportunity to make those flowers fall right in line with your brand aesthetics (and your candle selection)—mood, style, color palette, and even the scent.
A candle & florals combined—story, scent, color—offer mama an unforgettable multi-sensory welcome.
2) I NEED TO GEAR UP - THE WAIST BAG
In my little family, we reframe the concept of a “getaway” when traveling with kids. We like to say it’s more of a “trip” than a “vacation” because parent life is still a 24/7 thing! A mama’s hands are full-time full, juggling little ones and many responsibilities all at once. Moms need their hands free whenever possible, and any tool that can multi-task like they can is a Mother’s Day winner. The elevated fanny pack is alive and well these days. Let CUSTINE THE WAIST BAG BY RIVERDROITE PARIS be your inspo. It’s large enough to hold all of mom’s essentials and more—yet, it’s nimble and versatile to hang light on her body as a messenger bag or around her waist. Perfect for venturing out on her getaway, and a 100% practical solution with two stylish fits. Set this gift out in the primary bedroom, where mom will be dumping her bags and getting sorted. She’ll be thrilled by your thoughtfulness.
3) ANY SPA EXPERIENCE IS A TREAT - LUXURY BODY CARE
Here’s a spa experience mom will love during her getaway, carry home easily and enjoy daily. Shower time is precious, and can be rare, in the day-to-day life of a mama. When everyone else’s needs are top of mind, the pressure is on to get in and get out of that shower, get dressed and go on that adventure. So where is the space for nurturing self in that blink of an eye? Kate McLeod offers a LIMITED EDITION SPRING RITUAL SET that will make mama glow. To break it down…the DAILY STONE is a body stone lotion bar that melts on contact to intensely nourish skin. Their DRY BRUSH is an exfoliating body tool that primes the skin to absorb all the body stone’s nourishing ingredients. Any mama will enjoy squeezing this ritual into her bath and body routine, especially on vacation (or her “trip” with kids in tow). It’s a short and sweet act of self care that lasts the entire day—truly, this body line will make her skin baby soft, like new.
4) A UNIQUE SOUVENIR MEANS SO MUCH - DIY ART KIT
Remember that you are hosting an experience by hosting with Airbnb. There is so much sentiment that comes out of a Mother’s Day getaway, and moms love taking home the memories in a meaningful way. This is your opportunity to gift your Guest of Honor with an experience she can personalize. Elevate her stay with a DIY gift kit that engages her creative self. THE DIY SOFT SCULPTURE KIT* by Olive Jar friend and partner, Trudy Perry, is an easy-to-do, mindful art activity she can share with her loved ones and bring home to put on display. Your creative generosity will stick with her forever.
*Don’t forget to snag your Olive Jar discount at the top of our Products We Love page.
5) SURPRISE ME - DOOR DELIVERY!
A welcome gift upon arrival will be a surprise in and of itself, but if you really want to blow her socks off, surprise and delight that mama with a gift delivered to the door when she’s least expecting it. Think of a product or service that can be sourced from a local vendor, and especially themed or aligned with the local experience your travelers come for. Do your research on the mama who’s coming to stay—find out her likes, dislikes, hobbies. If her partner has done the booking, even better to be in touch with—be their concierge and team up to coordinate the surprise! Finally, plan the perfect moment to have that gift delivered right to her/your door. Here’s a short list (ranging in price point) to get you going:
Fresh pastries or sweet treat
Wine & charcuterie spread
Artwork by a local artist
Bike rental
Personal tour guide
In-home Mani Pedi
By the way, all this is coming from a mama herself. I have two spicy, adventure girls who can be a handful when traveling. So I share these tips not only from my experiential marketing expertise, but also from real mom life experience. If you’re a parent, shout it out in the comments and tell me what you think!
Photo credits: Flower Bath Hanna Postovaya; Body Bar Kate McLeod
AMENITIES ARE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS IN YOUR GUEST EXPERIENCE.
If you’re looking for more than a tip or two, like dedicated thought and planning for your amenities, we’re just a click away. Book a complimentary Discovery Call to explore receiving our customized support.
SHARE YOUR FAVORITES!
If there’s one Mother’s Day gift from this list you’re ready to try, comment below. We love hearing what’s worked for you and your Guests of Honor in the past too. Do share!