Gift ideas for holiday renters

2 years ago

In the context of discussion about renters, this may sound odd, but here goes.

We rent our house in Maine, through a realtor friend, for times when we know we cannot be there. There will be 2 families renting this summer, both of whom have rented the past 3 or maybe it is 4 years!

I think of renters as guests, and so I do many of the same things I would for guests. Every nightstand has a Fiji water. Every shower stall has a new bar of nice soap (lobsters in the kids' bath). We leave a book on the kitchen table with info and instructions. I also leave them a handwritten welcome card, a note on the K blackboard, a glass jar of granola bars, cream for coffee, etc.

In past years I leave a bottle of Prosecco and a box of "gourmet" local taffy. I was thinking of changing things up and, instead of taffy, leaving them a beach themed jigsaw puzzle they can take with them? I love the Malin ones, and Maine oceanfront weather almost guarantees you an afternoon or evening when you will be housebound ...

What say you? Any other ideas?

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Comments (11)

IdaClaire
2 years ago
Not odd at all. In fact, where we have rented holiday accommodations and the owner left us a gift of any kind was always such a lovely gesture that made us feel we were welcomed into the home of a friend. I think all of the things you do are perfect, and the puzzle idea is a lovely one. Or how about a book on the local area (even just one of photos, if such a thing exists) that would call to mind where they stayed long after they've gone back home?
mtnrdredux_gw thanked IdaClaire
Jilly
2 years ago
I think the puzzle is great, and love Ida’s book idea, too!

However, if I’m staying, I would like Hermes perfume, pleaseandthankyouforever.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Jilly
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I think a gift card is always appreciated-- but I'd say all the more if it is for an indulgence. Either a gourmet shop as Eld suggests or even to their normal store with a note to get new year's treats or similar. My mother never just sends an amazon gift card.. she sends it with a note to buy something I've been wanting but didn't need.. or to rekindle an old hobby. She always puts it much more eloquently but my point is even a ubiquitous amazon card felt special with the right note. I'd be inclined to send a quarantine care package-- with or without a grocery/gournet gift card. Some suggestions to spark ideas appropriate to the family.. A family activity box: with puzzles and games. In my family, puzzles are mostly favored by the women but this one got all engaged (pick the team of your choice-- sis's family are all tarheel fans) movie binge night package classicmovie munchies, a scratch off poster of top 100 movies of all-time, an apple tv gift card, etc. Food related: kit to make hot sauce or cheese.. or go with a theme of specialty items around a type of cuisine. I always like fresh pastas, a nice chunk of locatelli, stuffed olives, etc... but so many other themes for pizza night, homemade dumplings. Something unique to your area: many places will ship things like Philly Cheesesteaks, NYC Bagels, Chicago Deep Dish, etc.
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jojoco
2 years ago
Love Jinx's comment, lol. I think a puzzle is a fabulous idea. Younger kids might do better with a less challenging puzzle (ie, less sand,) but for everyone else, this puzzle is great.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
I've actually done this particular puzzle, and it is a little tricky. But it is so purty.
OutsidePlaying
2 years ago
Love your puzzle idea, and the thoughts behind it. A book is also a great idea, but the puzzle is sure to please all on those rainy days/evenings. And yes, so purty!
User
2 years ago
You can take a good picture of the ocean from a porch or take a pic of the house that includes the view from the back and have it made into a puzzle. That would be a great gift they could even frame once they’d finished the puzzle.
daisychain Zn3b
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I would say yes to the puzzle except that now youve started a tradition with the taffy. im just picturing the kids running into the house excited to find the candy. however, i am one of those people that clings to tradition. could you include a few pieces of taffy in addition to the puzzle?

ETA: i really hate using houzz on my phone please excuse errors
maddielee
2 years ago
Don’t know if you saw there is a new Netflix series….Amazing Vacation Rentals. They highlight 3 different price points for short term rentals per location.

I have not watched it yet, there may be some gift ideas included.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
2 years ago
Maddie, I think I did see that, unless they have a new season. Fun show! My recollection is that gifts were usually wine and food, especially local. I would leave a lobster or blueberries except I decided to stick with things that don't spoil! I keep them in a cabinet and our maid puts them out.

A custom puzzle is a really great idea, but I think more $$$ and also time. I ordered the Malin ones and they will arrive tomorrow. That way everything will be stocked and I don't have to worry.

Daisy, actually i do still leave some taffy, just not the big fancy box. I have these French lamps in 2 guest rooms that I just love, but they have proven hard to style. I always buy new washcloths for guests and this is how I style the lamp in the twin-bedded room. The lamp in the Q guest room had seashells and washcloths and soaps and Kind bars.
Arapaho-Rd
2 years ago
Hard to add anything, Mtn, You've thought of so many niceties for your guests. Another puzzle, not as pretty as the Beach though. Maine puzzle
mtnrdredux_gw thanked Arapaho-Rd
ajuju
2 years ago
A deck of playing cards with a local scene/theme might also be appreciated. We love to pull out one of our "trip" decks when we are all home together. Funny stories and fond memories every time!

Gift ideas for holiday renters

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IdaClaire

Jilly

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Gift ideas for holiday renters

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