When we moved from the east coast to Los Angeles, I was acutely aware of just how long the travel journey would be for visitors. Sitting on airplanes for 6+ hours and traversing airports to catch connecting flights definitely isn’t the fun part of the trip.
As a small gesture of gratitude for making the journey, as well as a way for friends and family to feel even more welcome in our home, I started creating personalized gift baskets and placing them on our guest bed. That feeling of joy and excitement when you walk into a hotel and they’ve left a treat in your room - I strive to create that same moment, but in a more intimate way. The elements of the welcome basket have always been a blend of practical, personal, and something slightly luxurious.
The Practical - this represents items that guests can use while they’re here or in transit and may even be something they have forgotten to pack but feel like they’ll need.
EO hand sanitizing wipes - I would consider myself a bit of a germaphobe and wipe down every airplane seat and surface I touch while traveling
Hand sanitizer - in line with my comment above, but I reserve this spray for my hands and the wipes for surfaces. The Byredo option featured in my little luxuries post is an elevated version.
Trail mix or protein bar - I find that healthy food options continue to be limited at airports and when you do come across something that looks more appetizing, it tends to come with a particularly high price tag. The Perfect Balance Berrylicious Raw Trail Mix is local to Los Angeles and has a great blend of dried delicious berries and nuts. When on the east coast, I go for the Prana brand.
Sunscreen - absolutely necessary in the City of Angels. Both options are below 3.4 oz so they can travel on the plane and are clean brands. The Babo Botanicals brand is especially good for sensitive skin and comes in 30 and 50 SPF options.
Lip sunscreen - we often forget to give our lips some SPF love. This option comes from clean brand Coola and is more budget friendly than the Supergoop alternative.
Baggu - this is so handy when visitors are shopping and want to be more earth friendly, or when they need some extra space while in transit
The Personal - this is something that reminds me of the person in some way based on their passions or their known favorite things that we may have bonded over at some point
Favorite mascara - is it me, or are you using your mascara a month or two longer than you should?
Roller ball perfume - as you know well from my prior posts, I love the ritual of adding a scent to my day
Travel comb - so many people have a large comb at home, but very few have a bite-sized travel version
Hat - this goes hand-in-hand with the need for SPF while at the beach, on hikes, or simply walking in and out of shops
Moon Juice Magnesi-Om - for the traveler who struggles to fall asleep when they’re not in their own bed
The Slightly Luxurious - this represents a moment of indulgence or an elevated version of an everyday item that one may not purchase themselves but would deeply enjoy
Travel candle - I love walking past my guest room and seeing a visitor getting ready for bed with the scent of a candle filling their room
Chocolate - calories never count when traveling; my favorite calories to share are Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups or Tony’s Chocolonely Bars
Kosas lip balm - my favorite lip balm, and I’ve tried a bunch!
And finally, a special shout out to our visitors over the years. We love hosting you and always want you to feel the warmest of welcomes the moment you step into our home.
Happy hosting.
x jz
Images | 1 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 2 - 3 | Amazon | 4 | Byredo | 5 - 11 | Amazon | 12 | Ilia | 13 | Etsy | 14 | Corridor | 15 | Moon Juice | 16 - 19 | Amazon
This post contains some Amazon affiliate links. Outside of these links, I do not get paid for nor make money off of this post. All opinions are my own.
Your welcome baskets are the best way (after a hug) to start my time in LA. Always the most thoughtful and luxurious!