This the season, dear friends… Yes, the Holidays are officially upon us… Bring out the eggnog or coquito, and queue up the carolers! Whether you’re celebrating a Merry Christmas and awaiting Santa’s reindeer, spinning the dreidel for Hanukkah, welcoming Kwanzaa and the first harvest, or simply enjoying Festivus…this is a special time of year.

No matter what tradition you celebrate, this is also usually the season for giving… Certain traditions are about giving a gift to loved ones or dear friends who have shared their lives with you throughout the year… It doesn’t have to be a big or expensive gift… It’s about the thought… Ah yes, the thought…

I’m not sure if you’re like me, but….I LOVE to gift myself that PERFECT little gift… I mean, who has better thoughts about me, than me So, this episode is about indulging yourself a bit… It’s about finding that perfect gift for YOU… Yes, a gift from YOU to YOU because, like I said, who knows what kind of gift YOU would enjoy better than YOU? And who deserves it more? Exactly.

This the 2017 Gift Guide for the Airbnb Host episode

Ready or Not…

Did the holiday season just get you by surprise…again? It just comes back around so fast… I feel like I turned away for two seconds, and BAM, NY is in full holiday mode…from the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to the decorated storefronts and streets to the holiday music playing everywhere… We’ve even had our first snowfall already! Suddenly, I realize… Oh no, wait…I have to get gifts? Gifts!

So, full disclosure, I’m NOT a shopper, and because I don’t have children in my immediate life, I’m not fully up on the current “elf on a shelf” craze or any of the NEW holiday marketing ploys… Look, it’s December 15th, and my Christmas tree isn’t up yet… I did buy some poinsettias, so there is some sort of holiday spirit at Eveland. I mean, I’m no Scrooge, and I have guests after all.

So maybe you are one of those people who has done ALL of their holiday shopping by August, or you were up before the roosters on Black Friday or went to work on Cyber Monday… Though we know, no real “work” was done… because all you did was cyber shopping and you are done, finished, terminado.

Could it be possible that you might have missed a gift? You know where I’m heading..… Did you forget YOUR gift? Yes, you deserve a gift…from YOU!

Because, as hosts, we have to take care of our homes and our guests… We are always giving… Well, what about receiving? Well, this is the perfect time to think of getting that item you’ve been eyeing all year round… One that perhaps none of your loved ones would think of giving you… Do it!

A Community…

Yes, once again I went to my trusted Facebook Group, The Hosting Journey, for advice… Hey, I’m lucky I have a focus group who aren’t shy about giving their opinion. I can’t believe the group is reaching that 3k mark! Wow. Just wow.

Do you want to join?

Perhaps that can be one of your gifts to yourself… a community of fellow hosts, where you talk about things that your family friends just don’t want to hear or talk about anymore.

Seriously, my friends’ eyes glaze over when I talk about stains or the latest finds in housekeeping products… But in the Facebook Group, we come up with new ways to treat those stains and how to claim money from Airbnb…because that’s an art unto itself. And it will be an episode in 2018.

And the beauty of this gift is that it isn’t going to cost you a dime… and will constantly give you invaluable information. Now, if you want to join the fun on my Facebook Group… just go to the hostingjourney.com slash community, or join one of the many forums out there. It doesn’t matter which one… The point is to find a community and support group that you can be part of and chat with.

It‘ll save your sanity, friendships, and perhaps even your marriage. Believe me, there was a post about some brand new towels being tossed in the trash… And that’s all I’m going to say about that…

Now remember that some of the products are affiliates, so if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Commissions come at no additional cost to you, and they help support this podcast.

The Perfect Gift… for You

Ok, let’s officially start the 2017 Gift Guide for the Airbnb Host episode. Also known as I’m not trolling for gifts like my dear Joe asked me…

Whether you want to start an Amazon wish list, which is what Facebook member Queenie realized she needed to do after she started mentioning everything she wanted… or you want to write down an old-fashioned pen and paper list. I love those… It’s good to have an idea not only of the things that YOU want but also those items that your business might be needing…. But these gifts are really about YOU!

Some of these gifts are to make your hosting life easier or just to make your personal life better. Either way, it’s a win, win situation.

For Your Home

Let’s start with things for your home:

Pillow, towels, sheets, blanket:

Oh yes, these were mentioned, too. You know my brand of choice: Target Threshold Performance. Looove them… You just can’t go wrong… Oh, and if you can wait until January, it can be a Three Kings Day Gift. That’s what we celebrate on my Island of Puerto Rico.

In January, you normally get linens and towels on sale. Just don’t forget to come back to thehostingjourney.com slash 27 to get the affiliate link to my favorite sheets and towels from Target.

Ohhh hosts, Why do I love Target Threshold Performance sheets? From the double corners so the sheets don’t come up and the labels that say top and bottom. So you’re not going bonkers when making the beds. You know what I’m talking about. It’s those little things in life that make making the beds a lot easier and less painful.

Of course, don’t forget to get a set for yourself. Now, if you don’t want to wait for the new year because you want to apply these purchases toward this year’s taxes, go right ahead. I know you’re probably prepping for tax season. You can always listen to episode two which is all about Airbnb, Taxes and You.

Appliances: Lawnmowers, washer, and dryers:

Ouch – Those big-ticket items. One host mentioned her washing machine breaking. That’s a big one and a needed one. My dryer has been acting up. She’s over 13 years old, after all. Typical teenager, lashing out.

Now, do you need to replace a high ticket item? If you have the funds… Go for it. This might be the best time to do it.

If you’re running low in the cash department but have future bookings coming up, you can use a company like Payfully. They’re a company I’m an affiliate with. Payfully is a safe and secure way to get paid today for future reservations at your Airbnb or rental property. Just go to thehostingjourney.com slash payfully to find out more.

If you listen to Episode 18 Hot Mic: What does your Guest Rave About? with my Hot Mic guest, Tammi Sims, we get more into details about these and other Airbnb services that can ease a host’s financial burden.

Cleaning Service:

This year I decided to get help myself in the cleaning department. Yes, I hired a cleaning person. She isn’t available all the time, so it keeps me on my cleaning toes, but it has been fantastic and just helped my sanity in not having to do ALL of the cleanings.

If you can’t do it all of the time, treat yourself to a “once a month” or an “every couple of times” cleaner… Yes, they’re not going to clean like you, and you have to train them to your preferred way of cleaning, but it’s great to be able to sit back and have a life… You know, to have someone else do the laundry and clean the toilet for a change… It just helps.

With that in mind, someone in the group mentioned Ecloths they’re microfiber cleaning cloths, something I didn’t even know existed. They attract moisture, oil and trap dirt. You can rewash them BUT don’t dry them or use softener because it ruins them. I’m going to give them a try because they seem amazing for cleaning…

The power of the group! And a link for those Ecloths will be at the hosting journey.com slash 27.
Desk Calendar to put in your guest reminder. Whether you use paper or technology, you need a way to get guest reminders. So find a system that works and implement it. The worst thing to happen is a guest calling you from the airport that they’re on their way.

Yes, it has happened to me. I have a system, but sometimes a reservation just passes me by…

With that in mind

Technology:

Episode number 19 Technology Made Easy For Your Airbnb with Alex Nigg …is one of my most listened episodes… It’s all about home sharing tech… From a Nest to a keyless entry to a video doorbell… Listen to it… You’ll be glad you did.

When Amazon had the Ring video doorbell on sale, I went for it! Yes, I too went high tech on my front door! Hey, I got mine for $99. I shared the link, and many folks got it as well.

Whether hosting remotely or even sharing their space at home, technology is making life a lot easier. And I love how everyone in the group tries to help each other out. Community, my friends. Community.

Rumba Vacuum Cleaner:

I want one… I have been eyeing one forever. Yes, I bought me a Dyson as a birthday gift about 10 years ago, and I still have it and love it.

I think Santa is giving me a Rumba this year. Just a hunch… Like I said at the beginning, I give myself a gift every year. I even wrap it up and place it under the Christmas tree… and I open it up on Christmas… I even act surprised by how thoughtful my Santa is. I’m gonna be so surprised with my Rumba from Santa! Just a hunch.

Too bad I don’t have a cat ‘cause they love to sit on them, at least on YouTube videos.

And by the way, some hosts mentioned a personalized House Manual and you know where to get yours.

Personal Items:

Now we’re getting into more personal items that are for you and not for your home…

Good Coffee Beans, including a Keurig coffee maker:

There is nothing like good coffee or tea. I have an entire set up for my coffee habit. I heat up my water, steam my milk. No cold milk for me. Get my Grumpy beans out, grind them up, and do a pour over… Very decadent.

I only have one cup of coffee a day, so it has to be good. You have to make it count and treat you to some good beans or teas.

And I’m not sorry to say, I don’t share my Grumpy beans with my guests. They get good coffee, and they have different methods of making it from a French press, Keurig, to a drip cone, where they can use my pour over. But my beans, MY GRUMPY BEANS… Well, those are like my avocados. They are my decadent treat, and I don’t like to share.

Other hosts wanted A bottle of wine and some good chocolate:

This can be a good treat for yourself. And again, only share it with someone special or don’t.

A New Restaurant:

You pass that NEW restaurant all the time. Well, this is the time to treat yourself and go for it. If you don’t want to do the big dinner with the big dinner crowd or spend a ton of money for it, you can always do lunch.

Lunch can be just as nice and satisfying… Plus, it’s usually quieter and less expensive.

And because we’re our own bosses… We can schedule it whenever WE want to… I love being my own BOSS!

Remember, if you love the place you can always add it to your House Manual.

Look at you, always thinking ahead… Is this nice meal a tax deduction? I’m not sure… It could be considered business… Ask your accountant.

Spa Day:

Nothing like getting pampered, getting those knots worked on. A manicure/pedicure… Yes, even for the fellows… or getting a fantastic new haircut. Or doing BOTH… Or ALL three… Get your hands and feet done, add the new haircut, and then head over to that new restaurant…

You’ll be the talk of the town… Looking all fabulous! Of course, if you want, you can always wait until January when the holiday rush is over and the sales are up and running.

Travel Credit to stay at other Airbnb:

Why not pack your bags for a weekend and give yourself the gift of travel. Like I said in my episode: What I Learned as an Airbnb Guest

Staying at an Airbnb is one of the best things any host can do to learn about hosting. Now might be a good time to go and be a guest. In many places, the slow season is coming and you can get a special discount.

Gifts for your Guests:

I know this episode was supposed to be a Gift Guide for the Host, but sometimes we do have guests in our home during the holidays… and sometimes they arrive with a gift for YOU.

Yes, it has happened to me… which can be a bit awkward… I mean, I don’t know their religion or what they celebrate… So I bake. Yes, I bake for the holidays, and I share my goodies with my guests. They LOVE it, and I do as well.

Or you can always buy something that is from your city. A small souvenir. Nothing over the top. Now remember that they need to travel with this item, so don’t buy them anything big or liquid unless they have a chance to drink it before they will leave.

Time:

Now for me, the best gift that I value the most is the gift of time… The time I spend with my family, the time I spend with my friends, the time I spend with some of my guests… And the time I spend with YOU, my listeners… I value your time, loyalty, and most importantly, I value YOU… Thank YOU for spending this precious time during this very busy holiday season with me and The Hosting Journey… That is gift enough.

Your Host,

Evelyn

Links:

Some of the links mentioned are affiliate links. if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Commissions come at no additional cost to you.

Payfully: A safe and secure way to get paid today for future reservations at your Airbnb or rental property.

PS: Want more…