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We don’t have guests stay the night in our home often, but we do entertain a lot. It is nice to have the odds and ends that come up when a guest needs something, whether they are staying the night or not. Simple things get left behind when you are traveling. You just don’t think about grabbing your toothpaste off the sink or a razor from the shower. This Guest Basket is a great way to not only make guests feel a little more welcome, but have those odds and ends readily available. I have found that many guests do not want to trouble you with things they need or would like. This makes it all a little easier for everyone!
Where will you find your basket? The one in the photos is from IKEA, but you can literally use any type of container that fits the space. I’ve seen simple wicker baskets or wire ones. A round bowl or large jar works too! The options are endless and we hope you tag us when you share yours to see. Here is one very similar to the one we used that fits perfectly on the back of a toilet: https://amzn.to/3RlpAhc.
Now, what to put in it?! I always start with plenty of hand towels. I leave a pile of bath towels in the guest rooms, but these hand towels come in handy whether people are staying a few hours or a few days. Line the back of a basket with towels first. I just folded the ones in this photo, but have also rolled them and scrunched them. Whichever look you like will work! Then I add a couple of loofahs into the basket. These are great for guests who forgot theirs, but also makes for a great filler in a larger basket. (Click this link for some great color options: https://amzn.to/3AWpBCS)They keep smaller items in place and take a good chunk of a deeper basket.
Ok, not it is time for the actual toiletry items. I try to think of items that I use regularly and add those to the list. From head to toe there is shampoo and conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, q-tips, tissues, deodorant and more! You don’t have to put every single item you use in there, but I love scoping out the travel section and seeing what they have to offer for ideas. Razors can get pricey, but the travel packs with disposable razors are a great item to have on hand. I also really like the small tissue packs. I buy them in 6 packs and have them stored in our vehicles and in this basket. Such smart packaging for items you always seem to need!
Don’t feel like you need to spend a lot of money to fill this basket. Many of these items were about a dollar in the travel section, but some even less. The toothbrushes are the free ones I get from the dentist. The tissues come in a 6 pack that cost less than $2 total. It is all about how you approach the shopping and keep an open mind when supply shopping. Trust me, it is the thought that counts here and the easy availability of the needed items that will be appreciated, not the brand or the location of where these items were purchased.
Looking for more entertaining DIYs? Stay tuned to our site, as we have the holidays coming up and will be sharing lots of decorating and entertaining DIY tricks to help make having guests over a little easier! As always, thank you for reading and joining us in the journey. Simply, Beth