A Holiday Gift Guide for Boutique Properties
As a property owner, your choices have a ripple effect on your community. By supporting local businesses, not only do you help bolster your local economy, but you also create a more authentic, memorable experience for your guests. Whether it’s during the holidays or throughout the year, investing in local small businesses adds a unique touch to your property while strengthening your ties to the community. ✨
Here’s our Holiday Guide for Boutique Properties with a major emphasis on supporting local businesses—plus examples from our own experience in hospitality management!
1. SPA + BATH Amenities
Choosing locally sourced amenities doesn’t just benefit nearby businesses—it also enhances your brand’s sustainability and guest experience.
OUR FAVORITE: We love Oneka (a certified B-Corp!) soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions! Their Cedar and Sage scent is divine. 😇 We’ve purchased their products in bulk from Ren Market, a low-waste boutique. Our guests loved the products, and it aligned with our mission of sustainability.
Ideas for You:
Partner with local low-waste stores for bulk soaps and toiletries.
Find out if your products are made sustainably. Here is a list of B-Corp certified bath and beauty products!
Highlight the sustainability aspects of your business in your marketing to attract eco-conscious travelers.
By supporting local businesses, you bolster the local economy and have an opportunity to create a more authentic, memorable experience for your guest.
2. Art + Craftsmanship
Decorating your property with local art and handmade goods creates a sense of place that guests appreciate and remember.
OUR EXPERIENCE: We’ve sourced art from many local boutiques and artists, including pieces from NorthandShore, Tin Cup Design, and Ian Lundborg. These unique items became conversation starters and elevated the ambiance of our properties.
Ideas for You:
Work with local artists to create custom pieces for your rooms or common areas.
Host a seasonal “artist spotlight” in your lobby or on social media to showcase their work.
You can source your decor and amenities like books and records locally. And offer your guests a guide to local restaurants and activities.
3. Bedding + Textiles
The comfort of your guests is a top priority, and sourcing bedding locally can add an extra layer of care.
OUR FAVORITE: We purchased bedding from Bare Home and Fairbault Mill, both companies based right in our home state. Supporting a local business while offering high-quality linens felt like a win-win.
Ideas for You:
Look for regional bedding companies or textile makers to add a unique touch to your guest rooms.
Share the story of your bedding’s origins with guests—people love to know they’re sleeping on something thoughtfully chosen.
4. Pottery and Tableware
Using locally crafted pottery or tableware adds character to your property and supports artisans in your community.
OUR EXPERIENCE: We partnered with Duluth Pottery and Back Alley Surf to purchase handmade mugs for guest-use items and décor. Guests loved seeing the small, local touches.
Ideas for You:
Use handmade mugs for coffee service in the mornings or as part of welcome packages.
Offer locally made pottery or tableware for sale in your gift shop or boutique corner.
Bulk ordering soaps, shampoos and conditioners from a local low-waste boutique is both cost-effective and has an immense. long-term impact on your carbon footprint.
5. Collaborate + CREATE for Holiday Experiences
During the holidays, your guests are often seeking unique, cozy, and festive experiences. Collaborating with local businesses can help you provide that.
Example Ideas:
Partner with local bakeries for holiday treats or breakfast baskets.
Work with local florists to create seasonal floral arrangements for your property.
Host pop-up shops featuring local artisans or makers in your lobby or event space.
6. Create Year-Round Gift Baskets or Add-Ons
Offer gift baskets that showcase local goods for an added revenue stream and a thoughtful guest experience.
OUR EXPERIENCE: We’ve purchased many a bouquet for anniversaries, birthdays and big life events for our guests. We’ve loved building relationships with our local florists and flower shops. We’ve also put together small truffle boxes and a little locally made ornament for guests staying over the Christmas season.
Ideas for You:
Highlight “Shop Local” packages during the holidays or as add-ons for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
7. HIRING LOCALLY + PAYING A LIVABLE WAGE
Even behind the scenes, your choices matter. Partnering with local suppliers for maintenance, cleaning, and landscaping helps sustain your community and will elevate your business with loyal, happy staff.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
We built our brand and budgets to include a commitment to paying all of our staff a livable wage. This has exponentially benefitted our guests’ experience and the ability for our properties to grow and thrive.
Example Ideas:
Use a local printing company for guest guides and brochures.
Partner with nearby laundry services for linens and cleaning.
Supporting Local Matters 💛
Supporting local businesses strengthens your community, keeps dollars circulating nearby, and enhances the guest experience. It also helps position your property as a thoughtful, community-oriented brand that values sustainability and local connections—qualities that today’s travelers prioritize.
By making intentional choices, you’re not just running a property—you’re contributing to the success of your local economy and creating meaningful experiences for your guests.
Ready to Start Supporting Local?
Take a look around your community and identify businesses you’d love to work with. Collaborate, share their stories, and let your guests know that every decision you make is rooted in care for the people and places around you.
If you’re looking for more ideas or help integrating local collaborations into your property’s marketing, let us know—we’d be happy to help!
