In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, homestay owners are increasingly turning to value-added products to boost income, improve guest experience, and stand out online. Selling locally-sourced goods, welcome kits, and experience-based items not only generates extra revenue—it also creates a richer, more memorable stay. Here are 20 curated product ideas, grouped into smart categories, with pricing guidelines, sourcing tips, and examples—all backed by real-world data and best practices.
Table of Contents
1. Amenities & Essentials
1. Forgotten Accessories Kit
- Provide phone chargers, toothbrushes, bug spray, sunscreen—ideal for guests who forgot common essentials.
- According to hosts, these emergency kits help prevent discomfort and inconvenience, especially in rural settings.
2. Toiletry Pack
- Offer mini-soap, shampoo, razors, tampons—convenient and often urgently needed.
- Reddit hosts note guests value them highly during travel emergencies.
3. Breakfast Box / Welcome Basket
- Pre-made boxes containing local snacks, fruit, or baked goods—often ordered pre-arrival.
- Pricelabs research suggests high guest satisfaction and easy upsell.
4. Beverages & Snacks Mini-Bar
- Stock local craft sodas, tea, coffee, or packaged snacks—priced slightly above local shops.
- Holiday Cottage Handbook notes this can be profitable and convenient.
2. Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs
5. Handmade Crafts
- Small woodwork, pottery, embroidered textiles, or local jewelry made by area artisans.
- Adds authenticity and passes income to artisans—studies show 24% rise in craft revenue with homestay exposure .
6. Local Food Specialties
- Jams, chutneys, herbal teas, pickles—reflecting local flavors.
- Solid upsell potential—guests love consumables they can gift or take home.
7. Merch & Branded Items
- T-shirts, hats, mugs branded with your homestay or village name.
- Used successfully in places like Tulum and Indian ranches.
8. Scented Candles & Local Soaps
- Natural soaps, beeswax candles—small-scale, high-margin items.
- Holiday hosts report excellent reviews when adding small craft goods.
3. Farm & Experience Products 🌿
9. Eggs & Farm Produce
- Fresh eggs, milk, honey harvested onsite.
- Guest testimonials rave about buying fresh eggs directly—“I bought eggs from their coop”.
10. Herbal Spice Jars
- Small jars of spices or herbs grown locally—like turmeric, curry leaves.
- Travelers appreciate travel-friendly local produce .
11. Local Tea/Coffee Packs
- Pre-packaged in 100g sachets—perfect souvenir and easy to pack.
4. Outdoor Rentals & Gear 🚴
12. Bike Rentals
- Perfect for hill or jungle stays.
- Upsell bike rentals with safety instructions and helmets.
13. Outdoor Equipment
- Camping lights, yoga mats, trekking poles available for rent.
- Hostaway & Casas endorse offering this for nature-based stays.
14. Firewood Packages
- For bonfire-equipped sites, firewood is a valuable upsell.
- Reports suggest significant profits selling extras.
5. Comfort & Convenience Products
15. Slippers & Towels
- Extra plush towels/slippers add a hotel-like feel.
- B&B hosts cite strong guest positive feedback.
16. Silk Pillowcases / Sleep Masks
- Luxury items that feel pampering—mounting solide value with minimal upkeep.
17. Portable Chargers
- Spare power banks for overnight or long excursions—in high demand .
6. Services & Experiences
18. Late Check-Out / Early Check-In
- Charge for flexibility—common 25% shouldering fee on per-night rates.
19. Guided Local Tours
- Walks to waterfalls, craft workshops, bird-watching—leveraging your local insights.
- Pricelabs and padsforprofits endorse tours as valuable upcharges.
20. Private Chef Dinner or Cooking Class
- Guests learn to cook local cuisine.
- Host Co and Pads For Profits highlight in-house chefs as top-tier upsells.
Pricing & Margin Estimates
| Product/Service | Suggested Price (₹) | Unit Cost Estimate | Potential Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toiletries kit | 100 | 40 | ~60% |
| Breakfast box | 300 | 120 | ~60% |
| Snacks & drinks | 50–150 | 20–60 | ~50–60% |
| Handicrafts | 200–500 | 80–200 | ~60% |
| Farm eggs (dz) | 60–100 | 20–30 | ~50–60% |
| Bike rental (per day) | 200–300 | – | ~70–80%+ |
| Firewood bundle | 150 | 40–60 | ~60–70% |
| Silk pillowcase set | 1,500 | 800 | ~45% |
| Charger rental | 150/day | 50 | ~60–70% |
| Cooking class | 1,000 | 300 | ~70%+ |
Tips for Implementation
- Create a mini-shop area or shelf, clearly signposted with product catalog and prices.
- Allow cash, UPI, or pay-by-WhatsApp for ease.
- Offer online pre-booking bundles as add-ons—e.g. “welcome basket” or “private dinner” for ₹1,500.
- Use QR codes or posters to advertise tours, charging gear, and extras within rooms.
- Bundle products: Combine breakfast + cookery workshops + souvenirs for bundled deals.
- Ensure clear signage and receipts to avoid guest confusion—hostaway guidelines emphasise transparency.
- Check legal requirements. Alcohol, medicines, or food items may need licenses—see Avalara guide .
💬 Insights from Hosts
“I have a box with emergency supplies (toothbrush, batteries, wine)… It’s not to make money, just be nice.” – Maharashtra based homestay owner
“We upsell everything from merch… food… and take a commission from yoga classes. It’s been a big hit.” – Gujarat based homestay owner
Final Thoughts
Adding these 20 products and services can turn a good homestay into a high-performing one—enhancing guest experience and boosting income by 20%–50%. Key takeaways:
- Mix essentials + luxury + local products
- Offer experience-driven services
- Package products smartly
- Maintain transparency and convenience
- Comply with local rules
A clean, well-labeled product area and thoughtful upsell suggestions can transform stays into stories—driving both satisfaction and profit.