As Second Nature, we recognize that many in the industry use terms like "tenant gifts." However, you'll see us use the term "resident" in place of "tenant" as a way to emphasize the human element of property management. There may be instances where "tenant" and "tenancy" are used for legal purposes, or in quotes from property managers or other sources, but we prefer "resident" because it better reflects who they are as people, and sets property managers up to forge stronger relationships with them.
Building strong relationships with your residents is essential to running a successful rental property (or properties).
That’s why thoughtful, well-timed gifts can be a great way to not only create a sense of community, foster goodwill, and boost retention, but ensure the long-term success of your property management business.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- What resident gifts are, as well as practical and personalized gift ideas for all budgets and occasions
- The benefits gifts provide to both property managers and residents
- When to give resident gifts, such as key events like milestones or holidays
Benefits of resident appreciation gifts
Who doesn’t like feeling appreciated? Showing your residents what they mean to you can offer numerous advantages, helping to foster a positive and lasting relationship.
- Increases resident retention: A thoughtful gift demonstrates that you value your residents, making them feel appreciated and more likely to renew their leases.
- Encourages positive reviews: Happy residents are more likely to leave glowing reviews, boosting your reputation as a property manager.
- Sets you apart: Small gestures of goodwill can distinguish you from other property managers, making your properties more desirable.
- Builds trust and respect: Resident appreciation strengthens the manager-resident relationship by fostering mutual trust and respect.
- Maintains the relationship: If there has been a misunderstanding or miscommunication between the property manager and resident, a thoughtful gift from the property manager could help smooth things over.
Investing in resident appreciation initiatives is a simple but effective way to enhance resident satisfaction and create a more harmonious living environment.
Related:
- 9 Ways to Improve Your Resident Experience
- Why is Resident Experience Important?
- The State of Resident Experience Report (whitepaper)
Overview of gift types
There are all kinds of thoughtful gift options that property managers can offer to residents, creating opportunities to extend a sense of community and appreciation.
- Welcome packages: Everyday essentials like disinfecting wipes, filters, and toilet paper with a personalized welcome message are often well-received by new residents who are just moving in.
- Discounts or special offers: Reduced rent or exclusive deals, especially during the holidays, can go a long way in showing appreciation. (Learn more about different resident rewards you can offer through Second Nature’s Resident Benefits Package.)
- Gift cards: Options like coffee gift cards, grocery store vouchers, or spa services provide flexible and practical benefits. Other ideas include gas cards or gift cards from large retailers (such as Walmart or Amazon). (Gift cards are a type of resident rewards you can customize in your Resident Benefits Package.)
- Community-building contests: Organizing monthly or seasonal contests or giveaways for residents can foster engagement and create a stronger sense of community.
- Seasonal treats: Consumables like holiday-themed candy, desserts, or other festive goodies.
- Pet-friendly gifts: If your company allows residents to have pets, toys or treats for furry friends can be a thoughtful touch.
Each of these gift ideas is a simple yet effective way to show residents that their satisfaction and happiness matter.
Creative resident appreciation gifts by occasion
Property managers can customize a resident rewards program, as part of Second Nature’s Resident Benefits Package, as a way to reward positive resident behaviors.
Related: What Is a Rent Rewards Program?
Although certain occasions or incentives can make gifting especially meaningful, you don’t always need a specific reason to show appreciation to your best residents.
Here are some of the best times to consider.
Welcome and move-in gift baskets for new residents
First impressions matter, and a thoughtful welcome gift can set the tone for a positive relationship with new residents. Move-in gift baskets are a simple yet impactful way to show your appreciation and help tenants settle into their new home.
A few approaches include:
- Practical essentials: Cleaning supplies like paper towels, laundry detergent samples, bathroom essentials like toothpaste, or kitchen basics like dish soap and sponges can be a lifesaver on moving day.
- Comfort items: Small snacks, a bottle of wine*, or a cozy throw blanket will make the space feel more inviting. (*Wine for adults over 21 only.)
- Local touches: Gift cards to nearby cafes, maps of the neighborhood, or coupons for local services help residents feel connected to their community.
- Sustainability-focused gifts: Reusable water bottles, energy-efficient lightbulbs, or biodegradable products align with eco-friendly values.
- First night’s dinner: Consider a gift card to a local take-out spot so that your residents don’t have to worry about cooking dinner on their first night when all their cookware is still packed away.
These gift baskets not only make moving day easier but also show that you genuinely care about your residents’ comfort and experience from the start.
A truly welcoming move-in gift for residents
In this social post, Ian Joseph, the Owner and Founder of The Joseph Group, showcases a carefully curated move-in gift package designed to make a positive first impression on new residents. The package includes:
- A custom “welcome home” candle with a unique scent
- A freshly picked dahlia from a local farm
- A handwritten note from the property manager with a "dinner on us tonight” offer
- A folder containing resident benefits and orientation materials to help new residents settle in smoothly
- An orientation service offering on-site assistance from the moving concierge team
This thoughtful combination of practical items, personal touches, and supportive services helps create a warm, welcoming, and stress-free experience for new residents.
Resident appreciation gifts
Thoughtful, personalized gifts can make residents feel valued and foster stronger relationships year-round. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply recognizing their presence in your community, these gestures can go a long way in creating memorable moments.
Key milestones to celebrate
- Life events: Big moments like weddings, new babies, or graduations are perfect opportunities to send a personalized gift. A baby care package or a keepsake for newlyweds can make these moments even more special.
- Resident rewards program: Incorporate appreciation into structured initiatives like rent rewards programs, as part of your Resident Benefits Package, by offering perks such as event tickets, local discounts, or special experiences tailored to your residents’ preferences.
- Surprise gestures: Even small, unexpected acts—like a note of appreciation with a coffee shop voucher—can leave a lasting positive impression.
Customization makes a difference
Personalized gifts stand out because they show thoughtfulness. For example, a hand-written birthday card paired with a small, customized gift adds a personal touch that goes beyond standard gestures.
When planning resident gifts, draw inspiration from real-life examples, ensuring they’re meaningful and relevant to the occasion. Thoughtful customization doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does make a lasting impact.
Lease renewal gifts
Thank long-term residents for renewing their lease—consider a gas or grocery card to show your gratitude for having such a loyal resident. You can also gift an affordable experience, like a movie popcorn basket for your residents to enjoy a nice night in, or an inexpensive goodie bag that you hang on their door.
You can also offer small improvements to spruce up the unit now that it’s been lived in for a while. We’ve seen property managers offer carpet cleaning or updates to light fixtures, which would normally happen during turnover, but instead your current residents get to enjoy them! Plus, it keeps the property in good condition, which keeps your investors happy, too.
Christmas and holiday gifts for residents
The holiday season is an excellent opportunity for property managers to show appreciation to their residents. Thoughtful gifts not only create goodwill but also help strengthen the relationship between property managers and residents.
Here are some real-life examples of successful holiday gift ideas:
Delightful pies for Thanksgiving
Tiffany Izenour, Principal Broker & Owner of Freedom Property Management, shared the tasty treat she gifts residents every year. In the Facebook Group, #PMHealth Group, she wrote, "Got my steps and lifting in today during our annual pie event. 🥧75 enormous pies gifted to clients, tenants, and community partners today. Managed to avoid the temptation of digging into a pie thanks to chatty clients 😁."
What a great example of spreading holiday cheer with seasonal pies that residents can enjoy with loved ones during Thanksgiving. (Plus, it’s one less pie for residents to prepare on one of the biggest cooking holidays of the year.)
Grocery gift card giveaway
Dan McKee, President of Keyrenter Knoxville Property Management, understands the financial stressors residents experience around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s why for Thanksgiving, residents were able to enter a giveaway for a $100 grocery gift card, just by liking the company’s Facebook page. For Christmas, property owners can opt-in to have Keyrenter Knoxville Property Management send residents $50 gift cards to local restaurants in a holiday greeting card - another win-win for residents.
The 12 days of giving
Brad Randall, Owner and Operator of Welch Randall Real Estate and Property Management, noticed that he had the highest delinquency rate for rent in the month of December. He decided to incentivize residents by implementing a “12 days of Welch Randall giving” initiative. Residents who paid rent on time during the month of December were entered into daily drawings for gifts such as cash, grills, and event tickets, some sponsored by vendors. Residents could also earn additional entries by leaving a Google review. Not only did this support residents and offer them incentives for paying rent on time, but it also fostered a stronger relationship between residents and property managers.
When things go wrong
Whether it’s a miscommunication with their management company, an unpreventable maintenance issue, or just bad luck, every resident will run into a tough situation eventually. Being there to support your resident in times of need can solidify trust and help improve your relationship.
Consider using tough times as opportunities to really make your residents’ days in unexpected ways. Whether you’re making up for your own mistake, or just trying to cheer them up and help them over a hurdle, small gestures can go a long way.
Bouncing back
Melissa Gillispie of JWB Real Estate Capital prides herself on going above and beyond. Her secret is simple: listen.
“Who doesn't love to feel celebrated, seen, valued, appreciated, and considered? Reach out early and often,” she said. “Identify the real roadblock or concern, and do everything in your power to listen and solve it.”
In one instance, she had a resident who had a large trampoline in their backyard, but the property owner’s homeowners insurance demanded that it be removed. In response, Melissa and her team got creative. “We bought the resident their very own bounce house!”
Budget for resident gifts
When planning gifts for your residents, it’s important to balance thoughtfulness with budget considerations.
Ultimately, your individual gift budget will also depend on your company’s finances. Make sure you’re maximizing margins so that you can reward the residents who help drive your business forward.
Operating on a tight budget may seem intimidating, it’s often enough to cover small but meaningful gestures, such as personalized notes, small gift cards, or eco-friendly items. You may also benefit from speaking to your tax professional about whether some gifts may be written off as business expenses.
Final thoughts
Showing appreciation through thoughtful gifts can make a significant impact on resident satisfaction and retention. By adopting a Resident Benefits Package, property managers can build stronger relationships and stand out as a property management company that truly values their residents.
To take your resident experience to the next level, explore Second Nature’s comprehensive resident rewards program. Resident Benefits Packages help you create a seamless, rewarding experience for your residents while supporting your property management business.
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December 11, 2024