MHN Executive Council: Awesome Swag Your Residents Will Actually Want
The key to a good move-in gift? Give them something they'll actually use. Here are some great suggestions.
Move-in gifts can help your new residents feel welcomed into the community. They can also be junk that will end up in the garbage when you turn your back. The MHN Executive Council shares their favorite swag ideas that your renters will be sure to appreciate.
Outside the Box
The best move-in gift isn’t just about what’s inside the box—it’s about the feeling it creates. You’re welcoming someone home, not handing them hotel swag.
My favorite approach? Curate a gift that reflects your property’s personality and your resident’s lifestyle. A sleek tumbler they’ll actually use at the coworking space. A local coffee blend with a QR code linking to nearby cafes. A branded keychain that doubles as a bottle opener for community events. These aren’t just items—they’re on-ramps to engagement.
And don’t sleep on presentation. When that welcome bag is handed over with a genuine “We’re so glad you’re here,” it sets the tone for the entire resident experience. It’s a small moment that makes a big impression—and reminds them they didn’t just lease an apartment. They joined a community. —Cyrus Claffey, Founder, ButterflyMX
Amenity Add-Ons
New residents appreciate welcome gifts that make them feel a part of their new community. When items complement the amenities they’re more likely to be used and enhance the brand at the same time. For example, water bottles that can be used in the fitness center or poolside, bean bags for a courtyard bean bag toss, personalized coffee mug for the coffee bar or a wine or beer glass for the lounge/bar. T-shirts and backpacks are also always popular.
Beyond giving away “things” we like to develop a special lease signing or move-in experience for residents. A peg wall we designed for Canvas at ASU provided a fun opportunity for new residents to join the community by adding a peg and then capturing the moment in picture perfect for social media sharing. —Mary Cook, President, Mary Cook Associates
Personal Touch
We believe it is important to make new residents feel valued and appreciated by presenting them with a thoughtful move-in gift, typically a ribbon-adorned basket including gift cards to popular local restaurants; household items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, sponges, a small tool kit and band aids; plus water bottles and snacks. Our staff also makes sure to include a personalized note with a signature from the manager or a team member. And for new residents who are also pet owners, we often give them a bonus gift like a branded pup bag with treats and a leash with glow-in-the-dark strip for evening walks. —Diana Pittro, Executive Vice President, RMK Management
Shop Local
There have been so many over the years! We used a “home starter box” that included a phone (when people used landlines), dish soap, paper towels, TP and a small toolkit to hang pictures, etc. We now use something local to each market. For example, a bottle of wine from a local winery or cookies from a local baker. We also provide all new residents with a bag of custom-blended coffee (also available in the lobby 24/7) and a personalized travel mug that markets the community. We work to make all gifts useful and engaging. —K David Meit, Principal, Oculus Realty
Matching Their Energy
The REMM Group provides a variety of gifts tailored to the property being leased. However, what makes a move-in gift truly special is when an enthusiastic leasing agent presents it to the new residents. It should feel like a genuine token of appreciation for choosing our community—not something we’re obligated to do.
Keeping the feel of the community in mind, The REMM Group offers gifts that are useful for someone moving in and appropriate for all demographics. Examples include tote bags, tumblers, coffee mugs, phone chargers, hats, key chains and small potted succulents. If there’s a pool, we might add a branded pool towel and sunglasses. For pet-friendly communities, a pet toy is a great addition when someone moves in with a furry friend. If there’s no gym on-site, a free month’s membership to a local gym is a thoughtful touch. If there is a gym, a workout towel and shaker work well.
We like to partner with local businesses to offer coupons or gift cards to nearby movie theaters or coffee shops. When the leasing agent or apartment manager presents the gift, it creates an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the apartment, amenities, or community—strengthening our connection and support from day one. —Susan McPeak, Corporate Ambassador, The REMM Group
Interested in joining the MHN Executive Council and sharing your insights? Email Jessica Fiur.
