Inspired by the desire to add a personal touch, the family decided to involve their daughter, Emilia, the family’s resident artist who took the lead in designing the bag. Her vision was to create a simple yet visually striking design that would resonate with the coastal theme of St Ives. After careful consideration, Emilia settled on a stunning white starfish design that would stand out against the royal blue jute bag. The design was meant to evoke the essence of the seaside and provide a lasting impression on the guests.

The selected bag for this project was the GoJute GJ030, a royal blue jute bag. The decision to use jute, a natural and sustainable material, aligned with the family’s astute environmental awareness and the accommodation’s seaside location. To enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the bag, it was lined, and soft cotton handles were added. This ensured that the bag not only looked stylish but also felt comfortable to carry, making it practical for various uses including beach days and shopping. To give the gift a polished and welcoming feel, a swing tag was attached to one of the handles using jute twine. The swing tag featured a welcome message on one side and Emilia’s starfish artwork on the other, creating a cohesive and thematic presentation. These details were meticulously chosen to create a sense of unity between the design and the warm greeting message, reinforcing the idea that this bag was more than just a practical item; it was a thoughtful and personalised gift.

The final product was a unique and memorable gift that exceeded expectations. The combination of Emilia’s artistic talent, the carefully chosen bag, and the thoughtful finishing touches resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind item. Guests arriving at the St Ives holiday home next year will be greeted not only with a warm welcome but also with a practical and aesthetically pleasing bag that serves as a reminder of the seaside charm throughout their stay and beyond. The bag will evoke holiday memories every time it is used as it embodies the spirit of St Ives plus the warm hospitality of the apartment hosts.

This case study exemplifies how a well-thought-out and personalised approach to a welcome gift can significantly enhance the guest experience. By involving a family member with artistic skills, choosing quality materials and thoughtful details, and working with an experienced manufacturer like GoJute to bring the vision to life, the owners now have a unique and memorable souvenir gift that adds value to each of their guest’s stays.