Creating your own party favors does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming task. All it takes is a little planning and a whole lot of originality! Put your creative side forward and see how much fun you can have brainstorming ideas.
Make Your Own
Some people prefer to make their own party favors from a variety of different sources as opposed to buying ones already packaged at party stores. It is simple to make your own homemade favors out of many items, especially decorative bags, baskets, tins and containers and then add the little extras that make each favor even more unique, such as brightly colored ties, ribbons and bows.
Towels
A hand towel or washcloth and a bar of soap are always nice to give as a party favor. If the shower/birthday has a certain color theme consider coordinating the favors to reflect that. Pink washcloths and pink soap for example, tied with a pretty ribbon; orange colored (and scented) soaps wrapped in tangerine colored hand towels and tied with bright orange ribbons for a shower in October, and so on.
Movies Anyone?
Everyone loves movie night so why not surprise your guests with a certificate for a free video or DVD? Place the certificates in red envelopes and drop in a couple of peppermint patties before writing each guest’s name on the front of the envelopes.
Toiletries
No woman would turn down hair products so how about a comb and a trial size bottle of shampoo in a decorative bag? Discount stores and dollar stores carry a wide selection of these bags perfect for any occasion, and they come in a myriad of different colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. Buy your guests all the same bag or go crazy and purchase many different ones!
Candies and Candles
Buy tiny wire baskets (many are available at craft stores and/or dollar stores) and tie each with a ribbon of your chosen color. Place inside the basket an assortment of candies, such as Smarties, peppermint patties, licorice, etc. as well as a votive candle and, for baby showers in particular, a little teddy bear dressed up in his or her finest! Or if you prefer wrapping paper or tissue paper, drop a few candy hearts and/or gumdrops into your little party favor “sacks” and tie with a ribbon or some coordinating colored yarn.
Crafty Concepts
If you are a crafty sort of person the opportunities are many- cross-stitch, latch hook, needlepoint, pottery, ceramics or painting. Whether you choose to make a wall hanging, a doily, a vase or a knick-knack it is sure to be appreciated by your guests.
Word Whiz
Are you a whiz with words? Here’s an idea- write a personal note on fancy stationery or a poem to your guests and then give them each a flower. A winning party favor for sure.
Other Ideas
Other ideas include snazzy notebooks, pens, potpourri, inexpensive picture frames, coasters, mouse pads, costume jewelry and plants. The sky’s the limit!
Party favors don’t have to be mundane or commonplace. Indulge your creativity and make them as simple or as fancy as you like. Have fun with the preparation and you will see by the many smiles in the room that your guests have appreciated your thoughtful gesture.