10 Party Favors You Can Make Yourself

Over the summer my family and I planned a retirement party for my mother. While planning the party the subject came up over whether or not to have favors. The truth is, we like favors but we were on a limited budget so we needed to find something not so outlandish. We solved this by taking marigold seeds harvested from my heirloom marigolds and planting them in decorative pots and tea cups - items we had in the house. We also had door prizes and giveaways of nice items we had in our own homes but would never use, for instance candles and vases.

I’m such a big fan of things you can make yourself, and wedding or party favors have so many possibilities. You can still give elegant favors without breaking the bank. Behold:

10 Party Favors You Can Make Yourself

1. Potted plants: I harvest marigold seeds every year, but you can buy any kinds of seeds any they aren’t expensive. Purchase small pots, tea cups or other receptacles from the party or dollar store and plant the seeds. Of course you’ll have to do this in advance, but it’s a cute gift. Spray paint the pots colors matching your theme or choose something decorative. This favor will last the whole summer as your guests can replant them.
2. Cookies - Make and decorate your own cookies. Look for cookie cutters matching your theme. For instance, if your planning a graduation party, look for a cookie cutter shaped like a mortarboard.
3. Kisses - Buy some tulle bags, decorative ribbon and bags of Hershey’s Kisses.  Put several Kisses in each bag. Your guests will love the sweet treat.
4. Pine cone ornaments  - If your party is during the winter try making pine cone ornaments. Collect as many pine cones as you need and put in a foil pan. Bake in a very low heated oven, about 200 degrees, to get the bugs out. When they’re ready, spray paint your parties colors, silver, gold, or spray snow. Tie a ribbon to the stem for hanging.
5. Lollipop bouquets - Give your guests lollipop bouquets tied with a decorative ribbon.
6. Gourmet coffee, tea or hot chocolate - Measure coffee, Tea or hot chocolate into decorative bags and tie with a ribbon.
7. CD’s - Burn a CD featuring your favorite music, or music being played at the party and give one to each guest.
8. Coasters - Buy some inexpensive ceramic tiles at the home improvement center and paints. Make a hand painted coaster for all your guests.
9. Potpourri Sachets - Fill decorative bags with potpourri.
10. Seeds - Give your guests decorative bags or envelopes filled with seeds.

As you can see, you’re only limited by your imagination. Craft stores, dollar stores and party stores will provide you with lots of inspiration

Image: Morguefile