Hosting a Party? Don’t Overspend on Favors
Most party favors are either overpriced or totally forgettable. But not these!
These DIY favors are fun to make, budget-friendly, and cute enough that your guests will actually want to take them home. Bonus? You can batch them with friends in a single night.
1. Mini Spa-in-a-Jar
A little luxury goes a long way. These spa jars are the perfect pampering gift for your guests.
Time: 10 minutes per jar
What You’ll Need:
- Small mason jars or plastic favor containers
- White or raw sugar
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, or citrus)
- Ribbon or twine
- Kraft paper or printable labels
Kid-Friendly Tip: Swap sugar scrub for mini bubble bath bottles or bath bombs
Assembly: Fill mini jars with homemade sugar scrub. Tie with ribbon and tag.
Visualize It: Chic jars with pastel scrub, a twine bow, and a label that says “Relax, you deserve it.”
Troubleshooting Tip: Fill jars close to your event to avoid oil separation.
2. Candy Kabobs
These bright and colorful treats double as eye-catching decor and sweet takeaways.
Time: 5–7 minutes per kabob
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden skewers
- Assorted gummy candy (rings, bears, worms)
- Clear treat bags
- Colorful ribbon or twist ties
Kid-Friendly Tip: Let kids build their own kabobs at the party.
Assembly: Stack gummies on skewers, wrap in cellophane, and tie.
Visualize It: Rainbow gummies lined up in a tall treat bag—like edible art.
Troubleshooting Tip: Avoid sticky candy if it’s warm outside.
3. Seed Packet Favors
A favor that keeps on giving. These plantable gifts are perfect for garden parties and eco-friendly events.
Time: 3 minutes per envelope
What You’ll Need:
- Kraft paper envelopes or small seed packets
- Wildflower or herb seeds
- Washi tape or stickers
- Printable or handwritten labels
- Basket or tray for display
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use sunflower or snapdragon seeds for easy growing.
Assembly: Fill envelopes with seeds, seal, and add labels.
Visualize It: Rustic packets in a basket, perfect for eco-chic events.
Troubleshooting Tip: Include planting instructions for unfamiliar seeds.
4. Mini S’mores Kits
A campfire classic made cute and portable. These are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Time: 5 minutes per kit
What You’ll Need:
- Graham cracker squares
- Large marshmallows
- Chocolate squares or wrapped chocolate
- Clear cellophane bags
- Twine or ribbon
- Printable “S’more Fun” tags
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use mini marshmallows and fun-size chocolate bars.
Assembly: Stack ingredients in bags, tie closed, add tag.
Visualize It: Cozy bundles with rustic twine and charm.
Troubleshooting Tip: Use wrapped chocolate in warm weather.
5. DIY Lip Balm Pots
Give your guests something they’ll actually use. These lip balms are practical and pretty.
Time: 15 minutes for 10 pots
What You’ll Need:
- Coconut oil
- Beeswax pellets
- Essential oils
- Lip balm containers or small pots
- Small funnel or dropper
- Custom labels or printable stickers
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use a pre-made balm kit.
Assembly: Melt ingredients, pour into containers, let set, label.
Visualize It: Glossy little balm pots lined up in pretty trays.
Troubleshooting Tip: Refrigerate quickly to avoid uneven setting.
6. Confetti Popper Tubes
Let your guests take the party home with these festive, pop-worthy favors.
Time: 10 minutes per popper
What You’ll Need:
- Push pop containers or toilet paper rolls
- Paper confetti (biodegradable preferred)
- Tissue paper
- Tape or glue
- Wrapping paper or washi tape
- “Pop Me” tags
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use eco-friendly confetti or mini pompoms.
Assembly: Fill, seal with tissue, decorate tube.
Visualize It: Colorful, festive tubes ready to burst!
Troubleshooting Tip: Don’t overfill or over-seal top.
7. Hot Cocoa Cones
Perfect for winter parties, these warm and cozy treats look just as good as they taste.
Time: 6–8 minutes per cone
What You’ll Need:
- Cone-shaped treat bags
- Hot cocoa mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed peppermints or chocolate chips
- Ribbon or twine
- Tags or stickers
Kid-Friendly Tip: Add fun sprinkles or candy eyes for a kid twist.
Assembly: Layer ingredients, tie bag, add tag.
Visualize It: Warm, wintry cones that double as decor.
Troubleshooting Tip: Use a scoop for cleaner layers.
8. Customized Hair Ties
Stylish and surprisingly simple, these are perfect for all ages and easy to personalize.
Time: 2–3 minutes each
What You’ll Need:
- Fold-over elastic
- Scissors
- Small favor cards or cardstock
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use glitter elastic or printed designs.
Assembly: Cut and knot elastic, slide onto cards.
Visualize It: Pretty bundles your guests will actually use.
Troubleshooting Tip: Heat-seal elastic ends to prevent fraying.
9. Mini Paint Sets
A creative favor idea for kids and artsy adults alike. Easy to make and super cute.
Time: 8–10 minutes per set
What You’ll Need:
- Mini canvas or watercolor paper squares
- Mini paint pots or palettes
- Small paintbrushes
- Clear bags
- Printable tags
Kid-Friendly Tip: Use washable paints or pre-printed coloring pages.
Assembly: Bag the items, seal, tag.
Visualize It: Adorable kits for creative fun.
Troubleshooting Tip: Tape brushes to bags to avoid damage.
10. Tea Bag Gift Envelopes
Simple, sweet, and perfect for a relaxing moment after the party.
Time: 2 minutes per favor
What You’ll Need:
- Cardstock or printed envelopes
- Assorted tea bags
- Washi tape or stickers
- Printable or handwritten tags
Kid-Friendly Tip: Swap tea for hot chocolate or lemonade pouches.
Assembly: Insert tea into envelopes, seal and tag.
Visualize It: Thoughtful, calming favors perfect for brunch.
Troubleshooting Tip: Use sealed teas to avoid scent blending.
Assembly Line Tips: Make a Bunch, Fast
- Set up stations: one for each step (filling, tying, tagging).
- Invite a friend or two, pour some drinks, make it fun.
- Pre-cut ribbon, elastic, tags, and label sheets.
- Use trays or bins to keep organized.
Troubleshooting Common Favor Fails
- Favor bag rips easily: Use thicker cellophane or double-bag.
- Lip balm won’t set: Add more beeswax or chill faster.
- Confetti poppers won’t work: Don’t overfill or tape too tightly.
- Ribbon won’t stay tied: Try baker’s twine or dab with glue.
- Candy melts in bag: Avoid chocolate for outdoor summer parties.
Where to Buy Supplies Cheaply
- Dollar Tree: Favor bags, candy, jars, craft supplies
- Amazon: Bulk elastic, balm pots, treat cones, ribbon
- Walmart: Candy, graham crackers, cocoa mix
- Michaels & JoAnn: Paint, paper, cardstock (use coupons)
- Etsy: Unique tags, printable downloads, specialty elastic
Wrap-Up: Cute Doesn’t Have to Mean Costly
With just a little effort and a handful of supplies, you can create party favors that look like you spent way more than you did. These ideas are affordable, adorable, and totally doable—whether you’re planning a birthday, baby shower, bridal bash, or just a fun get-together.
So pick your favorite, set up your assembly line, and make something cute your guests will love (and actually keep).
