Getting Creative with Party Favors

We have all had this challenge: trying to come up with clever and meaningful party favors for guests who are attending our wedding, baby shower, or children’s birthday parties. Whatever the type of event, when selecting party favors, it is important to choose items that have a dual purpose, and are as eco-friendly as possible.

When it comes to wedding favors, wasting money on useless trinkets that your guests will not keep isn’t going to cut it anymore. Instead, consider donating a dollar or more to an eco-friendly charity on behalf of each guest. Sites like www.worldofgoods.com allow you to pick a cause that is meaningful and close to your heart. Or, you could consider offsetting the carbon footprint for the entire event.

Wedding favors can also have a dual purpose, such as selecting a favor that can also function as a seating card. If you are having a fall wedding, shop at your local organic orchards for in-season apples and attach guest names and table information to each apple. This way you are supporting local organic farming in your area, and giving guests an item that can be enjoyed.

Another clever favor is potted mini trees. You can attach a small tag with table information to each tree or write your guests names on the pots. Remember to print planting and care instructions on the back of the tag.

When you are hosting a smaller event—like a book club or mommy-and-me gathering—you may want to surprise your guests with a small favor without going over budget.

One idea is to make tea or coffee sampler packs for your guests. Purchase a package of eco-friendly disposable coffee cups and fill each one with packets of organic tea or coffee or even a mixture of both. Decorate the cups with leftover ribbon scraps or other craft supplies and you have an affordable and cute favor.

In the past, children’s party favors consisted of cheap plastic toys and candy, often wrapped in more plastic. However, one useful, memorable gift will cost the same as cramming loads of the cheap toys and candy into loot bags—often loot bags are neither an organic or environmentally friendly option.

Consider purchasing a small flower pot and packet of seeds for the children for an outdoor-themed party. Or, purchase your child’s favorite book and attach a small thank you inside as a favor for each guest. If you are hosting a sleepover, buy each guest pajama bottoms—it is something they will be able to use and when they grow out of them, donate or recycle.

If you are hosting a baby shower for a friend, consider combining a dollar from each guest into one savings bond for the baby instead of providing party favors. Most guests would rather see something be given towards the baby’s future than to themselves. If you are looking for a take-away favor, give guests a seed packet of the mother’s favorite flower, or seeds that will bloom the month the child is due.

Finding the perfect party favors can be a challenge, but if you make sure they have a dual purpose and are eco-friendly, both your guests and the planet will appreciate the gesture. Let’s give ourselves the best favor in the world by taking care of the world.