Still stumped? Think thoughtful, useful, and unexpected.
When your love language is gifts, and you avoid clutter and want to do your part for the earth and generally have everything you need…how do you come up with party favor ideas?
Well, we have a few tips. For starters: think beyond the “goodie bag.” While we do sometimes assemble a few items in a bundle, our party favors are sometimes just one thing. Packaged beautifully, of course.
When selecting the gift, we try to hit all the points – thoughtful, useful, and unexpected. The reaction we are going for is, “Wherever did you find this?” or “Who would have thought of this?” It’s that element of surprise that sparks joy. Party favors are a great way to delight your guests, make them feel appreciated, and to help guests big and small continue to remember the fun they had at your event, after the day has passed. If you’re stumped, here are some ideas to consider recycling.
Five Ideas for Party Favors
- A Book: Consider a book related to the party theme. For a picnic party for a 2-year-old, we gave the kids copies of Teddy Bears’ Picnic board book. Wrap it with a nice big bow, and you’re done.
- A Bag: Everyone loves a bag. We had these printed on canvas library-style totes by CafePress. The party had a tango theme, and this was a practical gift that allowed guests to take home the crafts they had made at the party in style! This was a big hit with the kids and the moms.
- A Craft: For a midsummer-themed party, the kids received goodie bags with sun-themed crafts, including a wooden yoyo and a sundial, to paint after the party. (Both from Joann Fabrics.)
- Candy: Chocolate is always a great idea in our book. Wrap a bar of your favorite chocolate with handmade paper or add a nice bow, and you’re done!
- Whimsy: For a little whimsy, find something handmade on Etsy. Dr FrankKnits made tiny (fit in your palm) knitted Vespa/Scooters for a “Dolce Vita” first birthday party. (This is another one that the moms stole from the kids.)
