When planning a baby shower, favors are an important element that guests often anticipate. These small gifts serve as tokens of appreciation for those celebrating this special occasion. While selecting the perfect favor might seem overwhelming, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options, regardless of your budget, theme, or personal style.
Understanding Baby Shower Favors
Baby shower favors are small gifts given to guests as a thank you for their attendance and participation. Traditionally, these favors were simple keepsakes, but modern baby showers now feature more personalized and practical items that guests will actually use.
Why Offer Baby Shower Favors?
- Show appreciation: Favors express gratitude for guests’ time, gifts, and support
- Commemorate the occasion: They serve as mementos of the special day
- Enhance the theme: Coordinated favors can elevate your overall baby shower aesthetic
- Create lasting impressions: Thoughtful favors leave guests with a positive memory
Budget Planning for Baby Shower Favors
Before diving into specific ideas, let’s talk about budgeting. Most hosts spend between $2-$10 per guest on favors, but this can vary significantly based on guest count and personal preferences.
| Budget Category | Cost Per Guest | Best Types of Favors |
|---|---|---|
| Economical | $1-$3 | DIY treats, seed packets, bath salts, small plants |
| Mid-range | $4-$7 | Customized items, quality edibles, practical items |
| Premium | $8+ | Spa products, personalized gifts, high-end edibles |
Pro Tip: Calculate your total favor budget by multiplying your per-guest budget by the number of expected attendees, then add 10% for contingency.
Timing Your Favor Preparation
When should you prepare baby shower favors? Here’s a timeline to help you plan:
- 8 weeks before: Decide on your favor and budget
- 6 weeks before: Order custom items or supplies for DIY projects
- 2-3 weeks before: Assemble DIY favors that will stay fresh
- 1 week before: Package favors and add finishing touches
- 1-2 days before: Prepare any perishable food favors
Edible Baby Shower Favors
Edible favors are universally appreciated and guarantee your gifts won’t collect dust. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Fresh Fruit Presentations
Fresh fruit makes for a healthy, colorful favor option. Consider:
- Individual berry baskets with mixed seasonal fruits
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries in decorative boxes
- Fruit skewers with complementary dip containers
- Citrus fruits with custom “Sweet Baby” stickers
Presentation Tip: Line containers with doilies or colored tissue paper for an elegant touch.
Baked Goods and Sweet Treats
Mini pies are wonderful options, but consider these additional ideas:
- Customized Cookies: Use baby-shaped cookie cutters and royal icing to create adorable designs
- Brownie Bites: Individual brownies in mini bakery boxes with ribbon
- French Macarons: These elegant treats in baby-appropriate colors
- Cupcake Jars: Layered cake and frosting in mini jars for a sophisticated presentation
Homemade Treats with Shelf Life
For those planning ahead, consider these treats that won’t spoil quickly:
- Flavored Sugars: Vanilla, citrus, or lavender-infused sugars
- Specialty Salts: Herb-infused or smoked salt varieties
- Homemade Jams: Small jars of preserves with custom labels
- Infused Honey: Add herbs like lavender or rosemary for gourmet appeal
Beverage-Based Favors
Drink-related favors offer versatility and practical appeal:
- Tea Blends: Custom tea blends in sachets with “A Baby is Brewing” tags
- Coffee Beans: Small packages of specialty beans for coffee lovers
- Hot Chocolate Bombs: Chocolate spheres filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows
- Infused Water Bottles: Reusable bottles with fruit infuser compartments
Packaging Tip: For beverages, consider sustainable packaging options like biodegradable bags or recycled paper boxes.
Spa and Self-Care Baby Shower Favors
Self-care items make thoughtful gifts that encourage guests to pamper themselves—something new parents and friends alike can appreciate.
Bath and Body Products
While soap and bath salts are classic options, consider these elevated ideas:
- Shower Steamers: Like bath bombs but for showers—made with essential oils
- Custom Scented Lotion Bars: Solid lotion that melts with body heat
- Whipped Body Butter: In small jars with custom labels
- Bath Tea Bags: Dried herbs and salts in disposable tea bags
DIY Bath Salt Recipe
Creating your own bath salts is economical and allows for customization:
| Ingredient | Basic Recipe | Relaxing Variant | Energizing Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom Salt | 1 cup | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| Sea Salt | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
| Essential Oil | 10-15 drops | Lavender & Chamomile | Citrus & Peppermint |
| Dried Herbs | Optional | Dried lavender buds | Dried orange peel |
| Colorant | Food coloring | Natural blue/purple | Natural yellow/orange |
Storage Tip: Bath salts will stay fresh for 6-8 months in airtight containers.
Aromatherapy and Relaxation
Help guests create a calming atmosphere at home:
- Essential Oil Rollers: Pre-blended oils in convenient rollerballs
- Lavender Sachets: Handmade fabric pouches filled with dried lavender
- Sleep Masks: Silk or cotton masks with amusing baby-related phrases
- Aromatherapy Candles: Small tin candles with calming scents
Practical Self-Care Items
Practical items that align with daily routines tend to be most appreciated:
- Cuticle Oil Pens: For on-the-go nail care
- Reusable Face Masks: Cloth masks with skincare benefits
- Hand Sanitizer with Custom Holders: Practical and customizable
- Lip Scrub and Balm Duos: For complete lip care
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Favor Options
Today’s parents often appreciate environmentally conscious choices. Here are baby shower favors that are kind to the planet:
Plant-Based Favors
Building on the succulent idea article:
- Air Plants: Require minimal care and can be displayed creatively
- Herb Seedlings: Useful plants like basil, mint, or rosemary
- Plantable Seed Paper: Cards embedded with wildflower seeds
- Mini Terrariums: Self-contained plant ecosystems in small glass containers
Care Cards: Include plant care instructions with each favor to ensure success.
Reusable Items
Gifts that replace single-use products are both practical and environmentally friendly:
- Beeswax Food Wraps: Sustainable alternative to plastic wrap
- Reusable Produce Bags: Mesh or cotton bags for grocery shopping
- Metal or Silicone Straws: With cleaning brushes and carrying pouches
- Bamboo Utensil Sets: Portable cutlery for on-the-go meals
Charitable Favors
Consider making donations in guests’ names:
- Tree Planting: Organizations like One Tree Planted plant trees for $1 each
- Wildlife Adoption: Symbolic animal adoptions with certificates
- Children’s Charities: Donations to organizations supporting children’s causes
- Local Food Banks: Contributions to community support systems
Presentation Idea: Create cards explaining the donation’s impact and include a small symbolic item like a wooden ornament or bookmark.
Seasonal Baby Shower Favor Ideas
Align your favor choices with the season for added relevance and charm.
Spring Baby Shower Favors
Celebrate new beginnings with spring-themed gifts:
- Flower Seed Bombs: Clay balls containing wildflower seeds
- Rain Gauge Ornaments: Practical garden decorations
- Honey Sticks: Bundled with pollinator-friendly flower seeds
- Umbrella Cookies: Weather-appropriate and adorable
Summer Baby Shower Favorites
Beat the heat with these summer-inspired ideas:
- Custom Sunglasses: Inexpensive sunglasses with custom tags
- Refreshing Face Mists: In travel-sized spray bottles
- Personalized Paper Fans: Practical for warm weather gatherings
- Beach-Ready Mini Emergency Kits: Sunscreen, aloe, and lip balm
Mason Jar Favor Ideas with a Twist
Mason jars offer versatility and charm, but let’s explore some fresh approaches beyond the standard cookie or cake jars.
Layered Mixes with Presentation Flair
Elevate the visual appeal of jar mixes with these techniques:
- Rainbow Layer Cakes: Colorful layers of ingredients for a vibrant effect
- Ombré Sugar Scrubs: Graduated color intensities for visual impact
- Stenciled Jar Designs: Use frosted glass spray and stencils for elegant patterns
- Fabric-Topped Jars: Replace standard lids with fabric secured by embroidery hoops
Creative Jar Alternatives
While traditional Mason jars work wonderfully, consider these unique containers:
- Mini Milk Bottles: Perfect for drinks or liquid treats
- Test Tubes: For colorful candy or bath salts
- Vintage Spice Jars: Small and distinctive for special blends
- Recycled Baby Food Jars: Especially meaningful for baby-themed events
Beyond Food: Unexpected Mason Jar Favors
Think outside the culinary realm with these creative jar-based gifts:
- Memory Jars: Fill with prompts for guests to write wishes for baby
- Fairy Light Jars: Battery-operated string lights in frosted jars
- Sewing Kits: Essential supplies for quick repairs
- Miniature Terrariums: Complete ecosystems in glass jars
Assembly Tip: Create a “jar bar” where guests can customize their own favor by selecting contents and decorations—an activity that doubles as entertainment!
Personalized and Customized Favor Ideas
Adding a personal touch transforms ordinary favors into cherished keepsakes.
Custom-Printed Items
Technology has made personalization more accessible than ever:
- Photo Magnets: Featuring ultrasound images or pregnancy photos
- Custom Coasters: With baby’s expected due date or parents’ names
- Personalized Phone Grips: Practical daily-use items
- Mini Bookmarks: With inspirational parenting quotes
Handcrafted Personal Touches
Handmade elements add warmth and sincerity:
- Hand-Stamped Spoons: For tea lovers or as nursery décor
- Custom Embroidery Hoops: Small designs that double as art
- Hand-Dipped Candles: In colors matching the nursery theme
- Calligraphy Name Cards: That double as bookmarks or décor
Technology-Enhanced Favors
Incorporate modern technology for memorable experiences:
- Custom QR Codes: Linking to a playlist, photo album, or baby’s future website
- Digital Scrapbook Access: Share shower photos with all attendees
- Voice-Recorded Messages: In recordable trinket boxes
- Augmented Reality Cards: That display 3D images when scanned
Cultural and Traditional Baby Shower Favors
Honor heritage and tradition with culturally significant gifts:
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern
- Evil Eye Charms: Protection amulets in beautiful designs
- Olive Oil Bottles: Small bottles of premium olive oil
- Turkish Delight: Traditional sweet treats in decorative boxes
- Za’atar Spice Blend: Homemade or premium varieties
Asian Traditions
- Red Egg Favors: Chocolate eggs in red packaging (Chinese tradition)
- Tea Ceremony Sets: Small tea samples with traditional cups
- Lucky Bamboo: Symbol of good fortune in decorative containers
- Origami Mobiles: Handcrafted paper art for nursery decoration
Latin American Inspired
- Mexican Wedding Cookies: Traditional nutty cookies in colorful boxes
- Mini Maracas: Playful and festive keepsakes
- Worry Dolls: Traditional Guatemalan gifts for peaceful sleep
- Dulce de Leche: Homemade caramel in small jars
Educational Element: Include small cards explaining the cultural significance of traditional favors to share knowledge and appreciation.
Virtual Baby Shower Favor Solutions
With the rise of online celebrations, remote guests deserve thoughtful favors too.
Shipped-Ahead Favor Packages
- Curated Gift Boxes: Themed boxes shipped before the virtual event
- Activity Kits: Materials for crafts or games to do during the shower
- Tea and Treat Pairing: For enjoying during the celebration
- Celebration-in-a-Box: Mini decorations, treats, and activities
Digital Favor Options
No shipping required for these virtual gifts:
- Digital Gift Cards: For coffee shops, bookstores, or streaming services
- Custom Zoom Backgrounds: Professionally designed for future use
- Subscription Services: Monthly deliveries of flowers, coffee, or books
- Online Classes: Cooking, craft, or wellness sessions
Planning Tip: For hybrid events, consider how in-person and virtual favors can complement each other while ensuring all guests feel equally valued.
DIY Packaging and Presentation Ideas
The presentation of your favors can be just as impactful as the gifts themselves.
Creative Packaging Materials
Think beyond standard gift bags with these unique options:
- Fabric Pouches: Reusable and environmentally friendly
- Wooden Boxes: For more substantial gifts that can be repurposed
- Handmade Paper Envelopes: For flat items like tea bags or seed packets
- Miniature Suitcases: Perfect for travel-themed showers
Personalized Tags and Labels
Add a special touch with custom finishing elements:
- Wax Seals: Add vintage elegance to envelopes or bags
- Custom Stamps: With baby’s name or expected birth date
- Watercolor Tags: Hand-painted for unique artistic flair
- Wood Veneer Labels: For a natural, organic aesthetic
Presentation Displays
Create visual impact with thoughtful presentation:
- Tiered Cake Stands: For displaying various types of favors
- Vintage Suitcases: Opened to reveal neatly arranged gifts
- Mini Clotheslines: Clip small favors for a whimsical display
- Custom Favor Trees: Branches with hanging gifts for guests to pick
Color Coordination: Match packaging colors to your shower theme for a cohesive look.
Favor Distribution Tips
Consider these thoughtful approaches to distributing your favors:
Timing Options
- As Guests Arrive: Welcome gifts set a festive tone
- During the Event: Tie to games or activities
- At Departure: Traditional timing as a thank-you
- Place Settings: Incorporate favors into table decor
Making It Memorable
- Personalized Thank You: Take a moment to personally thank each guest
- Story Connection: Share why you selected this particular favor
- Group Photos: Capture guests with their favors for memories
- Demonstration: Briefly show how to use unique items
Final Considerations for Selecting Perfect Baby Shower Favors
Before making your final decision, consider these important factors:
Guest Demographics
Tailor your favors to your specific guest list:
- Mixed Ages: Choose universally appealing items
- Primarily Parents: Practical items for busy lifestyles
- Family-Focused: Consider bringing extras for children at home
- Professional Colleagues: Sophisticated, office-appropriate gifts
Transportation Considerations
Think about how guests will transport favors home:
- Traveling Guests: Compact, durable, and TSA-friendly items
- Local Friends: Can handle more delicate or bulky options
- Weather Factors: Heat-sensitive items might melt in summer
- Protective Packaging: For fragile items like glassware
Long-Lasting Impact
The most memorable favors continue to bring joy long after the shower:
- Growing Gifts: Plants or seeds that develop over time
- Seasonal Items: Things guests will use regularly in their daily lives
- Photo Opportunities: Items that can be photographed with the baby after birth
- Connective Elements: Favors that create ongoing connections between guests and the new family
By carefully considering your budget, theme, and guest preferences, you’ll select baby shower favors that delight your attendees and express sincere gratitude for their participation in this special celebration.
