As someone who's thrown hundreds of parties, I know that the little details can make a big difference.
Today, we're talking about DIY party favors – those special little gifts that make your guests feel appreciated and leave a lasting impression.
In this article, you'll discover:
- How to create personalized mini succulent gardens
- The secret to crafting the perfect homemade cookie mix jar
- Why custom photo coasters are a hit with guests
- How to make scented candles that double as decor
- The charm of DIY bath bombs as party favors
Why you should listen to me: My name is Nick Gray, and I’m the best–selling author of the party handbook The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. I’ve hosted hundreds of parties all over the world. After making it a habit, I can easily host a gathering and make new friends with no sweat. I’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and New York Magazine once called me a host of “culturally significant” parties.
My name is Nick Gray, and I'm the best-selling author of the party handbook The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. I've hosted hundreds of parties all over the world, and been featured in the WSJ, The New York Times, and New York Magazine.
Mini Succulent Gardens
Just like how name tags help break the ice at parties, these personalized mini succulent gardens serve as both a favor and a conversation starter.
Here's how to create them:
- Buy small terracotta pots (2-3 inches in diameter) from craft stores or online
- Paint the pots with acrylic paint to match your party theme
- Write each guest's name on the pot with a paint pen
- Fill the pots with cactus soil
- Plant a small succulent in each pot
Pro tip: Just like how I recommend delegating tasks to early party arrivals in "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party," you can ask a few friends to help you prepare these favors before the event. Not sure about your party agenda? I wrote a full guide here.
Cookie Mix Jars
These DIY cookie mix jars are like a party in a jar – they keep the fun going even after your guests head home.
To create these tasty party favors:
- Use clean, quart-sized Mason jars
- Layer the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe in the jar
- Attach a tag with baking instructions and any additional ingredients needed
- Decorate the jar with ribbon or twine that matches your party theme
Custom Photo Coasters
Turn your party memories into lasting keepsakes with these custom photo coasters. They're a great way to commemorate the connections made at your gathering.
Here's how to craft them:
- Get plain ceramic tiles (4x4 inches) from a home improvement store
- Print out photos from your party or of your guests
- Use Mod Podge to adhere the photos to the tiles
- Once dry, apply a sealant to protect the photo
- Attach felt pads to the bottom of each tile
Want the full hosting playbook?
Grab the free 2-page party checklist.
Scented Candles
Just like how the right music sets the mood for a party, these DIY scented soy candles can help your guests recreate the ambiance of your gathering at home.
Here's what you'll need:
- Small glass jars or tins
- Soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks
- Essential oils for scent
- A double boiler for melting the wax
To make the candles:
- Melt the soy wax in a double boiler
- Add your chosen essential oils for scent
- Pour the wax into jars with pre-placed wicks
- Allow to cool and set completely
Pro tip: Choose a scent that matches the theme of your party. It's like creating a signature cocktail, but for the nose.
DIY Bath Bombs
These fizzy, fragrant bath bombs are like a party for your bathtub. They're a great way to help your guests unwind after the excitement of your gathering.
You'll need:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Cornstarch
- Epsom salt
- Essential oils
- Food coloring (optional)
- Bath bomb molds
Mix the dry ingredients, then slowly add the wet ingredients until the mixture holds together when squeezed. Press into molds and let dry overnight.
Just like how I recommend ending your party, these bath bombs give your guests a relaxing finale to their evening.
Conclusion
Creating DIY party favors is a fantastic way to show your appreciation for your guests and give them something unique to remember your event by.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Personalized mini succulent gardens serve as living name tags and conversation starters
- Homemade cookie mix jars offer a tasty at-home activity and a personal touch
- Custom photo coasters create tangible memories of your gathering
- Scented soy candles help recreate your party's ambiance at home
- DIY bath bombs provide a relaxing end to the evening
By incorporating these creative party souvenirs into your event, you're extending the party experience beyond the actual gathering.
It's like sending a little piece of your hospitality home with each guest.
Some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead and start preparing your favors well before the party date
- Involve friends or family in the crafting process to make it more enjoyable
- Consider your guests' preferences when choosing which favors to make
- Use these favors as an opportunity to reinforce your party's theme or personal brand
- Don't forget to have fun with the process – your enjoyment will shine through in the final product
In my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, I provide helpful guidance on how to host a great party for any event. I wrote this book to support anyone interested in meeting new people.
When is your party? Send me an email and I will give you some bonus tips, including a pre-party checklist that you can print out. Plus, I’ll answer any question you have, free of charge. I love talking about parties, and I’m on a mission to help 1000 people host their first party.
