How To Find The Perfect Party Favor

Even on the tightest of budgets, there are some things that are worth splurging on when it comes to party planning while other things can be done simply and inexpensively. Here are some expert ideas for putting together fabulous favors comparable to the five-star swag given out at big Hollywood bashes without breaking the bank. Party queen Lara Shriftman thinks outside the gift box and brings you her top five splurge or steal ideas for memorable party favors that are sure to impress guests regardless of your budget size. Check out Lara's list and make the decision: splurge or steal?

 

What to Consider

Purchasing party favors shouldn't be part of the planning checklist you struggle with, but oftentimes it is. Finding a small gift that works within your budget, makes a statement and proves of value to your guests in some way isn't easy. Follow the tips here to help make your favor purchase:

• Think of party favors in relation to your theme.

• Personalized party favors serve as great reminders for guests about the fun time they had at your party.

• Customize your party favors that relate to the theme of your party.

• Find anything that exemplifies the color you've selected; for example, if your signature color is white, a bag filled with vanilla votive candles, stationary, a bottle of white wine, and mints would be perfect.

• Create a gift bag centered on a featured product. If the product is too expensive, then give something else from the same brand, like a gift certificate.

 

When to Save

Remember, your party favors don't have to be costly. Here are a few quick and easy ideas for fun party favors that your guests will love:

• Bake cookies. Buy clear cellophane bags from a local market, place your cookies in the bags, and then tie them closed with an attractive piece of ribbon. If you want to customize the bags, print out labels on your computer that coincide with the theme of your party.

• Customized water bottles are always a great option for party favors. Not only do they serve a practical function for your guests, but since they are reusable, they serve as reminders of your party after it is over.

• Pass out clear canisters from Dylan's Candy Bar filled with the candy of your choosing. Anything sugar related will be appreciated!

• For a fun keepsake from your party, have your guests take Polaroid pictures that they can then take home with them when they leave.

• Give each of your guests a Crumbs cupcake as they leave the party. Place the cupcakes in individual boxes with customized labels from your party.

 

When to Splurge

If money is no object and you can splurge on favors, here are a few party favors ideas from themed parties that I have thrown in the past that have been highly successful:

•  Hosting a beauty party? After a day of pampering, give your guests a fun colored nail polish as they leave your party. These nail polishes only need to cost between one and five dollars, unless you want to splurge on a more specialty nail polish, such as Chanel.

• For my son's 2nd Birthday party, I threw him a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-themed party because it is his favorite movie. To keep in theme with the party, I gave everyone DVDs of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as their party favors.

• This past year, I threw a dog party for my miniature Shih Tzu, Lulu Flynn. For party favors, I gave each of my guests a copy of her book, The Ultimate Dog Party, as well as dog treats from Three Dog Bakery

• Having a book launch party? It is always a good idea to give your guests their own personal copy of a book following its launch party. This way you can be sure that guests will remember your party whenever they see the book.

• Having friends over for drinks? For a classic cocktail party, just about anything goes with regards to favors. But here are some favorite goody-bag fillers:

  1. The recipe for a specialty drink poured the evening of the party, along with the necessary mixers.
  2. Candles, photo frames, and a tin of mints.
  3. A mixed CD of cocktail tunes. You can hand out the one you created for the party or have one specially made.
  4. A bottle of top-shelf liquor, slipped in a simple velvet bag.
  5. A box of delicious chocolate truffles.