Hosting a baby shower is a special occasion, and thoughtful favors add a personal touch that guests will appreciate. Instead of purchasing mass-produced items, handmade favors show care and creativity. Here are creative baby shower favors you can make yourself that are charming, budget-friendly, and easy to assemble.
1. Mini Mason Jar Treats
Mini mason jars filled with sweet treats are both adorable and practical.
What You’ll Need:
- Mini mason jars
- Candy (jelly beans, M&Ms, gummies)
- Ribbon or twine
- Custom labels or tags
How to Make:
Fill the jars with colorful candy, seal them tightly, and tie a ribbon around the lid. Add a small tag with a thank-you note. For a cohesive look, match the candy colors with the baby shower theme.
2. Homemade Scented Candles
Scented candles are a soothing gift that guests can enjoy at home.
Supplies:
- Small glass jars or tins
- Soy wax flakes
- Wicks
- Essential oils (lavender, vanilla, citrus)
- Dried flowers (optional)
Steps:
Melt the soy wax in a double boiler. Add a few drops of essential oil once melted. Secure the wick in the center of the jar and pour the wax carefully. Allow it to cool and harden before trimming the wick. Decorate with dried flowers for a natural touch.
3. DIY Bath Salts
Bath salts are a simple yet luxurious favor.
Ingredients:
- Epsom salt
- Sea salt
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
- Food coloring (optional)
- Small jars or test tubes
Instructions:
Mix Epsom salt, sea salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil and stir well. For color, add a tiny drop of food coloring. Pour the mixture into jars and seal. Attach a label with instructions: “Add to warm bath water and relax.”
4. Succulent Plants in Mini Pots
Succulents are low-maintenance and symbolize growth, fitting for a baby shower.
What You Need:
- Mini terracotta pots
- Succulent plants
- Potting soil
- Paint and brushes (optional for decorating pots)
- Tags with care instructions
How to Assemble:
Plant the succulents in the pots with fresh soil. If desired, paint the pots in pastel shades or patterns. Add a small tag with a thank-you note or a playful message like “Watch me grow!”
5. Personalized Seed Packets
Seed packets are a favor that keeps on giving as guests plant and watch them grow.
Supplies:
- Small envelopes
- Seeds (wildflowers, herbs, etc.)
- Stamps or stickers for decorating
- Markers or pens
Steps:
Fill each envelope with seeds. Seal and decorate with stamps, stickers, or handwritten messages. Include simple planting instructions. This favor is eco-friendly and heartfelt.
6. Cookie Mix in a Jar
For guests who enjoy baking, a jar of cookie mix is a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
- Flour, sugar, baking soda, salt
- Chocolate chips, oats, or nuts
- Quart-sized mason jars
- Fabric squares and ribbon
- Recipe card
Assembly:
Layer the dry ingredients in the jar for a colorful, stacked effect. Place a fabric square over the lid and secure with a ribbon. Attach a recipe card with baking instructions.
7. Handmade Lip Balm
Lip balm is practical and appreciated by all guests.
Ingredients:
- Beeswax pellets
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Essential oils
- Small tins or tubes
Instructions:
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter together. Add a few drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into tins or tubes and let it cool. Decorate the containers with cute labels.
8. Mini Honey Jars
A sweet touch with a natural twist.
You’ll Need:
- Mini glass jars
- Local honey
- Twine and tags
- Small wooden honey dippers (optional)
How to Prepare:
Pour honey into the jars and seal tightly. Tie twine around the lid and add a thank-you tag. Attach a honey dipper for an extra special detail.
9. Scented Sachets
Sachets filled with dried flowers or herbs are perfect for freshening drawers.
Materials:
- Small fabric squares
- Dried lavender, rose petals, or herbs
- Needle and thread or glue
- Ribbon
Instructions:
Sew or glue the fabric squares into small pouches, leaving an opening to fill with dried flowers. Close securely and tie with ribbon. These add a lovely aroma to any space.
10. Customized Coasters
Handmade coasters are both functional and stylish.
Supplies:
- Ceramic tiles
- Mod Podge
- Scrapbook paper or fabric
- Felt pads
- Clear sealant
Steps:
Cut paper to fit the tiles. Apply Mod Podge to the tile, place the paper on top, and smooth out bubbles. Apply another layer of Mod Podge over the paper. Once dry, seal with clear spray and attach felt pads to the bottom.
11. Hand-Poured Soap Bars
Soap bars are simple to make and customizable with scents and colors.
Ingredients:
- Melt-and-pour soap base
- Essential oils
- Soap colorant
- Silicone molds
Instructions:
Melt the soap base, add essential oils and color, and pour into molds. Allow to set completely before removing. Wrap with parchment paper and tie with string.
12. DIY Hot Chocolate Kits
Perfect for cooler weather baby showers.
What You’ll Need:
- Small jars or clear bags
- Hot cocoa mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint (optional)
Assembly:
Layer the cocoa mix, chocolate chips, and marshmallows in jars or bags. Seal and tie with a ribbon. Add a tag with instructions: “Add hot milk and stir!”
13. Aromatherapy Roller Bottles
Personalized scents for relaxation on the go.
Supplies:
- Roller bottles
- Carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil)
- Essential oils
- Small funnel
- Labels
How to Make:
Fill the bottle with carrier oil, add a few drops of essential oil blends, and secure the rollerball. Label with the scent and usage tips.
14. Homemade Jam or Preserves
A tasty favor that feels homemade and heartfelt.
Ingredients:
- Fresh fruit
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Canning jars
Instructions:
Prepare the jam according to your recipe. Pour into sterilized jars, seal, and let cool. Decorate with fabric covers and handwritten tags.
15. Hand-Stamped Tea Towels
A functional keepsake with a personal touch.
Supplies:
- Plain white tea towels
- Fabric paint
- Stamps or potatoes for stamping
- Paintbrushes
Instructions:
Dip the stamp in fabric paint and press onto the towel in your chosen design. Allow to dry completely. Fold neatly and tie with twine for presentation.
Tips for Assembling Baby Shower Favors
- Theme Coordination: Match colors and styles with the baby shower theme for a cohesive look.
- Personal Touches: Handwritten notes or custom tags make favors feel thoughtful.
- Simple Packaging: Use kraft paper, twine, or small boxes for easy yet attractive presentation.
- Bulk Preparation: Choose favors that are easy to make in large quantities if you have many guests.
Handmade favors show your appreciation and leave guests with a memorable keepsake. Whether it’s a simple sachet or a jar of homemade jam, the effort you put into creating these favors will make your baby shower even more special.