How To Make Baby Shower Favors

You are hosting a baby shower for a friend or family member -- how nice of you! You've already chosen the location, the menu and have addressed all of the invitations. There are only a few more details to take care of before the big day, one of which is to decide on what type of favors you will have.

Party decor helps to set the mood for the event, and the favors are an important part of that decor. Guests will be taking their favors home and each time that they look at them, they will be reminded of the baby shower. Some tips to help you create memorable favors:

1. If you know the gender of the baby, you can make the favors in traditional pink or blue. If the gender is unknown, white, soft yellow or light green work well.

2. You'll want to keep the favors to a reasonable size. They will be placed on the tables at each place setting, so be sure that the favors are not so large as to make the tables unattractive or difficult to fit plates, cups and the dreaded party games on.
3. If price is a concern (and isn't it always?!), shop at stores that specialize in close-outs for some of your supplies.
4. Useful favors are always appreciated. Consider bundling attractive soaps or hand lotions with festive ribbon.
5. Small, hand painted picture frames make wonderful favors. They can serve as place markers, too. Simply insert a card with each guest's name printed nicely on it into the frame where the photo will go. Place the frames at each table to let guests know where they will be sitting.
6. Sweet treats, from homemade cookies to specialty candies make delicious favors. Party supply stores sell a nice variety of treat bags for just this purpose. Don't be surprised if your tasty favors are gobbled up during the shower, however!
7. Consider having guests make their own take-home party favors. Provide small wooden boxes, paints and paintbrushes at each table and encourage guests to unleash their creative side.
8. Small votive candles in glass holders are a simple yet attractive favor. Cut pastel colored fabric netting into squares (12"x12" will work just fine), gather the netting up around the candle and tie with fabric ribbon. For a special touch, attach a request to each candle that the guest light their candle when they learn of the child's birth and say a prayer for the new baby.