Maria Mariathemainevent
Looking to wow your guests and make your event feel extra special? Then let’s talk handmade event favors—those little gifts that don’t just say “thank you,” but actually add to your decor. Yep, these double-duty beauties look stunning and make your guests feel loved.
Let’s dive into 8 of the most stylish, budget-friendly, and meaningful handmade favors that also pull weight as decorations. Total win-win, right?
Why Handmade Favors Are a Total Win
When you go the handmade route, you’re not just saving money—you’re creating a vibe. Handmade favors bring a personal, curated feel to any event. Whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, or backyard brunch, they scream, “This was made with love.” Plus, they’re a great way to customize your theme.
And the best part? When your favors double as decor, you’re basically checking two boxes at once—thank-you gift and gorgeous styling element.
How to Blend Favors with Your Decor
So how do you make your favors part of your decor scheme? Here’s the formula:
Think About Your Theme
Is your event boho, rustic, glam, or beachy? Your favors should reflect that. Not sure? Browse some inspiration over at Event Themes to match your vibe.
Coordinate with Color Palettes
Use tones and textures that flow with your overall color scheme. If your decor leans into sage green and blush pink, your favors should too!
Practical + Pretty = Perfect
The best favors are something guests can actually use—and something that looks fab on the table. Let’s get into some ideas!
1. Mini Succulent Pots with Personalized Tags
Why Guests Love Them
Succulents are super trendy, low-maintenance, and universally loved. They work for weddings, showers, birthdays—you name it. Add a tag with the guest’s name, and boom: it’s also a place card!
Styling Tips
Group them in clusters at each table or line them up near the entrance for a planty welcome. Want more ideas? Check out Custom Details to personalize tags, colors, or even the pot designs.
Don’t forget to pair with styling ideas from the Event Lounge category!
2. DIY Candle Jars with Custom Scents
Design Ideas
Candles add warmth and ambiance—literally. Create small mason jar candles with essential oils that match your event’s vibe. Think lavender for a relaxing mood or cinnamon for a cozy autumn party.
Display Inspiration
Style them on wooden trays, vintage carts, or a dedicated “favor wall.” Add some dried florals for flair. Hit up DIY Decor for even more styling inspo.
3. Hand-Painted Coasters
Materials and Creativity
Grab some ceramic tiles, paints, and sealer spray—you’re in business! This is where your artistic side shines. Personalize with initials, symbols, or themed art.
Decor Ideas
Stack them in tiny piles at each place setting or add to a welcome table with a handwritten note. Bonus: they pair well with ideas from the Event Crafts section.
4. Edible Art: Decorated Sugar Cookies
Perfect for Themed Events
Cookies aren’t just yummy—they’re also a canvas for your creativity. Shape and decorate them to match your theme: flowers, initials, hearts, shells—whatever suits your style.
Plating and Presentation Tips
Place one at each guest’s setting on a cute mini plate, or box them up with clear packaging and ribbons. Visit Menu Decor to amp up your food and favor presentation game.
5. Mini Herb Bouquets
Earthy Elegance
Bundle sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or lavender with twine and a name tag. These tiny herb bouquets smell amazing and scream rustic charm.
Doubling as Table Accents
Lay one on each plate or bunch several in a small vase for a fragrant centerpiece. This fits right in with Relaxed Decor or Romantic Styling themes.
6. Handmade Soap Bars with Styled Labels
Luxe Yet Simple
Melt-and-pour soaps are surprisingly easy to make. Use natural dyes, herbs, or even dried flowers to match your theme.
Creating a Statement Display
Stack in baskets, tiered trays, or vintage suitcases for a boutique-style display. Add personalized wrappers with help from Custom Print guides.
7. Personalized Bookmark Favors
Ideal for Bookish or Whimsical Themes
Perfect for literary-themed events, baby showers, or weddings. Use cardstock, calligraphy, tassels—get creative.
How to Display with Style
Tuck them into napkin folds, fan them on a tray, or hang them from a decorative tree. These ideas pair nicely with tips from Handmade Event.
8. DIY Mason Jar Mixes (Hot Cocoa, Cookies, etc.)
Rustic and Thoughtful
Layer dry ingredients in jars—like hot cocoa, cookie mix, or s’mores. Seal them with a fabric topper and tag instructions.
Displaying for Visual Appeal
Stack on a rustic shelf, old wooden ladder, or crate wall. It’s both useful and Pinterest-worthy. Don’t miss layout inspo from Layout & Furniture.
Bonus Tips for Styling Handmade Favors
Want your handmade favors to pop? Here’s how:
Use Levels, Layers, and Texture
Think risers, trays, crates—anything that adds dimension. Texture can come from fabrics, baskets, or natural elements.
Add Signage and Personal Touches
Use mini chalkboards, framed signs, or even Polaroids to make each favor setup feel intentional. Pair ideas with themes from Event Inspiration.
Where to Get Inspired
If your creative wheels are spinning but you need more ideas, check out:
You’ll find tons of visual inspo and tutorials to spark your DIY magic.
Conclusion
There you have it—8 beautiful, budget-friendly, handmade event favors that double as decor. They’re more than just pretty—they’re meaningful, memorable, and make your event look like it came straight out of a magazine.
Whether you’re planning a cozy bridal shower or an elegant garden wedding, incorporating these ideas will impress your guests and keep your budget in check. Just remember: the best events feel like you. So let your personality shine through these handmade touches.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I make handmade favors?
Ideally, 2–4 weeks before the event—depending on what you’re making. Edibles? Keep it closer to the event.
2. What’s the best favor for a summer outdoor event?
Mini succulents or herb bundles—they hold up in heat and fit the vibe.
3. How many favors should I make?
One per guest, plus 5–10 extras for last-minute RSVPs or unexpected plus-ones.
4. Can I mix favor types?
Absolutely! Mix and match based on guest preferences or age groups. Just keep the color scheme cohesive.
5. Where can I find affordable materials?
Local craft stores, dollar stores, and online bulk sites. Or recycle jars and materials you already have.
6. How do I transport favors to my venue?
Use sturdy boxes with tissue or bubble wrap. Label everything for easy setup.
7. What if I’m not crafty?
Start simple—like jarred favors or printed tags. Or recruit a crafty friend for help and check out Personalized Projects for step-by-step guidance.