20 Best Baby Shower Party Favors Guests Will Actually Keep
I hosted my first party for a pregnant friend three years ago. I spent weeks planning the perfect menu and ordering beautiful decorations. I bought cheap plastic trinkets for the guests to take home. I found most of those trinkets left behind on the dining tables after everyone went home. That moment changed how I plan parties entirely. People want items they can actually use in their daily lives. You waste money when you buy things people throw away. I started giving items that serve a real purpose. I noticed guests genuinely smile when they receive a thoughtful gift. You want your friends to remember your celebration fondly. I created this list to help you pick the perfect items for your next event.
You will read exactly how to choose the right gifts for your guests. I share exact price ranges for every single item on this list. You get specific wrapping instructions that make cheap items look highly expensive. I cover options ranging from two dollars to eight dollars per person. You will find edible treats and lasting home goods. I explain how to tie these gifts into your overall party theme. You will see how to double your gifts as party game rewards. Your guests will leave feeling completely appreciated and loved.
1. Custom Scented Candles
I always recommend candles for any gathering. People burn candles in their homes daily. You can buy small glass jar candles for about three dollars each. I prefer buying them in bulk from local craft stores. You peel off the generic label and apply your own custom sticker. Print the baby name and the shower date on the sticker.
Choose soft scents like vanilla or fresh linen. Strong floral scents bother some people. I tie a simple blue or pink ribbon around the metal lid. These make excellent Baby Shower Return Gifts for large crowds. You can stack them beautifully on a wooden display table near the front door. Guests grab one easily as they walk out to their cars.
- Buy bulk glass candles
- Print custom waterproof stickers
- Tie ribbon around the lids
2. Mini Succulent Plants
Tiny green plants breathe life into any room. Succulents require almost zero water or care. Your friends who kill plants easily will keep these alive for months. I purchase small succulents for two dollars each at local nurseries. They usually come in ugly brown plastic pots.
You must repot them into tiny white ceramic cups. Wrap the ceramic cup in brown craft paper and tie it with twine. Stick a small wooden tag in the dirt. Write a phrase like let love grow on the wooden tag. In my experience guests rush to grab the prettiest plants first. These plants look stunning lined up across a sunny windowsill during the party.
- Buy two inch succulents
- Repot in ceramic cups
- Attach wooden pun tags
3. Gourmet Coffee Bean Bags
Morning coffee runs the world. Most of your guests drink coffee every single morning. I love giving small paper bags filled with premium whole coffee beans. You can buy a large bag of local roasted beans for twenty dollars. This fills about fifteen small favor bags easily.
I stamp the front of the paper bag with a custom rubber stamp. The stamp usually says the perfect blend. I seal the top of the bag with a custom sticker. These coffee bags double perfectly as Baby Shower Games Prizes Ideas. When someone wins a game you hand them a fresh bag of coffee. The entire room smells amazing when you display these on a tray.
- Source local roasted beans
- Use stamped paper bags
- Seal tight for freshness
4. Artisan Honey Jars
Local honey tastes incredible and lasts forever in the pantry. I buy a large gallon of local honey from a nearby farm. I pour the honey into tiny two ounce glass jars. These tiny jars cost about one dollar each online.
I attach a miniature wooden honey dipper to the side of the jar using yellow string. I print a round sticker for the lid that says meant to bee. You keep your Gender Reveal On A Budget when you buy the honey in bulk. The golden color of the honey looks beautiful under natural sunlight. Your guests will use this honey in their morning tea for weeks.
- Buy bulk local honey
- Pour into glass jars
- Attach wooden honey dippers
5. Handmade Bath Bombs
Pregnant mothers need relaxation and so do their friends. Bath bombs offer a spa experience at home. I make bath bombs in my kitchen using baking soda and citric acid. You can easily dye them pink or blue. This fits perfectly with Baby Gender Reveal Ideas.
If you prefer buying them you can find them for three dollars each online. I wrap each round bath bomb in clear cellophane. I tie the top tightly with a thick satin ribbon. I attach a tag that says from my shower to yours. Guests appreciate gifts that help them relax after a long weekend.
- Choose relaxing lavender scents
- Wrap in clear cellophane
- Tie with satin ribbons
6. Personalized Lip Balms
Winter parties require practical gifts for dry skin. Lip balm saves the day during cold months. You can order bulk tubes of natural beeswax lip balm. I design a custom wrapper on my computer and print it at home. You wrap the custom paper around the plastic tube and seal it with tape.
I usually pick peppermint or vanilla flavors. These tubes cost less than one dollar each. You can throw handfuls of them into a glass bowl on the exit table. They serve as perfect tiny Baby Favors for casual gatherings. People keep lip balm in their purses and cars for months.
- Select natural beeswax formulas
- Print custom paper wrappers
- Display in large glass bowls
7. Custom Sugar Cookies
Edible gifts never get left behind. Beautifully decorated sugar cookies serve two purposes. They act as party decor and delicious takeaways. I hire a local baker to make cookies shaped like baby bottles or rattles. The baker uses royal icing to match the party colors.
Each cookie goes into a clear plastic sleeve tied with a bow. You place one cookie on every dinner plate before guests sit down. These cookies work perfectly alongside other Baby Shower Snacks Ideas on your dessert table. People eat them on the car ride home. You never have to worry about storing leftover gifts.
- Order custom cookie shapes
- Use matching royal icing
- Package in clear sleeves
8. Loose Leaf Tea Tins
Tea feels highly elegant and sophisticated. I buy large bags of loose leaf chamomile tea. I scoop the tea into small silver metal tins. These tins look incredibly expensive but cost pennies when bought in bulk.
I print a round sticker for the top of the tin. The sticker says a baby is brewing. I place a disposable paper tea steeper next to each tin. Guests love taking home a calming beverage. I have seen this work beautifully at afternoon tea themed showers. The silver tins catch the light and look beautiful stacked in a pyramid on the counter.
- Buy calming herbal teas
- Package in silver tins
- Provide paper steepers
9. Mini Champagne Bottles
A new baby gives everyone a reason to celebrate. Mini champagne bottles look incredibly festive. You can find small bottles of sparkling wine for about four dollars each at wholesale liquor stores. I soak the bottles in water to remove the factory labels.
I apply a custom waterproof label to the glass. The label says pop it when she pops. Guests take the bottle home and save it in their fridge. They drink it the day the baby arrives. This keeps your friends connected to the birth even from far away. A chilled bottle of bubbly makes everyone smile.
- Source small sparkling wines
- Remove original paper labels
- Apply custom waterproof stickers
10. Ready To Pop Popcorn Bags
Popcorn fits any casual party theme perfectly. I rent a vintage popcorn machine and pop the kernels fresh during the party. I fill clear plastic bags with the warm popcorn. I tie the bags tight to keep the air out.
I staple a folded cardboard tag to the top of the bag. The tag clearly displays the words Ready To Pop Baby Shower Favors. This works incredibly well for tight budgets. Popcorn costs almost nothing to make in bulk. The buttery smell fills the room and makes everyone hungry. Guests munch on these bags while walking to their cars.
- Pop fresh kernels onsite
- Fill clear plastic bags
- Attach folded cardboard tags
11. Natural Soap Bars
Artisan soap looks rustic and smells divine. I buy large blocks of handmade oatmeal and honey soap from a local maker. I use a sharp knife to cut the block into thick square slices. Each slice costs around two dollars.
I wrap the center of the soap in a strip of burlap fabric. I tie a piece of white lace around the burlap. I slide a sprig of dried lavender under the lace. These beautiful bars smell wonderful sitting in a guest bathroom. Guests love replacing their commercial soap with something natural and handmade.
- Buy bulk handmade soap
- Cut into thick slices
- Wrap with rustic burlap
12. Wildflower Seed Packets
Seeds represent new life perfectly. You can buy bulk bags of native wildflower seeds online. I buy tiny brown envelopes and fill them with a scoop of seeds. I run the brown envelopes through my home printer first.
The printer stamps a beautiful floral design and the baby name on the paper. I instruct guests to plant the seeds in their gardens. When the flowers bloom weeks later they think of the new baby. This serves as a wonderful environmentally friendly option. You spend less than fifty cents per guest on this beautiful idea.
- Buy native flower seeds
- Fill small brown envelopes
- Print planting instructions clearly
13. Infused Olive Oil Bottles
Foodie friends appreciate high quality cooking ingredients. I buy large jugs of extra virgin olive oil. I pour the oil into tall skinny glass bottles with cork stoppers. I drop a single sprig of fresh rosemary and a dried chili into the glass bottle.
The herbs infuse the oil with rich flavor over time. I tie a small handwritten tag around the neck of the bottle. The tag suggests pouring the oil over fresh bread. This looks incredibly fancy on a kitchen counter. Guests completely appreciate gifts they can eat for dinner.
- Source extra virgin oil
- Use skinny glass bottles
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs
14. Engraved Wooden Coasters
Wooden coasters protect furniture and look highly stylish. I order bulk slices of raw birch wood. The slices still have the natural tree bark around the edges. I use a cheap wood burning tool to stamp a small heart in the center of each slice.
You can also hire someone on the internet to laser engrave them cheaply. I tie a stack of two coasters together with thick leather cord. These coasters fit perfectly into rustic or woodland party themes. They last for years on a living room coffee table. Your friends will use them every time they drink a hot beverage.
- Buy raw birch slices
- Engrave with simple designs
- Tie pairs with leather
15. Gourmet Hot Chocolate Mix
Winter babies require cozy and warm gifts. I mix high quality cocoa powder with sugar and powdered milk in a large bowl. I scoop the mix into small clear mason jars. I fill the top inch of the jar with tiny dehydrated marshmallows.
I close the metal lid tightly and tie a plastic spoon to the side. I attach a tag with simple instructions for heating milk. The layers of brown cocoa and white marshmallows look beautiful through the glass. People love drinking hot chocolate while watching movies on cold nights.
- Mix premium cocoa powder
- Fill clear mason jars
- Top with tiny marshmallows
16. Tiny Mason Jar Jams
Homemade jam tastes infinitely better than store brands. I spend a Sunday morning boiling strawberries and sugar in my kitchen. I pour the hot jam into tiny four ounce glass jars. I seal them tightly in a water bath.
I cut circles of red gingham fabric and place them over the metal lids. I secure the fabric with a tight rubber band and cover the band with twine. I label the glass with a sticker that says spread the love. Jam lasts for a year in the pantry. Guests love spreading this on their morning toast.
- Cook fresh strawberry jam
- Seal in tiny jars
- Cover lids with fabric
17. Custom Matches
Matches pair perfectly with scented candles or cigars. You can order small cardboard matchboxes printed with your custom design. I usually pick a design that says the perfect match. These cost around fifty cents each.
I stack them in a large glass vase near the exit. You can bundle them with a small candle for a larger gift. They take up zero space in a purse. People always need matches during power outages or birthday parties. A cute matchbox sitting on a mantlepiece always sparks a smile.
- Order custom printed boxes
- Keep the design simple
- Display in glass vases
18. Cake Pops
Cake pops offer a bite of dessert without a messy plate. I bake a chocolate cake and crumble it into frosting. I roll the mixture into tight balls and insert a white paper stick. I dip the balls into melted pink or blue chocolate.
I stand the sticks upright in a block of white styrofoam. This display acts as a gorgeous centerpiece for the food table. You can wrap the chocolate balls in clear plastic wrap for the drive home. These double as excellent Baby Shower Giveaways during party games. The chocolate coating keeps the cake moist for days.
- Bake and crumble cake
- Dip in colored chocolate
- Display in foam blocks
19. Scented Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizer became a daily staple for everyone. Small travel bottles clip easily onto keychains and purses. I buy bulk bottles of unscented sanitizer gel. I mix a few drops of lemon essential oil into the bulk jug.
I pump the scented gel into tiny clear travel bottles. I print a sticker that says hands down the best guests. I stick the label directly onto the plastic bottle. Guests use these constantly while running errands or shopping. Practical items always win over useless plastic trinkets.
- Buy bulk unscented gel
- Mix pure essential oils
- Fill small travel bottles
20. Herb Garden Starter Kits
Growing herbs on a kitchen counter makes cooking highly enjoyable. I buy tiny galvanized metal buckets. I place a peat pellet inside the bucket. I drop a small packet of basil or mint seeds next to the pellet.
I wrap the bucket in clear cellophane. I attach a tag that explains how to water the pellet. The pellet expands and the seeds sprout in days. Guests love watching the green shoots emerge. Fresh basil tastes incredible on pizza and pasta. This gift keeps giving fresh food for months after the party ends.
- Buy tiny metal buckets
- Include expanding peat pellets
- Provide culinary herb seeds
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Shower Party Favors
How much should I spend on each guest?
I advise spending between two and five dollars per person. You do not need to break the bank. Presentation matters far more than the actual cost. A two dollar item wrapped beautifully looks like a ten dollar gift. You save money by buying items in bulk and assembling them at home yourself.
Do men receive different gifts than women?
I never separate gifts by gender. Coffee beans, popcorn, and hot chocolate appeal to absolutely everyone. If you host a coed party you must pick neutral items. Avoid highly floral bath bombs or pink lip gloss. Stick to food or practical home items. Everyone loves eating a good cookie regardless of their gender.
When do I hand the gifts out?
I arrange the gifts on a dedicated table near the front door. I place a small framed sign on the table telling guests to take one. As guests say their goodbyes I remind them to grab their gift. You can also place the items directly on the dinner plates before the meal begins.
Should I order extra items?
I always make ten extra items. Sometimes guests bring an unexpected plus one. Sometimes an item breaks or spills during setup. You never want a guest walking away empty handed. You can always eat the leftover cookies or burn the leftover candles yourself in your own home.
Do I need to match the party theme?
Matching the theme looks highly professional. If you throw a woodland party you should give wooden coasters or trail mix. If you throw a tea party you give loose leaf tea. Tying the gift to the decor makes the entire event feel cohesive and well planned. The details matter completely.
Can I use the gifts as game prizes?
Yes you absolutely can. I highly recommend doing this to save money. You can check my Baby Shower Games Ideas list for fun activities. The winners receive a premium version of the exit gift. If everyone gets a small coffee bag the winner gets a large bag and a mug.
Final Thoughts On Baby Shower Party Favors
You now know exactly how to treat your guests right. You can skip the cheap plastic pacifiers and baby bottle keychains completely. You know how to source local honey and premium coffee beans on a tight budget. Your friends take time out of their busy weekends to celebrate your new baby. They buy expensive gifts from your registry. They deserve a small token of real appreciation.
I want you to pick one item from this list right now. Count your expected guests and calculate the budget. Order your bulk supplies today so you have plenty of time to assemble everything. Your party will look incredible. Your guests will smile on their drive home. They will actually use the items you give them. A thoughtful host creates a memorable party every single time.
Assistant Blog Writer at Nested Charm
