23: take me home with you

I love party favors.

I think they might be my favorite part of planning a party (notice I said favorite part of planning, not of the party…that’s supposed to be enjoying my guests, although sometimes I’m too exhausted to do so ☺ )

I had my own wedding planning business (I still miss it and think I might go back to it sometime soon) and I always made sure they weren’t an overlooked element. These were little bottles of olive oil with rosemary (a Martha Stewart idea) that I did for one.

But other than big weddings or goody bags at kid’s birthdays I find they are sadly overlooked. I think mostly people don’t want to spend money on something their guests won’t really appreciate. Not me. I want to spend money on them. Lots of money. In fact I’ve been known to limit my guest lists, just so I can do more.

I really love the way they all look lined up. Or even at each plate.

(Pictures from The Knot)

I did these little boxes for a girlfriend’s bridal shower. She has lived in paris so I wanted a French theme. They had hand milled French soaps inside...mmm…they smelled so yummy.

These are the goody bags from my daughter’s pink and brown teddy bear picnic birthday party. They had homemade teddy bear cookies with bear stickers etc. I can’t tell you how much I wanted to buy everyone a copy of the Teddy Bear Picnic book, but I had to admit that was a bit much.

And, for her monster themed party this year I found these at Michaels.

So far I only have 11.

Guess how many kids she’ll be inviting to the party?

JT

Comments

[Amy]

Great ideas! I especially love the monster lunch boxes - I hope you'll save one for her!

I made the favors for my wedding and had so much fun doing it. My son (7 at the time) and I spent all summer pouring candles. I posted some photos at: http://4patch.typepad.com/4patch/2008/06/ball-jar-love.html

[mary]

Wonderful ideas. I always loved doing the goody bags for my son's birthday parties too! I can't wait to see what will go inside the cute monster lunch boxes.

[Stacey]

Ok, those monster boxes are GrEaT!!!!

I love your ideas!

[Janna]

Oh, I love creating party favors, too! I am in the midst of thinking through my daughter's 3rd b-day party, which is going to have a Red Riding Hood theme.

[liz]

those monster boxes are fantastic!

[Doris at Threads of Conversation]

I wish you were my mom! I had a great mom, but she had five kids (I was #3) and she had no time for this...I love this kind of stuff!

You are so clever...love all these ideas!

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Love all those ideas! I must admit - I have rarely done very well with this area. . . thanks for the inspiration :)

[Kristina]

i am totally with you on the party favors. My daughter is only 17 months, but as soon as kids start coming I am all over it! It's so nice to know that other people appreciate things like this and pay attention to the fun little details that go into things...sometimes, people look at me like I'm nuts 'cause they have no idea...If you say you only have 11 so far, I'm guessing you're inviting 30+ people?????

[Anne]

Terrific ideas presented here! My daughter will marry next year, so I need to get my thinking cap on now and roll up my sleeves! This morning, I saw a syndicated TV spot with Jill Cordes talking about "green" party favors. However, she suggested a potted plant for kids' BD parties--Hmmm. But I adore the fun "monster" tin.

[holly*]

i defiantely share this love of the party favor. they are totally overlooked and under thought so often! (jorden almond in a baggie, really?) LOVE the olive oil! i might have to stash that idea for later use.

those tins are TOO cute. i think i very similar or the exact same monsters in sticker form. when did you score those tins? recently? i need!!!!

when did you have a planning business? i did event coordinating before i moved to nor cal and i would love to start up on my own here, but lack the resources currently. i guess another thing to put on the bucket list...

[Hon...]

Your site still rocks!

[Anary]

You ideas are so cool...simple and sweet. I am with you about the giveaways...and the goodies...My guilty feeling: Be happy when my guests called me MARTHA! HAHAH

[Keli Massie]

I love, love, LOVE all of your ideas! I'm going to put your blog as a favorite! When did you pick up the monster tins at Michael's? I love them and they'd be perfect for my twin boys' b-day party next year! Any info. would be great :) Thanks for the superb ideas!

[Dee]

You are so adorable!!!!

[Nike Air Max 2009]

I have to share your sentiments about sewing. I really want to

be able to sew, but so far the only things that come out good

are things that are square, ie: pillows, or quilts or linings

for purses. I tried a top...yeah not so much.

[Nike Shox Experience]

Friend is a friend is. Friends can indomitable spirit is the friend's friend. Rain, Had a friend can stir. Wealth does not necessarily is a friend, But a friend is wealth. So I agree with you, We must friendly to our friends.

[Cheap Chanel Bags]

There was no reason to lecture a room full of educated, middle class people about the importance of their involvement in their child's education. I thanked Cliff afterwards for being on the panel and representing the views of every single parent that I've spoken with.

[kitchen]

Thank you for sharing. Very happy to see your article, I very much to like and agree with your point of view. Have a good time.