DIY Bridal Shower Party Favors Your Guests Will Love

Modern brides and bridegrooms will love these unique bridal shower favors that are easy to create and easy on the pocketbook. Forget about cheesy, plastic trinkets that collect dust. These do-it-yourself favors are useful and gorgeous. They're the perfect way to say thanks for being a part of the celebration.

S'more Love

Nothing says thanks like a gooey chocolate and marshmallow treat. This favor is economical, unique and it's likely to please every friend in the bunch. Simply wrap graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate in a clear treat bag and tie on a special label that says, "Sending You S'More Love."

What You'll Need

• Clear, flat-bottom snack bags with ties

• Four graham cracker squares per bag

• One chocolate bar per bag

• Two jumbo marshmallows per bag

• Gift tags and string

Directions
Each bag will have enough ingredients for two s'mores. Put the four graham cracker squares in the bottom of the bag. Break the chocolate bar in half so it's the same size as the graham cracker squares and place them on top of the graham crackers. The two marshmallows are last to be added. Close the bag and secure it with a tie. Create your paper tags on the computer or simply use a marker or calligraphy pen to add the words, "Sending You S'More Love" to each tag. Secure the tag with string.

Pinecone Fire Starter

Send guests home with warm wishes and a pine cone fire starter that can get the fireplace going and cozy up the entire home. Head to the park and collect as many pinecones as you need to complete this beautiful favor.

What You'll Need

• Pinecones

• Scented or non-scented wax (in any color)

• Glitter (optional)

• Gift tags with string

• Wooden spoon

• Tongs

• Coffee can or any disposable heat-resistant container

• Saute pan

• Wax paper

Directions
Use the coffee can and sauce pan to create a double broiler on your stove. Turn the stovetop on with very low heat, and allow the wax to completely melt, stirring it with the wooden spoon often. You need the wax to be deep enough that you can dip the pinecone.

Place wax paper on a flat surface. Use the tongs to dip each pinecone in the wax. Place them on the wax paper to dry. If you want to use glitter, sprinkle it on the pine cones before they completely set.

After the wax is completely dry, use string to attach your gift tags. Use a marker or calligraphy pen to add, "You Warm Our Hearts" to each tag. Keep these in the refrigerator or someplace cool until the bridal shower.

A Thank You From The Love Birds

This adorable heart-shaped bird seed ornament is easy to make and approved by Mother Nature. This recipe makes approximately 21 ornaments (depending on the size of the cookie cutter).

What You'll Need

• Unflavored gelatin (one package or 2.5 teaspoons)

• 3 tablespoons corn syrup

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup water

• 4 cups of birdseed (any variety)

• Mixing bowl

• Cookie cutter (we chose heart-shaped, but any shape is fine)

• Nonstick cooking spray

• A chopstick or skewer

• Wax paper

• Cookie sheet

• Twine gift tags (can be purchased or created)

Directions
Thoroughly combine gelatin, corn syrup, water and flour in a large bowl. Then mix in the bird seed.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, and then spoon the bird seed mixture onto the pan. Spread the bird seed out on the cookie sheet and flatten it by pressing down firmly with greased hands.

Spray the cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray. Press the cookie cutter down into the bird seed mixture to create each ornament. Before the bird seed dries, pierce each ornament with a chopstick to create a hole for hanging.

The ornaments will take approximately eight hours to dry. Once they are dry, attach gift tags that say, "A Thank You From The Love Birds."

Note: These homemade ornaments will only last a few days, so create them shortly before the bridal shower. Tell guests to hang them outside the day they receive them. They can mold if left inside too long.

Let Love Grow

Like your love, these miniature potted plants require patience and kindness to reach their maximum potential. Select or grow any variety of plant seedlings for this bridal shower favor. Alternatively, you could choose miniature plants, such as succulents. You'll need one plant and plant pot per guest.

What You'll Need

• Seedlings or small plants

• Decorated plant pots

• Potting soil

• Ribbon or jute

• Gift tags

Directions

Decorate the plant pots however you would like. Use terra cotta pots and ribbon to create a simple and elegant favor. Or, you may want to use paint to create something unique for the couple to give bridal shower guests.

Use the potting soil to plant each seedling or plant. If you've grown the plants from seed, you'll want to print care instructions and glue them to the back of the gift tag. Customize the gift tags to say whatever you wish.

Thanks, Sugar

Sugar scrubs are the perfect way to thank girlfriends for attending your bridal shower. The scrub is inexpensive to make and can be quite beautiful when paired with the right jar and ribbon.

What You'll Need

• Food coloring (5 drops of whatever color you choose)

• 1 cup sugar

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil (organic is best for body scrubs)

• Essential oils (10 drops of your choice of oil)

• Gift tags (decorated as you wish)

• Small jars

Directions
Melt the coconut oil in a microwave for about 30 seconds. It should be in liquid form. Add the sugar to the melted oil and combine. Add the food coloring next. We recommend about five drops, but you may need more or less to achieve the color you desire. Lastly, add the essential oils to the scrub. Mix thoroughly and spoon into jars with lids, then top each jar with a colorful bow and gift tag.

Do Yourself a Favor

Planning a bridal shower takes time and effort, and you may be short on both. Fortunately, Welk Resorts San Diego offers multiple venue options. Their courteous and helpful staff can accommodate a party of any size. They can even assist you with the bridal shower planning.