Guide To Baby Shower Favors Your Guest Won't Forget

Baby showers are joyful celebrations of new life, filled with love, laughter, and thoughtful details that make the day special. One of those little details, the favors, leaves guests with a small token of thanks and a lasting memory of the celebration.

A baby shower is one of the sweetest milestones in welcoming new life , a chance for family and friends to gather, celebrate, and shower parents-to-be with love and support. While the focus is naturally on the baby and parents, favors and gifts play an important role in making the event memorable.

Looking for hosting inspiration? Our full guide on baby shower ideas for a celebration everyone will love pairs perfectly with these favor suggestions

Favors reflect more than tradition. Guests expect items that are thoughtful, affordable, and practical.  thers choose personalized keepsakes. Many prefer budget-friendly options that still feel special.

his guide will help you pick favors that fit your style, budget, and guest list. You will see the latest trends, the most popular choices, and answers to common questions.

By the end, you’ll have:

• Practical baby shower favor ideas

• Tips on where to shop

• Guidance on modern shower etiquette and who traditionally pays.

• A gift guide with popular, useful, and unique options for moms and guests.

• Answers to all the top FAQs about favors, gifts, and etiquette.
  

Let’s dive in!

Best Baby Shower Favors

• Nature Inspired favors

• Mini succulents in pots

• Scented candles in tins

• Soap bars wrapped in custom labels

• Gourmet tea bags or coffee packs

• Reusable tote bags with event design
  
  

Plantable seed paper favors are one of the most thoughtful and green choices you can give guests. Instead of something that gets tossed away, seed paper favors can be planted at home, sprouting into wildflowers, herbs, or even vegetables. They’re budget-friendly, customizable with shapes like baby bottles or onesies, and they double as a keepsake and a sustainable gift. Guests take home more than just a souvenir, they take home a living memory of your celebration. 

Unique Baby Shower Favors for Guests

• Personalized baby bottle openers

• Custom cookie packs with baby designs

• Mini photo frames with a baby shower date card

• Plant a Memory kits with terracotta pots, soil, and seed paper
  Bath salts in small jars
  

Where to Buy Baby Shower Favors Near You

• Local craft stores

• Party supply shops

• Florists for plant-based favors

• Online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon

• Seed Bloom Gift for plantable seed paper
  
  

Thoughtful & Sustainable Favor Ideas Baby Shower Favor Ideas

• Plantable seed favors

• Reusable bamboo straws

• Mini succulents

• Organic tea samples

• Beeswax candles
  

Most Popular Baby Shower Favors Right Now

• Seed paper keepsakes

• Edible treats like cookies or chocolates

• Personalized drinkware

• DIY bath and body products

• Photo keepsakes

Good Baby Shower Favors for Large Groups

• Bulk seed paper favors

• Individually wrapped cookies

• Candy bags with printed tags

• Keychains ordered in sets

• Stickers or magnets
  
  

Quick Takeaways

• Average spend: $2–$5 per guest

• Best budget favors: seed paper, candles, soaps

• Top trends

• Favors are optional but thoughtful

• DIY works best for small groups
  
  

Baby Shower Favor Ideas that fits your budget

Choosing favors by budget helps you plan without stress. Prices vary based on quantity, personalization, and packaging. Here are practical options for every range.

Baby Shower Favors Under $1

Yes, it’s possible to find cute, meaningful favors for under a dollar, especially if you buy in bulk or DIY. These are perfect for large guest lists or budget-conscious events.

• Seed paper shapes – Sustainable and symbolic of new life. Shapes like hearts, stars, or baby bottles can be bought in bulk and paired with simple planting instructions.

• Stickers or magnets – Custom-printed baby-themed stickers or fridge magnets are inexpensive but personal.

• Candy packs – Buy bulk candy and package in small clear bags with printable “thank you” tags.

• Mini pencils or pens – A practical option that doubles as stationery.
  
  

• Bookmarks – A thoughtful touch, especially when printed with the baby’s name or shower date.
  
  

💡 Tip: Skip fancy packaging—print your own tags or labels to keep costs low but personal.

Baby Shower Favors Under $5

This range is the sweet spot for most hosts. You’ll find plenty of options that balance affordability and quality.

• Mini candles – Sold in tins or jars, often available in sets online or at Target.

• Soaps – Handmade or bulk-purchased, then wrapped in decorative paper.

• Keychains – Baby bottle, rattle, or stroller-shaped keychains are practical and fun.

• Tea bags or coffee packs – Single-serve gourmet options make for thoughtful favors.

• Mini succulents – Small potted plants that add charm and double as décor.

• Sweet jars – Fill mini mason jars with M&Ms, jellybeans, or chocolates.
  
  

💡 Tip: Add custom labels for under $1 each to make even simple favors feel personal.

Baby Shower Favors Under $10

If you have a mid-sized guest list or want to give something that guests will keep and use, a $10 budget opens up more possibilities.

• Personalized mugs – A keepsake guests can use daily.

• Bath salts or scrubs in jars – DIY-friendly but elegant enough to buy pre-made.

• Reusable tote bags – Perfect for eco-conscious showers.

• Custom cookies – Individually boxed cookies decorated with baby-themed designs.

• Mini photo frames – Insert a “thank you” card or baby’s ultrasound photo.

• Travel-sized skincare products – Lotions, lip balms, or hand sanitizers.

💡 Tip: Focus on favors that feel useful. Guests are more likely to keep tote bags or mugs than trinkets.

Luxury Baby Shower Favors ($50+)

Luxury favors are best suited for small, intimate showers or when the budget allows for splurging. These are statement pieces guests won’t forget.

• Personalized jewelry – Bracelets, necklaces, or charms engraved with initials.
  Designer candles – High-end scents in elegant jars.

• Spa gift sets – Body oils, scrubs, and luxury skincare in a curated box.

• Customized wine bottles – Personalized labels with the baby’s name or shower date.

• Premium gift baskets – Filled with chocolates, teas, or gourmet treats.
  
  

💡 Tip: If splurging, focus on quality over quantity. Even one luxury favor per household is enough.

 

Budget Comparison Table

Baby Shower Favors by Audience

Favors feel more meaningful when they match the audience. A gift that works for children may not work for adults. Coed showers call for something gender-neutral. Large groups need practical and affordable options.

For Kids

Kids enjoy fun, colorful favors that double as toys or treats. These items are playful and safe.

• Mini coloring books with crayons
  

• Bubble tubes
  

• Stickers or temporary tattoos
  

• Candy bags with baby-themed labels
  

• Small plush toys
  
  

Tips: Avoid choking hazards for toddlers. Choose favors that keep kids entertained during the event.

For Men / Coed Showers

Men often prefer useful or edible favors. Coed showers call for neutral choices that everyone appreciates.

• Bottle openers shaped like baby bottles
  

• Mini BBQ spice jars
  

• Coffee packs or tea tins
  

• Custom socks
  

• Snack boxes with nuts or trail mix
  
  

Tips: Stick to items that are practical or edible. Skip gender-specific designs to keep favors inclusive.

For Adults

Adults value favors they can use at home. Practical and thoughtful gifts work best.

• Mini candles in tins

• Bath salts or soap bars

• Succulents or small potted plants

• Gourmet chocolates

• Reusable tote bags
  
  

Tips: Add simple custom tags with the shower date. Packaging matters more for adults than for kids, so use ribbons, jars, or boxes.

For Large Groups

Large guest lists need favors that are affordable and easy to distribute. Bulk-friendly options help keep costs down.

• Seed paper favors

• Candy or cookie packs

• Keychains ordered in sets

• Stickers or magnets

• DIY sweet jars
  
  

Tips: Buy in bulk online. Use printable tags to personalize at low cost. Keep favors lightweight and easy to transport.

Quick Takeaways

• Kids like playful and colorful items.
  

• Men and coed showers work best with useful or edible favors.
  

• Adults prefer practical gifts they can use at home.
  

• Large groups need low-cost, bulk-friendly favors.
  

Baby Shower Favors by Theme & Season

Baby shower themes often guide the choice of favors. A seasonal or pop culture theme creates a consistent look and helps guests feel connected to the celebration. Below are ideas sorted by season and trend, with resources for more inspiration.

Fall & Winter Themes (Christmas, Woodland, Cloud 9)

Fall and winter showers bring cozy, warm details. Guests appreciate favors that reflect the season.

Christmas Baby Showers

• Mini ornaments with baby’s name or date
  

• Hot cocoa jars with marshmallows
  

• Scented candles in festive tins
  

• Christmas cookie packs with custom wrapping
  
  

Woodland Baby Showers

• Seed paper favors shaped like animals
  

• Mini succulents in rustic pots
  

• Trail mix bags with “Happy Trails” tags
  

• Wooden keychains with engraved initials
  
  

Cloud 9 Baby Showers

• Cotton candy bags in pastel shades
  

• Cloud-shaped soaps or candles
  

• Sleep mask favors
  

• White chocolate bark wrapped in blue or pink ribbon
  
  

Tips: Keep packaging seasonal. Use kraft paper bags, pinecones, or ribbon in holiday colors.

For inspiration, see holiday favor ideas on Martha Stewart and woodland party guides on Parents.

Spring & Summer Themes (Nautical, Safari, 90s)

Spring and summer showers often lean toward bright, playful themes. Outdoor venues make seasonal favors practical and fun.

Nautical Baby Showers

• Anchor keychains
  

• Seashell candles
  

• Mini bottles of sunscreen
  

• Saltwater taffy bags
  
  

Safari Baby Showers

• Animal-print seed packets
  

• Small plush animals
  

• Safari cookie packs
  

• Wooden coasters with engraved designs
  
  

90s Baby Showers

• Retro candy packs (Ring Pops, Airheads)
  

• Cassette tape keychains
  

• Bright slap bracelets
  

• Mini Polaroid frames with thank-you notes
  
  

Tips: Choose favors that are easy to transport in warm weather. Avoid items that melt quickly like chocolate.

For nautical and safari ideas, see guides on The Knot and Babylist.

Pop Culture Themes (Disney, Harry Potter, Trending)

Pop culture themes remain popular. Parents often select favorites tied to childhood nostalgia.

Disney Baby Showers

• Mickey and Minnie cookie packs
  

• Disney character keychains
  

• Mini notebooks with Disney covers
  

• Popcorn bags with themed tags
  
  

Harry Potter Baby Showers

• Chocolate frogs in small boxes
  

• Potion jar candles
  

• House-color scarves or socks
  

• “Baby on Board” Hogwarts-themed magnets
  
  

Trending Themes 

• Pastel Barbie-inspired favors
  

• Anime sticker packs
  

• Superhero keychains
  

• TikTok-themed candy bags
  
  

Tips: Pop culture favors work best with licensed or well-made items. Avoid low-quality knockoffs that wear out quickly.

For trend-driven ideas, browse What to Expect for baby shower planning and Babylist for curated favor inspiration.

Seasonal Favor Comparison

DIY Baby Shower Favors

These favors remain strong trends,  guests appreciate personal touches and sustainable choices. These options often save money while adding meaning to your event.

Homemade & Edible

Food-based favors work well for most showers. They are simple to prepare and rarely go to waste.

• Cookie packs – Wrap homemade cookies in clear bags with ribbon.
  

• Mini cupcakes – Boxed individually with thank-you tags.
  

• Jam jars – Small portions of homemade jam or honey.
  

• Trail mix bags – Combine nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate.
  

• Hot cocoa kits – Mason jars filled with cocoa, sugar, and marshmallows.
  

Tips: Use small jars, bags, or boxes for packaging. Add a printed thank-you label to keep costs low.

 

Plantable & Seed Paper

Plantable favors create lasting memories. They grow into flowers or herbs, reminding guests of your celebration.

• Seed paper shapes – Hearts, baby bottles, or stars.
  

• Mini terracotta pots with soil and seed paper – Guests plant them at home.
  

• Seed packets – Labeled with the baby shower date.
  

• Plant a Memory kits – Soil, seeds, and instructions in a small bag.
  
  

These favors fit eco-conscious showers. They also work for large groups because they are lightweight and affordable. For inspiration, see guides on Babylist and Parents.

Sustainable + Green Favors

Green favors focus on reusable or eco-safe items. They reduce waste and fit well with modern baby shower values.

• Bamboo straws in cotton pouches
  

• Reusable tote bags with custom prints
  

• Beeswax candles

• Organic tea bags in tins
  

• Small succulents in biodegradable pots
  
  

Tips: Guests appreciate items they can use again. Look for bulk sets to keep costs affordable.

For seasonal green favor ideas, browse Martha Stewart.

For a deeper look at sustainable and plantable gift ideas, explore our article on Why Eco-Friendly Baby Shower Favors Are the Sweetest Gift Idea.

Where to Buy Baby Shower Favors

Finding the right place to buy favors depends on your budget, style, and timeline. Some hosts prefer quick retail options, while others shop online or in bulk.

Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree

Retail chains provide affordable and accessible options.

• Walmart – Bulk candy packs, candles, craft supplies.
  

• Target – Mini candles, skincare samples, seasonal items.
  

• Dollar Tree – Stickers, keychains, small jars, and bulk stationery.
  

Tips: These stores work best when buying in person and on short notice. They also help with packaging materials like bags, ribbons, and tags.

Amazon & Etsy

Online marketplaces offer a wide selection of favors with fast delivery.

• Amazon – Bulk sets of keychains, stickers, soaps, and seed packets. Good for large groups.
  

• Etsy – Handmade or personalized favors like seed paper kits, cookies, and candles. 
  

Tips: Amazon suits large orders on a budget. Etsy works best for personalized or themed favors. For lists of trending favors, see The Knot.

Local Shops & Bulk Options

Supporting local businesses gives favors a personal touch. It also reduces shipping costs and supports community makers.

• Florists – Mini succulents, potted plants, or flower bundles.

• Bakeries – Cookies, cupcakes, or custom cakes in small portions.

• Craft shops – Handmade soaps, candles, or art pieces.
  
  

For large gatherings, look for wholesale and bulk suppliers. Many offer discounts for orders of 50 or more.

Tips: Ask local shops about seasonal discounts. Combine DIY packaging with bulk buys to save money.

Budget guides help you plan without overspending. Audience-based ideas make favors more personal. Seasonal and themed options keep the celebration cohesive.

If you want affordable and eco-conscious gifts, plantable favors are one of the best choices. They align with sustainability trends, work for any group size, and continue to grow long after the party ends.

Use resources like The Knot, Babylist, Parents, Martha Stewart, and What to Expect for extra inspiration. Combine their ideas with local finds and personal touches to create a celebration your guests will remember.

Baby Shower Favors & Gifts FAQs

What are good favors for a baby shower?
Good favors are small, practical, or edible items that guests enjoy after the party. Popular choices include candles, soaps, seed paper, succulents, and sweet jars.

What kind of favors do you give at a baby shower?
 Favors range from edible treats to keepsakes. The best options are items guests will use, such as mini candles, keychains, bath salts, or zero-wate seed paper favors.

Are you supposed to give favors at a baby shower?
Favors are optional. Many hosts choose them as a way to thank guests, but they are not required. A thoughtful thank-you card or dessert table can take their place.

Do you need baby shower favors?
You do not need favors, but they add a nice finishing touch. They show appreciation and give guests a small keepsake to remember the day.

How much should I spend on baby shower favors?
Most hosts spend $2 to $5 per guest. For large groups, sticking to bulk items keeps costs low.

What are good baby shower favors under $5?
Mini candles, soaps, seed paper, keychains, and sweet jars are popular under $5. Bulk orders help keep costs affordable.

What are good baby shower favors for large groups?
Seed paper, candy packs, stickers, and magnets work well. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to order in bulk.

What are unique baby shower favors for guests?
Unique ideas include personalized bottle openers, plantable seed kits, bath salts in jars, or mini photo frames with a thank-you insert.

Where can I buy baby shower favors near me?
Check local party supply shops, craft stores, or florists for quick options. Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree also carry budget-friendly choices.

What are the most popular baby shower favors right now?
Top favors include plantable gifts, mini succulents, personalized candles, sweet jars, and edible treats like cookies or chocolates.

Are DIY baby shower favors worth it?
DIY works best for small groups. Homemade soaps, cookies, or seed packets are thoughtful, but they take more time if you have many guests.

What is the easy DIY baby shower party favors?
Simple DIY options include cookie bags, seed packets, trail mix jars, and bath salts in small containers. They are quick to assemble and budget-friendly.

Baby Shower Gifts & Etiquette FAQs

What is the most useful gift for a baby shower?
Useful gifts include diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and feeding supplies. Items like swaddles, blankets, and baby monitors are also practical.

What is the most popular baby shower gift?
Popular gifts are diaper cakes, baby clothing sets, books, and nursery essentials. Many guests also choose personalized keepsakes.

What is a good gift for a baby shower?
Good gifts are items parents will use daily. Consider diaper bags, baby carriers, or a gift card for baby supplies.

What’s the average gift for a baby shower?
On average, guests spend $30 to $60. Close family or friends often spend more, while casual acquaintances may spend less.

What do moms want for baby shower gifts?
Moms often want practical items like diapers, wipes, bottles, and clothes. Personalized keepsakes or spa gifts for self-care are also appreciated.

What are good prizes to give away at a baby shower?
Prizes can be small gift cards, candles, coffee mugs, chocolates, or bath products. They should be fun, affordable, and easy to distribute.

Who usually pays for a baby shower?
Traditionally, friends or family host and cover the costs. Today, hosting responsibilities are more flexible, with siblings, parents, or close friends often splitting expenses.

Who traditionally pays for a baby shower?
Traditionally, a close friend or non-immediate family member pays to avoid the appearance of the parents hosting their own gift-giving event.

Who is expected to pay for a baby shower?
Expectations vary, but usually the host covers the costs. Sometimes multiple friends or family members share expenses.

Do both parents pay for a baby shower?
Traditionally, the parents do not pay. In modern showers, parents may contribute, especially if they want specific extras.

Who is traditionally responsible for a baby shower?
The responsibility usually falls to a close friend, cousin, aunt, or sibling. In modern practice, coworkers or friend groups often plan showers together.

Do grandparents pay for a baby shower?
Grandparents sometimes host or co-host, but it is not expected. It depends on family traditions and finances.

What is the typical cost of a baby shower?
A typical baby shower costs $100 to $1,000 depending on the size, venue, food, and favors. Smaller gatherings are often under $300.

What is the etiquette for baby showers?
Guests bring a gift, RSVP promptly, and follow the theme or dress code if there is one. Hosts thank guests with food, games, and often small favors.