9 wedding favors your guests will actually use
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something your guests will actually use.
Wedding favors can easily become a thing to be donated or tossed in the trash. And candied almonds are so 1997.
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For instance, skip engraving your names onto the favor and use a removable tag instead. It's cheaper and your guests can use the item without the obvious wedding branding.
Here are some inexpensive ideas for wedding favors that guests will happily use long after your honeymoon.
1. Reusable canvas bags, from $0.97. DIY to save on customization
You can get them custom made, or you can make them yourself. This example from Pinterest is cute, but it's not necessary to use wedding lingo; consider just using your wedding's colors instead. These are a great way to encourage your friends to get rid of their plastic bags.
2. Customizable hair ties, $2.50 apiece
Even if your guests don't have long hair, these can be used to seal bags of rice tossed over the happy couple's heads or slingshots for the kids' table.
3. A donation to charity, matching edible favor optional
Many weddings are going ethical, and this is a simple way to do something "good" during your nuptials. While they may not be a hit with everyone, if philanthropy is an important part of you and your new spouse's lives, it's your wedding and your choice. Include a sweet treat as a simple way to say "thank you."
4. Handmade soaps by Rustic Joy Soaps on Etsy, $95 for 100
Even if they just use it in their guest bathroom, everyone uses soap (we hope). The nice part about getting a variety like this is people can pick their own scents, and the personalization comes from the label.
5. Chocolate spoons, $13 for 12
A new alternative to candy, these are meant to stir into coffee to make a sweet drink. You can order them in variety of colors and flavors.
6. Plastic water bottles, price depends on quantity
We all know how bad disposable plastic water bottles are for the environment. Make it so your friends and loves ones have no excuse. If you're willing to spend some extra cash, you can even get the infusion water bottles for your guests.
7. Cute matches, $55 for 100
People never realize they need matches until they're in a situation without them. We came up with some more flame-related puns you can use: "Found my Flame," "Burning Love" or "After a few strikes, finally got lucky!"
8. Personalized coffee bean bags, $92 for pack of 20 (about $4.60 apiece)
Most coffee snobs know the fresher the bean the better the drink, and the best way to get good coffee is to grind your own beans. These are a great combination of punny and useful.
9. Portable mini charger from Anker, $11.99
These chargers are a bit more expensive, so they make a better gift for your wedding party. Make sure your bridesmaids' phones are always ready to snap a behind the scenes pic, or your mother hasn't drained her battery before you even walk down the aisle. These will certainly come in handy long after you say "I do."
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Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.
