• Party favors are gifts to show appreciation to the guests.white and blue bubbles wedding image by Paul Retherford from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  A party favor is a gift presented to guests who attend a party. Children's parties, wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers are common events that require party favors. Homemade party favors help to keep the costs low and add a personal touch to your gifts. The party favors that you purchase or make should fit with the party theme.
  
  

Birthday Party Favors

• Children's party favors are often goody bags filled with small toys and candies. The party favors handed out at a children's theme birthday party should relate to the theme. For example, a princess theme party can include toy tiaras, jewels and candy. A birthday party without a theme can include age-appropriate gifts for the guests such as crayons, coloring pages, toy cars or small action figures. You can find small inexpensive toys for party favors at dollar stores.
  
  

Wedding Reception Favors

• Wedding reception favors also use colors and items related to the theme of the event. A nautical theme wedding may include seashells, sea blue candles, small lighthouses and dolphins. You can use colors from the wedding in the favors for the bags or ribbons. Party favors are given to guests at bridal showers as well. Jordan almonds are common candies used in wedding and shower favors, but you can use any type of candy. Personalize the favors with the name of the couple and the date of the wedding. Small boxes, glass jars and tins can hold the treats for the party. Custom-made labels commemorate the date of the event.
  
  

Baby Shower Favors

• The baby shower favor has a baby theme, but the gift is geared toward the adult party guests. Cookies shaped like rattles, baby carriages or storks have a baby theme, but are treats the adult guests will enjoy. Put together a collection of baby-shaped cookie cutters for baby shower favors. Candles in pink and blue are a good option and you may be able to find shaped candles to fit the baby theme. Homemade soaps are another baby shower favor idea that won't cost a lot.