When I was planning my wedding a few years back, I was stumped on what to provide for my guests as their wedding favors. A wine bottle topper? A baggie of mint candies? A cute little sugar cookie shaped as a cake or the letter M? The more I thought about it, I realized that my guests didn't NEED anything, in fact I didn't want to waste money on items that would possibly break, get thrown out, or taste terrible. So I decided on a gift that gives, a donation in my guests honor to Misericordia Heart of Mercy. Since my husband is a lover of anything football, we decided to treat our guests with mini footballs imprinted with Misericordia's logo and our wedding date. On the bottom of each personal menu, we explained our donation and our family's connection to Misericordia.
I love the idea of having party favors be actual gifts that can make a positive difference in somebody else's life. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations out there that rely on donations to keep their charity running, so pick a cause that is important to you and let your guests know that a donation has been made to that particular charity. Consider donating to an adoption agency at baby shower, a local human society at a zoo themed party, or milk or chickens to children and families in 3rd world countries at a farm themed party. If you are stumped on what you can give, I have lots of ideas for gifts that give and would love to help you out.
So when it comes time to throw your next party or event, instead of filling treat bags full of trinkets or hitting the Internet for bulk candies and little baggies; give a gift that will make a difference in the lives of others. After all isn't it better to give than to receive?
