Go Beyond Trinkets: DIY Wedding Favors Guests Will Actually Use

We've all been there: You go to a fantastic wedding, you dance the night away, then you leave with a wedding favor, which you promptly forget about and ultimately throw away. Even if the couple spent a lot of time or money sourcing these gifts, if they aren't usable, it's hard to want to keep them around. So instead of picking up countless knicknacks, trinkets, and tchotchkes that'll end up in a landfill, we're here to help you create simple DIY favors that your guests will use and love.

To source everything you need to DIY these favors, we recommend visiting or ordering from your local Sam's Club. The brand's exclusive Member's Mark collection has just about everything you need to put together a variety of DIY favors. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas.

No one will turn their noses up at an edible gift, whether you go for a custom cupcake wrapped in cellophane and a beautiful ribbon or a mini arrangement of your favorite candies. Want to make it a little project? Dip strawberries in your favorite chocolate and place them each in a little wrapper for a sweet bite on the go. Or bake a big batch of granola, caramel popcorn, or any shelf-stable snack for guests to enjoy on the way home.

From mini potted succulents to delicate air plants, let your guests take home a little bit of life. For some extra personalization, attach a tag to each one with your guests' names and perhaps some care instructions in case they need a little guidance.

From homemade mini candles to tiny jars of lip balm, a bouquet of dried lavender, or droppers of essential oils, there are lots of options to provide your giftees with just a little bit of luxury to bring home. Whatever you make, add a bit of extra personalization and flare with labels or ribbons that match your wedding's color palette, whether it's bright and springy or New England prep.

If you have a family recipe you want to share with guests, write it out in pretty colored pens or markers on simple notecards and pair it with a jar of spices used in the recipe (if people have the spices, they're halfway to cooking!). You can pick up cute glass jars in bulk and label them with a little note or anecdote about the recipe.

If all else fails, ask yourself the most important question: if I got this favor, would I keep it? Let your own tastes be your guide. If it's good enough for you, then your guests will love it.