So your friend or family member is having a baby shower and you’ve been handed the role of party planner? Let the fun begin. As baby shower hostess, you will have many things to organize and will be trying to think of ways to make your event original.

There will be many opportunities to show off your creative flair… from the invitations to the décor to the cake. One simple and very effective way to add a personal touch to the proceedings is to create your own homemade baby shower favors. Gifts made by the hand are always far more special and meaningful. So why not save a bit of money and create unique favors for your guests to have and cherish?

You’ll find a wealth of ideas for homemade baby shower favors on the Internet, in books and magazines. You can also talk with baby store employees and friends. The key is to find favors that are simple and quick to make but also look professional while suiting your budget.

Once you have chosen the kind of favors you want - whether they’re toys, bags, handkerchiefs, photo frames or candy - you need to calculate about how much of the materials you will need. How do you do this? Think of all the supplies each one will require, multiplied by the number of guests, plus a few extra in case. Don’t forget to consider the packaging.

The wrapping of a favor can be the key to making it look professional. Simple additions such as ribbons, bows, gift-bags and cards can make all the difference. You can also write a cute saying or the baby’s name on the card.

Edible treats are always a popular homemade shower favor option. They are easy to prepare, don’t cost much and are enjoyed by all. Just remember to consider any dietary concerns guests may have. A few cupcakes, muffins or cookies in a little box or bag can look very cute.

Your friends may have some foolproof recipes or you can browse the many online recipe databases. Wrap the goodies in some cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a cute baby shower favor.

Bookmarks are sure to please just about every guest - young and old. They can be custom-designed to include the baby’s initials or a photograph of the parents-to-be. You can also choose colors and prints in keeping with the baby’s gender or the baby shower theme.

Get creative and use original materials and textures. Bookmarks are also ideal for the children of the shower. Cute or funny patterns and pictures will be sure to secure their attention. Insert the bookmarks into attractive envelopes and fasten with ribbon.

Favors can also be incorporated into the baby shower’s activities. Give them out as prizes for games or as part of the lucky door prize. Simply number each guest’s plate or chair and call out a number, with the winner receiving a favor.

Choose cute and original baby shower favors that reflect the theme and suit your budget. They are guaranteed to be a hit with shower guests and the mom-to-be.