Are Do-It-Yourself Baby Shower Favors Really Cheaper?

It's a debate that has raged on since the beginning of time--well, at least since people started planning parties. While it seems that making favors yourself will be less expensive, many wonder what they REALLY end up costing you. By the time you add up all the time involved, is it really worth it? Let's find out by comparing the cost of making vs. buying chocolate lollipops, which are very popular baby shower favors.

Let's first take a look at the premade favor. This chocolate lollipop is shaped like a baby carriage and comes in a clear cellophane bag with a gift tag attached with curling ribbon. The average cost online is $2.50 each. For a small to medium gathering of 30 guests, here's the total (no sales tax applied):

30 favors @ $2.50 = $75.00

1 hour online search @ $10/hr = $10.00

Estimated standard shipping cost = $10.50

Total Cost = $95.50

Now, let's examine the costs of doing it yourself with products from Wilton.

1 Candy Mold (makes 4 lollipops/batch) = $2.50

2 14-oz. Chocolate Melts @ $2.99 each = $5.98

2 Candy Wrapping Kits (18/pk) @ $2.09 each = $4.18

(Includes 4” Sticks, Clear Plastic Bags and Twist Ties)

30 Gift Tags Printed (estimated) = $5.00

Gas Used Picking Up Supplies (10 miles each way) = $5.00

Time Spent Picking Up Supplies (1 hr @ $10/hr) = $10.00

Time Spent Making Them (4 hrs @ $10/hr) = $40.00

Total Cost = $72.66

In this particular instance, crafty do-it-yourselfers are the hands-down winner. in addition to being 25% less, it's clear that the real savings of making favors yourself is in the time you “donate” to the project. Since these are not tangible dollars actually coming out of your wallet, it's easy to just focus on the actual money spent. But, don't forget that “Do It Yourself” means just that! And with all the other things that you have to get done, the question you really need to ask yourself is how much is your time worth?

Now that I've shown you the benefits of making these chocolate lollipops yourself, here's how to make them for your next event. Use the supply list above and pick the mold you like best. There are hundreds of shapes available.  Items can be purchased from your local craft or party store.

Step 1

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate in the to top pot of your double boiler after placing water to boil in the bottom pot. Turn the heat on low, gently stirring the chocolate until it becomes liquid and pourable.

Step2

Lay your candy molds out on a flat surface, and place a lollipop stick in each slot of the mold.

Step3

Pour the melted chocolate into the lollipop candy molds until they are filled. Be sure to cover the top of the stick that is inside the shaped sucker.

Step4

Gengly tap the molds on the counter or flat surface to even out the chocolate so that it settles smoothly.

Step 5

Allow chocolate to cool for about an hour. If you have less time, you can place the molds in the refrigerator to cool.

Step 6

Pop the chocolate lollipops out of the candy mold once they have cooled and become hard.

Step 7

Place a lollipop in each bag and tie off with ribbon.

Check out these unique baby shower favors that include some really creative ideas you might can't make yourself. They're a great way to still save you time and money. (Yes, premade favors can be affordable!)