How to Make Anniversary Party Favors

When throwing an anniversary party, one of the key elements is providing party favors such as novelty candy, candles or other trinkets. However, these items are often expensive and thrown away, especially if they are mass-produced. Off-the-rack party favors hold little sentimental value, and guests will most likely throw them away to avoid clutter in their own homes. Homemade party favors should be practical and offer your guests enjoyment for many years after the party is over. An ecofriendly, inexpensive way to provide party favors for your guests at your anniversary party is to make your own garden seed packets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8 ½-by-11 inch natural paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Glue stick
• Plant seeds (flowers, vegetables)
• Thin twine or ribbon

Making the Packet

1. Cut the paper in half so you have two 8 ½ -by-5 ½ inch pieces of paper. Use the ruler and pencil to measure and mark the appropriate cut lines.

2. Place one of the pieces of paper vertically on a flat surface.

3. Fold the 8 ½-inch sides in towards the center of the paper about an inch. Slide your finger along the edge of the folds to make a crease.

4. Fold up the bottom of the paper (the end closest to you) about 5 inches. Make a crease with your fingers using the same technique mentioned in Step 3.

5. Fold down the top of the paper (the end furthest from you) over the bottom fold. The crease should be right at the top end of the bottom fold.

Punching Holes

6. Use the ruler and pencil to measure and mark the center of the top end of the bottom fold. The mark should be about a half-inch from the top end of the bottom fold.

7. Punch a hole where you marked.

8. Fold the top flap of the packet over the hole you made in the bottom flap.

9. Mark where the hole in the bottom flap is on the top flap. Since the paper is thin, you should be able to see the hole through the top flap.

10. Cut off any excess from the top flap, keeping in mind that the mark you made should be at least a half-inch from the end.

11. Punch a hole in the mark you made in the top flap.

Finishing

12. Smear glue onto the top of the 2-inch folds, fold up the bottom flap and press with your fingers so it sticks to the glue. Let dry.

13. Pour the selected seeds into the packet.

14. String the twine or ribbon through both holes made in the bottom and top flaps of the packet and tie into a bow. When presenting to guests, store the packets upright so as not to allow the seeds to leak out.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide a note with an inspirational saying or the type of plant in the packet. For extra security, try folding the seeds into a piece of thin tissue before placing them in the envelope.

References

• Planet Green
• Making Tissue Packets