AUTHOR: BEC OF 'FOR EVERY HEN'
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS, PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. Party bags are a wonderful way to show your guests (and bride-to-be!) just how much you appreciate them. After all, celebrating such a milestone wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun if your nearest and dearest weren’t able to attend. However, coming up with favour options that are not only memorable and useful, but also eco friendly can be a real challenge. With the inspiration provided below, though, you’ll have no problem delighting your guests with eco gifts that are not only unique and unexpected, but also zero waste and/or reusable (meaning they’ll benefit the environment as well as party goers in their everyday lives)! LET’S START WITH THE PARTY BAGS
Finding an eco bag that is big enough, strong enough and pretty enough to hold favours and wow guests at the same time can be difficult. Lucky for us, they are out there! With the below being some of my favourite options:
ECOSILK REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS
Available in a large range of fun, bright colours (making it easy to match them to your overall event theme and/or colour palette), these gorgeous Ecosilk Bags not only look great, but are also fantastic for holding bigger gifts or lots of little goodies. And when the party’s over? They will easily slot into your guests’ everyday lives as they can be used for anything from grocery and clothes shopping to a stylish weekend travel bag! 
Ecosilk Bags – the details:
PERSONALISED COTTON CALICO & LINEN BAGS
With a neutral base colour and the ability to be custom made to match your party theme, the range of personalised cotton calico and linen bags that can be found at 'Bigoudi and Bigouda' are sure to be a massive hit! From small favour and survival bags to large totes, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to surprising your bride-to-be and her friends on the big day. And after the celebration? These reusable bags will come in handy for storing and/or carrying products large and small (depending on the size you decide on). 
REUSABLE SAKitToMe BAGS BY ENVIROTREND
If you prefer the patterned look, Envirotrend's 'SAKitToMe' range offer some great options. From herringbone to blooms, there are designs and colours to suit a variety of tastes! Being a large bag they also allow for gifting bigger products and/or a few smaller favours. Following the event, guests can continue to utilise these eco shopping bags in their everyday lives (being handy for groceries, the beach and more). 
Envirotrend SAKitToMe Reusable Bags - the details:
REUSABLE ECOSILK MINI DRAWSTRING BAGS
Planning on gifting a couple of smaller items such as chocolates, jewellery or little pamper products?
They're soft to the touch, super cute, and come in the same fun, bright colours as their larger counterparts (mentioned earlier).
Following the event, guests can continue to enjoy the convenience of their little bags as they’re also great for securing everyday items such as keys, money, credit cards, makeup and more. In fact, mine has become a staple glove-box item – the struggle to find coins in the car is no longer real! 
Ecosilk Mini Drawstring Bags - the details:
ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS FOR GUEST PARTY BAGS
BAMBOO SPORKS
A cute (and convenient) gift idea that can be used throughout the party and in your guests’ day-to-day lives! A 'spork' combines a spoon with a fork, making them the perfect utensil for eating at parties, work or even out and about. Washable, anti-bacterial and compostable (when you feel it’s at the end of its lifespan), these bamboo sporks are a plastic-free, zero waste gift that is extremely handy!
FLOWER, FRUIT & VEGETABLE SEEDS
Seeds of any kind make such a beautiful gift! Not only because they continue to grow and can thus be enjoyed long after the celebration has ended, but because they’ll also bring back wonderful memories every time a guest looks at them. What’s more, they can be gifted in unique ways. Flower seeds, for example, could be given to your guests in little pots. You could even go one step further and actually plant the seeds, making them a cute little ‘Pot Luck’ favour (pun intended!). This means they won’t know the flower they’ve chosen until it has actually grown – oh the anticipation! Fruit and vegetable seeds can be gifted in much the same way; placing the packets in eco-friendly bags or adorable little trays (that guests can go on to grow them in). Once again, there’s also the option of ‘Pot Luck’ favours, whereby you gift guests seeds that have already been planted. Choosing a tray at random and finding out what their fruit or vegetable plant is only once it’s sprouted all being part of the fun! 
HERBS
Like flower and vegetable seeds, herbs are the gift that just keeps on giving – growing and providing flavour to meals long after the party is over. There are a few great ways to gift herbs. Adding packets to gift bags or pots (as mentioned above) is one option, as is planting herb seeds and allowing guests to pick their ‘surprise’ pot at random.
Then there are organic Herb Garden Kits such as those found at ‘Sara’s Garden’. Already packed in adorable yet stylish favour boxes, they come with everything you need for growing herbs at home. The pots are even biodegradable!
Herb Garden Kits – the details:
HOME-BAKED GOODIES
Is there someone in the bridal party who is a bit of a pro in the kitchen? If the answer is yes, then whipping up some delicious home-baked goodies is a fantastic (and fairly cheap, depending on what you make) favour option. After all, nothing shows love quite like bread, muffins, cupcakes, cakes, cookies, slices or even salsa made from scratch! And the best part? Home-baked goodness can easily be matched to your overall event theme. Are you hosting a pink party, for example? Use different shades of pink icing on your cupcakes. What about an angel & devil theme? Gift your guests some delicious red salsa in cute, glass jars! Partying in boho style? Add some cute edible flowers to your treats. Easy yet effective party favours! 
MAGIC BEANS
Who doesn't enjoy a bit of 'magic'?! These adorable beans have words or images engraved on the central pod (their seed), meaning they will display a message as they grow. And speaking of growing, once planted your magic bean plant will sprout for about a month in their tin, at which point you can transplant it to your garden (where it will probably flower!). It’ll also produce its own seeds if you pop it in the ground. A fun, unique and lasting eco-gift!
NATURAL BODY SCRUBS
Add a touch of luxury to your goodie bags with some stunning, natural body scrubs. Used to cleanse and exfoliate, such a gift will leave your guests with the most beautiful, baby-soft skin – and honestly, who can say no to that?!
For those looking to indulge in this way, Freya’s Nourishment has a range of gorgeous, cruelty free, natural body scrubs that are both gentle and nourishing. And whilst you probably know that body scrubs are great for, well, the body; the Coconut and Coffee Body Scrub (pictured below) is also fantastic for your lips, feet and hair!
Freya’s Nourishment Body Scrubs – the details:
REUSABLE STRAWS
It’s not unusual to see straws in hen party gift bags – they’re cute, a cheap filler option and handy for sipping on throughout the event. However, they are often plastic and only used for a couple of hours before going in the bin. Avoid unnecessary landfill by incorporating eco-friendly options instead! But other than recyclable paper straws, what ARE your options?
First, there are reusable bamboo straws. Made from natural, durable bamboo, they are ideal for all kinds of cold drinks. And whilst they can be cleaned and used again and again, should you ever need to dispose of them they are also fully biodegradable in the compost or garden! For more information, click here.
Second, there are reusable stainless steel straws. Also fantastic for all kinds of cold drinks, these straws are made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel. And if you ever need to dispose of them? They are fully recyclable! For more information, click here.
SUCCULENTS
Succulents - they are beautiful, easy to look after (always a good trait in living gifts), can be kept indoors or outdoors, and will make the favour table at your event look absolutely stunning! In other words, they are a gift to remember.
For a variety of gorgeous, mini potted succulents online, I recommend looking at the Sara's Garden range. Designed for use as bonbonniere, they are stylish and the perfect size for gifting. And to top it all off, they come with cards and bamboo card holders that can be personalised for your event!
Mini Potted Succulents – the details:
ECO GIFTS FOR YOUR BRIDE-TO-BE
Whilst the above options would also make great gifts for your bride-to-be, I’ve always liked to give the guest of honour the same thing as her friends... plus a little something extra. It is her special day after all!
If you’re looking to do just that, you’ll love the section below. Dedicated to stunning, eco-gifts that do cost a bit more than those mentioned above (and therefore aren’t recommended for each and every guest, unless you have a large budget!); these products are PERFECT for treating your beautiful best friend on a day dedicated to spoiling her!
BEESWAX WRAPS
Who knew wraps could be so much fun?! Available in a range of funky colours and patterns, Beeswax Food Wraps make a reasonably priced, environmentally friendly gift that will become a kitchen fave! Fantastic for covering leftover dinner, large salad bowls, sandwiches, cut vegetables and more, these reusable food wraps are the perfect alternative to plastic wrap (and make your fridge look like a colourful party at the same time)! 
CONCERT OR THEATRE TICKETS
If there is a band, singer or even play touring that your bride-to-be would give anything to see, why not purchase 2x tickets as the ultimate surprise (it's then up to her whether or not she takes her new husband or a friend)?! If you are booking a particular date, make sure it's nowhere near the wedding or honeymoon. If it's too risky purchasing actual tickets, you can always grab a voucher and let your bride-to-be know what the money is intended for! 
ECO GIFT PACKS
There is something special about receiving a gift pack that has been chosen especially for you. The anticipation, the layers, the thoughtful notes – unveiling the contents is a wonderful experience in itself. And because such a gift does bring so much joy, it’s a fantastic way to spoil your best friend at her hen party, bridal shower or kitchen tea.
If you are looking to surprise your bride-to-be in this way, Sara’s Garden offers a variety of stunning options. From succulent and tea combos to gorgeous luxury packs; these gifts are not only unique, but being a combination of organic, recycled and recyclable materials, they are also as green as can be. And having received a Sara’s Garden gift pack myself, I can honestly say that your bride-to-be is in for a real treat!
Sara’s Garden Gift Packs – the details:
GIFT VOUCHER
If there are any activities or experiences your bride-to-be has wanted to do FOREVER (anything from sky-diving to a pamper sesh at her local day spa) a special gift voucher could be the ideal option. Alternatively, if your best friend's group of girls have some special talents (such as makeup artist, photographer, etc.) treat your hen to some meaningful vouchers instead. For example, have a hairdresser and photographer in the group? Why not organise a cut, colour and photoshoot for the bride and her husband/family?!
GREEN THUMB GIFTS
Plants are a fantastic, sustainable gift option that can be enjoyed for many, many years to come! And because of this, they also make a lovely reminder of the day they were received (in this case, the pre-wedding celebrations). They also have many benefits when placed inside, such as purifying the air and improving your health (click here for more information). When it comes to plants, there are plenty to choose from; however I have found in the past that edible (such as lemon trees, olive trees and potted strawberries), lucky (such as lucky bamboo) and/or indoor plants (such as succulents) are best for gifting.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Flowers Across Melbourne have an abundance of fresh plants and flowers to choose from – with one of my favourites being this beautiful passionfruit plant pictured below! And as they deliver straight to your door, you can organise to surprise your hen in the lead up to her celebration with a beautiful tree or plant complete with cute message – a great way to build excitement for what’s to come!
Flowers Across Melbourne – the details:
HOMEMADE GIFT BASKET
Create a truly meaningful gift by asking each of your guests to bake/create something special for your bride-to-be. This could be anything from muffins, slices, scones, sauces and jams to fresh produce or a knitted rug. Alternatively, you could ask guests to purchase a small eco-gift (such as those on this list). Put them together with some home baked goodies, place them neatly in a stunning basket and present to your bride-to-be at her celebration! 
NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS
When it comes to your closest friend, she deserves the best of the best; and what better way to spoil her than with a selection of luxe, all-natural beauty products? From relaxing bath/foot salts (that are great for your hair and bone health, among other things) to beautiful scrubs (like those mentioned earlier), there are so many ways to make the bride-to-be feel special.
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to pamper gift ideas, I recommend, from experience, looking into the Freya’s Nourishment range. Combining luxury with living consciously, products such as the Hydrating Body Oil (designed to leave you feeling ‘thoroughly hydrated, yet smooth and supple’) and Rose Hand Scrub (a wonderful scrub that softens skin, protects against wrinkles, helps relieve eczema and more) ooze sophistication and have the added benefits of physical and emotional healing qualities. To me, these factors alone make both products a great option for any soon-to-be bride!
Freya’s Nourishment – the details:
REUSABLE COFFEE CUP
For the girl who loves her coffee, tea, hot chocolate or even smoothies, there’s no better gift than a reusable coffee cup that can be taken EVERYWHERE with her! Available in a range of fun, bright colours and finishes (such as glass and stainless steel), these chic alternatives to takeaway cups will fast become a staple in your bestie’s day-to-day life.
With prices ranging depending on the type of travel mug or reusable cup you purchase, I suggest taking a look at the variety of options available by clicking here. You can then make the choice based on your gift budget and bride-to-be’s preferences (I, for one, LOVE the glass option – but have friends who prefer the BPA and BPS free polypropylene!).
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Reusable water bottles are a great gift as they help reduce plastic waste and are something we can all use in our everyday lives. But what if I told you there was a bottle out there that is also perfectly geared towards hen parties? These beauties will allow your hen to enjoy water, cocktails AND coffee; the three drinks of choice when it comes to partying with the girls (and the morning after)! And when they’re empty and you’re not using them? They can roll up to a fraction of their size and be stashed away in your handbag until the next cocktail on the go is required. Once the party is over, the Rolla Bottle will easily slot into your bride-to-be’s life as it is so easy to carry around. As Katy and Lizzy of 'Rolla Bottle' say, it's “ready whenever you need a drink, and out of the way when you don’t”. 
Rolla Bottle – the details:
ENJOY YOUR ECO-FRIENDLY PARTY!
There you have it, a list of absolutely gorgeous eco party bag ideas that would make any guest's day! And remember, when putting them together you don't actually need a ridiculous amount of fillers. One beautiful item (either or its own or in a bag/box) can be more than enough!
I hope you have a fantastic time at your celebration! Please let us know how your favours turned out (or what you did at your event) via the comments section below or social media (Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram). I LOVE hearing your stories, as do the other For Every Hen community members! Much love, keep smiling - Bec x P.S. If you love a product on this list but it won't work for your gift bags, you can use it as a gorgeous eco-prize instead!
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