50th Anniversary Party Favors

Perhaps you've decided to celebrate your golden anniversary with just a few close friends and family in an intimate setting. Maybe you're going to renew your vows in the same place you were married the first time, and then throw the biggest party of your lives. It's possible that you are not part of the couple planning the anniversary party, but a child or best friend and you want to surprise the special "bride and groom." There are so many different ways two people might be celebrating their 50th year together, and you'll want your guests to remember by sending them home with special 50th anniversary party favors.

The ideas below can be carried out by either the couple themselves or the party planner.

Ideas for 50th Anniversary Party Favors

Golden Cookies. Everybody loves a tasty treat and golden cookies to celebrate the special occasion are just perfect! Some standard cookie shapes for this event are: wedding cakes, champagne flutes, intertwined rings, and the numbers 5-0. Or you can choose to shape the cookie like something meaningful to the couple. For example, a flip-flop for beach lovers, a golf club for the golfing pair, or a wine glass for happy hour lovers.

Champagne Flutes. Purchase either glass or plastic champagne flutes (depending on budget and size of party) and fill them with golden-wrapper chocolates (Hershey's Kisses or mini Hershey's Bars). Tie a shimmery, golden ribbon around the stem and attach a card with a personalized message to the guests.

Decade CD. Create a playlist of about 10 songs from the decade the couple was married, including their wedding song(s). Personalize the CD case with a "Now and Then" photo of the couple on the front. On the inside cover include a message to guests.

Commemorative Candle. Purchase votive candles in white with an enticing scent (Vanilla Satin from Yankee Candle is a good one for this favor). Place each candle inside a gold gauzy party favor bag. Tie off with a ribbon in a darker shade of gold and attach a personalized message to the guests.

Golden Rice. Purchase a large bag of white rice. Spread it all out on a piece of project paper (found at Michaels) and spray paint the rice a metallic gold. Be sure to flip them around so that all sides are covered. If you'd rather not use spray paint then purchase a pasta strainer, put the rice in and mix it around with gold paint. The excess paint will drain through the strainer and you can use your hands to be sure you cover all pieces of rice. BE SURE to let the rice dry before the next step! Package the rice either in little glass bottles or organza bags. Tie a personalized ribbon around the neck of either one you choose with a message such as "Golden luck from our wedding day 50 years ago to you!"