We know, we know. You’ve got a wedding budget to think about. However, you can’t bear the thought of sending your guests home with a wedding favor that looks as cheap as it actually is.
Not to worry, there are oodles of affordable wedding favors to choose from that won’t break the bank, and will give your guests reason to smile!
Remember, the purpose of a wedding favor is to say thanks to your guests for helping you celebrate your big day. It’s totally possible to do that without racking up the ol’ credit card debt.
We’ve rounded up our list of inexpensive wedding favors under $5 that are certain to be treasured by your guests.
Oh, and..
We tried sorting these into neat price tiers—under $1, under $2, etc.—but with prices constantly shifting (sometimes down, sometimes up!), it became a full-time job. So instead, we kept everything in this list under $5 at the time of writing.
If something’s no longer available or suddenly way more expensive, drop us a comment under this article, and we’ll update!
Cheap Wedding Favors Under $1, Under $2, and Under $5
You won’t believe how cheap some of these are. Seriously.
Dried Rose Glass Tube
A preserved rose sealed in a cork-topped glass tube feels a bit like sending your guests home with a Victorian love letter—without the emotional labor. This dried bloom doesn’t just sit pretty; it’s suspended like a botanical time capsule, offering a moment of quiet drama among the escort cards and craft cocktails.
At a wedding where succulents and seed packets reign supreme, this one’s the wildcard: delicate, intentional, and clearly not an afterthought. It doesn’t need water, sun, or even space—a rare triple threat for a favor. The minimalist cylinder (read: test tube chic) holds the rose in place like it’s part of a curated apothecary, not plucked from a clearance bin. Bonus: the personalization on the label means you can mark the moment without stamping your initials on everything your guests touch.
If your vibe leans more moody romance than rustic garden, this favor slots in without the faintest whiff of burlap. It says “thanks for coming” with equal parts mystery and style—like a tiny floral secret they’ll actually want to keep. Not bad for something that fits in a clutch.
Gold Heart Tea Infusers
Heart-shaped tea infusers. Because apparently, even your wedding favors are charming overachievers. These adorable gold stainless steel infusers say “thank you” in the most soothing way possible — by steeping your guests a cup of loose-leaf comfort long after the last slice of cake has vanished. A little romantic, a little practical, and unmistakably cute without being *too* cute, they’re the favor equivalent of a handwritten note tucked into a good book. Thoughtful, useful, and way more memorable than something destined for a junk drawer.
Your guests will appreciate the understated luxury of gold metal that doesn’t scream “bulk party favor,” plus the reusable design means they’re actually going to use it — not just politely accept it and swear they’ll find a use for it someday. Ideal for tea lovers, aesthetic lovers, or literally anyone with a functioning kitchen drawer, these infusers look like you tried. (But you didn’t have to try that hard. Win-win.)
Plexi Chocolate Keepsakes
Nothing like edible art to distract your guests from how much you cried through your vows. These Plexi Chocolate Keepsakes look like the kind of thing you’d find in a sleek museum gift shop — but they’re secretly under five bucks. Each piece is a glossy little slab of chocolate perfection, personalized with your names and wedding date, encased in a clear acrylic sleeve that absolutely no one will want to throw away (even if they *do* eat the chocolate immediately).
It’s bougie without trying too hard. Elegant without screaming sterile. And the best part? You’re handing out something that says, “Yes, I have taste” without actually blowing your catering budget. Guests can snack on them now, or save the wrapper as a tiny reminder that your wedding was, in fact, superior to their cousin’s cash-bar reception. You’re welcome.
Engraved Tropical Birch Coasters
Laser-engraved palm leaves on real birch wood — not a printed tropical motif pretending to be elevated. These coasters are made from actual slices of birch, bark intact, so they feel more “cabin on an island” than “mass-produced luau.” Each one has its own natural grain, making them look custom without you paying custom prices (or pretending you whittled them yourself).
They’re lightweight, no two are alike, and they toe the line nicely between rustic and beachy — great if your wedding aesthetic refuses to be boxed in by one Pinterest board. And since they’re sealed for moisture, guests can actually use them at home without worrying about warping or stains. Practical, but with the kind of charm that makes people pack them in their carry-ons like tiny wooden souvenirs.
At under five bucks a pop, they’re that rare breed of wedding favor: inexpensive but impossible to roll your eyes at. Slightly boho, slightly tropical, and exactly easy to say yes to (which is the general theme of weddings, after all).
Foil Stamped Mountain Matchbox
Foil-stamped mountains on a matte-black matchbox — a dramatic little gesture in a two-inch rectangle. The metallic detailing catches the light just enough to feel intentional, not flashy. It’s the kind of favor that looks like it was picked on purpose (and maybe from a tiny boutique in Colorado).
Yes, it’s just matches. But also? It’s matches dressed like they have somewhere important to be. These are the kind of details that make guests pause — right before they tuck it into their jacket pocket or purse like a memento. And unlike most wedding favors (looking at you, key-shaped bottle openers), this one might actually get used. Think candles, fireplaces, that one guest who still insists on lighting incense before Zoom calls.
Minimalist, practical, and surprisingly photogenic, this matchbox doesn’t scream “budget favor,” even though it very much is. If your vibe is rustic-chic without the wood slices, or you’re getting married among actual mountains, it’s an oddly perfect fit. You could pretend they’re custom. We won’t tell.
Keepsake Magnetic Bottle Opener
A built-in magnet means this bottle opener doesn’t just open drinks—it catches the cap like it’s got tiny bartender reflexes. It also sticks to the fridge (or any metal surface) so it won’t end up lost in the junk drawer five minutes after the wedding. Minimal effort, maximum utility.
This is the kind of favor that knows it’s useful without shouting about it. Open beers, soda bottles, or whatever else the coolers are hiding—and then hang it right back up like it’s part of the décor. Plus, it’s got a sleek, brushed metal finish so your guests won’t feel like they’re taking home a party store leftover. It’s a little polished, a little practical, and very good at preventing last-minute bottle-cap-scraping disasters.
So if your version of “wedding favor” means something people might actually use more than once (wild concept), this magnetic bottle opener delivers. And it does it without blowing the budget, which means you can afford to keep your champagne upgrade *and* give people a favor that won’t end up collecting dust next to a stress ball and a novelty candle.
Vintage Amber Glass Votives
Pressed with a diamond-cut pattern and made of thick amber glass, these votives do something most cheap favors don’t: they pull off “vintage elegance” without veering into Halloween candy dish territory. There’s real weight to them. Your guests will feel it the second they pick one up — no plastic-in-disguise nonsense here.
They’re also small enough to tuck next to a place card, but hefty enough to moonlight as mood lighting or a surprisingly chic trinket holder. And while they come in a set, each one has just enough texture and variation to avoid looking mass-produced. Which, you know, is the entire goal when you’re trying to look tasteful on a budget. Pop in a tea light, play it cool, and let everyone assume these cost way more than they did.
Double Happiness Engraved Chopsticks
Laser-engraved with the Chinese symbol for double happiness, these bamboo chopsticks aren’t just utensils — they’re quietly loaded with meaning. The lightweight feel? Pure practicality. But the wedding symbolism? That’s doing heavy emotional lifting, especially if you’re pulling together an East-meets-West celebration or just appreciate the gravitas of a character that’s been blessing unions for literal centuries.
They come in sets (because solitude is fine, but not at your wedding), and each pair is individually wrapped — so you won’t need an all-nighter with cellophane bags and hand cramps. You hand them out, guests think “wow, intention,” and suddenly your under-$5 favor has everyone believing you dropped designer-budget energy on your tablescape. It’s the kind of thoughtful that still respects your per-guest budget cap.
The bonus? They’re useful. Unlike kitschy tokens that’ll gather dust or quietly migrate to the junk drawer, chopsticks like these actually get invited back to dinner. Years from now, your cousin might be eating lo mein and remembering your wedding had flair *and* functioning flatware. Not bad for a favor under five bucks.
Mini Vintage Gold Lanterns
The glass panes on these mini lanterns actually have a beveled edge — yes, on a favor under five bucks. That’s not something you phone in. Add to that the antique gold finish and working door latch, and suddenly this tiny table decoration feels like it wandered in from a much fancier party.
Each lantern stands about three inches tall, which sounds small until you remember that your guests aren’t trying to light a cabin with it — they’re trying to remember your wedding fondly while it sits on their shelf looking charming and vaguely Victorian. Drop in a tea light (real or LED) and boom: ambiance. They work equally well as part of your reception tablescape or lined up like a vintage votive army near the exit with a little “take one” sign.
Budget-wise, they’re a win. Aesthetically, no one’s clocking this as under $5 — the vintage look carries more weight than the price tag ever could. Call it favor sleight of hand. Or just quietly accept the compliments while mentally noting how little you suffered for your good taste. Your secret’s safe here.
Boho Macrame Flower Tassel Keychain
Cotton rope, hand-knotted into a tiny flower with a swingy tassel — this keychain leans way more “cool boho friend” than “bulk party favor pulled from a sad polybag.” Natural fiber gives it the right texture (not shiny, not plasticky, not trying too hard), while the dainty design makes it feel more like a tiny talisman than a giveaway.
Which is exactly the point. This isn’t just a favor — it’s the kind of small, charming thing everyone fidgets with while waiting for brunch or clips to their bag because it just looks nice. Bonus: it comes with a sturdy lobster clasp, so your guests won’t lose their keys *and* their patience. Ideal for weddings with a cozy, outdoorsy vibe or anything leaning into that dreamy, handmade feel without going full Etsy Overwhelm™.
Under five bucks, fully functional, and won’t end up abandoned in a glove compartment. Your guests might not remember the fifth canapé, but they’ll remember the time you gave them a grown-up friendship bracelet for their car keys.
Crafty types, our crochet wedding favors guide is calling.
Cactus Succulent Candles
Each candle is hand-poured into a tiny terracotta pot and shaped like a cactus — complete with spines, ridges, and the occasional bloom. The wax is molded to look so realistic, you’ll have guests doing double takes (and possibly watering them).
The charm’s in the contrast: you’ve got a classic desert plant that never actually needs watering, but this time, it also smells nice and burns clean. Minimal effort, maximum cuteness. Ideal for your reception tables, these little guys double as decor and favors — the kind your guests won’t “accidentally” leave behind at the end of the night.
They’re under $5, won’t clutter a suitcase, and come ready to gift in a clear box with a bow — meaning you’ve officially outsmarted the wedding budget *and* the Pinterest rabbit hole. Smile, you’ve nailed the favor flex without lifting more than a finger.
Succulents are basically the it-plant of weddings. See our full succulent wedding favors roundup.
Dark Green Olive Oil Glass Bottles
The olive motif is embossed directly into the glass — not painted on, not stickered over — which means it won’t rub off somewhere between dinner and the last dance. Textured and transparent, these dark green bottles look surprisingly expensive for something that costs less than your place card holders.
You can hand these out as-is or fill them up with literally anything pourable: olive oil, homemade limoncello, custom bitters if your friends are insufferably into cocktails. The cork top seals snugly and actually looks intentional (unlike those twist caps that feel like an afterthought). Add a tiny tag or a ribbon, or don’t — the bottle kind of carries the aesthetic load on its own. Your guests will assume you raided a boutique vineyard or at least spent more than you did.
In the sea of forgettable favors (plastic keychains, we’re looking at you), these look like you planned ahead — and had taste while doing it. You’re basically giving them a kitchen keepsake that doesn’t scream “wedding favor,” which is probably the highest compliment for anything at this price.
For more gourmet options, see our olive oil wedding favors guide.
Bee Pendant Mini Jars
A gold bee pendant dangles from the lid like a secret handshake between you and the hive. It’s not just decoration — it turns a simple mini honey jar into something that actually looks like it was planned, not panic-bought in bulk the night before.
Each tiny glass jar is filled with two ounces of pure raw honey and sealed with a cork, which is just rustic enough to make it feel artisanal without crossing into full cottagecore cosplay. And yes, that little bee charm is metal, not plastic — a respectable detail your guests will definitely notice when they’re sneaking the jar into their tote bag.
If you’re handing out wedding favors that cost less than a latte, you’d at least like them to pass the sniff test of “tangible thoughtfulness.” These do — they’re edible, useful, and adorable without trying too hard. Basically, the honey jar equivalent of the friend who brings good wine and helps clean up.
We love honey so much, we published a whole article on honey wedding favors — turns out there’s a lot to say about the sweet stuff!
Gold Floral Stirring Spoons
Embossed gold plating over stainless steel isn’t just for show — it means these floral stirring spoons look fancy but won’t flake when someone inevitably dumps one in the dishwasher. Yes, they’re technically hand-wash recommended, but we all know Uncle Ron’s not reading care instructions.
The delicate flower design on each handle? Enough to feel intentional, not twee. Which is exactly the line you’re trying to walk when giving dozens of gifts that cost less than a latte. These are the kind of favors that guests will actually keep — tucked in a sugar bowl, repurposed as Instagram-worthy honey dippers, or quietly stolen by that one friend who “forgot” theirs and took someone else’s. They’re surprisingly useful, weirdly charming, and don’t scream “bulk favor bin.”
You could do Jordan almonds in tulle. Or you could do these — actual, use-again, not-tacky spoons — and have your guests leave thinking, “Huh, that was unexpectedly chic.” Your secret? You spent less than five bucks. No one has to know.
Can’t get enough of the tea vibe? We’ve got a whole roundup of tea wedding favors for the steeped-in-love couples.
Gold Foil Lottery Ticket Wallet
Gold foil, folded with intention and tucked around a ticket that may or may not change your life. (But at the very least, it’ll turn a few heads at the reception.) This lottery ticket holder isn’t just shiny — it’s designed like a sleek little wallet, so your guests don’t walk away with a crumpled corner and a wish.
The cardstock is thick enough to feel like a gesture, not an afterthought, and the “Lucky in Love” printed on the front is pleasantly tongue-in-cheek without veering into Pinterest cliché territory. There’s space inside to slip in a scratcher (or a folded ten, if you’re feeling generous) and just enough mystery to spark some nostalgic childhood raffle-day excitement. Bonus: These arrive flat, so they take up exactly zero real estate in your living room until you’re ready to assemble.
As far as sub-$5 wedding favors go, this one leans clever over kitsch — something your guests will actually engage with. And if someone ends up winning big? Well, you get to claim partial credit. Forever.
Want something totally unexpected? Our lottery ticket favors guide is for couples who like to keep things interesting.
Handmade Fortune Cookies
The classic crunch comes from real wheat flour, hand-folded and baked golden — only this time, it’s vegan *and* halal, without sacrificing the snap or the charm. These handmade fortune cookies ditch the weird preservatives and mystery fillings in favor of plant-based purity and halal-friendly ingredients, so you’re not handing your guests a lab experiment in a wrapper. Just lightly sweet, crisp shells, each hiding a fortune — and yes, they’re customizable.
They’re individually wrapped (hygiene, obviously), and come in generous batches, which makes them a no-brainer for large guest lists and small budgets. Bonus: the option to personalize your own messages adds just enough chaos to make it fun. Inside jokes? Wedding date trivia? Thinly veiled life advice from the couple? All fair game. They’re one of those rare favors that double as entertainment *and* dessert — all while staying under budget and above suspicion.
Pro tip if you’re splitting favors between guests: these cookies work equally well on minimalist tablescapes or in a ridiculous DIY favor bag. You decide the vibe. They’ll go along with it — politely, sweetly, and with a well-timed dose of fortune-cookie wisdom.
Handmade Pink Flower Soap
Hand-poured into a floral mold and tinged with just the right shade of millennial-blush-meets-cottagecore, this handmade pink flower soap looks like it wandered out of an Anthropologie window display. Except it costs less than your coffee order and actually does something practical — like clean hands.
Made from moisturizing glycerin, these little bars aren’t just a visual flex. They lather gently, rinse clean, and don’t leave that weird tight feeling most cheap soaps are guilty of. Each one comes individually wrapped, which — no offense — your guests will absolutely appreciate when they find it in their go-bag instead of melted into someone’s heel. No weird perfume bomb either: reviewers describe the scent as light and fresh, not like you were attacked by a botanical garden.
The kicker? At this price point, you can toss one on every plate and still have budget left for something with bubbles. So yes, they’re tiny. But they’re also thoughtful, pretty, and just enough to say “I planned this” — without saying “I passed out in a DIY haze at 3 a.m.”
Kraft Wildflower Seed Envelopes
Recycled kraft paper, a peekaboo window, and 100% wildflower seeds — these envelopes are low-key charming without trying too hard. No frills, no foil embossing, no weird fonts that scream “I made this on Canva at 2 a.m.” Just a simple, useful favor that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is.
Each envelope is pre-filled with wildflower seeds and labeled with planting instructions so your guests won’t accidentally throw them out thinking they’re tea. (It’s happened.) And wildflowers? Universally flattering. They don’t require a green thumb or a Pinterest-worthy potting table. These seeds work in soil or in forgetful people’s apartments with marginal sunlight. So your guests are left with a tiny meadow as a thank-you — a subtle flex that says, “We got married, and now you get bees and butterflies.”
They come in packs, so you can hand them out by the dozen without doing mental math or hunting for extra filler gifts. Thoughtful, affordable, biodegradable — basically doing the most by doing the least. Which, ironically, is the entire wedding mood.
Milk Chocolate Bride And Groom Cookies
Each cookie is hand-decorated in tuxedoed chocolate and gown-white icing, with just enough frosting detail to clearly say “wedding” without veering into grocery store sheet cake energy. Shaped like a tiny bride and groom, these milk chocolate cookies toe the line between cute and kitschy — and somehow land on just the right side.
You’re not fooling anyone with a $0.79 sugar packet disguised as a “thank you,” but these? These will actually get eaten. They’re individually wrapped (read: hygienic and transportable), and unlike that bag of Jordan almonds your cousin handed out in 2008, they won’t crack a molar. Bonus: they double as easy table décor if you’re playing Tetris with your reception budget and need every little thing to do double duty.
Bottom line: they cost less than your morning latte and look like you planned ahead. No one needs to know they were also a one-click checkout miracle.
Thinking cookies? Our custom wedding cookie favors guide has ideas whether you buy or bake.
Mini Gold Candy Stickers
Metallic gold foil, sized for a candy wrapper, and just extra enough to make a $0.20 treat look like it belongs in a boutique gift basket. These mini gold stickers aren’t trying to be the main event — they’re here to quietly whisper “I planned this” while clinging to your cellophane baggies like pros.
Use them to seal up wedding favor bags, elevate DIY treat boxes, or fake a custom label situation without emailing your cousin’s Cricut connect. They’re easy-peel, they don’t scream “Aunt Pam’s Etsy hobby”, and they bring that polished, coordinated finish that somehow makes the same old Jordan almonds look like they came from a European apothecary. At under five bucks for 200 pieces, it’s basically glam on auto-pilot.
If you’re going for minimal effort and maximum effect (honestly, who isn’t at this point in the wedding planning spiral?), these little gold dots do the job. You get clean, cohesive, and just shiny enough to feel intentional. All without touching a hot glue gun.
Coffee Wedding Favor Bags
Aluminum lining and a heat-sealable closure — not exactly the stuff of grand romance, but wildly satisfying if you’re into giving favors people will actually use. These matte-finish coffee pouches don’t just look sleek on the outside; they’re designed to keep your beans (or loose tea, or homemade granola) fresh until your guests remember they grabbed it from your wedding three weeks later.
Each pouch holds about 1.8–2 ounces of grounds, so you can portion single servings without turning your kitchen into a factory. They stand up on their own (cute and convenient), come with a reusable zipper seal, and can be customized with a sticker if you’re the crafty type — but frankly, they already give quiet “we thought this through” energy just as they are.
The real kicker? These pouches make you look generous while costing less than whatever sad trinket ends up abandoned on the reception table. They’re minimal, practical, and mercifully free of glitter or calligraphy fonts. Call it utilitarian chic — your guests will call it worth pocketing.
We have a lot more coffee-themed wedding favors in this article.
Rustic Wood Dried Flower Tealight Holder
A slice of real wood, complete with bark still intact, holds a single tealight and a nest of dried florals — half forest floor, half fairy tale. It’s not trying to be polished or symmetrical, which is exactly the point. The holder leans into that perfectly imperfect aesthetic that says “I foraged this just for you” without anyone actually having to crawl through a meadow.
The dried florals vary slightly from piece to piece, which helps it sidestep the dreaded assembly-line vibe. It’s handmade, rustic, and just a bit delicate, like the kind of thing you’d find at a really good outdoor craft market that somehow also sells fresh sourdough. Your guests get a moment of ambiance they can light up later — and you get a favor that costs less than a latte but looks like something thoughtfully curated. Bonus: it’s surprisingly lightweight, so nobody’s dragging a brick home in their purse.
Scented Mixed Flower Candle
Pressed wildflowers embedded in translucent wax — not printed on the label, actually *inside* the candle. It’s the kind of detail that tricks the brain into thinking you spent more than five bucks. Spoiler: you didn’t.
This floral-scented candle has the kind of wholesome, romantic energy that screams “I planned this,” without any of the mental load. The mixed dried flowers are visible even when the candle’s unlit, so it looks good sitting there doing nothing — kind of like your photogenic friend who swears they’re “so bad in pictures.” Set them out on tables or group a few in a basket by the exit, and suddenly you’ve engineered a Pinterest moment for under the price of a latte.
They’re smallish (you weren’t giving anyone a three-wick situation) but elegant enough to pass for custom. And if you’re doing scent fatigue calculus — yes, it’s floral, but not aggressively so. Consider these the low-effort, high-impact favors your guests will actually use rather than “accidentally” forgetting on the table.
Candles are basically the romantic favor — if you want to really dive in, we’ve got an entire candle favor guide with options for every budget.
Self Adhesive Kraft Envelopes
Self-sealing kraft paper with a matte finish—because no one wants to lick fifty envelopes the night before their wedding. These adhesive-backed kraft envelopes skip the whole “moistening” ordeal and cut straight to peel-and-stick efficiency, all while looking effortlessly put-together. It’s papery minimalism that says, “Yes, I care about details, but I also care about not losing my mind.”
They come in a set of 100 (because you absolutely underestimated how many second cousins your partner has) and have that satisfyingly neutral-tone that somehow makes handwritten thank-yous feel fancy. Whether you’re sticking a homemade cookie, a heartfelt note, or a wildflower seed packet inside, the envelope adds an instantly intentional touch—like you’ve been planning this for months, even if you impulse-bought your favors three days ago.
The best part? They’re affordable enough that you won’t start questioning your life choices halfway through checkout. Clean, functional, and way chicer than plastic baggies—these kraft envelopes are the understated overachievers of the DIY favor world.
Vintage Bronze Skeleton Key Bottle Opener
Cast in vintage-look bronze with intricate faux-engraving, this skeleton key pulls double duty as a bottle opener — because your guests deserve souvenirs that earn their keep. It’s got just enough old-world charm to pass as a family heirloom, and just enough function to justify the space it’ll take in a junk drawer (or on a keychain, if you’ve got those nostalgic types).
It comes individually wrapped in a kraft box with a “Thank You for Celebrating With Us” tag, which is wedding code for: “We didn’t spend a fortune, but we thought this through.” Toss one at each place setting and you get instant table jewelry *and* a practical parting gift. The kind of thing people pocket without guilt, because it’s actually useful — unlike, say, another monogrammed bag of stale almonds.
This isn’t just a cute trinket — it’s a tiny, metallic flex. A nod to your taste, your budget, and your ability to choose something that looks like you spent way more than you did. And when your cousin uses it to pop open a beer next summer, they’ll remember your wedding — and that it had better favors than theirs.
Are Wedding Favors Really Necessary?
Well no, they’re not.
And if figuring out how many wedding favors you’ll need, what you can afford, and who will like what gives you a headache, don’t do it!
A lot of couples are opting out of the favor tradition for various reasons. Trust us, no one’s expecting anything from you but a good time and maybe some tears of joy.
But if you love the idea of sending your guests home with a favor that reminds them of your fab day (or, you know, one that they’ve already eaten by the time the dance floor) we hope this list will serve as a kind of second wind.
Picking out wedding favors can be fun, we promise!
